Bound in Flames : The Savage Hearts Series Book 1

by Missy S. Castillo

Captured by the enemy. Marked by ancient magic. Claimed by a beast...

When Cleo is rescued by Dex, a ruthless orc chieftain of the Blackfoot Clan, she’s thrust into a world ruled by savage loyalty and primal power. For centuries, the humans and orcs have been locked in brutal war after the Ostelan Crown broke the ancient treaties, driving the orcs into hiding. Now, Cleo’s untamed magic is the key to saving the orcs—but it also tempts her with a darkness she may not escape. As her power grows and her bond with Dex deepens, she faces an impossible choose to fulfill the prophecy, sacrificing herself, or surrender to the seductive magic and risk everything to be with the one she loves.

Dex has vowed to protect his people at any cost, even if it means using the woman fate has bound to him. But Cleo’s fire stirs something primal in him—something far more dangerous than war. As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, Dex must decide whether his duty to his clan outweighs the undeniable pull of his heart.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2025

Reviews

[Caiity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC reader and wow! I admit my kids got in the way A LOT and it was infuriating because I would have binged this given the chance! Cleo is an incredible character and real in a way a lot of books struggle to get right and the relationship between her and Dex is perfect! I don’t want to spoil it but their relationship is beautiful… I need more!
I only reason it’s not 5 star is a slight pacing issue but I hold my hands up and admit this could just have been my stopping and starting because real life got in the way!
This is definitely a book you don’t want to miss!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! This is a first time read from this author and what an introduction! I loved the FMC. Her strength is something I love to read about. I hate those whiny “I can’t do anything” type of characters (no offense to the ones that do, I’ve just read too many of those in the past). But my absolute favorite is of course the MMC. His cockiness and confidence was 😮‍💨 my husband is just like him and I feel in love with that side of him so, naturally I’m in love with Dex! Great work Missy on the characters, the world, and the story, not to mention some of the scenes I can’t speak of 😉. Highly recommend this read!!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me by the throat and said “you’re mine now” and honestly, I said thank you. It had everything I crave in a dark fantasy romance. Morally gray MCs, a love interest with some violent tendencies and absolutely zero chill, and sexual tension so thick it should be illegal. The world building was incredible, and I could see the dusting of the bigger picture I think we are going to get through this series. AND THE BANTER!!! Oh my god the banter was everything.

What I really fell in love with was Cleo. Shes not your typical FMC.. She’s anxious, raw, stubborn, and REAL. Fear, rage, trauma - none of it was glossed over. She felt like a real person tossed into a brutal world, and I loved her so much!

Also the spice. THE SPICE!!!! You will need water. A fan. A moment alone. I'm thinking about new bedroom activities with my boyfriend... I will be ordering the NSFW artwork immediately because OMG!!! I wasn’t reading I was devouring. Kicking my feet. Gasping. Barking. Ferallllll. IYKYK.

That dedication really sets the tone for the book. The playlist wasa fun touch, one of my favorite easter eggs in books.

If you love dark romance, high stakes dark fantasy, and characters that live rent free in your brain, you need this book. Fans of ACOTAR or Her Soul to Take etc run, don’t walk. Missy S Castillo is one to watch.

I will be pacing the floor until book 2 drops, because I am not okay. Missy, respectfully, HURRY UP!!

[Brooke Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book had me gasping from start to finish!
The characters were soooo well written and I feel like I truly got to understand exactly who they are and who they developed into over the course of the story. The fmc is such a strong lead and definitely took her fate into her own hands, I love that she was so real and just an all round baddieeeee, purr! The mmc was a perfect mix of protective, cocky, and obsessed. Such a good match! The story is super high stakes and kept me engaged throughout my weekend, just what you want from a dark fantasy!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo the FMC discovers her power and herself through being belittled, caged, and hurt emotionally/physically using that to come into her own.
Dex the MMC a Orc chieftain that will do whatever it takes to protect his people. Fate, magic, and prophecy are front and center in this tale. Cliff hanger warning incase you need to know.
I really enjoyed the FMC’s dynamic personality and how it develops over the book. Really looking forward to more!

[Mariah Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh the ending though?!?! This book was so addicting that I didn't want to put it down. Cleo and Dexs relationship is perfection. Usually im a little hesitant about FMCs but Cleo definitely changed my mind. Can't wait to read the next one. Spice? On point. Super well written 👏👏👏

[The Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been very lucky in that, so far, 2025 has seen me reading really amazing books. And my lucky streak has only continued with Bound in Flames. Which I already know will definitely end the year on my top 5 list. This dark, monster fantasy romance was absolutely amazing, all around! Missy has built a beautiful and original world, full of well developed, unique characters, lore and magic that captured my attention and my heart, immediately.

I was invested in Cleo and her story from the first sentence. Our FMC is kind, stubborn, smart, and completely loveable and easy to relate to. She's real and raw, and isn't intimidated in the slightest by Dex, our MMC and one seriously smoldering, handsome Orc Chieftain. Cleo and Dex are my personal favorite kind of fantasy romance couple. Real, raw and relatable, they challenge one another while keeping each other grounded. They are tender and gentle, but also needy and passionate. Plus, the heat? OMG the heat and the chemistry between them!! The physical aspect of their relationship is a delicious slow burn that Missy draws out for as long as possible before pushing them, and her reader, over into a deep pool of unbridled passion. Once it gets hot, it stays pretty damn hot!

Dex and Cleo are thrust together so unexpectedly, but also at just the right moment, then end up going through so much, so fast. Especially Cleo, who has the weight of the world and fate of Dex's clan thrust upon her small shoulders. I cried and despaired with, and for, her. I honestly felt ALL the things while reading this book. Joy, anger, fear, uncertainty, relief, etc. I truly felt like I was transported into the kingdom of Ostelan, going along on this journey with Cleo and Dex, and it was just pure joy to do so.

If you love dark fantasy romance, found family and delicious, explicit spice with an orc + human pairing, a curvy FMC, a possessive and obsessed MMC, forced proximity (and much more) with touch them and die vibes, that ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, then I absolutely recommend this wonderful book. That said, don't forget that I started out by saying dark, because there's definitely some very dark content and tropes here. Please, as with any dark romance, read the trigger warnings and content list before you get started. Your mental health and well-being are important, and not worth risking over any book.

Now, if you're good with the content, go ahead and get the author provided playlist queued up and prepare to dive into a great story, written in beautiful prose, with a vivid cast of unique characters set in a new, original universe. Which I will finally be rating a very hot and bothered 5 outta 5 🌶️'s! Like I said, the spice is slow burn, but holy smokes it's worth it. You might even need a cold shower or two! 🤭

I really hope you love book one of The Savage Hearts series as much as I do!! Drop a comment down ⬇️⬇️ below and let me know what you thought!!

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Angst, The Pain, The Love… OMG! Breathtakingly & Stunningly Sensational!!!

Ok, Missy S. Castillo, I see you! Bound in Flames is everything I have ever wanted to read! 10 star read for me, most definitely the best read of the year for me, possibly of my life!!! I think you let the devil possess you for parts of this book though… I was at chapter 32 and afraid to read the last 13%… Up to that point I had laughed, cried, bawled, squealed, kicked my feet, cackled, squeezed my thighs, and felt my heart break… I was scared to read the rest and have my heart fully ripped from my chest… (P.S. It did tear my heart out. P.S.S. It kinda put it back, just waiting for the next book to see how whole it will be!)
Also, imma need book 2 as quickly as humanly possible… Fan of yours forever now!

Cleo is a bada** FMC! She is fire, strength, defiant, and determined. When she is at her weakest, she uses her fear and anger to pull herself up and keep going, not allowing it to pull her under.

Dex… OMG! I want and crave the soft and caring, but strong and powerful man that he is to actually exist in the real human world. He is the protect her from everything, touch her and die, and she is mine that I absolutely crave with all that I am!

“When you can’t stand tall alone, lean on me. That’s what mates do.”

- Absolutely brilliant but it broke me and the tears flowed… streaming down my face… this whole scene is everything!!!

I’m dead… Broken… I feel like I’ve been through the wringer but only in the best way possible… You have an amazing talent that is begging to be shared with the world and I will do everything I can to shout it from every rooftop!!!! I literally had tears pouring down my face for the last 8-9 chapters, like I couldn’t stop them! Every page I turned was more heart wrenching than the last and I felt your heart and soul pouring out on the pages!!! Thank you! This has been the best book, hands down, that I have read in… Well as long as I can remember. Talent, raw talent that you possess! And I am here for it all day every day! Thank you!!! Seriously though, this has been the best book experience of my life! Thank you for putting this book out there because I absolutely adored reading it!

[Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨ - 3.75
Okay, I want to start this review by saying I’m not much of a romance reader. I’m trying to broaden my horizons this year, which included trying a few romances and a few thriller/horror books (which I’ve yet to read).
I would call this book a character/dialogue driven story - and once I got used to that I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I come from a fantasy/sci-fi heavy background, so it was an adjustment for me with the pacing and which things were prioritized to take up a lot of space in the story (a la spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️).
I enjoyed the romance - their banter was fun, and although it was a bit of insta-love, I am kind of a sucker for the fated mates trope, so I really still liked it. The spice was spicing - I’m on the ace spectrum, so I’m not as into that as some may be, but I’ve read enough to know that this was quite well done spice, and enjoyable. 😉

Things I would change/why I didn’t give it quite four stars:
*It was unclear how much time had passed in the duration of the book. I would’ve appreciated a tad more structure there, and some training scenes of Cleo learning to use her healing magic, for example, would’ve been cool.
*The pacing was a bit weird at a couple points, where the scene would cut off as it does when there’s going to be a lapse in time or etc., only for the next part to pick up slightly behind where we were before but from the same characters POV sometimes? It just made it kind of confusing what time of day it was at points, and what was going on in general once or twice.
It wasn’t throughout the whole book as an issue, but I think just a bit more detail given would probably sort this out.

Again, I will caveat my critiques by saying I normally read high fantasy, fantasy, and sci-fi so I may be expecting something outside the norm for the romance genre😅

I will say I really like Cleo’s character arc - girlfriend had a LOT going on emotionally and Missy Castillo really did a great job with the arc, and her eventually realizing her ‘less controllable’ power is an asset, not a liability, was empowering AF.
We love to see it! 🔥
Overall a very fun read, and I will look forward to book #2!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew what I was getting into. I saw orc romance and fated mates and thought, “Yes, please. I’m ready for the steam.” And don’t get me wrong, this book delivers every ounce of heat I hoped for. I wasn’t ready for the soul.

Cleo isn’t just a heroine. She’s every version of me I’ve ever tried to silence. Her anger, fear, her refusal to fold quietly into the box life keeps trying to shove her into, I felt every second of it in my bones!!!!! I laughed, I swooned, I blushed (hard - omg the spice is soooo good!), but I also sobbed. I raged. I felt anxious and I felt seen.

This book made me feel so much, I actually created a Goodreads account just so I could leave a review. That’s how deeply it got into my skin.

Yes, it echoes the world we’re living in right now. Injustice. Grief. The fight. I’ve never felt so motivated to throw on war paint and storm a castle, or, in my case, write a letter to Congress and hound my representative. But despite heavy parallels, Bound in Flames also gave me something I didn’t realize I needed. An escape. The kind of immersive, emotional, beautifully built world that makes you forget everything around you… even as it gives you the courage to face it.

I’ve never read a monster romance that made me want to join a rebellion before, but here we are. This book lit something in me I didn’t know I’d lost. Thank you, Missy S Castillo, for writing the kind of story that reminds us we’re allowed to burn.

The last time I felt this deeply connected to a story was when I first read Throne of Glass, and honestly, Bound in Flames hits just as hard. The fact that Missy is still an unknown indie author after writing something this powerful is wild to me. She deserves to be everywhere!! I will never stop recommending this book, even to people that haven't read monster romance before! I am waiting impatiently for the rest of the series, because I can just see it being phenomenal and really inspiring. I'm buying a signed copy so I can say 'I was there' when we look back at your author career.

[Grayson Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy S Castillo’s Bound in Flames is a captivating fusion of romance, resilience, and raw emotion that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page. From the first chapter, Castillo’s storytelling ignites with intensity—her prose is lyrical yet sharp, perfectly matching the emotional stakes and the passion that burns through every scene.

At the heart of the novel is a heroine who is both fierce and vulnerable, navigating a world that demands strength and compassion in equal measure. Castillo masterfully balances inner turmoil with external conflict, crafting characters who feel deeply real. Their struggles, triumphs, and most of all, their love, are portrayed with such vivid authenticity that it’s impossible not to root for them.

The pacing is tight, the dialogue rings true, and the romantic tension? Absolutely electric. Every twist in the plot feels earned, and Castillo doesn’t shy away from diving deep into the emotional core of her characters, making each moment feel meaningful and alive.

What makes Bound in Flames stand out, though, is its emotional resonance. This isn’t just a story of love—it’s about healing, transformation, and the courage to rise from the ashes of one’s past. It’s powerful, poignant, and surprisingly empowering.

Whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance, emotional journeys, or just crave a well-written story with heart and heat, Bound in Flames is an absolute must-read. Missy S Castillo has crafted something truly special—passionate, poetic, and unforgettable.

[Whits Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bound in Flames by Missy S Castillo was an absolute masterpiece!!!! Read this book!!!

First I just have to say there is a spicy scene in this book where the dynamics are flipped and let me tell you that scene had me kicking my feet and giggling it was written so well I was completely enthralled and absolutely love how that scene was written!!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵



Second Cleo was such a fierce badass FMC she was so strong and powerful without realizing how much she endured and survived. She was strong willed and fiery and her attitude was sassy and held nothing back! She did struggle with an ass load of self doubt and fear and anxiety that almost gets the best of her but she keeps going and doesn’t given I to her fear and anxiety.

Third Dex is amazing! I absolutely loved him. He was funny and snarky and while he was trying not to let his feelings for Cleo take over he never pushed her away and was never mean to her to keep the distance between them.

Dex and Cleo together were so fun to read! They were sassy and ribbed each other and fed off of it! There banter was like foreplay it only strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together. Their tension and banter was so thick you could feel it. The spice between these two was so good!!!

[Kerry_M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Bound in Flames by M. Castillo. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The world-building is rich and immersive with vivid settings, from towering citadels to mysterious forests, make it feel like you're right there alongside the characters. The magic system is intricate and feels like a natural part of the world, with its own rules and consequences that add a lot of tension and intrigue.
The romance is a perfect slow-burn with real chemistry, full of tension, banter, and emotional depth but what really made it stand out for me is that it’s not just about the romance. The characters are incredibly layered, each dealing with their own pasts and struggles. You see them grow - not only in their relationship but also in how they see themselves and their place in the world.
The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience in such a natural way. There were twists I didn’t see coming, and I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until it was suddenly 2 a.m. and I’d finished the whole thing. No regrets.
If you like fantasy romance with real emotional stakes, strong characters, and a world you can get completely lost in, this one’s a gem.

[Nightangel_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a ride!


I loved every minute of this book. Cleo is an amazing, bad ass heroine who is very relatable. Seeing her go through her hardships and being able to find herself as well as her strength and realize that her anger and her fear don’t make her weak, but are fuel for her power and make her stronger. I also relate to her not just with the finding your strength in your anger and fear, but also with how she copes, I have always used the method of 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 smell, and 1 taste. She was so imperfectly perfect and I fell in love with her character.
Dex was someone I enjoyed watching grow and change as he found his mate. He not only helped Cleo with finding herself, but she helped him grow. I love how caring he is for her, even in the beginning. He was willing to give up himself if it would save her. Plus who doesn’t love a 7 foot tall Orc who knows his way around a blade.
I cannot wait to see where else this story goes and what else this world has to offer!

[Cupofsugar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I was absolutely glued to it. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the FMC, Cleo, and Dex, the MMC. If you love fated mates this is a book for you. You could cut the sexual tension between these two with a knife. I enjoyed the slow build up to the spice, and boy was the spice worth it! The scenes between these two were heated and I loved their chemistry. Despite the trauma Cleo endured in her life, I admired her resilience. She never came off as whiney or weak. I would like to know more about the magic in this world and more about Cleo’s powers in general, I know there are more books coming. Dex was an amazing MMC. The way Missy described him is absolutely tantalizing. The banter between him and Cleo was witty and engaging. I felt the pacing was solid and enjoyed the time Cleo and Dex spent together in the woods a lot. I’m looking forward to reading future books in the series!

[Alicia Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a forbidden shaman named Cleo. Her grieving father treats her horribly until one day she breaks and discovers her true self. After the town sees who she truly is they exile her to the knights hold. On her way there she meets Dex, the orc chieftain of the Blackfoot clan. Together they escape their sentence to the knights hold and battle the darkness. Cleo battles a lot of self doubt and learns so much about herself, but she doesn’t do any of this alone. Dex is always there to help guide her and keep her from straying too far. The love these two share isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s raw, it’s hard, and it’s hot. 🥵 very hot! I’m not going to spoil it all but this book gets very intense! There are many parts that keep you on the edge of your seat and you can’t put it down! I will not be able to stop thinking about this book until I get the next one!!! You absolutely need to read this book!!!!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orcs, untamed magic, and a fated bond? You know I love it. Cleo and Dex’s story was full of tension, prophecy, and some spicy open door spice.

I really enjoyed Cleo’s growth—especially those quiet moments where she starts to feel at home among the Blackfoot Clan. Seeing her go from outsider to something more was satisfying. And Dex? Total grumpy warlord with a soft spot, which we love.

That said, the pacing was a little uneven. Some parts dragged, and then suddenly we were thrown into the final battle with barely a breath. And while I don’t usually mention this, a little extra editing would’ve helped—some sentences pulled me out of the story due to awkward phrasing or word choice.

Still, the vibes were strong, the romance was intense, and the orc lore has me curious for more. A solid debut with lots of potential, especially if you’re into beasties, bonds, and a heroine caught between power and love.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot - 5/5
Characters - 5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I generously received an ARC from Missy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! What a book! Cleo x Dex go up there as one of my favourite interspecies couples for sure. Bound in Flames follows our FMC, Cleo, is abducted alongside an Orc, Dex. Together, they conspire to escape and return to his clan, where he will prove he is meant to be their leader. The couples banter and chemistry was off the charts from chapter 1.

While Dex is brutal and pragmatic, Cleo is feeling and raw and I loved the juxtaposition of their relationship. The spice is out of the world and I loved getting to see how they managed their relationship as more and more trials came up. This is a fantasy story with plenty of spice, size differences, touch her and die, growls and some magic - what more could a girl ask for?

[Felicia Ono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely invested in this story!!!

I had been craving a good Orc book and this did not disappoint. I was completely invested in the FMC Cleo pretty much from the beginning. Her tragic backstory and her finding her way and her purpose through the book kept me rooting for her through to the end. And the MMC Dex ❤️🥵!!! I loved these two together, they both have a lot to learn, and their banter is fun to read. This is a very slow burn though so if you want 🌶️🌶️🌶️ from the very beginning you won't get it. But when it starts it is 🥵🥵!!! I loved the world building and can't wait for the next books in the series to see how this story is going to pan out, as it is my understanding that the following books will focus on different couples but they are intertwined so you will see previous couples show up in other books.

[Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo, you bad B you.

4.5/5 gold stars! By chapter 2 I knew I wanted to know more about Cleo. Usually it’s the girls who are underestimated who make the best heroines. She did not disappoint! Dex on the other hand is a gigantic flirt from the word go. He see’s a voluptuous woman, who can also wield wild unruly magic and says, “yep, that one’s the one for me.”

This is a slow burn though, but once the spice starts spicing, boy is it good. Especially chapter 30. If you know, YOU KNOW. The ending will have you begging for more, because what do you mean that’s all there is? I need to know what happens next! .5 stars taken away for that slight cliffhanger, you know what you did Missy! Xoxox

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...She will stand where fate divides.She will stand against the dark,With the earth as her spark,Through her blood, through her pain,
She will bring us home again. "

A magical tale about Cleo,human, beaten,caged, silenced, underestimated but never broken.
 Dex,the Orc chieftain,strong,fierce and protetor.
And a prophecy,fate and destiny.....
My first time with this author and impressed me to see the growth of the fmc character along the story, a good world building and settings,a captivating  plot and.well developed characters .
Ends in a maddening cliffhanger but I'm really expectant to see more of what's coming!

[Heyyoray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am giving this 2.5 stars.
**** slight spoilers, please read at your own risk.****


The overall story was interesting. I did enjoy FMC, the MMC and a lot of the setting work. I saw a lot of people say the banter felt so good etc, but for me a lot of it felt forced. It didn’t feel like real genuine communication, especially early on. When the FMC and MMC first meet, they are both heading towards jail, and the way Drex starts talking to Cleo, he came off as being instantly infatuated, and the clunky dialogue continues off and on from here.

Again, it’s not a bad book, and I would read another by the author.

[Kim Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters and Magic

This takes us on a magical journey of self discovery with Cleo who starts out as a farmers daughter who is riddled with abusive at the hands of her very own father.

In an effort to escape his abuse for the last time she discovers she holds magic within herself on to be sent to her execution. What she encounters on the way just may be her salvation.

Dex is the leader of his Orc clan and has been looking for a shaman to fulfill a prophecy and return the land of his people back to them.

What he finds in Cleo is not what he expects.

This story has dark creatures, delicious spicy scenes, and shadows could end it all.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of Cleo and Dex, one a human and the other an orc. Cleo is the shaman, the savior a prophecy spoke of, the one that could save Dex's clan. Dex, the chieftain, has searched for the shaman due to his duty to his clan, but he couldn't have predicted that Cleo would not only be the answer he's been seeking but also his mate Cleo must learn to wield her magic in time to battle the darkness. The prophecy says a sacrifice must be made, but how can Dex choose between his heart and his duty to his people. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Sherry Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound in Flames is a blend of magic, war, and forbidden love. The story follows Cleo, a woman with untamed magic, and Dex, a fierce orc chieftain, as they navigate a world torn apart by conflict. Their bond is both dangerous and irresistible, forcing them to make impossible choices between duty and desire. Castillo’s writing is immersive, weaving a tale of passion and power that keeps readers hooked. If you enjoy fantasy with high stakes, rich world-building, and a lot of spice, this book is a must-read!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound in Flames
Missy S Castillo

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

This book was outstanding, with great writing and world-building. It features a found family, fated mates, a compelling plot with twists, and a strong, determined, and sassy female lead who's paired with a powerful, dominant warrior with a soft and caring side, giving off a 'touch her and die' vibe. With this level of chemistry, you know the spice hit. I'm eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re considering reading this book? If so, you absolutely should! This dark romance fantasy has it all. The banter, the slow burn, the angst! The spice is spicy and will have you impatiently waiting for the next book. Missy S. Castillo tows a beautiful line between strong main characters, and vulnerable emotions, showing that you don’t have to be emotionless to be strong.
For anyone who enjoys dark romance, monster romance, or fantasy, this is the book for you!

[MamaKittyG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I’m not the best when it come to giving reviews or sharing my opinion when it come to reading….. BUT, this book has me in an absolute chokehold that I welcome with open arms. Beautiful written and had me happy on the edge of my seat, reading fast and slow; fast cause it’s so good but slow cause I never wanted it to end!!! I can’t wait to read another story from this author again!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me hungry for more! I love that Cleo is a badass FMC! Inspiring in so many ways! I’m obsessed! I absolutely fell in love with Dex! An Orc who would have thought I’d be into that!? But here I am, in love with him and all he does to protect Cleo! Their dynamic in this book is wicked hot and I’m am so looking forward to reading more about them and what their story holds!

[NottyBookReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my first Orc romance, it was very high fantasy, in my opinion. I enjoyed it though. The character building was great! I loved Cleo and Dex!! The spice was spicing so much that I had to put the book down, multiple times. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because I was left devastated on a cliffhanger. However, I will definitely read the next book when it comes out!