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Bellhaven Clan #4
Her Orc Protector
My people have accused me of being a witch…
If they weren’t so afraid of me, I’d be dead already, drowned in the icy river flowing from the orc lands. Terrified I’d turn them all to toads, they tied me to a tree in the deep, frozen forest and left me for the wolves.
But the forest is home to larger beasts than wolves. Brutal orcs prowl these mountains, and when one finds me here, alone, I accept my life is over.
Only I’m wrong. The strong, cautious male doesn’t slit my throat on sight. Instead, he rescues me, and for a moment, I think I’m saved.
Until he tells me that I’m his. We’re fated mates, and he’s intent on keeping me. Forever.
Her Orc Protector is an orc fantasy romance set in the world of the Black Bear Hill. You’ll love this story if you enjoy books with forced proximity, size difference issues, and a reluctant heroine who can’t resist her large, devoted hero for long. This is the fourth book in a series of standalones - each story can be read on its own and features a happy ending for the main couple.
***
This is Korr and Ivy’s story!
If they weren’t so afraid of me, I’d be dead already, drowned in the icy river flowing from the orc lands. Terrified I’d turn them all to toads, they tied me to a tree in the deep, frozen forest and left me for the wolves.
But the forest is home to larger beasts than wolves. Brutal orcs prowl these mountains, and when one finds me here, alone, I accept my life is over.
Only I’m wrong. The strong, cautious male doesn’t slit my throat on sight. Instead, he rescues me, and for a moment, I think I’m saved.
Until he tells me that I’m his. We’re fated mates, and he’s intent on keeping me. Forever.
Her Orc Protector is an orc fantasy romance set in the world of the Black Bear Hill. You’ll love this story if you enjoy books with forced proximity, size difference issues, and a reluctant heroine who can’t resist her large, devoted hero for long. This is the fourth book in a series of standalones - each story can be read on its own and features a happy ending for the main couple.
***
This is Korr and Ivy’s story!
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 17, 2023
264 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Ashwood
43 books916 followersZoe Ashwood writes sexy paranormal romance for women who believe in magic and true love.
She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.
Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !
You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.
She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.
Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !
You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
April 16, 2023
4.5⭐️ I love this series!
~Accused of being a witch, Ivy is dragged out into the middle of the woods to be murdered. She didn’t expect to be rescued, or for her rescuer to be green. Korr keeps her safe.. until he claims they’re fated mates and he’ll never part from her.~
I loved every second of this. Ivy is so sweet considering the crap hand she’s been dealt. And Korr.. this man is amazing! I love that they work through their baggage together, even unknowingly. They’re perfect for each other!
What Ivy does for the brothers is so sweet! Sometimes all it takes is for an outside party to calm a situation. I loved this so much. Even Gorvor’s reaction is adorable.
Literally my only negative is some of the dirty talk is a bit cringe (ex. her pearl).
Cannot wait for Ozork’s story! I hope we get Marut’s as well.
~Accused of being a witch, Ivy is dragged out into the middle of the woods to be murdered. She didn’t expect to be rescued, or for her rescuer to be green. Korr keeps her safe.. until he claims they’re fated mates and he’ll never part from her.~
I loved every second of this. Ivy is so sweet considering the crap hand she’s been dealt. And Korr.. this man is amazing! I love that they work through their baggage together, even unknowingly. They’re perfect for each other!
What Ivy does for the brothers is so sweet! Sometimes all it takes is for an outside party to calm a situation. I loved this so much. Even Gorvor’s reaction is adorable.
Literally my only negative is some of the dirty talk is a bit cringe (ex. her pearl).
Cannot wait for Ozork’s story! I hope we get Marut’s as well.
April 7, 2023
“Don’t worry, little witch,” he says. “You will like the Hill.”
I clench my fingers tighter around the bowl and focus on the lumps of carrot floating in the broth. “But will the Hill like me?”
Korr brings his hand up and brushes his thumb lightly over my cheek. “They must. I am the king’s best hunter, and if anyone behaves badly to you, I will leave with you.”
Korr is freaking adorable and I would literally trip my own grandmother for him. (Because Korr would catch her and make us both soup afterward.)
I clench my fingers tighter around the bowl and focus on the lumps of carrot floating in the broth. “But will the Hill like me?”
Korr brings his hand up and brushes his thumb lightly over my cheek. “They must. I am the king’s best hunter, and if anyone behaves badly to you, I will leave with you.”
Korr is freaking adorable and I would literally trip my own grandmother for him. (Because Korr would catch her and make us both soup afterward.)
April 7, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 ⭐️s
This continues to be my favorite orc romance series, and Ivy and Korr just shot to the top of my favorite couples list.
Ivy is cast out of her village and left for dead after being branded a witch. Korr is the orc who saves her. Stuck in his cabin while they wait out a blizzard, Ivy learns what it means to have an orc as a mate. But can they learn to live together when they return to his orc clan?
Listen, I’m a sucker for big broody monster heroes with cinnamon roll personalities, so I was sold the moment Korr came on page. But, even more, I loved how his and Ivy’s relationship unfolded - SHE’S the experienced one while he’s new to all things love. And the way Zoe managed to not only let these characters have the utmost respect for each other but also make their chemistry hot as hell? A masterpiece.
It was interesting to read more of their struggles to maintain their relationship once back in the hill too. With Korr’s issues with his brother and Ivy’s fear of being persecuted for being a witch, it added stakes to the story and kept it from falling flat.
One of my favorite things about this series is that Zoe ultimately keeps the stakes low and the vibes cozy. This suited that to a tee and makes for a genuinely wonderful and fast read that I can’t help but inhale in one sitting.
Tropes:
✨Fated Mates
💜 Virgin hero
🍆 Knotting
🫂Forced Proximity
🛏️ Only one bed
Spice: 3.75/5 🌶️
4.5/5 ⭐️s
This continues to be my favorite orc romance series, and Ivy and Korr just shot to the top of my favorite couples list.
Ivy is cast out of her village and left for dead after being branded a witch. Korr is the orc who saves her. Stuck in his cabin while they wait out a blizzard, Ivy learns what it means to have an orc as a mate. But can they learn to live together when they return to his orc clan?
Listen, I’m a sucker for big broody monster heroes with cinnamon roll personalities, so I was sold the moment Korr came on page. But, even more, I loved how his and Ivy’s relationship unfolded - SHE’S the experienced one while he’s new to all things love. And the way Zoe managed to not only let these characters have the utmost respect for each other but also make their chemistry hot as hell? A masterpiece.
It was interesting to read more of their struggles to maintain their relationship once back in the hill too. With Korr’s issues with his brother and Ivy’s fear of being persecuted for being a witch, it added stakes to the story and kept it from falling flat.
One of my favorite things about this series is that Zoe ultimately keeps the stakes low and the vibes cozy. This suited that to a tee and makes for a genuinely wonderful and fast read that I can’t help but inhale in one sitting.
Tropes:
✨Fated Mates
💜 Virgin hero
🍆 Knotting
🫂Forced Proximity
🛏️ Only one bed
Spice: 3.75/5 🌶️
May 20, 2024
I love this series and this novel was everything you could hope for. A witch who is headstrong and knows what she wants. This story starts nothing like the other books in the story.
The MFC Ivy is quick literally in the forest about to be unalived. There is a crazy misunderstanding in her village and the villagers are convinced that Ivy is the source of their problems. As particular fashion of the times it is quite normal for a group of jerks to blame a lovely woman who can’t defend herself.
As Ivy tries to fight for her life her threats actually get her into a worse fate that she originally had. This is when Korr finds her in the woods almost a skip away from the grave and in dire need. So our lovely hunter saves Madam Ivy.
In the beginning things seem touch and go but these two build a special bond. As they get closer feels getting involved and clothes get lost. This book made me want to scream at times but these two were a match made by the gods. They both have secrets that could break this fragile bond. But as their lives intertwine some secrets reveal themselves behind closed doors.
**Please do not read my highlights if you don’t want spoilers. **
The MFC Ivy is quick literally in the forest about to be unalived. There is a crazy misunderstanding in her village and the villagers are convinced that Ivy is the source of their problems. As particular fashion of the times it is quite normal for a group of jerks to blame a lovely woman who can’t defend herself.
As Ivy tries to fight for her life her threats actually get her into a worse fate that she originally had. This is when Korr finds her in the woods almost a skip away from the grave and in dire need. So our lovely hunter saves Madam Ivy.
In the beginning things seem touch and go but these two build a special bond. As they get closer feels getting involved and clothes get lost. This book made me want to scream at times but these two were a match made by the gods. They both have secrets that could break this fragile bond. But as their lives intertwine some secrets reveal themselves behind closed doors.
**Please do not read my highlights if you don’t want spoilers. **
August 5, 2023
Reseña breve: me ha gustado, creo que ha sido de las parejas que mejor he visto “desarrollo” aunque no se avance casi nada en la historia.
Recomendable.
Recomendable.
December 2, 2025
Continuing my reread of the series 💚
Loved Korr and Ivy even more than the first time I read it. I loved how perfect they worked together and that she was able to help him with his childhood trauma. As usual with every one of these orc males...perfect, swoony romance. Plus the spice is perfection.
Loved Korr and Ivy even more than the first time I read it. I loved how perfect they worked together and that she was able to help him with his childhood trauma. As usual with every one of these orc males...perfect, swoony romance. Plus the spice is perfection.
February 25, 2024
4 stars!
Her Orc Protector is book four in the Black Bear Clan series and features Ivy and Korr. Ivy has been accused of being a witch and thus dragged out to die in the woods. Lucky for her, she is saved by Korr who is not only an Orc but recognizes her as his mate.
Ivy and Korr have a lot of baggage to work through but I loved the way they worked through it all together. Great character and relationship development. Super spicy too!
Ivy and Korr were beautifully patient with each other and weathered whatever that came their way with grace and grit. I just loved these two.
Her Orc Protector is book four in the Black Bear Clan series and features Ivy and Korr. Ivy has been accused of being a witch and thus dragged out to die in the woods. Lucky for her, she is saved by Korr who is not only an Orc but recognizes her as his mate.
“I am no poet, little witch. If you want pretty words, you will be disappointed with me. I only know I will never want a woman like I want you.”
Ivy and Korr have a lot of baggage to work through but I loved the way they worked through it all together. Great character and relationship development. Super spicy too!
“I’ve been dreaming for years about how I’ll finally get to sink my cock into my mate’s pussy. I don’t mind waiting a while longer now that I’ve found you.”
Ivy and Korr were beautifully patient with each other and weathered whatever that came their way with grace and grit. I just loved these two.
“You said fates are never wrong.”
“Aye, but look how well they did this time.”
October 12, 2024
Ivy and Korr were so sweet together after their rough start. His rescue of her and tending to her wounds were met with all the suspicion, which, I mean, fair. I really enjoyed the claustrophobia rep in the book and the adjustments they had to make as a couple instead of just comfortably sinking into wedded bliss as a result. Mental illness is complex and even with 2 people who care deeply about one another, there is a learning curve to managing it.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: claustrophobia, panic attacks, nightmares, hypothermia, risk of toe amputation, cheating (by deceased husband), infertility, attempted execution via animal attack/freezing, imprisonment (brief), violence, threat of animal attack
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: claustrophobia, panic attacks, nightmares, hypothermia, risk of toe amputation, cheating (by deceased husband), infertility, attempted execution via animal attack/freezing, imprisonment (brief), violence, threat of animal attack
April 6, 2023
He groans and raises his hand to cup my face, and I lean into his touch, drawn in by his scent, his warmth. He slides his fingers into my hair, his nails scratching lightly over my scalp. I gasp at the intimate touch.
4.5 stars!
I have to say that this is one of my favorites of this series so far! In Korr and Ivy's story, we get to see vulnerabilities and strength from them both, and I loved how imperfectly perfect they seemed. Their struggles and worries were deeply personal, and I enjoyed watching as they helped each other conquer their fears and accept love. The unexpected drama and angst towards the end was my favorite kind of finale for this steamy, heartfelt read, and I am so stoked for more orc books from Zoe🖤
Tropes: fated mates, orc romance, tortured hero, heroine-in-danger, he falls first, only one bed, forced proximity, band of brothers, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
April 13, 2023
I loved being back with the Black Bear Clan in HER ORC PROTECTOR! Korr and Ivy were great together and I loved Ivy's fire and Korr's protective nature. If you've loved the other books in this series then this one will be great for you too. High steam, lots of swoon, and very enjoyable!
Content Warning: on page claustrophobia
Content Warning: on page claustrophobia
April 8, 2024
🥰
I really like this book series! It's super fun, exciting, has a bit of romance, and it's easy to get into. The characters are always doing something interesting and they're really lively. The series keeps getting better with every new book, and I hope it doesn't end anytime soon..
I really like this book series! It's super fun, exciting, has a bit of romance, and it's easy to get into. The characters are always doing something interesting and they're really lively. The series keeps getting better with every new book, and I hope it doesn't end anytime soon..
April 16, 2024
great read!
not my fav but it had great chemistry!
the mmc is a fighter for his clan and he stumbles upon the fmc tied to a tree after being attacked. he helps her bc she’s his mate. they grow into each other and fall in love. they have ups and downs. the fmc is part witch. interesting plot not the regular
not my fav but it had great chemistry!
the mmc is a fighter for his clan and he stumbles upon the fmc tied to a tree after being attacked. he helps her bc she’s his mate. they grow into each other and fall in love. they have ups and downs. the fmc is part witch. interesting plot not the regular
April 30, 2023
This series just keeps getting better! I love a good hurt/comfort/overcoming past trauma romance, and this did not disappoint. Ivy and Korr are just so good together, and the spice level was also fantastic!
March 23, 2024
As always another amazing read! I love this authors work! I will definitely be checking out her other series!!
These books always have me in such a better mood after them! These books never let me down! I am so excited to continue on with the series!!
Recommend these to everyone!!
These books always have me in such a better mood after them! These books never let me down! I am so excited to continue on with the series!!
Recommend these to everyone!!
April 9, 2024
The first book is still my favourite but this was also a cute addition to the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Human X orc
One bed trope
Virgin hero
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Human X orc
One bed trope
Virgin hero
April 22, 2024
Continuing to explore this whole orc thing… not hating it 🙈
May 24, 2023
This was pretty good. The dialogue was a little awkward sometimes though. And I kinda wished there was more content about her being a witch.
March 29, 2023
Thank you Zoe for providing me an ARC of this book. I think this might be my favorite couple so far! I’m really interested to see if more fae and Magic will be included in the upcoming books
Also….I NEED MARA TO FIND HER MATE PLEASE
Also….I NEED MARA TO FIND HER MATE PLEASE
December 9, 2023
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Hands down, my favourite orc series. Each book so far has had such wonderful love stories and I am just in love.
Korr and Ivy are so wonderful together, just navigating the challenge of being mates, as well as personal hurdles.
My last thought before I follow him is that I’m wrapped in the arms of an inhuman male, one that my peers would have called monstrous, but I’ve never felt this safe in my life.
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Hands down, my favourite orc series. Each book so far has had such wonderful love stories and I am just in love.
Korr and Ivy are so wonderful together, just navigating the challenge of being mates, as well as personal hurdles.
My last thought before I follow him is that I’m wrapped in the arms of an inhuman male, one that my peers would have called monstrous, but I’ve never felt this safe in my life.
May 7, 2023
These are always super cute, pretty low angst reads!
I really liked the premise of this one. Ivy is cast out of her village for being a “witch” and Korr saves her from her death by wolves and/or frostbite.
Korr was the typical cute mate, caring and he’s never been with a woman, which is one of my favorite tropes. Ivy has been married but it wasn’t for love, so she comes to terms with being cared for.
I think that certain things in the pacing threw me off. Korr is afraid of enclosed spaces so he’s always leaving their home under the hill to be outside and hunt during the day, returning for a few hours at night. For me, this goes on for too long without searching for a solution for the couple. I wanted to see more of them together and getting to know each other, but I felt like we mostly see spicy scenes, and then they finally build a house in the epilogue.
I liked how Ivy cared for him at the end when they’re in the dungeons for the night, but also wish we got to see her explore her magic a little more.
Overall, it seemed like a solid idea and world that just wasn’t fleshed out quite enough.
I will definitely keep reading them though!
I really liked the premise of this one. Ivy is cast out of her village for being a “witch” and Korr saves her from her death by wolves and/or frostbite.
Korr was the typical cute mate, caring and he’s never been with a woman, which is one of my favorite tropes. Ivy has been married but it wasn’t for love, so she comes to terms with being cared for.
I think that certain things in the pacing threw me off. Korr is afraid of enclosed spaces so he’s always leaving their home under the hill to be outside and hunt during the day, returning for a few hours at night. For me, this goes on for too long without searching for a solution for the couple. I wanted to see more of them together and getting to know each other, but I felt like we mostly see spicy scenes, and then they finally build a house in the epilogue.
I liked how Ivy cared for him at the end when they’re in the dungeons for the night, but also wish we got to see her explore her magic a little more.
Overall, it seemed like a solid idea and world that just wasn’t fleshed out quite enough.
I will definitely keep reading them though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
This was one of the weaker stories out of the series.
The inciting incident was okay. I bought in and even when the 2 MCs meet I'm still invested(ish)
Then they get to the hill and I'm like okay this is chill.
I don't remember when but the story got whack like I could skim and not miss a thing whack.
The third act drama was blase and convoluted. King Gorvor (from book 1) was annoyed and so was I.
Weak plot 😬
The inciting incident was okay. I bought in and even when the 2 MCs meet I'm still invested(ish)
Then they get to the hill and I'm like okay this is chill.
I don't remember when but the story got whack like I could skim and not miss a thing whack.
The third act drama was blase and convoluted. King Gorvor (from book 1) was annoyed and so was I.
Weak plot 😬
April 12, 2023
Urgh these ORCS make me SWOON!!
Korr is just the sweetest, kindest and super hot!
Love how Ivy opens her heart to him, after all she’s been through.
Their meeting and him taking care of her and healing, just had me melting in a puddle. Korr is everything you want in a book boyfriend - strong, caring and possessive.
Amazing read x favourite ORC series x
Korr is just the sweetest, kindest and super hot!
Love how Ivy opens her heart to him, after all she’s been through.
Their meeting and him taking care of her and healing, just had me melting in a puddle. Korr is everything you want in a book boyfriend - strong, caring and possessive.
Amazing read x favourite ORC series x
Read
August 31, 2023DNF 50% - going through and DNFing books I know I won’t finish. This was alright but ultimately wasn’t for me. Many authors do this thing where the MFC goes from terrified to fine to hot for the MMC in a blink and it’s a really hard road block for me to get over. This book had that and it really makes me feel like it’s not a love story at all. I need a slower warm up to get invested in the relationship.
April 5, 2023
4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is truly one of my favourite orc romance series and this was no exception!
Ivy and Korr have an amazing dynamic and I absolutely devoured their story… literally, read it in one sitting!
I love the coziness that I’ve come to expect from this world but also the incredible spice!
If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy monster romances and you haven’t read this series yet, get amongst it!
Tropes:
Fated Mated
Forced Proximity
One Bed
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is truly one of my favourite orc romance series and this was no exception!
Ivy and Korr have an amazing dynamic and I absolutely devoured their story… literally, read it in one sitting!
I love the coziness that I’ve come to expect from this world but also the incredible spice!
If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy monster romances and you haven’t read this series yet, get amongst it!
Tropes:
Fated Mated
Forced Proximity
One Bed
March 18, 2024
I think these two are my favourite so far. I loved each of thei stories and they truly deserve love. I love how we are seeing the othe characters from previous books mentioned. I was gripped by these two and how their mate bond grew. A few little twistsde the story intriguing thats for surem
June 12, 2024
I'm pretty sure this one was one of the spiciest from the series. Ivy and Korr were hot.
I enjoyed the change up with the virgin MMC and FMC with more experience under her belt. (Most of this series follows women with little to no experience with physical intimacy.)
I enjoyed the change up with the virgin MMC and FMC with more experience under her belt. (Most of this series follows women with little to no experience with physical intimacy.)
July 12, 2025
It’s exactly what you would expect :) cute, fun read! Not a whole lot of plot but it was an unexpected plot addition that she’s a witch (compared to the other books). There were parts of the book I wish they had expanded on but that wasn’t the point of the book 🤷🏻♀️
It was interesting to see marut & korr interact in this book compared to marut’s book.
It was interesting to see marut & korr interact in this book compared to marut’s book.
April 2, 2023
4.5⭐️
Loved this!
Loved this!
March 17, 2024
… çok sevdim
September 29, 2024
4.5 I just love these freaking orcs so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews