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Bloodfire Orcs #1
The Orc's Auctioned Mate
When the huge, terrifying orc bought me, I thought my life was over. But could it be just the beginning?
On the midwinter full moon, I am dragged by bandits from the only home I know and stood on a chair in a tavern under the gazes of desperate men bidding on my innocence. But then the shadowy figure in the corner calls out the winning offer, and I realize he is like no one I’ve ever seen before.
Now I belong to Torvolk, Ranger of the Bloodfire Clan, and neither of us knows what this means. He’s taken me through the pathway in the standing stones to his world, where I discovered naught is as it has always seemed. Torvolk has a mission, and the longer I spend with my new master, the more I realize I might be able to help him.
The way he’s helped me.
hot new orc romantasy with a grumpy/sunshine vibe, an innocence auction trope, and a delicious world you’re going to fall in love with. Have fun!
On the midwinter full moon, I am dragged by bandits from the only home I know and stood on a chair in a tavern under the gazes of desperate men bidding on my innocence. But then the shadowy figure in the corner calls out the winning offer, and I realize he is like no one I’ve ever seen before.
Now I belong to Torvolk, Ranger of the Bloodfire Clan, and neither of us knows what this means. He’s taken me through the pathway in the standing stones to his world, where I discovered naught is as it has always seemed. Torvolk has a mission, and the longer I spend with my new master, the more I realize I might be able to help him.
The way he’s helped me.
hot new orc romantasy with a grumpy/sunshine vibe, an innocence auction trope, and a delicious world you’re going to fall in love with. Have fun!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
486 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Veronika Kane
37 books85 followersVeronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 22, 2025
The Orc’s Auctioned Mate by Keronika Kane
Bloodfire Orcs series #1. Alternating first person POV.
Isadora is having a bad day. She was sold to a group of bandits by the blacksmith’s wife though she wasn’t actually a slave, but just a woman without family or support. She’s sold to a whore house and is being auctioned off for her virginity when she’s purchased, saved?, by an Orc.
Torvolk could tell the woman dragged onto the chair and being auctioned off was alone and without protection. When the tavern owner cut off her hair in an angry swipe, he doesn’t stop himself from bidding, and winning the female. Of course, he has to fight the men that wanted the rest of his coins, but he’s careful to not kill any of them. That the woman didn’t run while he was occupied puzzles him until she tells him she had no one and no where to go. She belongs to him now. Torvolk doesn’t have time to do anything but get her on a horse and take her through the ancient magic stones to his village. He lets his Nan take care of her while he takes care of village business.
Isadora is charmed with the village, his Nan and the Orc. She’s his. And she wants to do anything and everything to make him happy and let her stay.
Filled with humor, passion, charm and all the small town feels, this romantasy hot orc romance has it all. A sexy afternoon escape you’ll love.
Bloodfire Orcs series #1. Alternating first person POV.
Isadora is having a bad day. She was sold to a group of bandits by the blacksmith’s wife though she wasn’t actually a slave, but just a woman without family or support. She’s sold to a whore house and is being auctioned off for her virginity when she’s purchased, saved?, by an Orc.
Torvolk could tell the woman dragged onto the chair and being auctioned off was alone and without protection. When the tavern owner cut off her hair in an angry swipe, he doesn’t stop himself from bidding, and winning the female. Of course, he has to fight the men that wanted the rest of his coins, but he’s careful to not kill any of them. That the woman didn’t run while he was occupied puzzles him until she tells him she had no one and no where to go. She belongs to him now. Torvolk doesn’t have time to do anything but get her on a horse and take her through the ancient magic stones to his village. He lets his Nan take care of her while he takes care of village business.
Isadora is charmed with the village, his Nan and the Orc. She’s his. And she wants to do anything and everything to make him happy and let her stay.
Filled with humor, passion, charm and all the small town feels, this romantasy hot orc romance has it all. A sexy afternoon escape you’ll love.
March 16, 2025
I never want to read the word “fooking” ever again.
April 20, 2025
Caroline Lee aka Veronika Kane knows her shit!
I wanted a palette cleanser after reading some RH books.
I wanted something short and engaging.
Fast forward I have now read 4 books from this author in 24hrs (its the weekend I can spend how I want :P )
Anyway I will be reading anything she writes about Orcs from this day forward!
5 star novellas are Gods gift!
I wanted a palette cleanser after reading some RH books.
I wanted something short and engaging.
Fast forward I have now read 4 books from this author in 24hrs (its the weekend I can spend how I want :P )
Anyway I will be reading anything she writes about Orcs from this day forward!
5 star novellas are Gods gift!
April 2, 2025
I’m not a big fan of the dialect written out like that, idk I’m weird, but the story was great I always love me a big orc.
January 18, 2025
Orphaned as a child and taken in by a blacksmith, Isadora is sold by the smithy’s taskmistress wife when his eyes roam too many times over the abundant curves Isadora developed as a grown woman. Just as Isadora’s about to be resold into prostitution, an enormous orc steps up and tosses a staggering amount of gold pieces to the ruthless tavern owner running the auction.
Ranger Torvolk has been diligently combing the realms for his clan chief who seems to have vanished from both the orc and the human sides. As he’s cooling his heels waiting on the next opportunity to pass through the stones, he is drawn into Isadora’s horrible situation, and is compelled by his mating instinct to intervene. While riding through the stone circle with a frightened Isadora clinging to him, he becomes engaged in an internal struggle to keep away from the brave beauty.
Fate, of course, has other plans.
This is the first in a new romantasy series by Veronika Kane that makes reference to The Harlot’s Guide, one with which most fans of hers will be familiar. Isadora is sympathetic and likable, and Torvolk is a strapping orc with impeccable character who repeatedly tries to deny his baser instincts as they pertain to Isadora.
I loved catching up with characters from the previous series, and I really loved all the steamy bits between Isadora and Torvolk.
I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest thoughts.
Ranger Torvolk has been diligently combing the realms for his clan chief who seems to have vanished from both the orc and the human sides. As he’s cooling his heels waiting on the next opportunity to pass through the stones, he is drawn into Isadora’s horrible situation, and is compelled by his mating instinct to intervene. While riding through the stone circle with a frightened Isadora clinging to him, he becomes engaged in an internal struggle to keep away from the brave beauty.
Fate, of course, has other plans.
This is the first in a new romantasy series by Veronika Kane that makes reference to The Harlot’s Guide, one with which most fans of hers will be familiar. Isadora is sympathetic and likable, and Torvolk is a strapping orc with impeccable character who repeatedly tries to deny his baser instincts as they pertain to Isadora.
I loved catching up with characters from the previous series, and I really loved all the steamy bits between Isadora and Torvolk.
I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest thoughts.
March 18, 2025
Torvolk never intended to find his mate in a seedy brothel while he waited for the veil to open so he could go home and report his failure to find his clan's missing chief. But a pretty little human is forced up onto a chair to be sold off, he can't help but react to her tears, despite his best efforts to do so. He buys her for 20 times her asking price and intends to escape back to his world with her, but first has to dispatch a horde of angry men who want Isadora only for her body, and his gold. Easily done.
He returns home and all but dumps her off at his house for his grandmother and his brother's wife to deal with. He then spends weeks away, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in his chest that he should be with Isadora. But eventually he goes back, basically to check on things, but when Isadora asks him if he will return, he can't say no. Rinse and repeat that sentence a few times folks and you got the gist of the plot.
Torvolk finally gets his head out of his a$$ and listens to what everyone has been trying to tell him, that Isadora is his fated mate and the longer he denies it while she tries to embrace it the more it's going to effect him, but by that time he's in a full 'heat' and it takes dddaaayyyysss to work that out of his system. No we do not get a full account of every time, just a couple. So there is spice...eventually. Think 86% ish through the book things really heat up.
So what did I think?
All in all it was okay. I really got the icks at the beginning, but I kind of think that was what the author was going for. But why is every single human male portrayed as a horny, greedy, money grabbing, woman abuser? And the women barely better. Ugh. I get that we are trying to set up just how awful a situation Isadora is trapped in, but by god, pull back on the reins a little or at least put one non-animal-like piece of human garbage in the room. ugh.
The story itself is fine, but Torvolk is a hard headed moron and the only reason this story wasn't 100 pages, or less, long only is because the author made him so hard headed that he spends the majority of the book metaphorically fighting his own biology at every turn and therefore drawing out the plot. Isadora was a nice MC who just wanted a place to belong where she was used as a punching bag.
If you are looking for out of the box spice, some 'happening' plot, maybe some drama beyond what happened in the first few pages...you're not finding it here. it's just a guy, fighting an urge to scratch THE itch for the majority of the book.
It was good, but nothing to demand your romance loving friends read.
He returns home and all but dumps her off at his house for his grandmother and his brother's wife to deal with. He then spends weeks away, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in his chest that he should be with Isadora. But eventually he goes back, basically to check on things, but when Isadora asks him if he will return, he can't say no. Rinse and repeat that sentence a few times folks and you got the gist of the plot.
Torvolk finally gets his head out of his a$$ and listens to what everyone has been trying to tell him, that Isadora is his fated mate and the longer he denies it while she tries to embrace it the more it's going to effect him, but by that time he's in a full 'heat' and it takes dddaaayyyysss to work that out of his system. No we do not get a full account of every time, just a couple. So there is spice...eventually. Think 86% ish through the book things really heat up.
So what did I think?
All in all it was okay. I really got the icks at the beginning, but I kind of think that was what the author was going for. But why is every single human male portrayed as a horny, greedy, money grabbing, woman abuser? And the women barely better. Ugh. I get that we are trying to set up just how awful a situation Isadora is trapped in, but by god, pull back on the reins a little or at least put one non-animal-like piece of human garbage in the room. ugh.
The story itself is fine, but Torvolk is a hard headed moron and the only reason this story wasn't 100 pages, or less, long only is because the author made him so hard headed that he spends the majority of the book metaphorically fighting his own biology at every turn and therefore drawing out the plot. Isadora was a nice MC who just wanted a place to belong where she was used as a punching bag.
If you are looking for out of the box spice, some 'happening' plot, maybe some drama beyond what happened in the first few pages...you're not finding it here. it's just a guy, fighting an urge to scratch THE itch for the majority of the book.
It was good, but nothing to demand your romance loving friends read.
August 1, 2025
So brutally boring. DNF’d at 89%. If you’re going to write your characters with Scottish accents at least keep them consistent. Idk why I thought I’d enjoy this. It’s my own fault at this point.
February 28, 2025
OK YALL! LETS GET INTO IT 😂
I picked this book up because it had certain elements that I was looking for, but ended up not getting? 😅 I wanted to read about a woman sold to an orc and they slowly fall in love. I wanted homesteading/village life and her holding down the fort while home boi went off to war or something and she stayed behind, but eventually went after him.
I kind of got that lol
What we did get:
- sold to orc man
- edge-lord ranger (all his misery was self induced)
- likeable FMC but I think this story would have been way better in her POV. I think the book suffered from duel POV.
- run of the mill smut (it was good! But nothing out of the box)
If you like fast paced, insta love, fated mates, low stakes, slice of life, then this book is for you! This wasn’t really what I wanted but I stuck it out! I don’t hate myself for reading this but I will not be picking up any other books by this author ♥️
Now here is what I didn’t like and here there might be spoilers:
- the MMC keeps saying “I can’t have her, I’m a ranger. I need to find my chief”. Honestly this bothered soooooo much because many spouses do long distance for work all the time… also. Since this was such a short read without much world building… as the reader… you don’t know the chief. There is no sympathy for the MMC and his love for the chief because… the author never introduced us or even gave us flashbacks 😅 so *personally*… and respectfully… I was like.. FUCK THE CHIEF!
- I hated the “insta love/fated mate” aspect. I didn’t want a BULLY romance…. But more “strangers to lovers” would have been nice.
- I realized that this author was really only good at smut scenes and some other scenes… but she isn’t good at storytelling. It’s why we don’t get Isadora’s perspective when she’s learning the village and making friends. The MMC comes back and then switches to her POV and she’s like “I LOVE IT HERE!” We don’t get to see the growth.
- constantly says “I must confess” in sentences. (For both characters)
- we see “cock, cunny, tits, breast, channel, sex” every five seconds… the book was definitely hyper-sexualized.
I can see why people would like this book, and hell under the right circumstances? I would love it too! But I’m tired of modern writing and stories. I’m tired of smut novels. This for sure is a pallet cleanser, a short little read in between bigger books, or if you need smut with no plot then this is or you! I’m just upset because this story had LOOOOOOAAAADDDSS of potential… but again. The author could only write within their capacity. I think I’ve stated it all on why or why this wouldn’t be a good fit. Definitely read at your own risk! It’s for sure entertaining, but don’t expect much 😂
I picked this book up because it had certain elements that I was looking for, but ended up not getting? 😅 I wanted to read about a woman sold to an orc and they slowly fall in love. I wanted homesteading/village life and her holding down the fort while home boi went off to war or something and she stayed behind, but eventually went after him.
I kind of got that lol
What we did get:
- sold to orc man
- edge-lord ranger (all his misery was self induced)
- likeable FMC but I think this story would have been way better in her POV. I think the book suffered from duel POV.
- run of the mill smut (it was good! But nothing out of the box)
If you like fast paced, insta love, fated mates, low stakes, slice of life, then this book is for you! This wasn’t really what I wanted but I stuck it out! I don’t hate myself for reading this but I will not be picking up any other books by this author ♥️
Now here is what I didn’t like and here there might be spoilers:
- the MMC keeps saying “I can’t have her, I’m a ranger. I need to find my chief”. Honestly this bothered soooooo much because many spouses do long distance for work all the time… also. Since this was such a short read without much world building… as the reader… you don’t know the chief. There is no sympathy for the MMC and his love for the chief because… the author never introduced us or even gave us flashbacks 😅 so *personally*… and respectfully… I was like.. FUCK THE CHIEF!
- I hated the “insta love/fated mate” aspect. I didn’t want a BULLY romance…. But more “strangers to lovers” would have been nice.
- I realized that this author was really only good at smut scenes and some other scenes… but she isn’t good at storytelling. It’s why we don’t get Isadora’s perspective when she’s learning the village and making friends. The MMC comes back and then switches to her POV and she’s like “I LOVE IT HERE!” We don’t get to see the growth.
- constantly says “I must confess” in sentences. (For both characters)
- we see “cock, cunny, tits, breast, channel, sex” every five seconds… the book was definitely hyper-sexualized.
I can see why people would like this book, and hell under the right circumstances? I would love it too! But I’m tired of modern writing and stories. I’m tired of smut novels. This for sure is a pallet cleanser, a short little read in between bigger books, or if you need smut with no plot then this is or you! I’m just upset because this story had LOOOOOOAAAADDDSS of potential… but again. The author could only write within their capacity. I think I’ve stated it all on why or why this wouldn’t be a good fit. Definitely read at your own risk! It’s for sure entertaining, but don’t expect much 😂
January 27, 2025
Hmmm
So, I had some likes... Aaaand some dislikes. The MMC was an absolute jerk for a very long time, even ditching the FMC for two weeks without even saying goodbye. Because of that she ends up having abandonment issues, because the first nice person to her just. Leaves. So what if she was in good hands? She wanted to be with him. Now, I get how some of these guys, despite it being taught to them over and over again, don't always believe in having a mate, or that they should, or that they can, but I think he took it a bit far. And that's not all. She wasn't even mad! Granted she was raised to be a push over, but still... It drove me nuts. I had high hopes for this series, and yes there was a happy ending, and I WOULD have given another one of these a chance, if I hadn't learned, at the end, that these Orc's find it perfectly fine to get laid in public. That right there is a deal breaker for me, even though it's only mentioned.
This book was also significantly way less spicy than others this author has written, things being over quickly with very little ceremony. (Little description.)
I did, however, enjoy learning a bit about the Orcs' past, and the lil tidbit on Orc babies that is very insightful to all the other books. I had wondered how, if they needed to mate with humans often, how there wasn't just a bunch of half Orcs or mostly human Orcs running around. I was confused about one thing: Supposedly these past Orcs know that they will stop reproducing if they don't mate with Humans, yet, for some reason, they forget that somewhere down the road. I also couldn't place the time frame of this tale, especially since they had like two different accents going on. The Orcs were definitely Scottish, but the FMC sorta spoke like some old timey poet. English...ish. Idk. Regardless, I know that things like that aren't meant to be accurate in these books, since this is this author's own completely different universe.
Phew. Ok. Sorry. That was a lot. This story was sweet... In its own way. But it frustrated me too much to really enjoy it.
So, I had some likes... Aaaand some dislikes. The MMC was an absolute jerk for a very long time, even ditching the FMC for two weeks without even saying goodbye. Because of that she ends up having abandonment issues, because the first nice person to her just. Leaves. So what if she was in good hands? She wanted to be with him. Now, I get how some of these guys, despite it being taught to them over and over again, don't always believe in having a mate, or that they should, or that they can, but I think he took it a bit far. And that's not all. She wasn't even mad! Granted she was raised to be a push over, but still... It drove me nuts. I had high hopes for this series, and yes there was a happy ending, and I WOULD have given another one of these a chance, if I hadn't learned, at the end, that these Orc's find it perfectly fine to get laid in public. That right there is a deal breaker for me, even though it's only mentioned.
This book was also significantly way less spicy than others this author has written, things being over quickly with very little ceremony. (Little description.)
I did, however, enjoy learning a bit about the Orcs' past, and the lil tidbit on Orc babies that is very insightful to all the other books. I had wondered how, if they needed to mate with humans often, how there wasn't just a bunch of half Orcs or mostly human Orcs running around. I was confused about one thing: Supposedly these past Orcs know that they will stop reproducing if they don't mate with Humans, yet, for some reason, they forget that somewhere down the road. I also couldn't place the time frame of this tale, especially since they had like two different accents going on. The Orcs were definitely Scottish, but the FMC sorta spoke like some old timey poet. English...ish. Idk. Regardless, I know that things like that aren't meant to be accurate in these books, since this is this author's own completely different universe.
Phew. Ok. Sorry. That was a lot. This story was sweet... In its own way. But it frustrated me too much to really enjoy it.
January 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the rest of the series. The only thing that ruined it for me was that Isadora is kind of TSTL and annoying, but Torvolk made up for it by being an excellent brooding male lead.
PLOT:
Isadora the human is sold off to bandits by her mistress and is assaulted and almost sold as a whore in a tavern when traveling Orc raider Torvolk buys her. He has no use for a partner and doesn't even know why he did it but she's his now and the pull he has to her is undeniable.
THOUGHTS I HAD WHILE READING:
- I love a good historical romance and we NEED more hunky orcs in kilts.
- I loved Torvolk, he's sardonic and a little apart from the group. He keeps mostly to himself and when he ends up saddled with Isadora, he doesn't quite know what to do with her. Sure he's attracted to her but he doesn't need a mate and his work means that he's rarely around. It was sweet to see him grow to care for her.
- I kind of hated Isadora .... She's supposed to be smart and fiery but to me she just came across as whiny, crying and dumb. She refers to Torvolk as her master even though she knows his name and he has offered her freedom. She blurts out random things at inappropriate times (like that whole "slaves" thing when she sees his brother's wife) and was all around annoying. Like he told you like 6 times that he's not your master and she just keeps referring to herself as that. It's cool if it's a dom sub thing but he repeatedly told her he's nottt. Ugh.
- Nan talking about cock with the girls was hilarious and super uncomfortable at the same time lol
- Torvolk's conflict didn't make much sense to me, like he had no reason to hold out on Isadora who was clearly super into him but it took him forever to get over himself until the "mating instinct" kicked in (which isn't my favorite trope bc it just makes it feel like biology and not feeling to me)
- the smut was pretty good, not the spiciest, but I liked it.
PLOT:
Isadora the human is sold off to bandits by her mistress and is assaulted and almost sold as a whore in a tavern when traveling Orc raider Torvolk buys her. He has no use for a partner and doesn't even know why he did it but she's his now and the pull he has to her is undeniable.
THOUGHTS I HAD WHILE READING:
- I love a good historical romance and we NEED more hunky orcs in kilts.
- I loved Torvolk, he's sardonic and a little apart from the group. He keeps mostly to himself and when he ends up saddled with Isadora, he doesn't quite know what to do with her. Sure he's attracted to her but he doesn't need a mate and his work means that he's rarely around. It was sweet to see him grow to care for her.
- I kind of hated Isadora .... She's supposed to be smart and fiery but to me she just came across as whiny, crying and dumb. She refers to Torvolk as her master even though she knows his name and he has offered her freedom. She blurts out random things at inappropriate times (like that whole "slaves" thing when she sees his brother's wife) and was all around annoying. Like he told you like 6 times that he's not your master and she just keeps referring to herself as that. It's cool if it's a dom sub thing but he repeatedly told her he's nottt. Ugh.
- Nan talking about cock with the girls was hilarious and super uncomfortable at the same time lol
- Torvolk's conflict didn't make much sense to me, like he had no reason to hold out on Isadora who was clearly super into him but it took him forever to get over himself until the "mating instinct" kicked in (which isn't my favorite trope bc it just makes it feel like biology and not feeling to me)
- the smut was pretty good, not the spiciest, but I liked it.
February 2, 2025
Nice steamy story. This one was on the longer end of her similar stories, and I am NOT complaining - because I could read about this world all day (and have).
I liked how this story was linked to the Stolen Harlots trilogy, and the little callbacks to it that enhance the expanded story, without making it necessary to read the other. From the author note, this is going to be 4 stories - and I am very interested to see all of the stories she has about what happens for all of her orcs.
This has all the making of a great story. Isadora is a beautiful young woman who was sold off to bandits and auctioned off against her will, when Torvolk the Ranger for the Bloodfire tribe steps in.
What kept this from being a great story for me - was Isadora. She was a little schemie - which I'm not saying was not appropriate for the age. A girls gotta find a way to protect herself - and wishy wishy with the sass. The constant use of Master in sex play was too much, because Torvolk didn't seem to like it, whereas in previous stories, the MMC did. And I hated that she said how the only good thing she could do was make soap. This woman had been given to a blacksmith (and his wife) at a young age, and ALL she can do is make soap?? That's it? Give the woman some skills, or use the reason the wife was upset as a reason why she was only allowed to work in the house - and only allowed to do simple tasks.
Torvolk was similarly dumb to the other male Orcs in denial about what is happening to them. Seems like no one in their villages ever TELLS the young men what to expect- likely because true mating was rare? But I did like his character overall.
I liked how this story was linked to the Stolen Harlots trilogy, and the little callbacks to it that enhance the expanded story, without making it necessary to read the other. From the author note, this is going to be 4 stories - and I am very interested to see all of the stories she has about what happens for all of her orcs.
This has all the making of a great story. Isadora is a beautiful young woman who was sold off to bandits and auctioned off against her will, when Torvolk the Ranger for the Bloodfire tribe steps in.
What kept this from being a great story for me - was Isadora. She was a little schemie - which I'm not saying was not appropriate for the age. A girls gotta find a way to protect herself - and wishy wishy with the sass. The constant use of Master in sex play was too much, because Torvolk didn't seem to like it, whereas in previous stories, the MMC did. And I hated that she said how the only good thing she could do was make soap. This woman had been given to a blacksmith (and his wife) at a young age, and ALL she can do is make soap?? That's it? Give the woman some skills, or use the reason the wife was upset as a reason why she was only allowed to work in the house - and only allowed to do simple tasks.
Torvolk was similarly dumb to the other male Orcs in denial about what is happening to them. Seems like no one in their villages ever TELLS the young men what to expect- likely because true mating was rare? But I did like his character overall.
January 22, 2025
4.5 stars. Isadora, the female human lead, has been treated as a slave, though she wasn’t, by the blacksmith’s wife since they took her in as an orphaned child. Now a young woman, she’s sold by the jealous woman and ends up in a brothel with her “virginity” being auctioned.
Torvolk, the male orc lead, is hiding in the corner with a drink, waiting for the veil between worlds to open so he can go home. He usually ignores human cruelties to one another but his instincts refuse to let this go, so he buys Isadora, expecting her to escape. When Isadora stays with Torvolk, he tries to leave her in his village, but his instincts aren’t happy with him staying away from her. He does have duties to attend to though…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, medieval fantasy, orc/human romance. I enjoyed Isadora’s resilience and her pleasure at Torvolk’s village and the welcome she received. I enjoyed Torvolk’s compassionate care for Isadora and was amused at his faltering determination to leave her be. I enjoyed the relationship development and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the world building and the introduction of other characters whose stories I am looking forward to.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Torvolk, the male orc lead, is hiding in the corner with a drink, waiting for the veil between worlds to open so he can go home. He usually ignores human cruelties to one another but his instincts refuse to let this go, so he buys Isadora, expecting her to escape. When Isadora stays with Torvolk, he tries to leave her in his village, but his instincts aren’t happy with him staying away from her. He does have duties to attend to though…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, medieval fantasy, orc/human romance. I enjoyed Isadora’s resilience and her pleasure at Torvolk’s village and the welcome she received. I enjoyed Torvolk’s compassionate care for Isadora and was amused at his faltering determination to leave her be. I enjoyed the relationship development and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the world building and the introduction of other characters whose stories I am looking forward to.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
May 7, 2025
Very solidly a middle of the pack kind of book for me. Like, it was fine. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. But it also wasn't that great.
I think my biggest issue was I was far more interested in the world than the characters and their romances, and this is far more romance than fantasy. Which is fine, but I found myself getting really annoyed.
I think my biggest issue was I was far more interested in the world than the characters and their romances, and this is far more romance than fantasy. Which is fine, but I found myself getting really annoyed.
August 21, 2025
4 &1\2 fabulous🌟's for The Orcs Auctioned Mate🌟🔥💖
Veronika Kane is a new author for me but I do love me an Orc and if he's in kilt even better! I love Scotland the history the culture and using that as the backdrop for A very smexy grumpy orc and it was not a hard sell. I was not disappointed it was fantasy dipped in Scottish accents I love the world building with them living in very similar places Separated by a mystical veil. The characters are well written have lots of chemistry and the banter is quite funny! Isadora has never been treated right or found a true home as she's grown up. Orphaned young and taken in by people who made her a servant and treated her poorly. Just when she thinks her world can't get worse it does and she finds herself being auctioned off only tone taken by a grumpy Orc. Torvolk is his clans Ranger his mission is to find his chief and bring him home not rescue a beautiful human female . A female he feels drawn to because she sparks something in side his soul. Can he do his duty for his clan and have a mate? Or will he have to choose!? You'll need to read and find out! If you like orcs and kilts you'll love this book. I'm definitely going to read more of this series! 💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥
Veronika Kane is a new author for me but I do love me an Orc and if he's in kilt even better! I love Scotland the history the culture and using that as the backdrop for A very smexy grumpy orc and it was not a hard sell. I was not disappointed it was fantasy dipped in Scottish accents I love the world building with them living in very similar places Separated by a mystical veil. The characters are well written have lots of chemistry and the banter is quite funny! Isadora has never been treated right or found a true home as she's grown up. Orphaned young and taken in by people who made her a servant and treated her poorly. Just when she thinks her world can't get worse it does and she finds herself being auctioned off only tone taken by a grumpy Orc. Torvolk is his clans Ranger his mission is to find his chief and bring him home not rescue a beautiful human female . A female he feels drawn to because she sparks something in side his soul. Can he do his duty for his clan and have a mate? Or will he have to choose!? You'll need to read and find out! If you like orcs and kilts you'll love this book. I'm definitely going to read more of this series! 💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥
April 21, 2025
Picked up The Orc's Auctioned Mate (Bloodfire Orcs #1) by Veronica Kane on a whim as a little palette cleanser—and honestly, it did the job.
The romance is the plot here. There’s a bit of a setup with Torvolk (the MMC) showing up at the tavern where Isadora’s being auctioned off, and it seems like there’s some larger story happening in the background... but we don’t really circle back to that until the very end. Maybe it continues in the next book?
Torvolk is grumpy, but not in a cruel or rude way, which I appreciated. The man’s got a bit of edge, but he’s not a jerk. Isadora (FMC) has her own interests and goals, which gives her a bit more depth and makes her feel more grounded.
Not a ton happens—mostly her trying to win him over and him trying (and failing) to ignore his feelings.
All in all, it was fine. Nothing that completely blew me away, but I also didn’t DNF it. And sometimes, that’s enough
The romance is the plot here. There’s a bit of a setup with Torvolk (the MMC) showing up at the tavern where Isadora’s being auctioned off, and it seems like there’s some larger story happening in the background... but we don’t really circle back to that until the very end. Maybe it continues in the next book?
Torvolk is grumpy, but not in a cruel or rude way, which I appreciated. The man’s got a bit of edge, but he’s not a jerk. Isadora (FMC) has her own interests and goals, which gives her a bit more depth and makes her feel more grounded.
Not a ton happens—mostly her trying to win him over and him trying (and failing) to ignore his feelings.
All in all, it was fine. Nothing that completely blew me away, but I also didn’t DNF it. And sometimes, that’s enough
November 7, 2025
This is an exciting orc romantasy and the first installment in the Bloodfire Orcs series.
Isadora, the human FMC, was a servant sold by her mistress to a whorehouse after she outgrew her usefulness. Terrified and humiliated, she’s put up for auction, and the buyer? Torvolk, the orc ranger MMC. Brooding and not at all in search of a mate, Torvolk is simply on a mission to find his chief. Though grumpy and reluctant, he treats Isadora kindly and is unexpectedly drawn to her.
This was such a fun start to the series! I love the Scottish-inspired medieval orcs and the use of language. The story starts off dark but quickly becomes cozy, with a touch of slow-burn spice. The world-building is wonderful, and while the plot focuses on the couple, it also introduces a whole host of exciting side characters.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the Keeper’s story next in The Orc’s Unexpected Wife.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Isadora, the human FMC, was a servant sold by her mistress to a whorehouse after she outgrew her usefulness. Terrified and humiliated, she’s put up for auction, and the buyer? Torvolk, the orc ranger MMC. Brooding and not at all in search of a mate, Torvolk is simply on a mission to find his chief. Though grumpy and reluctant, he treats Isadora kindly and is unexpectedly drawn to her.
This was such a fun start to the series! I love the Scottish-inspired medieval orcs and the use of language. The story starts off dark but quickly becomes cozy, with a touch of slow-burn spice. The world-building is wonderful, and while the plot focuses on the couple, it also introduces a whole host of exciting side characters.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the Keeper’s story next in The Orc’s Unexpected Wife.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
January 20, 2025
Highlander orcs are back!
Isadora is sold to bandits and auctioned off (it is kind of intense, so be prepared). Torvolk is hiding in the shadows, waiting for the moon to lift the veil between worlds. He feels a strong urge to protect this woman, for reasons he will deny for about three-fourths of the book.
Isadora has lived a challenging life and immediately takes to the new orc village. She has friends and purpose. It would all be better if that gruff orc Ranger would just stay.
Torvolk is a Ranger, searching for the missing Chief. He knows he can not keep Isadora and can not risk loving her because he will need to leave again in a month. He's grumpy and broody. He feels like his only purpose is his duty as a Ranger. But the Mating Heat can not be denied for too long. And Isadora is too perfect for him to resist.
Isadora is sold to bandits and auctioned off (it is kind of intense, so be prepared). Torvolk is hiding in the shadows, waiting for the moon to lift the veil between worlds. He feels a strong urge to protect this woman, for reasons he will deny for about three-fourths of the book.
Isadora has lived a challenging life and immediately takes to the new orc village. She has friends and purpose. It would all be better if that gruff orc Ranger would just stay.
Torvolk is a Ranger, searching for the missing Chief. He knows he can not keep Isadora and can not risk loving her because he will need to leave again in a month. He's grumpy and broody. He feels like his only purpose is his duty as a Ranger. But the Mating Heat can not be denied for too long. And Isadora is too perfect for him to resist.
January 24, 2025
I will admit I haven’t read the few previous books that are set in this time period by Veronika Kane/Caroline Lee, but I didn’t need to. There was no confusion as she builds the world just fine in this book too. But it definitely makes me want to read the other books!
I loved Isadora and Torvolk. Torvolk certainly had a hard time accepting Isadora was his mate. He was so set that as a Ranger he couldn’t see a future with her. I loved how they grew closer and how he helped her to feel safe and protected. I loved seeing how much Isadora changed in the best ways. Now that she didn’t have to worry about survival she was able to be who she has always been inside. I loved seeing how she felt safe enough to be herself. Loved every bit of this story and can’t wait for more adventures!
I did receive an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I loved Isadora and Torvolk. Torvolk certainly had a hard time accepting Isadora was his mate. He was so set that as a Ranger he couldn’t see a future with her. I loved how they grew closer and how he helped her to feel safe and protected. I loved seeing how much Isadora changed in the best ways. Now that she didn’t have to worry about survival she was able to be who she has always been inside. I loved seeing how she felt safe enough to be herself. Loved every bit of this story and can’t wait for more adventures!
I did receive an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
August 6, 2025
I just like this series and Orc-Romance in general... what can I say?!?!? These are just fun and angsty books, and when the spice hits... it's always a fun time. Right amount of smutty references and definitely female focused pleasure galore! ha! The writing is fun, the spicy scenes are great and the connection, fated mates, is always a blast.
What I like most about these types of books is the plot : spice ratio. I love a good spicy book, but the more I read and devour, the more I enjoy a storyline. Although this is nothing new and the story has been told many times... I am always in for a fun ride when I pick up an Orc-Romance book. It hits the spot and I cannot complain!
Story = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What I like most about these types of books is the plot : spice ratio. I love a good spicy book, but the more I read and devour, the more I enjoy a storyline. Although this is nothing new and the story has been told many times... I am always in for a fun ride when I pick up an Orc-Romance book. It hits the spot and I cannot complain!
Story = ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice = 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 18, 2025
A Fastpaced Beginning to a New Series!
So much passionate buildup in this story between Isadora and Torvolk.
Torvolk, well he is just the yummy, strong and silentish type - but he says and does what he needs to when he wants to. He is a Ranger of the Bloodfire and has a task to complete before he feels he can claim his true love.
Isadora is the love of his life and their story has a quick beginning, expanding and building to a wonderful happy ever after.
This story was pure pleassure to read and I have enjoyed it so very much.
My voluntary review is recorded above after I finished reading an early copy of the book.
So much passionate buildup in this story between Isadora and Torvolk.
Torvolk, well he is just the yummy, strong and silentish type - but he says and does what he needs to when he wants to. He is a Ranger of the Bloodfire and has a task to complete before he feels he can claim his true love.
Isadora is the love of his life and their story has a quick beginning, expanding and building to a wonderful happy ever after.
This story was pure pleassure to read and I have enjoyed it so very much.
My voluntary review is recorded above after I finished reading an early copy of the book.
January 28, 2025
loved it !! love this series !!! love Isadora and Torvolk... this is their story... and love Nan... a fast paced fated mates love story... Isadora, a foundling, taken in by the blacksmith... his wife has abused and belittled her and has now, sold her to an evil male , who in turn sells her to a tavern of ill repute... Isadora is terrified... Torvolk is in the human world sent to find his chief Kragon .. the full moon is in a few hours... he shouldn't get involved, it's none of his business but, for twenty gold pieces... and now, she belongs to him... not what he expected... so good !!
received this on an ARC, my honest review...
received this on an ARC, my honest review...
July 18, 2025
A sweet and funny read
This is book one in the Bloodfire Orcs series. In this book we find that Isadora has been sold to the local brothel owner. However, he has no interest in keeping her. He is greedy and wants money. So he holds an auction. None of the human males want to pay his price of gold. There is an attractive and tall Orc hidden in the back wondering why the human males are being do awful to this young beautiful human female. Torvolk feels a pull towards Isadora and decides to save her. There is a happy ending. Lots of interesting side characters, especially Nan. Read On!
This is book one in the Bloodfire Orcs series. In this book we find that Isadora has been sold to the local brothel owner. However, he has no interest in keeping her. He is greedy and wants money. So he holds an auction. None of the human males want to pay his price of gold. There is an attractive and tall Orc hidden in the back wondering why the human males are being do awful to this young beautiful human female. Torvolk feels a pull towards Isadora and decides to save her. There is a happy ending. Lots of interesting side characters, especially Nan. Read On!
October 4, 2025
3.75/5
This book was marked on my shelves as highly anticipated but not sure why….thats a question for my past self
Anyways I really enjoyed the book however a few things irked my nerves so I’m not sure if I will continue the series:
- the FMC kept calling the MMC “Master” for wayyy too long after it was explained to her that HE DOESNT OWN HER
- the story kept jumping forward with no warning
- so you’re expecting me to believe that this man has been gone for weeks and when he comes back she is ready to jump his bones bc now she loves him ?!?!? Like they don’t even know each other and it isnt apparent to her they are mates
This book was marked on my shelves as highly anticipated but not sure why….thats a question for my past self
Anyways I really enjoyed the book however a few things irked my nerves so I’m not sure if I will continue the series:
- the FMC kept calling the MMC “Master” for wayyy too long after it was explained to her that HE DOESNT OWN HER
- the story kept jumping forward with no warning
- so you’re expecting me to believe that this man has been gone for weeks and when he comes back she is ready to jump his bones bc now she loves him ?!?!? Like they don’t even know each other and it isnt apparent to her they are mates
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
Isadora gets yanked from her home and sold in a tavern as a possible sex slave. Torvolk takes pity on her and buys her for a large amount of money. They bolt from the tavern and cross through the veil. Torvolk immediate drops Isadora at his house and goes on a mission. Isadora takes very well to this new world and makes a home for Torvolk. Torvolk is doing everything to avoid Isadora and his feelings. Isadora is surprised by how many humans are there. This is a nice story of finding unexpected love.
April 21, 2025
Claimed
Isadora was an orphan, treated like a drudge . abused and alone. When her ‘master’s “ wife sells her to a bandit. When the bandit tries to auction off her virginity an Orc ends up rescuing her. Torvolk has no idea why he intervened and save the young, frightened girl but fate does. He spends most of his time fighting what everyone can see but him. It will take a wise Grandmother to make Torfolk realize what he has in Isadora and do something about it.I really enjoyed the story and hate that I waited so long to start this series.
Isadora was an orphan, treated like a drudge . abused and alone. When her ‘master’s “ wife sells her to a bandit. When the bandit tries to auction off her virginity an Orc ends up rescuing her. Torvolk has no idea why he intervened and save the young, frightened girl but fate does. He spends most of his time fighting what everyone can see but him. It will take a wise Grandmother to make Torfolk realize what he has in Isadora and do something about it.I really enjoyed the story and hate that I waited so long to start this series.
July 29, 2025
So, this is the same world and worldbuilding as this author’s Eastshore Isle series, but set in Scotland in ye aulden days (unspecified). The story itself was fine, a very similar arc to her more “modern” stories, no surprises. But the dialect the characters spoke and thought in tried my patience. All the “ye” and “aye” and “twould” and “dinnea ken”. Hard to read. And the most interesting part of the story - isadoras integration into the orc world, happened off-page. Did no favours to this book in terms of making me care about the characters.
August 17, 2025
Dnf @82%
“Congratulations. Ye fooked a mattress.”
That is a sentence from this book. The transition between the scottish dialect and normal english at times just gave me a headache and the word, ‘fook’ was used a bit too much.
Someone said 75 times i think in another review? Certainly feels a lot more than that.
Other than that, there really was no conflict other than Torvolk denying his mate isadora. If you don’t take this very seriously and read it as a comedy along with very mediocre smut, sure it was decent but i wasn’t interested enough to finish this.
“Congratulations. Ye fooked a mattress.”
That is a sentence from this book. The transition between the scottish dialect and normal english at times just gave me a headache and the word, ‘fook’ was used a bit too much.
Someone said 75 times i think in another review? Certainly feels a lot more than that.
Other than that, there really was no conflict other than Torvolk denying his mate isadora. If you don’t take this very seriously and read it as a comedy along with very mediocre smut, sure it was decent but i wasn’t interested enough to finish this.
November 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🔥🔥.5
Format: KU
Genre: Fantasy
POV: 1st person Dual
Page count: 238
What you’ll find:
✅Monster romance - Orc
✅He buys her at an auction
✅Broody MMC
The beginning was good, but then the FMC lost her personality. She felt a bit desperate and not in a good way. All she did was act like a good little housewife to get the guy… nothing else. I really like the MMC though !
Another thing was the writing for me… I know it was Scottish, but the repetition of “‘twas” and “mayhap” were a bit irksome.
All in all a decent read !
Spice level: 🔥🔥.5
Format: KU
Genre: Fantasy
POV: 1st person Dual
Page count: 238
What you’ll find:
✅Monster romance - Orc
✅He buys her at an auction
✅Broody MMC
The beginning was good, but then the FMC lost her personality. She felt a bit desperate and not in a good way. All she did was act like a good little housewife to get the guy… nothing else. I really like the MMC though !
Another thing was the writing for me… I know it was Scottish, but the repetition of “‘twas” and “mayhap” were a bit irksome.
All in all a decent read !
February 19, 2025
The best one yet!! I loooooved this one! Wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue in this universe but this book was well worth staying in it. I have one more to read and then I’ll be caught up on this series🥹 but trust I will be there when they release! This series is so fun and a nice break from reality. Wasn’t sure how I would feel given the initial theme in this book but it was done well and didn’t feel icky more than it was intentioned to.
I am devoted to these characters🫡
I am devoted to these characters🫡
July 18, 2025
For me, even as a non-native language reader the use of cunny and fooking was cringe and weird.
I had no interest to read about the characters any more because the MMC was despicable in the beginning. No fated mates story begins with the MMC lusting after the FMC and sitting calmly while his mate is being assaulted, insulted and sold for her virginity and then for her life (she is sold to a whore house) while being on display for every man to see, but this one did...
I had no interest to read about the characters any more because the MMC was despicable in the beginning. No fated mates story begins with the MMC lusting after the FMC and sitting calmly while his mate is being assaulted, insulted and sold for her virginity and then for her life (she is sold to a whore house) while being on display for every man to see, but this one did...
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