Shipwrecked on Orc Island: A Cozy Orc Romance

Marooned Mates #1

by Ali Evers

After a booze cruise takes a nosedive into chaos, our disoriented heroine, Wren, finds herself marooned on a mysterious island, and her so-called knight in shining armor is actually an orcish forest ranger who’s more infuriating than helpful!

He reluctantly agrees to lend a hand, but only to get her out of his hair. Will these two mismatched misfits find common ground, or will their antics tear them apart faster than a bad hangover? You’ll have to dive in to discover the hilarity!

Shipwrecked on Orc Island contains mature themes, including sexual content, depictions of drowning, natural disasters, dubious consent (very light), and "special" parts. Please read at your own discretion.

Genres: Monsters, Fantasy, Monster Romance, Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Ali Evers is the author of the Across the Veil of Monsters trilogy and the Marooned Mates series... which is exactly what it sounds like, and yes, she's very normal about it. She writes monster romance and romantasy for readers who want their love interests large, horned, tentacled, green, and tusked... More adjectives to come.

She lives in the mountain west, where she spends an unreasonable amount of time hiking and annoying everyone around her by identifying native wildflowers. When she's not doing that, she's traveling with her family to anywhere with hot springs and old-growth forests, or making up new reasons for fictional women to fall for fictional monsters. FYI, there are many, many reasons.

Reviews

[Olga Ziminska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun novella! If you’re looking for a quick read that will have you kicking your feet and giggling! I absolutely LOVE Oz! He’s such a gentle giant—until he doesn’t have to be hehehe 😈
Monster lovers, fans of 🪢-Ing, add this to your tbr!

[Jessica Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story, bad grammar

I really liked this story but there were so many grammatical errors that I nearly gave up before halfway through

[Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella hit all my marks! So much packed in this short read! I devoured this in one sitting!
Shipwrecked, close proximity, Fated Mates, knotting (my first time)! *chefs kiss*
Wren and Oz growing love in this magical forest had me in all the feels! And the things that tied them back together at the end!!! Sooo good !

[Danella Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of:
•Fated Mates
•One Tent instead of One Bed LOL
•A whole lot of 🪢 knotting
•Chase & Capture (IYKYK)
•Shipwrecked

Spice 🌶️: 5/5, so many good hot scenes

Honestly, I wish this book was longer BECAUSE I DIDNT WANT IT TO END😭. I know this was supposed to be a novella, but it was so so so SO good. This book is definitely on my top tier/top favs for Orc Romances.

It was really an easy cozy, monster romance read and there weren’t too many high stakes. I really enjoyed the modern take between the human & orc/monster world. And how the MMC discussed how the orc/monster world fits in FMC’s human world. Again, even though it was a novella, the love development between the MMC & FMC was refreshing to read especially as fated mates. Also, I enjoyed the banter between the FMC & MMC and the FMC speaking whatever was on her mind. Cause honestly same girl, I do not do well in the wilderness plus being shipwrecked?? Again for a novella, the spice was HOT & WONDERFUL and so many fricken good scenes. This was the perfect balance of plot & smut. I’m so excited to read more from Ali Evers.

[Lora Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren is out on a booze cruise and very suddenly the weather takes a turn for the worse. Everyone goes overboard and Wren wakes up washed on shore and rescued by the adorable Oz.

This book was so fun and extra spicy 🌶️. Ali really knows how to write a confident woman and an absolute cinnamon roll of a MMC. I never wanted to put it down and devoured it in one day 💘.

Primal Play
Fated Mates
Novella
Spicy
Orc x Human
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Forest Adventure

[Angel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is the perfect cozy monster romance. It is short and sweet. I love that the mfc isn’t afraid to speak her mind even when she’s face to face with a huge orc for the first time. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

[Autumn Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was quick, fun, and a spicy read. This was my first monster romance and I surprisingly really enjoyed it. I highly recommend checking this out!

[Dani Brigham]

Ok but how do they make it work! Where do they live?!!!! TELL ME MORE!!!

[Caitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read! Sassy fun FMC and a nerdy sweet MMC.

[Chloe Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️. This was an adorable monster/Orc romance novella. It was short story but the author does a great job of setting the world into place and the characters chemistry into action.

There was one or two typos and the final scene came about a little quickly, I would have liked a slightly longer build up on how our meddling pixie did that last bit of magic. But this is my only feedback.

I loved the spice it was fab! I really look forward to reading more set in this world!

Sign me up for that Christmas story…

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angsty, Spicy Novella

On a singles cruise, our FMC gets shipwrecked and winds up on a magical island. Oz, an Orc, rescues her and helps her return to her human life, minus her memories…

I enjoyed the spice in this book, but sadly that was about it for me. I didn’t like the FMC’s attitude from the time she woke up on the island thru to the end of the book really. The two MC’s did NOT like each other and were downright nasty to each other, but suddenly his mating bonds flare to life when she’s lecturing him. Suddenly he likes her? Just because his mating bonds showed up? When he couldn’t stand her two seconds ago? - and then she slowly seems to feel the tug of the mate bond and gets a little less annoying and wants to jump his bones. But of course he doesn’t explain everything and she gets piss£d when she realizes he withheld pertinent info from her. So it was very angsty and frustrating. I didn’t really feel chemistry beyond the physical aspect. There were some typos throughout the story, but nothing too terribly distracting.

My Rating: 2.5/5
Spice Level: 4/5

- Forced Proximity
- Mating Bonds
- Kn0tting
- Ma$turbation

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Very cute and very well written!

It did get frustrating towards the end, however. Willfully withholding important information is one of those miscommunication tropes that I just can't stand. Wren giving Oz hell for it at the end helped soften the blow, though.

I wish this was more than a novella, but it was a good time for the most part regardless.

[Sheree Birchall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the good feels and made me cry, and easy 5 star read! I ADORED this book, so beautifully written and the world building was perfect! The cover is so freaking cute and exactly how I imagined them to be! Beautiful 🥰 Super cute, heartwarming, spicy love story and the primal play! Gods have mercy! I love Oz so much, he’s such a sweetheart, caring, intelligent, loves the outdoors and has massive hero energy. Wren is feisty and takes no crap from anyone. She takes to being shipwrecked on an unknown island really well, just takes it on the chin and just goes with the flow. Resilient! The banter between these two is top tier, chiefs kiss! Ate it up so quick! Loved the ending and now I need more. I need more Wren and Oz. I want more of the island, are there any more survivors of the shipwrecked booze cruise? I need to know! I will be checking out Ali Evers other books and look forward to checking out future work!

[Chris Redd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop laughing. Wren is smart, sassy, and ship-wrecked on an island that turns everything she knows on its head. Oz is her rescuer an orc forest ranger, which is awesome all on its own, but add in the fact that Oz thinks Wren is 'undeniably annoying, rude and presumptuous' and you have the perfect forced proximity set-up.

I absolutely adore fated mates and Ali's humour adds so much flavour to this trope.

This story has a reluctant hero and an FMC that's tough on the outside but a softy on the inside. As Oz guides Wren through the forest to the pick up location where she can return to her own world one hilarious encounter after another ensues.

But it's not all fun and games. Sometimes you have to make a few wrong decisions before you get to the right one.

Shipwrecked on Orc Island is a spicy, cozy, monster romance novella full of humour and heart. Give it a go.

[GeeAlbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dedication is fantastic! Gave me a laugh before I even got into the book!

I really love how this book brings myth & lore into it. It’s not just make-believe creatures, it’s set in a human world where these creatures use magic to hide themselves in plain sight.

Oz is a sweetheart, but frustrating & somewhat grumpy. His frequent ‘sample taking’ had me giggling.

Wren is fiery & headstrong, a no bullshit kind of woman.

The spice was spicing & I was living for it! Orc appendages are definitely interesting.

It’s such a sweet & spicy little novella & I loved it! Fantastic introduction to ‘monster romance’. I just want more now, I want her to explore the other girls on the ship with their ‘monster’ mates.

[books2loversss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love a shipwreck, but not a fan of 0 communication

Spoilers ahead

There were some parts of Shipwrecked on Orc Island that I enjoyed, but I found Wren to be insufferable at the beginning. What do you mean you’re yelling at the orc who saved your life? Maybe wait ten minutes first. Just food for thought.

Then we go full-on post mating mark insta love, which lasts until Wren learns she’s Oz’s mate and immediately has her memory wiped thanks to a two-second decision fueled by being butt hurt. It seems like a wild move on Oz’s friends’ part to wipe her memory in the first place, considering they were clearly willing to break the magical rules for him. Perhaps they could have… waited five minutes? Sigh.

[J.L.B. Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this world so much. If a mates bond snaps into place because the FMC yelled at him could be a trope that would be amazing! I loved how that was what cause the bond to snap! Hilarious! lol These characters were amazing, and so likeable. The dialogue was realistic and flowed so well, the banter was great, the sex was hot... I need myself an orc. Like now! The world was super immersive, I saw everything in my head like a movie. These books are super cosy, and damn I love myself a greenflag MMC! And although Wren was put through the wringer, she was whiny and annoying, she was a boss ass bitch! LOVED HER. I wish I could binge read these books for the first time again, but at least I don't have to wait long until I get my grubby paws on Ali's latest release. Amazing story!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a whirlwind of a read! The storytelling through orc island along with the unique beginning of wren and oz wanted me wishing for a full length book. This novella had me reading faster and faster and I’m hoping I get more world building of orc island. The world mechanics and creatures that have popped through as well as the hint of a new mystery for someone to solve has me so intrigued and as always I love this authors writings and will wholly suggest to anyone interested in some comedic romantic monster romance.

[Hazeleyedbookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you respond to stress and anxiety with sarcasim and smart mouth insults? What if that response triggered a mating bond with a tall handsome orc?

Wren is out on a booze cruise when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Wren goes overboard and wakes up washed on shore and rescued by the protective, nerdy and adorable Oz.

Wren is so sassy and Oz gives it right back to her...... in more ways than one.

Forced proximity
Primal Play
Fated Mates
Spicy
Orc x Human
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Sassy FMC
Forest Adventure

[Brittany Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on vacation and could not have picked a better book! It was the most fantastic journey!
You follow Wren as she going on a singles cruise- of course at the insistence of her friends… and of course it takes a horrible turn!
She wakes up somewhere she didn’t even know existed! Then to top that off there’s Oz- this grumpy Orc who is not even considering the trauma she’s been through! And Oz thinks this human is a brat!
Oh man! Their journey together is so fun! I even messaged the author to BEG for more stories with these two characters! It is in fact that good!

[Nik Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and spicy, this novella was incredibly fun and easy to read.

Wren washes up on Orc Island after being shipwrecked, and who does she meet when she gets to shore, Oz. The Orc who wants to get his work done but begrudgingly agrees to take her to safety.

No matter how hard Wren and Oz try to fight their attraction for each other, their mating bond is stronger, which makes for some great banter and spicy scenes between the two.

I'd love to see more of Wren and Oz!!

[Dominique Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FREAKING LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH!!!!!
It's quick, it's spicy, it's cute as fuck! yassssss checks all the boxes!!!!
I needed a palette cleanser and this book did not disappoint.
Wren is so sassy and Oz gives it right back to her...... in more ways than one.
If you like the banter and praise levels in leather and lark(with no multiple deleting) this is the book for you.

[Meana Faerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely little read. The story is light and fluffy. The characters are delightful. The spice is just the right amount. I very much enjoyed this romp through the wilderness with a gentle giant of an Orc and the clueless, but determined, human he finds. It is an eventful 4 days. Would recommend. Great as a pallet cleanser.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to like this, I really do… but there’s something missing here… like an editor. The grammar errors and typo’s are so bad it’s distracting.

I also didn’t like the miscommunication where Oz was withholding information about his mating bond- like you either have it or don’t. And I wish Wren would’ve stayed in the monster world instead of wiping her memories and trying to move on.

[Jen Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, cozy, and steamy! I loved the dynamic between Wren and OZ. Watching her try to navigate being stranded on a mysterious island while he’s just totally done with everything leads to some seriously funny interactions. A steamy and slightly chaotic adventure for romance readers looking for a quick escape into lush forests and grumpy-but-charming orcs.

[Meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! Such a fun, addictive read from start to finish. I was obsessed with the fact that the mating bond was triggered by the FMC shouting at the MMC, it had me laughing and kicking my feet.

And the spice? 🥵 SO good. That scene in the woods had me fanning myself. If you're after a fun, spicy orc romance with great chemistry, this one's definitely worth picking up!

[Avery Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This was a super cute monster romance novella. My only complaint is that it could use another round or two of proofreading. I’m a sucker for a fated mate monster💅

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Ali has such an immersive writing style. She put so much effort into the world of the character, also writings such amazing relationships between the characters. I knew it was going to be an amazing story. Could not put it down.

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, light hearted, absolutely cozy and fun. Ali makes the sweetest monsters, and the sassiest FMCs. This is a great one to dive into to just enjoy and forget the shenanigans going on around us. It's fast paced, pretty close to insta love, and spicy. Absolutely recommend.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, it was a nice easy read. There were many grammatical errors and it kind of ruined it for me a little. The spicy scenes were awesome and I loved the soft, intimate scene too. Overall good book, the grammatical errors are what brought it down for me.