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The Orc's Rage
This is a dark romance and contains content that may be triggering. Please read the content warnings on the author's website.
Cedar is not just a peasant, but a peasant’s servant, sold by her parents in exchange for a cow. When orcs arrive in her village, she is not heartbroken to see them murder her vicious master. But when she’s caught fleeing, the leader of the orcs, a foul and scarred beast, decides to take her as his own.
Lord Kargorr’s only mission is to destroy humankind. Since the ice melted and the grrosek returned to this plane, he is intent on reclaiming his kin’s land. Taking a human concubine is the beginning of his plan to sow an army of half-orcs—but he doesn’t expect how much this one human would challenge him. Soon, she might become more than just a concubine.
But will Cedar ever truly submit, even when she’s carrying his orcling? Or will Lord Kargorr be the one to bow down when he realizes who she truly is to him?
This is a monster romance that features a kidnapped, captive human heroine, a villainous orc hero who wants to destroy humankind, and their complicated, wickedly steamy love story. You can expect domination, a stubborn heroine, pregnancy, breeding, and bloody declarations of love. Guaranteed HEA.
Cedar is not just a peasant, but a peasant’s servant, sold by her parents in exchange for a cow. When orcs arrive in her village, she is not heartbroken to see them murder her vicious master. But when she’s caught fleeing, the leader of the orcs, a foul and scarred beast, decides to take her as his own.
Lord Kargorr’s only mission is to destroy humankind. Since the ice melted and the grrosek returned to this plane, he is intent on reclaiming his kin’s land. Taking a human concubine is the beginning of his plan to sow an army of half-orcs—but he doesn’t expect how much this one human would challenge him. Soon, she might become more than just a concubine.
But will Cedar ever truly submit, even when she’s carrying his orcling? Or will Lord Kargorr be the one to bow down when he realizes who she truly is to him?
This is a monster romance that features a kidnapped, captive human heroine, a villainous orc hero who wants to destroy humankind, and their complicated, wickedly steamy love story. You can expect domination, a stubborn heroine, pregnancy, breeding, and bloody declarations of love. Guaranteed HEA.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
137 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Lyonne Riley
37 books907 followersLyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 20, 2025
So I'm really torn on this tbh. I LOVE most of the author's other books but this one was a bit of a miss for me. (thoughts below)
PLOT:
Cedar is a peasant servant who is captured by an orc leader when she tries to escape the razing of her village. Taken to a strange camp and mated she struggles with her feelings and trying to carve a place for herself in a new society.
THOUGHTS:
- First off, the length! I love long books but this really dragged in some spots if I'm being honest. Most of the middle of the book is misunderstandings and kind of repetitive sex scenes. I LOVE smut and while some of it was good, it felt like too much and got stale fast for me.
- The POV shifts kind of threw me off. I thought that since their chapters have their names we would get to see more of their thoughts and feelings but it's all 3rd person which I didn't connect as well with.
- the world was really interesting! ice age style orcs and mammoths and saber tooth tigers coming in contact with a medieval human population was such a cool idea.
- I originally liked Cedar as a character but I didn't see the romance aspect on her end at all and I thought it was kind of weird that she was totally cool with her captor murdering every human he came across unless they were breedable. Like I get how she wasn't into her village because they never stood up for her, but like just random people and children and she couldn't care less?? also, that whole weird (almost) superiority complex they both had about other humans? She never tried to connect with or advocate for her other humans and he just goes on about how she's so strong because she didn't cry when he kidnapped her. meh.
- Kargorr annoyed me tbh . I get it, he's a brutish orc but he basically always treats her like cattle and a concubine, I was here for romance but he literally thinks about her like a beast or animal he can train and manipulate. OH and at the end, she has to basically assert herself and ask him to think of her as his partner? nah. It also drove me up the wall that he wouldn't publicly claim her until another man threatened his claim, then he did so.
- a cliffhanger.... WHYYYY . I wanted to know how the birth goes, more actual bonding aside from sex and if she ever gets accepted by the horde. also why is everyone so racist / hates her, she literally did nothing to anymore lol
PLOT:
Cedar is a peasant servant who is captured by an orc leader when she tries to escape the razing of her village. Taken to a strange camp and mated she struggles with her feelings and trying to carve a place for herself in a new society.
THOUGHTS:
- First off, the length! I love long books but this really dragged in some spots if I'm being honest. Most of the middle of the book is misunderstandings and kind of repetitive sex scenes. I LOVE smut and while some of it was good, it felt like too much and got stale fast for me.
- The POV shifts kind of threw me off. I thought that since their chapters have their names we would get to see more of their thoughts and feelings but it's all 3rd person which I didn't connect as well with.
- the world was really interesting! ice age style orcs and mammoths and saber tooth tigers coming in contact with a medieval human population was such a cool idea.
- I originally liked Cedar as a character but I didn't see the romance aspect on her end at all and I thought it was kind of weird that she was totally cool with her captor murdering every human he came across unless they were breedable. Like I get how she wasn't into her village because they never stood up for her, but like just random people and children and she couldn't care less?? also, that whole weird (almost) superiority complex they both had about other humans? She never tried to connect with or advocate for her other humans and he just goes on about how she's so strong because she didn't cry when he kidnapped her. meh.
- Kargorr annoyed me tbh . I get it, he's a brutish orc but he basically always treats her like cattle and a concubine, I was here for romance but he literally thinks about her like a beast or animal he can train and manipulate. OH and at the end, she has to basically assert herself and ask him to think of her as his partner? nah. It also drove me up the wall that he wouldn't publicly claim her until another man threatened his claim, then he did so.
- a cliffhanger.... WHYYYY . I wanted to know how the birth goes, more actual bonding aside from sex and if she ever gets accepted by the horde. also why is everyone so racist / hates her, she literally did nothing to anymore lol
dnf
December 22, 2025I got to 72% but I just couldn’t push past the knowledge that the MMC was genocidal to the point of executing children. Especially when he got all up in a huff when he realized what shit parents Cedar had, and how orc children were treated with love and some shit. Like bro, you’re out there killing them in droves. Don’t pretend you give a shit.
April 9, 2025
Admittedly I was a little worried about the dark romance aspect since I'm Fluffy cozy girl now but I should of never doubted Lyonne Riley because she has never steered me wrong.
Cedar and Kargorr takes you on such a ride, their story had me captivated the whole time. If I wasn't reading about them I was thinking about them.
I loved how strong Cedar was, and how determined.
I also loved watching Kargorr change and succeed with his plans.
Cedar and Kargorr takes you on such a ride, their story had me captivated the whole time. If I wasn't reading about them I was thinking about them.
I loved how strong Cedar was, and how determined.
I also loved watching Kargorr change and succeed with his plans.
z-dnf-2025
May 4, 2025DNF 19% will almost definitely pick this back up when I’m in the mood for a dark, steamy, orc romance. Also, so far, not that dark, which I appreciate.
August 16, 2025
4 stars✨
Oooo this was so good! Dark and juicy😮💨
I really liked Cedar as a fmc! I think she’s definitely more on the smarter side of fmcs in dark romance. She wasn’t annoyingly stupid or always having to do some shit.
Oooo this was so good! Dark and juicy😮💨
I really liked Cedar as a fmc! I think she’s definitely more on the smarter side of fmcs in dark romance. She wasn’t annoyingly stupid or always having to do some shit.
April 21, 2025
Genre: Adult Dark PNR
Spice: 4.5/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
CWs/TWs: non-con, dub-con, war and war related gore, pregnancy
The Catalog: FM, human x orc, captor & captive, morally black MMC, “you’re just my concubine,” slow burn feelings, forced proximity, only one bed, idiots in love, breeding (resulting in pregnancy), and more
My Blurb: Sold as a young girl by her own family for a cow, Cedar isn’t even surprised when she’s taken as a war prize by an Orc warrior. After all, her life has been nothing but trading one master for another. She may not understand Orcs, or their culture, but she does understand that although she’s a concubine, she’s never been treated better. As for Lord Kargorr, he took the human for one purpose: breeding half-orc warriors of his own. He wasn’t supposed to have feelings for the firecracker warming his bed, in fact, he had planned on finding more human women. But there’s something about Cedar that calls to every instinct he possesses.
Thoughts:
Admittedly, I almost didn’t read this based on the CWs. Depending on how non-con is written, I sometimes have to avoid it, so I was uncertain. However, a trusted friend read it first and was able to describe the context so that I could make an informed decision. Please check the CWs for yourself so that you can make the right decision for you.
Now, on to the story itself.
This book is prime monster smut, y’all. Yes, there is a plot in all of the breeding, and I actually enjoyed the orcish war and politics. Kargorr is a really interesting character and this book is the perfect example of how monster romance can explore characters that would never work in human romance, simply because the character is NOT human. Kargorr is not a great male—in fact, for humans, he is a terrible villain. Even for the FMC, he can be the villain. But he can also be a really doting and caring orc for Cedar.
A large portion of the book was dedicated to the relationship, and eventual romance, between the main characters, and their plethora of sex. I ain’t complaining. It was actually so well done and I enjoyed their slow burn love a lot.
The only reason that I didn’t give this 5⭐️ is because I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and would have loved an epilogue or at least a little bit more of a conclusion on some of the things in their relationship.
Spice: 4.5/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
CWs/TWs: non-con, dub-con, war and war related gore, pregnancy
The Catalog: FM, human x orc, captor & captive, morally black MMC, “you’re just my concubine,” slow burn feelings, forced proximity, only one bed, idiots in love, breeding (resulting in pregnancy), and more
My Blurb: Sold as a young girl by her own family for a cow, Cedar isn’t even surprised when she’s taken as a war prize by an Orc warrior. After all, her life has been nothing but trading one master for another. She may not understand Orcs, or their culture, but she does understand that although she’s a concubine, she’s never been treated better. As for Lord Kargorr, he took the human for one purpose: breeding half-orc warriors of his own. He wasn’t supposed to have feelings for the firecracker warming his bed, in fact, he had planned on finding more human women. But there’s something about Cedar that calls to every instinct he possesses.
Thoughts:
Admittedly, I almost didn’t read this based on the CWs. Depending on how non-con is written, I sometimes have to avoid it, so I was uncertain. However, a trusted friend read it first and was able to describe the context so that I could make an informed decision. Please check the CWs for yourself so that you can make the right decision for you.
Now, on to the story itself.
This book is prime monster smut, y’all. Yes, there is a plot in all of the breeding, and I actually enjoyed the orcish war and politics. Kargorr is a really interesting character and this book is the perfect example of how monster romance can explore characters that would never work in human romance, simply because the character is NOT human. Kargorr is not a great male—in fact, for humans, he is a terrible villain. Even for the FMC, he can be the villain. But he can also be a really doting and caring orc for Cedar.
A large portion of the book was dedicated to the relationship, and eventual romance, between the main characters, and their plethora of sex. I ain’t complaining. It was actually so well done and I enjoyed their slow burn love a lot.
The only reason that I didn’t give this 5⭐️ is because I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and would have loved an epilogue or at least a little bit more of a conclusion on some of the things in their relationship.
August 16, 2025
C’était une dark monster romance très particulière. J’ai pas ressenti de lien entre les deux personnages. Désolée pour le vocabulaire cru mais ils font que baiser du début à la fin, ils partagent presque rien. Elle a du caractère mais elle lui pardonne tout et n’importe quoi. Lui il communique pas alors qu’il est dépeint comme un personnage intelligent mine de rien. Y’a pas mal de choses qui m’ont dérangé, comme le fait qu’il fait que répéter « perfect cunt ». Quand t’as son pov il est aveuglé par le désir et j’ai vu aucun attrait pour autre chose que de coucher avec elle. Et la fin est très abrupte.
C’est dommage car la plume est sympa et une monster romance ça peut être simple. La à part le smut y’avait rien de très palpitant.
C’est dommage car la plume est sympa et une monster romance ça peut être simple. La à part le smut y’avait rien de très palpitant.
May 4, 2025
Listen. I don't think this book really is a dark romance. Sure Kargorr is a murderous Orc driven by "that rage, that heady, delirious thing that drove all orcs at the core of their beings," and sure he's rampaging through human villages using his ax to its fullest, and sure he's organizing the Orc clans to band together to wipe out all the humans in their lands, but he's just beign a good leader. OK, technically he does kidnap Cedar and take her with him to be his concubine and make some half-blooded clan members, but that's just long-term planning and future-proofing his legacy.
I'm only barely being facetious, he takes one sniff of Cedar and its all new plan, I need a concubine even though I've always said I didn't. I want her to be bonded so she won't try to escape so I'll make sure she's fed and comfy and it will probably help if our time in the furs is all about her too, not just me, and oops I almost kissed her when that's reserved for wives, not casual and then oops my husband appendage sure wants to go there, and we don't do that with casual either, whats happening? From then on its just a classic MOC when both parties want more but can't admit it, and for Romance Reasons can't communicate the change in status.
I thought this book was really well done. I liked how Riley was like "The orcs rode upon saber-toothed cats that had emerged from the prehistoric ice with them." There's the backstory, that's where they've been and why they're here, don't worry our pretty little heads about the scientific details, it's the lore and it's established. I thought she did a great job with the emotions and the push/pull of feeling for someone who took all your agency/who you meant as a tool. Its clear from the author and the POVs that Orcs are not big strategic thinkers (they literally are prehistoric monsters, so they get a pass) and one of the reasons to breed with humans is the brains and manual dexterity they bring to the table. Kargorr is all, fear and obey, might makes right, and Cedar is able to approach things more thoughtfully. They make a good team.
Sure there's miscommunication and painful reminders of her role to him (again, he's prehistoric and not great with emotions, even by orc standards). Neither of them is sure of the other, and realizes they need to grow and evolve to make things work. Literally nothing that happens is a surprise, plot points are telegraphed well out, but I enjoyed this. To me it read like an early historical, before consent was truly worked into the picture, but with more emphasis on her fun than any early historical ever had. But His Job Is Orc, so check the CW about the, err, clearances in the human settlements. And Cedar doesn't have much say about the Furs Time, especially in the beginning (later he's all about the ask) but she's clear that she's done as much before in exchange for food, etc, and she's never enjoyed it until now.
I'm only barely being facetious, he takes one sniff of Cedar and its all new plan, I need a concubine even though I've always said I didn't. I want her to be bonded so she won't try to escape so I'll make sure she's fed and comfy and it will probably help if our time in the furs is all about her too, not just me, and oops I almost kissed her when that's reserved for wives, not casual and then oops my husband appendage sure wants to go there, and we don't do that with casual either, whats happening? From then on its just a classic MOC when both parties want more but can't admit it, and for Romance Reasons can't communicate the change in status.
I thought this book was really well done. I liked how Riley was like "The orcs rode upon saber-toothed cats that had emerged from the prehistoric ice with them." There's the backstory, that's where they've been and why they're here, don't worry our pretty little heads about the scientific details, it's the lore and it's established. I thought she did a great job with the emotions and the push/pull of feeling for someone who took all your agency/who you meant as a tool. Its clear from the author and the POVs that Orcs are not big strategic thinkers (they literally are prehistoric monsters, so they get a pass) and one of the reasons to breed with humans is the brains and manual dexterity they bring to the table. Kargorr is all, fear and obey, might makes right, and Cedar is able to approach things more thoughtfully. They make a good team.
Sure there's miscommunication and painful reminders of her role to him (again, he's prehistoric and not great with emotions, even by orc standards). Neither of them is sure of the other, and realizes they need to grow and evolve to make things work. Literally nothing that happens is a surprise, plot points are telegraphed well out, but I enjoyed this. To me it read like an early historical, before consent was truly worked into the picture, but with more emphasis on her fun than any early historical ever had. But His Job Is Orc, so check the CW about the, err, clearances in the human settlements. And Cedar doesn't have much say about the Furs Time, especially in the beginning (later he's all about the ask) but she's clear that she's done as much before in exchange for food, etc, and she's never enjoyed it until now.
April 19, 2025
Amazing story
From a captive to a Queen, from a conqueror to a Lord and Husband, this journey was magical. This romance pulls you in early and never lets go. Lyonne Riley has a real talent for writing heart wrenching and heart warming stories. I hope there are more stories from this group of Orcs, Humans, and the Halfling offspring of these unique pairings. Tears and joy and a definite pleasure to read. This is s book I will enjoy many times over. Treat yourself to a truly wonderful read.
From a captive to a Queen, from a conqueror to a Lord and Husband, this journey was magical. This romance pulls you in early and never lets go. Lyonne Riley has a real talent for writing heart wrenching and heart warming stories. I hope there are more stories from this group of Orcs, Humans, and the Halfling offspring of these unique pairings. Tears and joy and a definite pleasure to read. This is s book I will enjoy many times over. Treat yourself to a truly wonderful read.
August 6, 2025
DNF at 70%.
The Orc’s Rage was problematic for me mostly because it was lacking romance. I’m all for a dark romance with a morally black hero but something was missing here. Or maybe it was the POV it was written in 🤷🏻♀️.
The Orc’s Rage was problematic for me mostly because it was lacking romance. I’m all for a dark romance with a morally black hero but something was missing here. Or maybe it was the POV it was written in 🤷🏻♀️.
March 30, 2025
This one is much darker than the authors other works but you still get the usual Lyonne writing you enjoy with the romance between a human woman and an orc man. You’ll still get some of the sweetness but it takes a bit. Totally worth it though.
Honestly, I don’t think Lyonne could write something I would hate.
Honestly, I don’t think Lyonne could write something I would hate.
September 9, 2025
Se repite más que el ajo y encima los protagonistas son gilipollas. Adiós muy buenas.
April 16, 2025
I don’t usually read dark romance, but since it was a Lyonne book, I had to give it a shot—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was dark, but not as intense as I expected, and I actually really enjoyed it. The plot was engaging and easy to follow, constantly pulling me in to keep reading.
Cedar is an incredible FMC. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s managed to stay strong and keep herself afloat no matter what. Even though she’s been held captive most of her life, this situation led her to meet an orc—who is definitely not the prince charming type. At first, he’s a monster toward her, but through the undeniable chemistry they share, something more begins to build.
Cedar was able to peel back all of Kargorr’s layers and reach his heart in her own fierce way. Her strength and fire completely won him over.
The story really pulled me in—there were plenty of scenes and twists to keep things interesting. And yes, this book is packed with spice from start to finish, but it’s placed in all the right moments without overshadowing the plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! If you’re in the mood for something a little dark, I definitely recommend giving it a try—Lyonne always makes you fall for the MMC, no matter how monstrous he may seem.
Cedar is an incredible FMC. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s managed to stay strong and keep herself afloat no matter what. Even though she’s been held captive most of her life, this situation led her to meet an orc—who is definitely not the prince charming type. At first, he’s a monster toward her, but through the undeniable chemistry they share, something more begins to build.
Cedar was able to peel back all of Kargorr’s layers and reach his heart in her own fierce way. Her strength and fire completely won him over.
The story really pulled me in—there were plenty of scenes and twists to keep things interesting. And yes, this book is packed with spice from start to finish, but it’s placed in all the right moments without overshadowing the plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! If you’re in the mood for something a little dark, I definitely recommend giving it a try—Lyonne always makes you fall for the MMC, no matter how monstrous he may seem.
July 31, 2025
me he enganchado? Sí. Ha sido curioso cuanto menos? También. Me ha dado el sexo que prometía? Demasiado
Oye, de verdad mira que a mí me encanta leer libros, cochinos marranos cerdos americanos pero bro, o sea todos los capítulos follaban era un no parar y ha habido ciertas frases que a mí me daban que pensar en que a lo mejor la autora tiene un fetiche con engordar a personas, pero eso son cosas mías.
Siento que se abusaba muchísimo de misscomunication simplemente para alargar más el libro y había muchas escenas muy repetidas, pero bueno ha sido entretenido
Oye, de verdad mira que a mí me encanta leer libros, cochinos marranos cerdos americanos pero bro, o sea todos los capítulos follaban era un no parar y ha habido ciertas frases que a mí me daban que pensar en que a lo mejor la autora tiene un fetiche con engordar a personas, pero eso son cosas mías.
Siento que se abusaba muchísimo de misscomunication simplemente para alargar más el libro y había muchas escenas muy repetidas, pero bueno ha sido entretenido
August 13, 2025
3.8/5
I really enjoyed this one! It’s an easy read with just the right amount of spice and emotion. The connection between the characters is what hooked me the most, it’s undeniable and so well written. He definitely falls first (and hard!) for her, which made their dynamic even more addictive to read. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I finished it quicker than I expected. Perfect if you want something immersive but not overly complicated, with a romance that pulls you in from the start.
I really enjoyed this one! It’s an easy read with just the right amount of spice and emotion. The connection between the characters is what hooked me the most, it’s undeniable and so well written. He definitely falls first (and hard!) for her, which made their dynamic even more addictive to read. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I finished it quicker than I expected. Perfect if you want something immersive but not overly complicated, with a romance that pulls you in from the start.
May 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Kargorr showed character growth, though he waites until the last minute. I wish he had expressed his feelings much sooner!
Ceder was a great FMC and strong and resilient. I liked how she stood up for herself and stood her ground but also adapted to changes.
Ceder was a great FMC and strong and resilient. I liked how she stood up for herself and stood her ground but also adapted to changes.
April 29, 2025
what the fuck did I just read, and why was it lowkey eating? damn this orc 😭
June 25, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up. I would hardly call this book a dark romance. Also-The book ending just cuts off- it doesn’t seem like a satisfying conclusion
September 11, 2025
Docked a star because we didn’t see the baby being born😔✊🏾
December 1, 2025
I REALLY loved this one. I need more STAT.
December 29, 2025
First DNF from this author, who I adore. But not every arrow can hit the center, and that’s okay!
Read
September 6, 2025I’m ashamed, I don’t want to talk about it
October 5, 2025
Happy Orc-tober 2025!
Is it possible for a romance to have too much smut? This book resoundly squashes any debate, and summarily answers that question. Yes, yes it is possible to have too many sex scenes in a book. While the smut was decently written, it basically took over the whole book, pushing to the wayside any plot or emotional development that this 300 page book sorely needed.
This felt like the author’s attempt at writing a Zoey Draven book (The Horde Kings of Dakkar series immediately comes to mind) but sadly this falls short of having the relationship dynamics and emotional complexity that make the first two books in Zoey Draven’s series so standout. I also didn’t feel like the MMC’s motivations for wanting to basically commit genocide against the entire human race (except for hot, young, breedable men and women) to be adequately explored or justified. Basically you’re locked in the ice for centuries, get thawed out, and then are supper pissed when another species fills the gap you left behind? That’s it? That’s what caused all this hatred and prompted a plan to exterminate all humanity and slaughter entire villages of innocent men, women, and children? And the MFC has no objections because the few people she knew weren’t nice to her and treated her poorly? That’s enough for her to be like, “yes kill off my entire species, and return to our tent and have sex with me while covered in human blood, it’s all good!” Like whhhhatt??!!
If you want lots of orc sex, this might be the book for you, but at this stage of my romance reading I need something more to keep me engaged then just an endless loop of smut scenes.
Is it possible for a romance to have too much smut? This book resoundly squashes any debate, and summarily answers that question. Yes, yes it is possible to have too many sex scenes in a book. While the smut was decently written, it basically took over the whole book, pushing to the wayside any plot or emotional development that this 300 page book sorely needed.
This felt like the author’s attempt at writing a Zoey Draven book (The Horde Kings of Dakkar series immediately comes to mind) but sadly this falls short of having the relationship dynamics and emotional complexity that make the first two books in Zoey Draven’s series so standout. I also didn’t feel like the MMC’s motivations for wanting to basically commit genocide against the entire human race (except for hot, young, breedable men and women) to be adequately explored or justified. Basically you’re locked in the ice for centuries, get thawed out, and then are supper pissed when another species fills the gap you left behind? That’s it? That’s what caused all this hatred and prompted a plan to exterminate all humanity and slaughter entire villages of innocent men, women, and children? And the MFC has no objections because the few people she knew weren’t nice to her and treated her poorly? That’s enough for her to be like, “yes kill off my entire species, and return to our tent and have sex with me while covered in human blood, it’s all good!” Like whhhhatt??!!
If you want lots of orc sex, this might be the book for you, but at this stage of my romance reading I need something more to keep me engaged then just an endless loop of smut scenes.
May 25, 2025
Cedar has found no warmth, no home among humankind. When the fearsome orc lord Kargorr raids her village, something about the defiant human woman captures his interest. Taken as the orc’s concubine, Cedar must either find her place in this new life—or find a way to escape it. But there's something undeniable between the former slave and the orc lord determined to destroy all of humanity. Despite their efforts to fight the growing bond between them, it may ultimately overpower them both.
This is a dark romance, as advertised. The orcs are actively waging war to reclaim the human lands in retribution for their exile, and they’re not shy about taking humans back to their camp for other purposes as well. I thought the darker content was well handled—not glossed over, but also not needlessly graphic. There is some dub con to be aware of, along with a clear imbalance of power in areas.
What helped redeem some of the darker elements for me was the way Kargorr grows and changes throughout the story. As he learns from Cedar, they challenge one another and gradually evolve into a true partnership. The spice along the way is top-tier—intense and swoon-worthy. I appreciated that, despite her trauma and the hardships she faces, Cedar’s spirit is never broken. She fights fiercely for her place in this new life, and you really root for her and for her to find her happiness with her brutal orc lord, which she does.
I really enjoyed this dark, spicy adventure centered on two characters full of strength and fire. I would happily read many more stories set in this world.
This is a dark romance, as advertised. The orcs are actively waging war to reclaim the human lands in retribution for their exile, and they’re not shy about taking humans back to their camp for other purposes as well. I thought the darker content was well handled—not glossed over, but also not needlessly graphic. There is some dub con to be aware of, along with a clear imbalance of power in areas.
What helped redeem some of the darker elements for me was the way Kargorr grows and changes throughout the story. As he learns from Cedar, they challenge one another and gradually evolve into a true partnership. The spice along the way is top-tier—intense and swoon-worthy. I appreciated that, despite her trauma and the hardships she faces, Cedar’s spirit is never broken. She fights fiercely for her place in this new life, and you really root for her and for her to find her happiness with her brutal orc lord, which she does.
I really enjoyed this dark, spicy adventure centered on two characters full of strength and fire. I would happily read many more stories set in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
"Taming this one might prove difficult, but tame her he would."
Cedar's village was torn apart by orcs and she was taken as a captive by the orc leader, Lord Kargorr. He is on the mission on destroying the humans and taking back what belongs to orc-kind.
It's my first time reading a monster dark romance.
Now, I don't usually read dark romance but I know Lyonne Riley writes well and she did it in this book. Let me tell you, the author took the time to write the scenes well considering there's a lot of triggering content. It was really handled with care.
"Strength was loyalty, and disobedience was weakness."
This cover really what caught my eye because it's gorgeous.
I love both main characters considering the circumstance they were in. I love Cedar, she's so strong-willed and have a good heart regardless of what happened to her. She got a tragic life and my heart just broke for her. Kargorr on the other hand was a brute, knows what he want for his people and get it.
It's hard to say but I am rooting for the orcs in this book lol.
Their journey was not easy, they started as rocky but over time, they built this romance together that's slow-burn which I appreciate because of their situation.
Overall, not the best book by Lyonne Riley but I am glad to read this dark romance book with orcs.
Cedar's village was torn apart by orcs and she was taken as a captive by the orc leader, Lord Kargorr. He is on the mission on destroying the humans and taking back what belongs to orc-kind.
It's my first time reading a monster dark romance.
Now, I don't usually read dark romance but I know Lyonne Riley writes well and she did it in this book. Let me tell you, the author took the time to write the scenes well considering there's a lot of triggering content. It was really handled with care.
"Strength was loyalty, and disobedience was weakness."
This cover really what caught my eye because it's gorgeous.
I love both main characters considering the circumstance they were in. I love Cedar, she's so strong-willed and have a good heart regardless of what happened to her. She got a tragic life and my heart just broke for her. Kargorr on the other hand was a brute, knows what he want for his people and get it.
It's hard to say but I am rooting for the orcs in this book lol.
Their journey was not easy, they started as rocky but over time, they built this romance together that's slow-burn which I appreciate because of their situation.
Overall, not the best book by Lyonne Riley but I am glad to read this dark romance book with orcs.
June 11, 2025
The story was alright but I wish there was more of a deep dive into the orcs history and culture. The Mmc was trying to take back the land the humans stole from the orcs but it was never explained how or why that happened also we never got to see if he succeeded in his quest or not. I assume he did it was a happy ending he finally brought the other orc clans together but we were left with many questions because he wanted to be the king of all clans when they supposedly were supposed to choose him after his victory and everything but the book ended before we found out if that happened. She was pregnant basically the whole book and we never got to see the damn baby it ended basically when she was about to pop. I didn’t really like the romance either it was basically all sex throughout the whole book and little to no romance. They fell for each other but it felt so forced like only fell for each other because of close proximity. I wish she had more character development and interactions with the other characters in the village. When they did fight they were literally pointless annoying fights that could have easily been solved and or avoided with communication but they dragged it out to make some sort of conflict that literally didn’t need to be there at all. In conclusion it was okay but irritating at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
3.25 stars
It has potential to be more angsty. I also wished the book was more polished and developed. I could see it's inspired by The Golden Dynasty though, which was nice.
Kargorr stole Cedar away with the intention of breeding her, but never making her his yapira/wife. Cedar had an annoying lady in waiting who didn't like her and was actively going against her, in a way. The LIW became a tad bit nicer towards the end, but they never really bonded so it wasn't satisfying.
Kargorr eventually couldn't take it and claimed Cedar as his yapira during sex, but without her knowing. He left for war things soon after and came back with women for his soldiers. Cedar thought he was getting himself more concubines (as he initially intended) and fled the camp, while pregnant. He chased her down and in his rage, took her against her will. Cedar was traumatized and Kargorr tried fixing their relationship.
Missed potential: their healer kept saying that their baby would be weak because it's conceived outside of a bond, but the baby turned out alright. Having a difficult pregnancy would've ramped up Kargorr's guilt even more.
Couldn't really remember how Kargorr won her back, I think it was a gift that he brought her? Quite lame if you ask me... not enough grovel.
It has potential to be more angsty. I also wished the book was more polished and developed. I could see it's inspired by The Golden Dynasty though, which was nice.
Kargorr stole Cedar away with the intention of breeding her, but never making her his yapira/wife. Cedar had an annoying lady in waiting who didn't like her and was actively going against her, in a way. The LIW became a tad bit nicer towards the end, but they never really bonded so it wasn't satisfying.
Kargorr eventually couldn't take it and claimed Cedar as his yapira during sex, but without her knowing. He left for war things soon after and came back with women for his soldiers. Cedar thought he was getting himself more concubines (as he initially intended) and fled the camp, while pregnant. He chased her down and in his rage, took her against her will. Cedar was traumatized and Kargorr tried fixing their relationship.
Missed potential: their healer kept saying that their baby would be weak because it's conceived outside of a bond, but the baby turned out alright. Having a difficult pregnancy would've ramped up Kargorr's guilt even more.
Couldn't really remember how Kargorr won her back, I think it was a gift that he brought her? Quite lame if you ask me... not enough grovel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
This was definitely darker than I usually read and darker for Lyonne Riley in general but I found myself really liking it! It wasn’t as dark as I was anticipating, just the right away for me to still enjoy it and be immersed in the story. I loved that Cedar was very strong and hard headed, I admired that even in a situation where she was a prisoner, she still found ways to carve out her power. Whether that be with other orcs or with Kargorr, she stood up for herself and didn’t give up. I absolutely enjoyed seeing her slowly peel back Kargorr’s layers while also finding her confidence to contribute to his goals.
Kargorr was a very complex MC; there were times where I struggled against liking him because of what he represented. But he somehow worked his way into my heart for sure. The spice was very intense and very frequent, but I don’t think he took away from the story at all. It also varied in intensity depending on the plot, so I appreciated the variety each scene brought. Overall, I throughly enjoyed it and loved the setting as well. The couple had great chemistry and always left me craving more from them. I definitely recommend it!
Kargorr was a very complex MC; there were times where I struggled against liking him because of what he represented. But he somehow worked his way into my heart for sure. The spice was very intense and very frequent, but I don’t think he took away from the story at all. It also varied in intensity depending on the plot, so I appreciated the variety each scene brought. Overall, I throughly enjoyed it and loved the setting as well. The couple had great chemistry and always left me craving more from them. I definitely recommend it!
April 8, 2025
🖤 Kidnapping
🖤 Dubcon
🖤 Size Difference
🖤 Morally Dark MMC
🖤 Stretching
🖤 Knotting
🖤 NonCon
I have children I’m supposed to run around after all day (just mine, don’t worry). BUT… I started this book at 10 PM and my greedy little hands refused to put it down until I finished it 😩. I read ALL NIGHT. I’M NOT A TEENAGER ANYMORE! Hahaha 😂 SO here I am, sleepy and yet SO SATISFIED! !!!!!!!!
Check the trigger warnings- there’s some heavy stuff.
I’m excited I’m getting the fancy paperback of this straight from Lyonne Riley cuz SHE GOOOOOOD! The way this book hooked me so hard, and I really truly genuinely did not want to put it down because I NEEDED to know what happened- it had to be a five-star for me. And boy is she juicy!
This is a monster romance that features a kidnapped, captive human heroine, a villainous orc hero who wants to destroy humankind, and their complicated, wickedly steamy love story. You can expect domination, pregnancy, breeding, and bloody declarations of love. Guaranteed HEA.
🖤 Dubcon
🖤 Size Difference
🖤 Morally Dark MMC
🖤 Stretching
🖤 Knotting
🖤 NonCon
I have children I’m supposed to run around after all day (just mine, don’t worry). BUT… I started this book at 10 PM and my greedy little hands refused to put it down until I finished it 😩. I read ALL NIGHT. I’M NOT A TEENAGER ANYMORE! Hahaha 😂 SO here I am, sleepy and yet SO SATISFIED! !!!!!!!!
Check the trigger warnings- there’s some heavy stuff.
I’m excited I’m getting the fancy paperback of this straight from Lyonne Riley cuz SHE GOOOOOOD! The way this book hooked me so hard, and I really truly genuinely did not want to put it down because I NEEDED to know what happened- it had to be a five-star for me. And boy is she juicy!
This is a monster romance that features a kidnapped, captive human heroine, a villainous orc hero who wants to destroy humankind, and their complicated, wickedly steamy love story. You can expect domination, pregnancy, breeding, and bloody declarations of love. Guaranteed HEA.
April 21, 2025
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was definitely a dark romance—so check the TWs on the author’s site—but I honestly expected it to be darker based on the warnings. That said, I really loved Cedar. She’s such a survivor, and her backstory was heartbreaking. I especially loved how much she cared for animals—it gave real insight into how lonely she was. More than anything, she just wanted connection. And she never backed down from Kargorr. She was fierce from start to finish.
Kargorr surprised me. I thought I’d hate him and have to be convinced otherwise, but while he’s 100% the villain here, he clearly cared for Cedar in his own way. I appreciated that he respected what mattered to her, like gifting her one of the cats. He’s morally dark, but the author doesn’t pretend otherwise—and that worked for me.
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like dark monster romances with morally evil MMCs and strong FMCs, this one’s worth the read. If this turns into a series, I would continue to read!
This was definitely a dark romance—so check the TWs on the author’s site—but I honestly expected it to be darker based on the warnings. That said, I really loved Cedar. She’s such a survivor, and her backstory was heartbreaking. I especially loved how much she cared for animals—it gave real insight into how lonely she was. More than anything, she just wanted connection. And she never backed down from Kargorr. She was fierce from start to finish.
Kargorr surprised me. I thought I’d hate him and have to be convinced otherwise, but while he’s 100% the villain here, he clearly cared for Cedar in his own way. I appreciated that he respected what mattered to her, like gifting her one of the cats. He’s morally dark, but the author doesn’t pretend otherwise—and that worked for me.
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like dark monster romances with morally evil MMCs and strong FMCs, this one’s worth the read. If this turns into a series, I would continue to read!
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