My fierce older sister, Mia Irontree, recently married an orc firefighter and my life is now wall-to-wall orcs. It’s cray. I think orcs are perfectly fine…but marrying one seems a bit much. In ancient times, orcs used to kidnap women off the street and fill them with their orc sons. Ugh. No thank you. Mia’s husband is a great guy, but he’s basically the only orc I trust. One night, though, after a few too many happy hour shots and a full-on bar crawl, I stumble into an orc tattoo shop called Heat & Ink. Wherein a scarred, shirtless orc named Harken Overlord pulls me onto his chair. At first, I strangely enjoy the possessive touch of his big, rough hands. Then I scream when a hot branding iron lands on my... He licks my skin to take the hurt away. What the heck? The tiny tattoo of a cat I asked for is now Harken’s mark? I gasp with horror and blast him with all the salty language I can muster. As I slam out the front door of the shop, Harken thunders behind me, “You’ll be back, female, because you’re mine.” Uh huh. We’ll see. This orc has no idea what he’s unleashed.
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.
Michele 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.
There are romances that make your heart race… and then there are romances that sneak in, grab hold of your feelings, and leave you smiling like an idiot. Marked by the Scarred Orc is absolutely the latter—sweet, steamy, awkward, funny, and surprisingly tender in all the best ways.
Harken is the kind of hero who makes you want to give him a hug and then a cold drink. He’s the new guy in a human town, a quiet orc with a massive scar and a history he doesn’t talk about—but he’s also a talented tattoo artist trying to start over. He's intense, a little intimidating, and completely clueless when it comes to human social norms… which only makes him more endearing.
Corrine is out with her girlfriends on a celebratory bar crawl, hyped up on laughter and a little too much booze, when a competition leads her to the loser’s prize: a tattoo. Enter Harken—and cue the awkward, adorable, and absolutely unforgettable meet-cute.
What starts as a dare turns into something neither of them expected. Corrine is curious, open-hearted, and just brave enough to lean into the weirdness of their connection. Harken is baffled by her, captivated by her, and completely undone by how kind she is to him.
Their story is full of unexpected charm—like a shy orc trying to navigate feelings for the first time, a heroine who isn’t afraid to see the beauty behind the scars, and some chaotic cat shenanigans that somehow manage to steal the scene. There’s found family, cultural confusion, emotional healing, and a slow-building intimacy that feels earned and real.
Michele Mills balances tenderness and spice with a deft touch. It’s fish-out-of-water meets tattoo-parlor-rom-com meets interspecies love story—and somehow, it works. So well, in fact, that I didn’t want it to end.
If you love cinnamon-roll heroes in scarred, gruff packages, sweet but spicy slow burns, and stories that celebrate differences instead of smoothing them out—Marked by the Scarred Orc will melt your heart and leave you grinning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harken had known she was his mate and had marked her without asking and Corrine had forgiven his presumptions Corrine’s sister was already mated to an Orc and they had a beautiful son that she was absolutely besotted with, seeing her sister so loved and protected and cared fore made her happy and thankful for her new brother-in-lar. Corrine had not expected that her visit to the Heat and Ink Tattoo parlour after losing another bet against her colleague would lead to everyone having a tattoo, hers was going to be a cat but she inadvertently had been marked by huge Orc that had made her pulse race and then assured her she would return to him because he was her mate. When she had gone to his home to see the Orc that had put his mate mark on her behind, she had been drawn to him and knew that she was his mate and that when they mated, she would most likely become pregnant with Harken’s first son. The interaction between this couple is wonderful and even her cat Sterling approves of the new man in her life and of the new home they will be sharing, all three of them together. They make the huge building a home and their extended family and their orc children ensure that life is never dull. I guarantee that readers will be captivated by the story and by the laughter and mischief they all get up to. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Corrine is out with her friends celebrating a job well done at the agency. They’re downtown at their favorite place drinking. Corrine has had too many margaritas and then, more at each place they go to, making it a bar crawl. Then comes the bets... a bet over shots led to them agreeing whomever lost had to go get a tattoo, at Heart & Ink. It’s almost 2 am and Corrine and her two friends are heading to the tattoo shop for a tattoo. When she gets there, she hopes for one of her sisters’ husbands friends to do it. There is a new guy there, very intense looking, guess who she got stuck with. Marked by the Scarred Orc is a part of the Heart and Ink Series. And I loved it! Absolutely amazing storyline and characters, absolutely would love to have been a part of the group so I could see it in real time. Grab it, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget the rest of the series as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marked By The Scarred Orc by Michele Mills is part of the Heat and Ink series and it was scrumptious! Corrine and Harken were so much fun!
Harken is gruff and growly and instantaneously knows he's found his forever. Corinne is feisty and sweet and takes a bit longer to realize she's found what she didn't even know or understand she was looking for.
From heated exchanges to misunderstandings to instant chemistry, there's a lot for our two protagonists to navigate, with some fun familiar faces along the way to help the story move along! It's a clashing of cultures, it's a coming together of two people meant to be, even if their journey to one another took some twists and turns. Their connection sizzles, and I do love that they learn how to be what the other needs, without losing who they are at their core. That acceptance, along with the understanding of consent, is beautiful!
Marked by the Scarred Orc is funny and fabulous. In true Michele Mills fashion, a bold and boisterous female attracts the attention of an incredibly sexy Orc, and the sparks fly! Harken is the perfect blend of tough and vulnerable, just newly learning about human ways and customs. I adore his immense and immediate knowing that Corrine is his mate, and watching him navigate those feelings is so much fun. Corrine is daring and brave yet also self-aware. She owns her mistakes and tries to do right by others. Her conflict around Harken and her feelings for him is well-developed and highly entertaining. I loved the scene with Corrine and Mia, when Harken and Kavin walk in. Priceless! This is a fast and fun read with a beautiful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Corinne is out celebrating her teams success for winning a new client. She drinks a little too much and loses a bet. The bet, she now has To get a tattoo. She is familiar with the artist at the Orc tattoo Heat and ink as her sister is married/mated to an Orc. Harken is a new Orc artist. He has only been off of the commune for a week when Corinne walks in he scents her as his mate. He has an overwhelming desire to mark her. Corrine is furious that she is marked without her permission. As she gets to know Harken she senses and overwhelming feeling of belonging. This entire series is great so far. Harken is an alpha orc. He sees what he wants and goes after it. Corinne does not back down from the overwhelming presence of Harken instead she is sassy and bold and that makes him love her even more. Enjoyable short read with an overbearing Orc and a sassy heroine.
I didn’t enjoy this one that much. Corrine wasn’t a very appealing character. She seemed more attached to her cat than her kids at the end, and more than Harken, too. She didn’t seem to bring much to the relationship except for her job that they didn’t really need the money from. I guess the hot sex? I know the concept is that orcs know their true mate instantly, but I think Harken got a bad deal. She just didn’t seem that interested in the relationship or her family. Harken did everything and she seems pretty selfish. Pretty forgettable story. It would have been better to go into the history of how Harken got his scar, but there were just a couple of sentences about it. Not much to it. Glad I read it on KU. Hopefully the next story will be better. YMMV.
Corrine and Harken’s story completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was hooked by the humor and the way Harken bumbled his way through life with such charm. Watching these two slowly break down each other’s walls was both heartwarming and electric—every moment they shared practically crackled with energy.
The plot kept me entertained from start to finish, introducing delightful new faces while also giving me the joy of revisiting old friends. It’s the kind of story that feels like a warm hug and a thrilling adventure all at once. If you’re looking for a book that will whisk you away from reality and leave you smiling, this is it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everything about this story called to me, and I loved it. Harkin and Corrine may have had a bumpy start, but it could be smoothed out once she sobered- hopefully. Well, he was certain at least. The inclusion of Kavin and Mia was a great tie with the series, and Corrine's issues. My heart went out to Harkin for how he was treated by those who were supposed to accept him unconditionally - yeah, right! I wish I could have seen Corrine's face when she got to his home! I liked the pacing of the story from the very beginning, and I'm not normally into the push-pull type dynamics, but it really worked in this case.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. I can't wait for thr next book in the series. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Marked by the Scarred Orc by Michele Mills is the next book in the multi-author series Heat & Ink. Harken is the new Orc out in the human community & recent artist added to the tattoo shop. He has a large scar across his face & a troubled history. Corrine is out celebrating a work win with friends & doing a bar crawl...which leads to a competition- then the losers getting a tattoo. This is Harken & Corrine's meet-cute... except Corrine gets a lot more than she originally thought! Their story has some fish-out-of-water themes, found family, first times, cat shenanigans and it's sweet with some spice. Michele includes a HEA and two future epilogues. 🥰
Wow!!! Michele has done it again!!! This was sooo good. I enjoyed everything about this book. Corrine went into the tattoo shop to get a tat as part of a dare that she lost. Harken smelled Corrine as soon as she walked in and he was shocked to find his mate. When he branded her with his mark instead of giving her that tattoo she wanted Corrine was so mad. I loved the interaction between these two and as you got to know Harken you got to see the soft personality that he hid from everyone. The chemistry was hot and the romance sweet and you can't help but laugh at their interactions as you go through. This is a must read!!!
Fun and breezy read with lots of Orc instalove and steamy times. Corrine is out on the town celebrating with coworkers. When she loses a bet, they end up at the tattoo parlor where she meets Harken who realizes she is his mate. He is an Orc who decides to mark her in the Old Way and the fun begins. I loved how Corrine is no pushover, but also can admit her mistakes. Harken (who really is a cinnamon roll at heart) brings the right balance of arrogant stud and domestic god who will do anything to win Corrine. All with Sterling 🐈⬛ being Sterling 😆.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun and steamy insta-love romance that actually starts off on the wrong foot. Scarred Harken meets his mate, Corrine, and marks her in the old way. Sadly, Corrine, drunk, lost a bet and has to get a tattoo at the scariest place possible. Yep, that would be an orc shop. When she realizes she doesn't get her cute cat tattoo, she loses it and things take off from there ;) I really like that they managed to find some common ground to clear the air and let their mating take place. Expect lots of heat, and a ton of time with her cute cat, as they work their way to a fab HEA. Definitely an entertaining read and a fab addition to this multi-author series :D
I didn't particularly enjoy this as much as the first one. Harken's moral compass left a lot to be desired. Tattooing an inebriated person ?? I can't even say that his heart was in the right place. I get that when an orc finds his mate he loses the plot. Branding her like cattle was disturbing.
Fortunately for him though, Corrine is a forgiving woman, once the initial shock had worn off.
The story did pick up though. Did it wow me? not particularly.
I hope that the next book continues down the same path as the first one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Corrine's sister Mia married an orc firefighter and now it seems they are everywhere around her. Nothing wrong with them but just not for her. One night she goes drinking with some co-workers loses a bet and ends up in an orc tattoo shop. Harken Overload knows the minutes he sees her, she is his mate. Instead of tattooing a cat on her backside, he brands her with his mark.
As drunk as she is, Corrine is not happy but the turn of events and storms out of the shop. Little does she know she sees him the next at her sister's house.
This is a steamy read with a sweet orc and a strong woman.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Accepting a bet while drunk and then losing is why Corrine was at Heat and Ink Tattoo. She was getting a cat tattooed on her butt. This tattoo shop is owned and operated by Orcs. The moment Harken meets Corrine, he knows she is his mate. His mistake was branding her and not fully understanding human customs. I love this story. The way Harken and Corrine learn about each other and the love that develops between them is really well done. Be prepared for an over-the-top Orc, lots of steam, and a fantastic happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A drunken night turns into their forever. Corrine is out celebrating too much with her friends. One wrong challenge leaves her on the losing side and the dare to get a tattoo at an Orc tattoo parlor. Harken has just left the commune and living in the human world. When the sassy spitfire enters the shop to get a tattoo, he knows instantly that she is his mate. Nothing is going to stop him from claiming her. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series, and this addition to it is just what I needed! Corrine is strong and confidence, but just the right amount of romantic to fall for Harkin's alpha gesture without losing herself. Harkin knows what he wants, and he is willing to work for it. I love the way these characters come together so quickly but so completely. It's pefectly OTT and was such a fun read! Seriously, if you like Michelle Mills, but add this to your library right away. You won't be disappointed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really like these short steamy stories in this series. Michele Mills is one of my favorite authors in this genre. While this was a fantasy story one can’t help wishing that beings like Michele’s version of orcs actually existed. But (since I have one) there are human men who come very close the orcs are fairly relatable. Anyway, this was a sweet, short and steamy read that is perfect for an afternoon with a comfy chair, a delicious hot/cold drink and a bit of quiet time to one’s self.
Harken Overlord and Corrine. It starts with a celebration and ends with a brand on her butt! Corrine is celebrating landing a big client with friends and coworkers by having a few (lot) drinks. A bet is made and lost so Corrine and 2 others end up at Ink and Heat to get a tattoo. There she meets Harken Overlord, an orc who has only been off of the commune for a week. Orc nature takes over and Corrine doesn't get the tattoo she asks for but maybe she gets what she needs. I loved this quick novella. Harken and Corrine are sweet together and we get to visit with Mia and Kavin again.
If you like orcs, I think you will love Harken and Corinne's story. Good worldbuilding, humor especially from Sterling. A good vibe story. Steam to the eventual romance. The flow was good. Their struggle to come to an understanding of what each wanted was also fun to read. Loved their first encounter. His lack of knowing human dating etiquette and going with his cultures way of doing things will put a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Imagine going to get a cute cat tattoo only to find out you've been marked by an Orc as his true mate. That's exactly the situation Corrine finds herself in after losing a bet during a girls-night out with friends. Harken just wanted a fresh start. Imagine his surprise when he meets his true mate. It's the one thing he never expected to have so he'll do whatever he can to win Corrine's heart.
Michele Mills never disappoint. I always know what to expect from one of her books. Harken is possessive but also flirty and playful towards Corrine. Really enjoyed this one.
I enjoyed this book. I liked Corrine, and I love scarred males, so I was looking forward to Harken's story. Corrine might have been drunk and wanted a tattoo of a cat on her butt, but she gets Harken's mark instead- and she's pissed. I'm all for the male knowing when he's found his fated mate and wanting his mark on her to claim her, but I'm not too happy with being branded like cattle- and especially without consent first. But my own feelings aside, this was a fun read when these two talked again and worked things out. 4 stars
After a bar crawl leaves Corrine drunk and losing a bet, she heads to Heat & Ink to get a cat tattoo, where she meets Harken. Harken is an Orc Tattoo artist, and the moment Corrine walks into the shop, he knows she is his mate. I love Corrine's reaction to Harken's mark and how determined he is to win Corrine over. This is a sweet, steamy, fun, fated mate romance with great characters and a perfect happily ever after. Marked by the Scarred Orc is a fabulous addition to the multi-author Heat & Ink series. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
When Corrine loses a bet on a drunken night out the list thing she expects to get at the tattoo parlor is an Orc. Harken Overlord knows that Corrine is his mate but he may have put the cart before the horse, and she is furious. now he just needs to woo her, wither she likes it or not. This is a quick read with fun characters with romance and heat. I really enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harken knows she is his mate, so he claims her, marks her, craves her, it's what Orcs do...what do you mean consent? Is that a thing? Corrine is livid, frustrated and strangely tuned on and she has no idea which emotion to act on first! This is a feisty and explosive addition to the Heat & Ink series with plenty of verbal sparring and heated moments. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Short, sweet, and steamy!!! This author always writes feel good stories, with a bit of uniqueness, and of course off the charts chemistry. I enjoyed how these characters met and interacted from the start. This is a fated mates/instalove read, but it feels complete and not like you're missing anything. Great lunch break read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Corrine is drunk when she goes to get a tattoo of a cat on her rear but Orc Tattoo artist Harken has other ideas when he scents Corrine is his mate and brands her with his mating mark. Corrine is furious and vows to sue Harken but when cooler heads prevail she listens to Harken's side and decides to take a chance on this scarred Orc after all in this sweet read.