What do you think?
Rate this book
Heat & Ink #2
Marked by the Wild Orc
I'm broke and need a job fast.
The best tattoo artist in the Pacific Northwest is hiring a manager for his tattoo shop.
So I don' t have any experience... A few lies on my resume can fix that.
Anyway, how hard can it be?
I get the job and quickly find out that running a tattoo shop is very hard.
Especially dealing with my new wild, brooding boss.
He's an orc.
An orc with a fiery temper.
He's not all bad though, with a deep love for his three black cats.
But for me? Not so much.
We fight on a daily basis (usually while I'm taking care of the cats).
But it's not long before this huge, hard-working orc with a purring cat snuggled in his hulking green arms instantly softens my attitude.
He starts grabbing all my attention.
Those tusks really do it for me, and I can't seem to take my eyes off them.
But it would never work.
He's much too old for me.
And way too grumpy.
He fires me (twice) claiming it’s too dangerous to keep me by his side because “orcs claim their brides in the dark of winter.”
Whatever that means.
I find out on the first snowfall when he marks me with his name in a place I'll leave to your imagination.
As the snow falls, so do I...
Deeper and deeper into the arms of this hot, wild orc.
Welcome to Heat & Ink where hot possessive tattoo artists leave their mark in more ways than one.
The Heat & Ink series mixes Contemporary, Sci Fi Romance, and Paranormal in three standalone stories by best-selling STEAMY authors, Hope Ford, Michele Mills, and Olivia T. Turner.
The best tattoo artist in the Pacific Northwest is hiring a manager for his tattoo shop.
So I don' t have any experience... A few lies on my resume can fix that.
Anyway, how hard can it be?
I get the job and quickly find out that running a tattoo shop is very hard.
Especially dealing with my new wild, brooding boss.
He's an orc.
An orc with a fiery temper.
He's not all bad though, with a deep love for his three black cats.
But for me? Not so much.
We fight on a daily basis (usually while I'm taking care of the cats).
But it's not long before this huge, hard-working orc with a purring cat snuggled in his hulking green arms instantly softens my attitude.
He starts grabbing all my attention.
Those tusks really do it for me, and I can't seem to take my eyes off them.
But it would never work.
He's much too old for me.
And way too grumpy.
He fires me (twice) claiming it’s too dangerous to keep me by his side because “orcs claim their brides in the dark of winter.”
Whatever that means.
I find out on the first snowfall when he marks me with his name in a place I'll leave to your imagination.
As the snow falls, so do I...
Deeper and deeper into the arms of this hot, wild orc.
Welcome to Heat & Ink where hot possessive tattoo artists leave their mark in more ways than one.
The Heat & Ink series mixes Contemporary, Sci Fi Romance, and Paranormal in three standalone stories by best-selling STEAMY authors, Hope Ford, Michele Mills, and Olivia T. Turner.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2025
About the author
Michele Mills
94 books900 followersMichele Mills lives in California and leads a life of quiet, G rated desperation with her husband and two sons. In an attempt at a fulfilling, R rated inner life that does not include Disney movies and Nickelodeon; Michele reads and writes filthy romance and, well...filthy romance. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
**Sign up for Michele Mills's newsletter and instantly receive Kroga's Bride for FREE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/re2d9uo4vg
**Sign up for Michele Mills's newsletter and instantly receive Kroga's Bride for FREE: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/re2d9uo4vg
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
z-dnf-2025
March 23, 2025DNF 6% the info dump we opened up to. My god. Cancer. Grandmother died. Drug overdose. Parents died. Medical debt. Food insecurity. Broke. On the verge of homelessness. On and on. Was all of this necessary to be able to hook up with a hot orc tattoo artist who happens to be your boss? I don’t think so.
March 24, 2025
Clunky but okay
The dialog felt a little clunky. There were parts that would have fit better somewhere else. For example, Krissy is explaining to a customer that her half-brother is, in fact, a half orc while she is full human. She goes into detail about the whole scenario. I find it a little odd that she would go in depth about her family dynamic with a random stranger. With a slight tweak, Michele Mills could have added this to the plot point where her and the MML have lunch together or at any point during the dialog with Oreg or Doril. There are other parts that could have been shifted, but this one is kind of glaring in my mind.
I would have liked to have more lunch date scenes. It would have provided a good foundation on where their relationship starts to bloom.
Another troubling addition was the mention of the "crazy" sister-in-law. There is one mention where Krissy is threatened with a knife. After that, she's brought up a couple of more times, but it's never explained why she acted the way she did.
The dialog felt a little clunky. There were parts that would have fit better somewhere else. For example, Krissy is explaining to a customer that her half-brother is, in fact, a half orc while she is full human. She goes into detail about the whole scenario. I find it a little odd that she would go in depth about her family dynamic with a random stranger. With a slight tweak, Michele Mills could have added this to the plot point where her and the MML have lunch together or at any point during the dialog with Oreg or Doril. There are other parts that could have been shifted, but this one is kind of glaring in my mind.
I would have liked to have more lunch date scenes. It would have provided a good foundation on where their relationship starts to bloom.
Another troubling addition was the mention of the "crazy" sister-in-law. There is one mention where Krissy is threatened with a knife. After that, she's brought up a couple of more times, but it's never explained why she acted the way she did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
2 stars for the storyline only
This was the LONGEST 45 page book I've ever read. Please invest in GOOD editors and proofreaders.
The writing style is really bad. And it's a 2025 book. There goes my wishlist of reading any of her other books :( I don't how this book ranked so high.
I blink. “None of them will want me as a mate, ever? I mean I’m not necessarily looking for an orc husband, but I’d like to think that I’m at least like to think that eventually, if I’d worked there for many years, at least one of them I run into might want…”
Is there no editing in 2025? Geezus that was a mess. The dialogue is definitely clunky and the writing amateurish. I had to look to see if she's a brand new author. She's not. Yikes
Krissy goes on and on about how it's a cash only tattoo place and I'm wondering where the author lives or if she's ever gotten a tattoo because I've never been to a place that wasn't cash only until my current artist got the square at her shop.
This was the LONGEST 45 page book I've ever read. Please invest in GOOD editors and proofreaders.
The writing style is really bad. And it's a 2025 book. There goes my wishlist of reading any of her other books :( I don't how this book ranked so high.
I blink. “None of them will want me as a mate, ever? I mean I’m not necessarily looking for an orc husband, but I’d like to think that I’m at least like to think that eventually, if I’d worked there for many years, at least one of them I run into might want…”
Is there no editing in 2025? Geezus that was a mess. The dialogue is definitely clunky and the writing amateurish. I had to look to see if she's a brand new author. She's not. Yikes
Krissy goes on and on about how it's a cash only tattoo place and I'm wondering where the author lives or if she's ever gotten a tattoo because I've never been to a place that wasn't cash only until my current artist got the square at her shop.
June 4, 2025
slow start and not much spice…BUT!
So this story has a slow start and not much spice but I absolutely love Talon and her brother. They are my favorite part of the book. The author did a great job with making me love the characters in such a short time. Bravo 👏
So this story has a slow start and not much spice but I absolutely love Talon and her brother. They are my favorite part of the book. The author did a great job with making me love the characters in such a short time. Bravo 👏
March 18, 2025
Intriguing collection
Talon & Krissy’s this was a great addition to the collection. I really enjoyed reading their story. I’m glad they figured it out their feelings for one another.
Talon & Krissy’s this was a great addition to the collection. I really enjoyed reading their story. I’m glad they figured it out their feelings for one another.
May 20, 2026
2.5 Stars
October 16, 2025
This book was pretty good. Developed background relationships, problems that fit, and a spicy relationship between the two MCs. However, the issues between Mia and Krissy were not properly described or solved. I mean, Mia threatened Krissy with a KNIFE! Krissy's fear of Mia's anger led her to not ask for help when she desperately needed it. That's not okay.
August 9, 2026
Marked by the Wild Orc — Michele Mills
★★★★☆ 4 Stars
🌶️ 1.5 Chili Peppers
Audiobook Narrators: Patrick Zeller & Rachel LeBlang
Listen Time: About 2.5 hours
This was such a fun, quick monster romance! Marked by the Wild Orc gave me exactly what I wanted from a shorter read sweet, spicy, entertaining, and surprisingly well-paced.
Chrissy is basically starting her life over after losing her grandmother, whom she lived with and cared for. Down on her luck and needing a job, she ends up working the front desk at a tattoo shop owned by Talon a very grumpy orc tattoo artist who isn’t exactly thrilled about having her around. Honestly, Talon isn’t a huge fan of humans in general.
And of course, we get that delicious grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Talon may start out prickly and determined to keep Chrissy at a distance, but watching her slowly peel back his layers was one of my favorite parts of the story. Underneath all that grumpiness is a surprisingly sweet orc, and I loved watching their relationship develop.
What impressed me most was the pacing. This is a short audiobook I finished it in about two and a half hours but their relationship never felt rushed. The romance had enough time to develop naturally, the story kept moving, and I never felt like we were racing toward the ending just because it was a shorter book.
Patrick Zeller and Rachel LeBlang were also so good on the narration. They made an already fun story even more enjoyable to listen to.
Overall, this was a sweet, spicy little orc romance with a grumpy tattoo artist, a sunshine heroine rebuilding her life, and a romance that was just plain fun. Definitely an easy, entertaining audiobook when you’re in the mood for a quick monster romance.
Tropes/Vibes: Grumpy × Sunshine • Orc Romance • Monster Romance • Tattoo Artist MMC • Workplace Romance • Age Gap • Forced Proximity • Quick & Spicy Read
★★★★☆ 4 Stars
🌶️ 1.5 Chili Peppers
Audiobook Narrators: Patrick Zeller & Rachel LeBlang
Listen Time: About 2.5 hours
This was such a fun, quick monster romance! Marked by the Wild Orc gave me exactly what I wanted from a shorter read sweet, spicy, entertaining, and surprisingly well-paced.
Chrissy is basically starting her life over after losing her grandmother, whom she lived with and cared for. Down on her luck and needing a job, she ends up working the front desk at a tattoo shop owned by Talon a very grumpy orc tattoo artist who isn’t exactly thrilled about having her around. Honestly, Talon isn’t a huge fan of humans in general.
And of course, we get that delicious grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Talon may start out prickly and determined to keep Chrissy at a distance, but watching her slowly peel back his layers was one of my favorite parts of the story. Underneath all that grumpiness is a surprisingly sweet orc, and I loved watching their relationship develop.
What impressed me most was the pacing. This is a short audiobook I finished it in about two and a half hours but their relationship never felt rushed. The romance had enough time to develop naturally, the story kept moving, and I never felt like we were racing toward the ending just because it was a shorter book.
Patrick Zeller and Rachel LeBlang were also so good on the narration. They made an already fun story even more enjoyable to listen to.
Overall, this was a sweet, spicy little orc romance with a grumpy tattoo artist, a sunshine heroine rebuilding her life, and a romance that was just plain fun. Definitely an easy, entertaining audiobook when you’re in the mood for a quick monster romance.
Tropes/Vibes: Grumpy × Sunshine • Orc Romance • Monster Romance • Tattoo Artist MMC • Workplace Romance • Age Gap • Forced Proximity • Quick & Spicy Read
March 24, 2025
Krissy and Talon . . .
Krissy’s much loved grandmother dies, everyone assuming her condo would be inherited by Krissy, but with the huge medical bills and an old lien they forgot about, any funds her grandmother had left went to the creditors. Her Orc half-brother Kavan Irontree invites her to stay with him until she can get back on her feet again. But his crazy girlfriend who consistently threatens her with a knife at each encounter, even though she eventually says it’s only a joke, scares her. She instead chooses to move to the same town but gets her own apartment, which took all the rest of her money. With only $4.00 left, she needs a job within walking distance immediately.
Kavan sends her to his friend Talon Overtree’s tattoo shop, Heat & Ink, to apply for a job. It happens to be located in a strip mall right across the street from her apartment. Talon needs someone to work in the front of the shop to greet customers, accept payments and clean up around there. Kavan assures her that no one will hassle her because Orcs don’t date; they only mate with the female their body recognizes as being physically able to carry their child. At first Talon is reluctant to hire her because he can feel an attraction to her and Orcs claim their mates as Winter comes on. But he finally relents and gives her a job. The brooding Orc seems to argue with her most of the time, but his three guard cats love her on sight. Will she be ready to accept his claim and allow him to mark her if she stays around until the first snowfall? Or will she start looking for another job before it’s too late to resist?
Krissy’s much loved grandmother dies, everyone assuming her condo would be inherited by Krissy, but with the huge medical bills and an old lien they forgot about, any funds her grandmother had left went to the creditors. Her Orc half-brother Kavan Irontree invites her to stay with him until she can get back on her feet again. But his crazy girlfriend who consistently threatens her with a knife at each encounter, even though she eventually says it’s only a joke, scares her. She instead chooses to move to the same town but gets her own apartment, which took all the rest of her money. With only $4.00 left, she needs a job within walking distance immediately.
Kavan sends her to his friend Talon Overtree’s tattoo shop, Heat & Ink, to apply for a job. It happens to be located in a strip mall right across the street from her apartment. Talon needs someone to work in the front of the shop to greet customers, accept payments and clean up around there. Kavan assures her that no one will hassle her because Orcs don’t date; they only mate with the female their body recognizes as being physically able to carry their child. At first Talon is reluctant to hire her because he can feel an attraction to her and Orcs claim their mates as Winter comes on. But he finally relents and gives her a job. The brooding Orc seems to argue with her most of the time, but his three guard cats love her on sight. Will she be ready to accept his claim and allow him to mark her if she stays around until the first snowfall? Or will she start looking for another job before it’s too late to resist?
April 4, 2025
“What is this?” I thunder.
She looks up with surprise, still petting the cat.
“You have met my cats? And survived?”
'All three of my cats like her? I try to call them over, but they ignore me, except for Shadow. “This has never happened before. My cats don't like anyone except for me,” I explain. “They are trained guard cats. They don’t even like the two other males who work here.”
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a fun read. I loved both Krissy and Talon. Krissy's had it hard- addict parents who both overdosed and died, just lost her grandmother who raised her to cancer, and lost the home she thought she'd have when it was taken for medical debts. Leaving her broke and homeless. I loved that she had Kavin, her half-orc brother, and that they were close and he wanted to help her.
Getting offered a job right at that moment is the saving grace she needs. And since she can't become pregnant, she is safe from any orcs wanting to claim her. I thought that would make a very interesting plot point and was looking forward to seeing how things work out for them. Talon was very grumpy and wouldn't restrain his orc speak just for a human. I liked their interactions and Krissy was strong-minded and determined.
I loved Talon's three guard cats, Shadow, Ink, and Cole (guard cats?! I've never read such a thing but I LOVED it). Loved how they warmed up to her enough that they ignored him a bit and completely shocked him since they don't like anyone but Talon.
This was such a fun romance. 5 stars.
She looks up with surprise, still petting the cat.
“You have met my cats? And survived?”
'All three of my cats like her? I try to call them over, but they ignore me, except for Shadow. “This has never happened before. My cats don't like anyone except for me,” I explain. “They are trained guard cats. They don’t even like the two other males who work here.”
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a fun read. I loved both Krissy and Talon. Krissy's had it hard- addict parents who both overdosed and died, just lost her grandmother who raised her to cancer, and lost the home she thought she'd have when it was taken for medical debts. Leaving her broke and homeless. I loved that she had Kavin, her half-orc brother, and that they were close and he wanted to help her.
Getting offered a job right at that moment is the saving grace she needs. And since she can't become pregnant, she is safe from any orcs wanting to claim her. I thought that would make a very interesting plot point and was looking forward to seeing how things work out for them. Talon was very grumpy and wouldn't restrain his orc speak just for a human. I liked their interactions and Krissy was strong-minded and determined.
I loved Talon's three guard cats, Shadow, Ink, and Cole (guard cats?! I've never read such a thing but I LOVED it). Loved how they warmed up to her enough that they ignored him a bit and completely shocked him since they don't like anyone but Talon.
This was such a fun romance. 5 stars.
March 24, 2025
Krissy is needing a new place to live, her grandmother whom she was living with to care tor her passes. Dhe fibd out she has an Orc brother and wants her to move close to him. But she doesnt want to impose on her new found brother and partner Mia. So she got an apartment with the little kiney she does have. But she still needs a job, her brother suggest she go to his best friend tattoo shop Heat & ink. That the receptionist position would be great for her. There she meets the grumpy Talon and his 3 guard cats. Which i imagined them to be those mancoon cats they look like a smaller version on bobcats. Is there instant attraction? Maybe with a slight denial on Talons part. He smells she is not able to have children so he is sure Krissy cant be his mate. But oh as they work together hos possesiveness shows and Krissy one doesnt know what to do about it. But she adores the cats immediately. Which they dont like anyone. Signs?? Anyways, i liked reading this Orc’s romance from Mrs Mills.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2025
Marked by the Wild Orc is a saucy bit of fun that has MFC Krissy who is down to a small pittance in her bank account in need of a job pronto.
Moving in with her half orc brother Kavin and his girlfriend wasn’t an option when offered but with what little money she had stashed away she could move into a small studio apartment near him, and survive on peanut butter sandwiches and noodles at least until her first paycheck.
When Kavin recommends her to Orc MMC Talon Overtree owner of a tattoo shop, Heat & Ink who is looking for some upfront help, she jumps at the chance, and the shop is close enough to walk to so no money needed for gas.
I enjoyed this nicely written story of a down on her luck girl and the grumpy Orc who find love in between a little drama, three cute guard kitties, humor, Orc traditions, and spice.
HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Moving in with her half orc brother Kavin and his girlfriend wasn’t an option when offered but with what little money she had stashed away she could move into a small studio apartment near him, and survive on peanut butter sandwiches and noodles at least until her first paycheck.
When Kavin recommends her to Orc MMC Talon Overtree owner of a tattoo shop, Heat & Ink who is looking for some upfront help, she jumps at the chance, and the shop is close enough to walk to so no money needed for gas.
I enjoyed this nicely written story of a down on her luck girl and the grumpy Orc who find love in between a little drama, three cute guard kitties, humor, Orc traditions, and spice.
HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2025
Krissy’s (h) life is a mess. She’s lost her grandmother, her home, and most of her savings. A fresh start in Spokane means crashing into a new job at a gritty orc-owned tattoo shop—where her new boss, Talon (H), wants nothing to do with her… or so he claims. But the moment Krissy steps into Heat & Ink, everything begins to change. The shop’s guard cats adore her, the customers warm to her, and Talon... starts to lose his grip. Talon can smell Krissy’s attraction to him. Orc biology doesn’t lie. And as winter sets in, the season where orcs traditionally claim their mates, everything spirals. What starts as a tense boss-employee dynamic turns into a full-blown emotional battle—between instinct and control, fear and desire, friendship and something much deeper. A spicy, forbidden, age gap, emotional, grumpy sunshine, workplace, orc romance, exploring chosen family, healing, identity, and learning to trust the love you didn’t see coming.
March 19, 2025
I love orc stories and this one is no exception. Both Talon and Krissy are likable. I love Talon's grumpy or grouchy attitude. And Krissy is caring . She is a hard worker and gets along well with the other orcs at the tattoo shop.
Her orc brother (yes, it is explained in the story how she has an orc brother) is very protective of her and her feelings.
I liked the story line and the world building is good.
I loved the three "guard" cats who fell in love with Krissy the moment they were introduced. Of course this astonishes everyone but her.
Short and sweet with a perfect HEA . Steam to the eventual romance.
The author has a different writing style that I like. It more portrays what/how an orc would converse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her orc brother (yes, it is explained in the story how she has an orc brother) is very protective of her and her feelings.
I liked the story line and the world building is good.
I loved the three "guard" cats who fell in love with Krissy the moment they were introduced. Of course this astonishes everyone but her.
Short and sweet with a perfect HEA . Steam to the eventual romance.
The author has a different writing style that I like. It more portrays what/how an orc would converse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2025
Marked by the Wild Orc by Michelle Mills is part of the Heat & Ink series, featuring hot orcs and their human mates. Kristy moves to Spokane after her grandmother dies, living near her Orc half brother, Kavan. He fixes her up with the job of receptionist at an orc run tattoo parlor run by his best friend Talon. Kristy has been told by doctors that she will never have children so all believe she’s safe from being mated to an orc, but that’s not what happens. She likes Talon and he likes her, so nature eventually takes its course! Love these characters and the three black cats 🐈⬛ who only like the two lovers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
Tolerable
Yet confusing,because there was LITERALLY no reason for the. To not get together. She like him,he like her,he KNEW she liked him yet they just...... don't? Absolutely no reason for not getting together other than they just didn't,and moaned about their attraction to each other. So strange,and frankly,just stupid. It made no sense whatsoever. And what was the deal with Mia? Was she indeed crazy,or was she nice? I don't think she would have been with Kavin if she wasn't a decent person,yet she really didn't seem to be a nice person. Spice wasn't spicy. A nice sprinkling of humor though. Overall,not the best work I've ever read by the author. Just an average read. Star added for two decent epilogues providing a glimpse into the future
Yet confusing,because there was LITERALLY no reason for the. To not get together. She like him,he like her,he KNEW she liked him yet they just...... don't? Absolutely no reason for not getting together other than they just didn't,and moaned about their attraction to each other. So strange,and frankly,just stupid. It made no sense whatsoever. And what was the deal with Mia? Was she indeed crazy,or was she nice? I don't think she would have been with Kavin if she wasn't a decent person,yet she really didn't seem to be a nice person. Spice wasn't spicy. A nice sprinkling of humor though. Overall,not the best work I've ever read by the author. Just an average read. Star added for two decent epilogues providing a glimpse into the future
March 26, 2025
Marked by the Wild Orc is a steamy and sweet intraspecies romance. Orc tattoo artist Talon is growly and grouchy and totally turned on my human Krissy. Normally direct and to the point, it’s absolutely hilarious and also awkward how he stumbles and fumbles spectacularly when it comes to interacting with her. For her part, Krissy is brilliant and brave, and ferociously attracted to Talon while also confused because she thinks he’d never want her. Her inner monologue is so beautifully vulnerable and perfect. These two have outstanding chemistry and the way they dance around each other is highly entertaining. I loved this dual perspective novella!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2025
Great story!
Krissy, never saw this future for herself. Thinking she would live a life all alone. With occasional visits with her Orc half brother. She just wished that someday, she would maybe find a single father, that needed a Mother for his kids.When what she really dreamed was having her own babies. Carrying them herself, but the doctors told her that would never happen. Getting the job, and being around 3 cats, was a gift she didn't expected. Falling in love with her grumpy Orc boss was hurting her heart, since she thought he could never respond, because she couldn't get pregnant. Ms. Mills, wrote the perfect solution for them, and I was delighted by the HEA ending she gave them! I really recommend anything she writes!
Krissy, never saw this future for herself. Thinking she would live a life all alone. With occasional visits with her Orc half brother. She just wished that someday, she would maybe find a single father, that needed a Mother for his kids.When what she really dreamed was having her own babies. Carrying them herself, but the doctors told her that would never happen. Getting the job, and being around 3 cats, was a gift she didn't expected. Falling in love with her grumpy Orc boss was hurting her heart, since she thought he could never respond, because she couldn't get pregnant. Ms. Mills, wrote the perfect solution for them, and I was delighted by the HEA ending she gave them! I really recommend anything she writes!
August 19, 2025
This was okay, but I think I would have liked it better if the blurb hadn’t covered basically every major plot point while also being somewhat misleading about the circumstances in which some of those plot points take place.
The blurb also does not mention that FMC Krissy is infertile and this is supposed to mean no orc will ever be attracted to her because in this universe they only form mate bonds with a woman capable of bearing children for them. This is an interesting setup because Talon is interested in Krissy despite knowing this, and so you think, maybe orcs are capable of changing or true love is more important than fertility or something like that. Nope, his magic orc powers just “heal” her by proximity so she can get pregnant now. I don’t really love that as a resolution.
The blurb also does not mention that FMC Krissy is infertile and this is supposed to mean no orc will ever be attracted to her because in this universe they only form mate bonds with a woman capable of bearing children for them. This is an interesting setup because Talon is interested in Krissy despite knowing this, and so you think, maybe orcs are capable of changing or true love is more important than fertility or something like that. Nope, his magic orc powers just “heal” her by proximity so she can get pregnant now. I don’t really love that as a resolution.
March 18, 2025
Krissy is starting over in a new place and with support from her Orc Brother. Altho she keeps her distance as his wife was not so nice. Her Brother helps her get a job at the tattoo shop that is run by his best friend Talon. The chemistry between Talon and Krissy is such a joy to read and you can't help but love Talon's cats as well. The story is very well-written and I have become a big fan of Michele's writing everything is such a joy to read with chemistry, humour and non stop action. Get ready when you first start the book that you have time to finish as you won't want to be interrupted. I highly recommend!!!
March 21, 2025
This was a fun and fast paced read that brought Talon and Krissy together. There were so many things I liked about this book. Biggest was the idea of an orc and a human being full siblings. So cool! Also, guard cats. Loved this ;D The idea that orcs only come as males and have to have a human wife to produce more sons, was interesting. When you put all of this together, with hot chemistry, you know you've got a page turner in your hands. Lol! I really liked Talon and Krissy together and that the author gave us a sweet epilogue rounded out their romance beautifully. I can't wait to dive into the next book for this exciting multi-author series :D
March 24, 2025
Krissy is broke, her grandmother died and she is about to lose the only home she has known. She has just found out she has a half brother who is an Orc. She decides to move near him but his girl scares her, so she will not live with them. He tells her his best friend is looking for someone at his tattoo shop, Heat & Ink
Even though she finds her boss attractive, she knows he will never want her for his as she cannot have children. Talon realizes that something may be different about her as his desire for her is spiraling out of control. This is a steamy read, that engrossed me in the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even though she finds her boss attractive, she knows he will never want her for his as she cannot have children. Talon realizes that something may be different about her as his desire for her is spiraling out of control. This is a steamy read, that engrossed me in the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2025
Krissy's Orc brother finds her a job at the local Orc tattoo parlor. Her Orc brother, Kavan, warns his friend Talon to not hurt her. Talon has three cats who immediately purr and love Krissy which has never happened before. Krissy finds Talon very attractive but feels it's a lost cause as she can't get pregnant and Kavan told her that Orcs can smell that their mate can get pregnant. In the end, it doesn't stop her or Talon, especially after Krissy finds out she can indeed become pregnant through Talon's healing property of Orcs. This is a short but sweet unexpected romance which ends happily for all.
August 20, 2025
Cute Orc love story. If you’re a fan of this author you will love this sweet addition to the Heat & Ink series.
Personally, I’ve read a few books by this author now and while they are definitely cute, there’s just not enough spice for me. Also, I find the writing style slightly torturous because it’s too simplistic and repetitive. While it’s a good fast read that’s basically a palate cleanse and doesn’t require much thought, I need a bit more. I rank Hope Ford in this category too, but I am a big fan of OTT and her over-the-top possessive alphas plus she adds a bit more spice than the other authors in the series.
Personally, I’ve read a few books by this author now and while they are definitely cute, there’s just not enough spice for me. Also, I find the writing style slightly torturous because it’s too simplistic and repetitive. While it’s a good fast read that’s basically a palate cleanse and doesn’t require much thought, I need a bit more. I rank Hope Ford in this category too, but I am a big fan of OTT and her over-the-top possessive alphas plus she adds a bit more spice than the other authors in the series.
March 18, 2025
This book is part of a series called Heat & Ink with authors Hope Ford and Olivia T Turner. All books in series are stand alones. Krissy is a human down on her luck when her half brother ( who is an Orc) hires her for his best friend's Talon's tattoo shop. Tension is in the air between Talon and Krissy as Talon tries to fight his increasing attraction to Krissy. Loved the three guard cats in the story. Entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
Let me start by saying, I read WAY past my bedtime. I couldn't stop. Up until after 3 a.m. when I had to get up at 6!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Krissy desperately needs a job.
Talon has recently purchased a Heat & Ink tattoo parlor.
Tropes:
Orc, paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi, boss/assistant, age-gap, fated mates, brother's best friend, quick read, small town, HEA romance!.
A huge thank you to Michele Mills and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Krissy desperately needs a job.
Talon has recently purchased a Heat & Ink tattoo parlor.
Tropes:
Orc, paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi, boss/assistant, age-gap, fated mates, brother's best friend, quick read, small town, HEA romance!.
A huge thank you to Michele Mills and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
Marked by the Wild Orc by Michele Mills was SUCH FUN! Krissy and Talon and the felines were so fun to get to know and fall head over heels in love with!
This was a fun, speedy read with chemistry, banter, cat trees all over the place, and two individuals that can't fight their attraction any longer, and fun times in a tattoo shop!
Krissy is feisty and a sweetheart, and Talon is a grumpy curmudgeon with a soft and gooey center for his female, no matter how hard he fights it, and for his felines.
This was a fun, speedy read with chemistry, banter, cat trees all over the place, and two individuals that can't fight their attraction any longer, and fun times in a tattoo shop!
Krissy is feisty and a sweetheart, and Talon is a grumpy curmudgeon with a soft and gooey center for his female, no matter how hard he fights it, and for his felines.
March 26, 2025
Talon & Krissy
Talon is an older orc that owns a tattoo shop. He hires his best friends sister, a human, to work the front desk and to care for his three cats.
I really got a kick out of Talon calling his three cats guard cats. Also when the other two orc's working for him were scared of the cats.
This story brought me laughter and tears. I got really caught up in this story and recommend this to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Talon is an older orc that owns a tattoo shop. He hires his best friends sister, a human, to work the front desk and to care for his three cats.
I really got a kick out of Talon calling his three cats guard cats. Also when the other two orc's working for him were scared of the cats.
This story brought me laughter and tears. I got really caught up in this story and recommend this to all romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
Krissy needs a job and needs one fast. She took care of her grandmother until she recently passed. Alone she moves to be closer to her half brother who is an Orc.
Talon owns an Orc tattoo shop and needs help. His best friend talks him into hiring his sister, Krissy.
Krissy is afraid of being kidnapped by an Orc until her brother explains why they would not be interested in her.
Krissy finds herself attracted to Talon but knows they can never have a relationship.
This was such a cute read, right in time for spooky season. I love how Krissy handles the grumpy Orc.
Talon owns an Orc tattoo shop and needs help. His best friend talks him into hiring his sister, Krissy.
Krissy is afraid of being kidnapped by an Orc until her brother explains why they would not be interested in her.
Krissy finds herself attracted to Talon but knows they can never have a relationship.
This was such a cute read, right in time for spooky season. I love how Krissy handles the grumpy Orc.
March 18, 2025
I love orc Genre, and although the author is pretty new to this, her telling of the lives and loves of these green 'monsters' is so fun.
The grumpy boss and he new worker, is such a fun storyline, added to that is the 'dark of winter' issue of orcs claiming brides, and the storyline goes from here.
Such great fun to read with a HEA that's so sweet!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The grumpy boss and he new worker, is such a fun storyline, added to that is the 'dark of winter' issue of orcs claiming brides, and the storyline goes from here.
Such great fun to read with a HEA that's so sweet!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews