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Brides of Lonesome Creek Orcs #2
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy
A runaway bride shouldn’t trust anyone, least of all her orc cowboy savior. But every time he looks at me, I lose the urge to run.
Beth: I’ve been controlled my whole life. First by my father. Then by the man he was forcing me to marry. Instead of saying I do, I ran, landing into the arms of a brawny orc cowboy with quiet strength and dark eyes that see too much. Ruugar swears he'll protect me, but I see the way he looks at me, like he’s holding himself back. Like I belong to him. And maybe I do. I thought running meant freedom, but what if being with Ruugar is the only place I was meant to be?
Ruugar: Beth is my mate. I knew it the second she touched me, and fate burned her mark into my skin. But she was promised to another, and an honorable male never steals what isn't his. Now, she’s fled her wedding. She’s desperate and terrified, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means ignoring how much I want her. Even if it means hiding her in plain sight, disguised as a boy on the tourist trail ride we’re leading across the plain. But out here, away from the world, it’s hard to resist what was always meant to be.
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy is Book 2 in the Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs Series. A cozy monster romance, it features fated mates, lots of pining, touch-her-and-die vibes, steamy/spicy heat, plus quirky wooing and he-falls-first tropes. Expect size difference, an awkward cinnamon roll hero, cute shenanigans, plus a new, cozy orc contemporary world.
Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs in
Fake Dating an Orc Cowboy (part of Sweet Monster Treats)
Saddling the Orc Cowboy (freebie with newsletter sign-up)
Wrangling the Orc Cowboy
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy
Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
Sweet-Talking Orc Cowboy
Giddy Up Orc Cowboy
Beth: I’ve been controlled my whole life. First by my father. Then by the man he was forcing me to marry. Instead of saying I do, I ran, landing into the arms of a brawny orc cowboy with quiet strength and dark eyes that see too much. Ruugar swears he'll protect me, but I see the way he looks at me, like he’s holding himself back. Like I belong to him. And maybe I do. I thought running meant freedom, but what if being with Ruugar is the only place I was meant to be?
Ruugar: Beth is my mate. I knew it the second she touched me, and fate burned her mark into my skin. But she was promised to another, and an honorable male never steals what isn't his. Now, she’s fled her wedding. She’s desperate and terrified, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means ignoring how much I want her. Even if it means hiding her in plain sight, disguised as a boy on the tourist trail ride we’re leading across the plain. But out here, away from the world, it’s hard to resist what was always meant to be.
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy is Book 2 in the Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs Series. A cozy monster romance, it features fated mates, lots of pining, touch-her-and-die vibes, steamy/spicy heat, plus quirky wooing and he-falls-first tropes. Expect size difference, an awkward cinnamon roll hero, cute shenanigans, plus a new, cozy orc contemporary world.
Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs in
Fake Dating an Orc Cowboy (part of Sweet Monster Treats)
Saddling the Orc Cowboy (freebie with newsletter sign-up)
Wrangling the Orc Cowboy
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy
Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
Sweet-Talking Orc Cowboy
Giddy Up Orc Cowboy
- GenresRomanceMonster Romance
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2025
157 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Ava Ross
163 books767 followersAVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 4, 2026
Love, fate and roughing it.
I loved this monster-human, fated mates, double pining, adorably awkward, runaway bride romance. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and real life issues. Ruugar and Beth are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy beings. All their uncertainty and insecurities made me want to just reach into the story and hug on them. Ruugar is a lonely and awkward orc. He and his brothers recently built Lonesome Creek Ranch, a Wild West tourist attraction town. He works with the animals and is supposed to lead the trail rides. Beth is a human woman who has been controlled her whole life by her unloving father. Beth and Ruugar briefly crossed paths when she was at Lonesome Creek planning her wedding. When Ruugar briefly touches Beth, he knows she’s his true mate, but since she’s promised to another he’s resigned to being alone. The fates step in when rather than marry the man her father arranged for her, she runs away from her wedding. Now Ruugar is hiding her disguised as a boy working on the trail ride. To get to their HEA they’ll be truth telling, baggage unpacking and life course adjustment all while hiding her in plain sight. It was such a swoony and heartwarming journey. I love this little western town and am excited to read more in the series. 4.5 stars.
I loved this monster-human, fated mates, double pining, adorably awkward, runaway bride romance. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and real life issues. Ruugar and Beth are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy beings. All their uncertainty and insecurities made me want to just reach into the story and hug on them. Ruugar is a lonely and awkward orc. He and his brothers recently built Lonesome Creek Ranch, a Wild West tourist attraction town. He works with the animals and is supposed to lead the trail rides. Beth is a human woman who has been controlled her whole life by her unloving father. Beth and Ruugar briefly crossed paths when she was at Lonesome Creek planning her wedding. When Ruugar briefly touches Beth, he knows she’s his true mate, but since she’s promised to another he’s resigned to being alone. The fates step in when rather than marry the man her father arranged for her, she runs away from her wedding. Now Ruugar is hiding her disguised as a boy working on the trail ride. To get to their HEA they’ll be truth telling, baggage unpacking and life course adjustment all while hiding her in plain sight. It was such a swoony and heartwarming journey. I love this little western town and am excited to read more in the series. 4.5 stars.
July 8, 2025
2.5⭐️ This has so much potential and I wanted to love it, as I did the previous 3 in this world (Saddling/Fake Dating/Wrangling the Orc Cowboy), but this one was disappointing.
The first 90% mainly consists of an internal dialogue from both MC’s filled with endless repetition of their angsty doubt, insecurities, miscommunication/lack of communication and assumptions about each other, with a bit of story line and character development sprinkled in. The MC’s do not express or even hint outwardly at their feelings for each other, and Ruugar doesn’t tell Beth she is his fated mate or perform the necessary hand licking ritual until the 90% mark. The HEA is there, but is crammed into the last 10% during a quick wrap up of the story. Also, big spoiler… Ruugar had wanted to take a mate back home (simply because he liked her,clearly knowing she wasn’t his fated mate), but he couldn’t because she was already with someone else. Fated mates are supposed to special and that just didn’t come through in this story.
The first 90% mainly consists of an internal dialogue from both MC’s filled with endless repetition of their angsty doubt, insecurities, miscommunication/lack of communication and assumptions about each other, with a bit of story line and character development sprinkled in. The MC’s do not express or even hint outwardly at their feelings for each other, and Ruugar doesn’t tell Beth she is his fated mate or perform the necessary hand licking ritual until the 90% mark. The HEA is there, but is crammed into the last 10% during a quick wrap up of the story. Also, big spoiler… Ruugar had wanted to take a mate back home (simply because he liked her,clearly knowing she wasn’t his fated mate), but he couldn’t because she was already with someone else. Fated mates are supposed to special and that just didn’t come through in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
2.6 ⭐️
June 16, 2025
💚 “You're beautiful. Like the first sunrise after a long night. Like the stars reflecting on still water.”
~~~
Beth is so amazing! She’s kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. Raised in luxury, yet caged all the same, Beth’s life has been far from easy. And despite it all, I loved her fierceness, resilience, stubbornness, determination and eagerness to learn new things. Beth is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!
Ruugar is one of the cowboys (coworcs?) in Lonesome Creek. He’s one big, strong, hardworking, stoic and fiercely protective male. Even more, I loved how considerate, caring and sweet he is. And he’s so adorably awkward! Ruugar is one incredibly charming and utterly irresistible orc and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Beth and Ruugar! Ruugar first sees Beth when she visits Lonesome Creek to plan her upcoming wedding (a marriage she’s forced into by her father). And the moment he sees her, the huge orc knows she’s the one for him, but the beautiful human already belongs to another. Until… on her wedding day, Beth decides to take her life into her own hands and runs away from the reception right into Ruugar’s arms. And he comes with quite the unconventional solution to keep her safe. I absolutely adored Beth and Ruugar together! Their chemistry was fantastic right from the start but neither thought they were worthy of the other’s affection. I truly enjoyed every moment they spent in each other’s company - they were so sweet, supportive and understanding of one another. There was a little bit of drama, a little bit of humor, and - with a little bit of help from the others - a whole lot of unconventional wooing and romance. Ruugar and Beth were so, so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of either of them!
Overall, the story is another sweet, cozy, fun and absolutely wonderful addition to the series.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it!
~~~
Beth is so amazing! She’s kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. Raised in luxury, yet caged all the same, Beth’s life has been far from easy. And despite it all, I loved her fierceness, resilience, stubbornness, determination and eagerness to learn new things. Beth is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!
Ruugar is one of the cowboys (coworcs?) in Lonesome Creek. He’s one big, strong, hardworking, stoic and fiercely protective male. Even more, I loved how considerate, caring and sweet he is. And he’s so adorably awkward! Ruugar is one incredibly charming and utterly irresistible orc and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Beth and Ruugar! Ruugar first sees Beth when she visits Lonesome Creek to plan her upcoming wedding (a marriage she’s forced into by her father). And the moment he sees her, the huge orc knows she’s the one for him, but the beautiful human already belongs to another. Until… on her wedding day, Beth decides to take her life into her own hands and runs away from the reception right into Ruugar’s arms. And he comes with quite the unconventional solution to keep her safe. I absolutely adored Beth and Ruugar together! Their chemistry was fantastic right from the start but neither thought they were worthy of the other’s affection. I truly enjoyed every moment they spent in each other’s company - they were so sweet, supportive and understanding of one another. There was a little bit of drama, a little bit of humor, and - with a little bit of help from the others - a whole lot of unconventional wooing and romance. Ruugar and Beth were so, so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of either of them!
Overall, the story is another sweet, cozy, fun and absolutely wonderful addition to the series.
I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it!
June 20, 2025
I'm enjoying these stories of the Brides of Lonesome Creek and how they wrangle their mates. At a touch, the Orc knows their mate but they can't just start licking her palms.
This story tells us about Beth who's lived in a very controlled, cold environment and how she's basically sold to her dad's partner. With no skills, how will she survive, yet she runs.
Ruugar is one of the Orc brothers, hasn't been around humans very long and so much that is said or done by humans is so hard for him to comprehend at times.
Ava has created an amazing world full of danger, being controlled by a parent, new experiences and Beth just having a chance to breathe. I love the slow connection forming and knowledge being shared, romance and the humor.
A favorite part of Charlotte approaching a new experience. " "I've never been on a trail ride, or camping. Or ...Well, done anything that involved trying to survive on my own." And how awesome it would be to do this. I could learn."
This story tells us about Beth who's lived in a very controlled, cold environment and how she's basically sold to her dad's partner. With no skills, how will she survive, yet she runs.
Ruugar is one of the Orc brothers, hasn't been around humans very long and so much that is said or done by humans is so hard for him to comprehend at times.
Ava has created an amazing world full of danger, being controlled by a parent, new experiences and Beth just having a chance to breathe. I love the slow connection forming and knowledge being shared, romance and the humor.
A favorite part of Charlotte approaching a new experience. " "I've never been on a trail ride, or camping. Or ...Well, done anything that involved trying to survive on my own." And how awesome it would be to do this. I could learn."
June 19, 2025
awesome read
Ruugar is one of the many orc brothers who are running the new Wild West type venue of Lonesome Creek. He is the one in charge of the trail rides and he meets a woman named Beth when she is there with her fiancée and her father to set it up for their wedding. Ruugar realizes when they accidentally touch that she is his fated mate, and she feels something too. Her father pretty much sells her off to her fiancée and she makes a run for it. Ruugar saves and hides her and takes her on the first trail ride. The two couples, Carol & Pete, Mary & Joel are a riot and I fell in love with them too. Beth becomes Ben and assists Ruugar. The book is fun, funny, sweet, beautiful, romantic, steamy and heartwarming. Then there is of course, the part of the story where her once fiancée finds her, but I’ll let you read about that. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
Ruugar is one of the many orc brothers who are running the new Wild West type venue of Lonesome Creek. He is the one in charge of the trail rides and he meets a woman named Beth when she is there with her fiancée and her father to set it up for their wedding. Ruugar realizes when they accidentally touch that she is his fated mate, and she feels something too. Her father pretty much sells her off to her fiancée and she makes a run for it. Ruugar saves and hides her and takes her on the first trail ride. The two couples, Carol & Pete, Mary & Joel are a riot and I fell in love with them too. Beth becomes Ben and assists Ruugar. The book is fun, funny, sweet, beautiful, romantic, steamy and heartwarming. Then there is of course, the part of the story where her once fiancée finds her, but I’ll let you read about that. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
September 15, 2025
"I had six months to find a way out of a gilded prison."
Beth is a runaway bride in need of a plan.
Ruugar is all too aware why she is running, how can he convince her to stop running and stay with him?
This done in one kindle unlimited book brings together the joy of glamping and an out-of-doors adventure with two characters who fate has thrown together without warning or time to prepare. Beth is learning everything, how to ride, how to camp, how to prepare Orc meals. Ruugar wants to teach her everything, all while letting her retain the freedom she has carved out.
What makes this story sparkle are the two couples they hit the trail with, people who appreciate the challenges, and joys, of a loving relationship.
Beth is a runaway bride in need of a plan.
Ruugar is all too aware why she is running, how can he convince her to stop running and stay with him?
This done in one kindle unlimited book brings together the joy of glamping and an out-of-doors adventure with two characters who fate has thrown together without warning or time to prepare. Beth is learning everything, how to ride, how to camp, how to prepare Orc meals. Ruugar wants to teach her everything, all while letting her retain the freedom she has carved out.
What makes this story sparkle are the two couples they hit the trail with, people who appreciate the challenges, and joys, of a loving relationship.
June 7, 2025
These cowboy orcs are so deliciously akward! I love them! Ruugar is so sweet and so caring. And Beth! Beth is so brave. She is being forced into a marriage she doesn't want to a man she doesn't even like, so on her wedding day she runs. Ruugar finds her. I loved their journey to finding each other. They both felt unworthy of the others love. I loved this story so much. The Brides of Lonesome Creek Orcs is a little bit western, a little bit drama, a little bit humor, and a little bit romance...in other words they have everything needed to make a wonderful tale. Ava Ross is such a wonderful writer with a magic touch with her characters.
June 18, 2025
This was another fab read for the series and again, the author did such a wonderful job with the world building, characters and plot. Beth and Ruugar were fab together and their story unfolds perfectly as a western but also filled with orc culture. She's fleeing an arranged marriage to a guy she hates and he figures he'll never have love in his life. Their story started off with heartbreak and bleakness but soon enough, it switches gears to an engaging and entertaining romance. He was beyond swoon-worthy and she was brave to seek freedom from a miserable future. Loved them together! Expect a sweet and steamy reading ride that will have you fully hooked on the outcome ;D
June 20, 2025
This was a heartwarming and sweet story. It had cuteness for days, all the while you were just rooting for both Beth and Ruugar. The journey they had together had ups and downs, and honestly, I was talking Ruugar so many times, hoping he'd hear me through my e-book...lol. I absolutely fell in love with Ruugar, too; he was this big, gentle, considerate, orc who you could not help but love. Then there's Beth, who really tried hard to be independent, learn new things, and trust herself. The story had romance, was engaging, and had a dash of spice and action. Overall, it was a good read with good flow. And, I'm definitely interested in the next book in this series.
July 1, 2025
A sweet and cozy escape with a fantastic blend of romance, humor, and just the right amount of drama. I loved this heartwarming and fun story from start to finish. Even the side characters are charming and made me smile.
Beth is a likable FMC: kind, compassionate, resilient, and fiercely determined, always eager to learn and adapt. She really wanted to learn how to do things for herself to make her feel free after all the years her father has controlled her. Ruugar is swoon-worthy; strong and protective, yet incredibly considerate, sweet, and adorably awkward. His attempts at gifts melted my heart!
Beth is a likable FMC: kind, compassionate, resilient, and fiercely determined, always eager to learn and adapt. She really wanted to learn how to do things for herself to make her feel free after all the years her father has controlled her. Ruugar is swoon-worthy; strong and protective, yet incredibly considerate, sweet, and adorably awkward. His attempts at gifts melted my heart!
June 17, 2025
Another amazing read in this series. The intensity of this story is powerful and somewhat relatable for people. These wonderful Orcs though are in a class of their own. Yes they may be bumbling, stumbling, and awkward at times but their hearts are in the right place.
Their sweet words and compassion would make anyone swoon. When Beth and Ruugar's paths cross, again, fate intervenes.
Along for the ride, their journey takes them on one that they will never forget. A wonderful romantic story with some awesome characters and an amazing backdrop! 🔥💜💜🔥
Their sweet words and compassion would make anyone swoon. When Beth and Ruugar's paths cross, again, fate intervenes.
Along for the ride, their journey takes them on one that they will never forget. A wonderful romantic story with some awesome characters and an amazing backdrop! 🔥💜💜🔥
June 21, 2025
Love Rough Riding Orc Cowboy, part of the Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs series by Ava Ross. Beth escapes her abusive fiance just before the ceremony in Lonesome Creek and is hidden away by Ruugar, whose mating mark appeared when he touched her months before when she and her fiance were looking for a wedding venue. Ruugar disguises Beth as a young male accompanying him on a week long camping trip for two couples, hoping that her fiance will give up and leave. Sparks fly between the two resulting in their falling in love. Love the warm fuzzy vibes of this series.
June 23, 2025
Ava Ross can always be counted on for a solid Romantasy
Ava Ross can always be counted on for a solid Romantasy.
This book includes:
Runaway bride
Cinnamon roll MMC
Spicy/Steam: balanced placement, not inappropriately quantity, but if you have ever found yourself bothered by discussion of bodily functions, sexual arrousal, and/or consensual sexual intercourse, then this is probably not the book for you, most likely not the author for you.
Triggers:
Abusive family
Forced marriage
Kidnapping
Human trafficking
Ava Ross can always be counted on for a solid Romantasy.
This book includes:
Runaway bride
Cinnamon roll MMC
Spicy/Steam: balanced placement, not inappropriately quantity, but if you have ever found yourself bothered by discussion of bodily functions, sexual arrousal, and/or consensual sexual intercourse, then this is probably not the book for you, most likely not the author for you.
Triggers:
Abusive family
Forced marriage
Kidnapping
Human trafficking
June 7, 2025
What a wonderful combination of western and orc culture! This is book two in the Brides of the Lonesome Creek series. The characters are so loveable…Ruugar is a perfect combination of alpha male and sweetheart. Beth is delightful in her journey for freedom from an arranged marriage. I loved the creativity of the plot line. This is a perfect afternoon read with a cup of tea. Enjoy❤️
June 17, 2025
The story began with heartbreak for the MMC and a bleak future for the FMC. Thankfully, this was just the introduction. From there, the narrative took off, and their love story became filled with fun and laughter. He was a sweetheart, and I appreciated how the ending contrasted sharply with the beginning.
October 10, 2025
OMG….
In absolute love with this series… Beth/Ben were amazingly strong, it’s scary to be out on your own but she saw her chance and didn’t hesitate. Ruugar didn’t want to be a home wrecker so he stayed silent and was happy to love her from a far, if she was happy. So excited when they finally came together. And finally hearing about babies!!!! Please more babies
In absolute love with this series… Beth/Ben were amazingly strong, it’s scary to be out on your own but she saw her chance and didn’t hesitate. Ruugar didn’t want to be a home wrecker so he stayed silent and was happy to love her from a far, if she was happy. So excited when they finally came together. And finally hearing about babies!!!! Please more babies
June 8, 2025
Rough Riding Orc Cowboy by Ava Ross is the second book in the Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs series. It’s a sweet, steamy read with a HEA. The world building is wonderful, the characters are so sweet, and the story will melt your heart!
June 17, 2025
This read has alot of components and they come together in a wonderful story. An unwilling bride runs from her wedding but is caught by Ruugar, her fated mate. The storyline is so dang cute and Ruugar is such a sweetie and makes a perfect book boyfriend.
June 23, 2025
Excellent
I love this series. Each story has just the right amount of drama and the relationship builds even if they feel the instant connection that mates feel. This one was a runaway bride and a trail riding cowboy orc. Just so cute. I loved it!
I love this series. Each story has just the right amount of drama and the relationship builds even if they feel the instant connection that mates feel. This one was a runaway bride and a trail riding cowboy orc. Just so cute. I loved it!
June 28, 2025
Cute but way too much non-communication
It's reasonable to expect misunderstandings between two species who don't know the first thing about the other. But the back-and-forth with mutual pining was a bit overdone.
It's reasonable to expect misunderstandings between two species who don't know the first thing about the other. But the back-and-forth with mutual pining was a bit overdone.
June 30, 2025
Love it!
Ava Ross has continued to give us great stories of romance and adventure.
The orcs learning about our world while continuing to keep their world intact is a bonus to these stories.
Ava Ross has continued to give us great stories of romance and adventure.
The orcs learning about our world while continuing to keep their world intact is a bonus to these stories.
June 5, 2025
So sweet.. I love this adorable, protective orc cowboy. Swoony, fun, and lovable romance..
June 18, 2025
I absolutely loved Beth and Ruugars story she ran from a forced marriage straight into Ruugar who helps her hide if you want to know more definitely give this book a go guys
June 19, 2025
Good
Well written, good characters with her features how they thought she was hiding as a man I'll never know, but I'm glad they worked it out in the end
Well written, good characters with her features how they thought she was hiding as a man I'll never know, but I'm glad they worked it out in the end
June 30, 2025
Slow and steady
I enjoyed this cowboy romance. I do enjoy a woman coming into her own. These orc guys do not get courting at all.
I enjoyed this cowboy romance. I do enjoy a woman coming into her own. These orc guys do not get courting at all.
July 1, 2025
Wonderful
I loved the story of Beth and Ruugar, she was a wonderful run away bride and he was truly everything she needed
I loved the story of Beth and Ruugar, she was a wonderful run away bride and he was truly everything she needed
August 14, 2025
3.75 stars
I enjoyed the story as a whole. I just felt like it dragged in the middle. So much inner dialogue.
I enjoyed the story as a whole. I just felt like it dragged in the middle. So much inner dialogue.
September 2, 2025
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book📚 from this series. It was filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, romance and love❤. On to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book📚 from this series. It was filled with family, friendship, loyalty, drama, romance and love❤. On to the next book in the series.
October 8, 2025
Love this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews