The Orc's Eager Captive

Bloodfire Orcs #4

by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee

They called him a beast. He treats me like a queen.

I’m the least of my father’s daughters, barely more than a shadow in Tarbert Keep. But the dangerous orc chained in the dungeons looks at me like I’m his savior.

I should be terrified of Kragorn, Chief of Clan Bloodfire—with his vicious tusks and a past soaked in violence. Yet he’s the only male who’s ever made me feel... seen. Surely it’s nothing but manipulation, a ploy to earn an extra ration of broth. Why else would a prisoner—my father’s most feared captive—speak to me of desire?

When his escape finally succeeds, he takes me as a hostage. I suppose I didn’t struggle as much as I ought—my withered foot makes running difficult— and now he has taken me through the veil to his world, where I fully expect to be repaid in the same way he was treated.

But I am discovering Bloodfire Village is naught like Tarbert Keep, and I might be Kragorn’s captive, but I am not his prisoner. What else does he want from me…and am I brave enough to give it to him?

Another hot new romantasy featuring two wounded souls with the ability to heal one another, a twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, and a perfect finale to this cozy series!

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

Veronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.

Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.

Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orc’s Eager Captive by Veronika Kane
Bloodfire Orcs series #4. Final book in the series. Paranormal orc historical romance. Spin off from the Stolen Harlots series. Can be read as a stand-alone but don’t miss any!
Kragorn, the Chief of Clan Bloodfire has been missing for many months. He was captured and has been chained in the Tarbert Keep dungeon, starved and beaten.
Lillian is the least daughter of the Tarbert lord. Her sisters have been married off and left and as the last, she’s taken care of the castle and worked alongside the servants to keep her father happy. Lillian is afraid of the prisoner being held in the dungeon but takes it upon herself to bring him a meal once a day. She finds herself caring for the beast.
Kragorn finds himself looking forward to the lady’s visit everyday. She’s given him a purpose to live. He will find a way to escape and take the beauty home with him.

Love these orc romances. Filled with heart endearing romance, lots of humor, small town friendships and support, high and benevolent morals, super sexy times, more humor and a love match that will win your heart.
There is a great recap of the prior stories in the beginning if you need to catch up or just want a reminder of how we got here.

I received an early copy and purchased a copy to keep and reread.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Bloodfire Orc series, we finally discover where clan chief Kragorn has been.

Daughter of a laird whose older daughters were mated to orcs instead of the nobility he’d negotiated their hands in marriage to, Lillian is little more than a servant in her father’s household. After an improperly healed broken ankle as a child left her with a lame foot, she’s been largely ignored by the laird except when it suits his purposes. For several months she’s been bringing a daily meal to an enormous orc warrior in the dungeon. Most recently he’s been beaten again, and has lost the use of an eye. Lillian is moved to covertly bring healing poultices and teas along with heartier fare than the weak broth he’d been getting.

Captured during a skirmish, Kragorn knows the laird has nefarious intentions for him, and is grateful for Lillian’s ministrations as he tries to regain his strength while plotting his escape. As he interacts with Lillian during her daily visits, he realizes that he doesn’t want to escape the keep without her, and endeavors to bring her back to his clan.

This was a great read which works well as a standalone, and it’s a satisfying conclusion to the series. Veronika Kane writes beautiful and steamy love stories amid fantastical beings and humans, and this is no exception.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Jocelyn Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I did struggle to like the FMC Lillian, not because she’s a terrible character or anything, we just didn’t vibe well together. I always struggle with relating to meek and mousy characters (there’s a reason why she is like this and I understand it, I just still struggle with liking/relating/understanding characters like that). I did appreciate seeing her grow and adapt as a character. Towards the end of the story, with the help of her mate Kragorn, she was able to become a quiet and strong FMC.

Kragorn. What to say about Kragorn? He is one of my favorite orcs. He’s sweet, supporting, confident, protective, a little bit possessive, pretty much everything you want in a potential book orc boyfriend. I also loved that he was humble. He and Lillian balanced and complimented each other. It was delightful to see them grow together.

This was a very low angst romance. I really wanted the bad guy to get his karma, (without spoiling anything), but it wasn’t as satisfactory as I wanted it to be.

Overall, this was a cute book. Veronika writes some of the best orc romances and this hit most of my bullet points on my list. It’s not my favorite of hers, but it was still an enjoyable read. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys orcs and low angst and low stake romances.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating orc romantasy! It’s the final book in the Bloodfire Orcs series and is best saved for last if you’re reading out of order.

Orc MMC Kragorn, the chief of the Bloodfire clan, has been taken captive at Tarbert Keep. Human FMC Lillian, the daughter of Lord Tarbert (who is treated as lesser and more like a servant) has been tasked with feeding the prisoner. But she can’t help being drawn to him and showing compassion when he’s severely injured. So when he escapes and takes her hostage, she’s more excited than frightened.

I read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It’s a fantastic conclusion to the series. It wraps up Kragorn’s story, which has been leaving breadcrumbs for several books, and connects Bloodfire Orcs with Stolen Harlots, whose FMCs are Lillian’s sister and cousin. I loved the captor/captive relationship and how it evolved throughout the book. The MCs were so sweet together, Kragorn might be my favorite MMC in the series.

It’s always bittersweet when a series ends, but Kane wrapped this one up beautifully with a bow on top, and even paved the way for the next series, His Enemy Mate, book one of Battleborn Orcs, is expected to release in April 2026.

Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

SLIGHT SPOILER AT THE END!!!

This was SOOOO cute and a fitting end for the series. I loved the leads together and while Lillian's meek / bashful personality (+ her not getting that they we're mates after he hold her) was a bit annoying, it's nice to see her grow a spine and overcome her hardships.

I also like the disabled character representation as sometimes in fantasy books we get the "and she was healed magically and is now totally not disabled etc!" vibes and we saw instead her having a partner who loves her and her "limitations".
..
















SLIGHT SPOILER:

I was a bit annoyed with the ending tbh, like her dad has literally abused her every day of her life and caused the limp / broken ankle that limits her ability and causes her pain.... he's also called her a whore, treats her like a slave and servant and tried to bring an army to murder her people.... and the ending is all, fairy light and butterflies, the dad gets to live and goes back to his world and her sister STILL talks to him. I think he should have faced some ACTUAL punishment/ death for all he put her through, but they just let him go free and boom decades of clan warfare is over and everyone's buddy buddy now?

plus nothing was really stopping him from finding another army to slaughter them all ugh...

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fitting Ending!
Kragorn, Chief of Clan Bloodfire and Lady Lillian from Tarbert Keep met in a most undesirable place, one in which he was kept prisoner under terrible conditions by her father. They got to know each other and their story evolved to reach a most satisfying and happy conclusion.
So much happened from beginning to end - all of it interesting and totally engrossing. There were parts where his 'kteer' came back to life and the things it was doing, though fitting to the situation, always gave me cause to smile or laugh. What a cheeky thing it was, much like an out of control little pet! But it's behaviour was absolutely perfect for each situation.
Both Kragorn and Lillian were very strong characters whom I began to love from the very start and this love and respect grew as I turned the pages.
I loved every moment of this epic story and am happy to leave my voluntary review having finished reading and early copy of it.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book from this series that I have read and I was sooo hooked I know I will be going back to read the ones before this one. Veronika has a way about her writing that the moment you turn a page you are instantly hooked. I loved everything about this book and her characters Lillian is a shy, sweet woman who has been handed a very rough and life of being her father's servant and lonely. She has grown up thinking she was the ugly sister and not worth anything. Now she is tending to her fathers captive who causes emotions and feelings she has never had before. She tends to his wounds and makes sure he gets better food than what would normally be given to him. She is shocked that despite how her father and his men have treated Kragon he treats her better than she has ever been treated before. I loved every single moment of this journey, the way Kragon treats Lillian and he gives her the confidence within herself to be as strong and stand her ground with things, and come out of her shell. Lillian is his perfect mate in every way. The way these two come together and strengthen each other and take care of one another is such a joy to read. The action and their escape keeps you on the edge of your seat. The way everything came together makes you smile and laugh and you can't help feeling and going through the emotions that these well-written characters go through. I have been fast becoming a huge fan of this author and so can't wait to see what else she has planned for us in the future. This is a must read you won't be disappointed!!!

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, enemies to lovers, historical fantasy romance between Lillian, the female human lead, and Kragorn, the male orc chief lead who starts as Lillian’s father’s captive. I enjoyed the acknowledgment of both lead characters disabilities, and the accomodations each required. I enjoyed Kragorn’s constant encouragement and support of Lillian to build her self esteem. I enjoyed Lillian’s kindness and the fiery attitude suppressed until Kragorn encourages it forth. I enjoyed the building intimacy and the steamy scenes. I enjoyed the joy the characters found in each other. I enjoyed the cameos from previous stories’ lead characters and the set up for the next series from the author.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kragorn, the captured Orc chief, recognizes Lillian, the Lord’s daughter tasked with ensuring he doesn’t die, as his Mate and takes her with him when he escapes.

Although she is attracted to him, Lillian has always felt less than and doesn’t believe she is anything more than Karagon’s prisoner. He has his work cut out to make her realize how much she means to him.

Veronika does a great job of weaving the plot and the emotions of the characters together with their development, both individually and as a couple. Although this is the conclusion to the series, Veronika also provides a synopsis of what has happened up to now at the beginning so someone new to the series could start here and not be confused; however, to get the best effect, I would recommend reading from the beginning.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a scarred hero. I don't know what it is, but they are always a favorite.

Kragorn has been held captive by Lillian's father. Lillian is the youngest Tarbert daughter, and due to a physical disability, she has been deemed unmarriable, so she basically lives as a servant in her father's home. She tends to Kragorn's injuries while he is in the dungeons and finds she doesn't hate the way he looks at her.

I love these two. Kragorn takes a minute to figure out Lillian is his Mate, but then is too injured to clearly explain that to her. So poor Lillian thinks she's been taken captive as revenge, but also feels a little guilty for feel safer with Kragorn than her father. And for the fact she wants to be with Kragorn.

ARC

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final part of the series really makes me happy, especially seeing peace restored among the orc clans. I loved catching up with the main characters from earlier books. Meeting the FMC's sisters and cousin was a fun highlight—they convinced me to check them out and add their stories to my TBR. It’s also exciting to hear that even though this series has wrapped up, another one is on its way with the MMC already introduced. I truly enjoyed reading this story. It was a bit challenging at first, since the Chief was in a really tough place, but our FMC brought hope and light into his world. She became his beacon, his dkaar. He’s a fierce warrior, but when it comes to his mate, he's a total softie.

[Penny Albee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness!

The Orcs Eager Captive Is a wonderful, thrilling ending to the Bloodfire series. If you've been following this series, you don't want to miss this book. Kragorn and Lillians story is a must read. Especially if you want to read steamy hot love scenes. Their encounter at the hot springs is just that...HOT! Plus this book brings back the characters from the other books in the series. So we get to see what they've been up to.

While I am sad to see this series end, the author gives us a glimpse of the next orc series. I can't wait!!!
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

[Xerxia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very much in line with the other books in the series, and yet the language bothered me here much more. There’s a fine line between charming vernacular and grating affectation, I think the author tipped into the latter here. The plot was almost identical to book one of the series, though it at least moved the larger story arc to a conclusion. And in what I’m guessing was a rush to publish, there are some glaring errors that should have been caught in editing but either were not or, more likely, the book wasn’t seen by a professional editor at all. Hopefully the author will at least correct the name of the heroine from book three, which is Myra, but became Maya in the epilogue here.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great end to this series! The Bloodfire orc books have all been shrouded in the disappearance of their chief. He has finally returned.

We get the story of how Kragorn was captured, imprisoned and then escaped with a small human woman. Their story during his captivity is such a tender and yet strong start to their relationship and the development we see in Lillian is nothing short of deserving a trophy!

Of all the human women, the way our FMC ends this story and the series is the most important and she is so deserving of every bit of happiness!

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronika Kane'' The Orc's Eager Captive is the magnificent conclusion to the Bloodfire Orcs. Kragorn, chief of Clan Bloodfire, has been kept in the dungeon of Talbard for months, wasting away though Lillian, the Lord's daughter has attempted to keep him alive. Then Kragorn tries to escape and is nearly killed in the process. Lillian again rescues him, and when he finally is able to escape, is taken along with her father. Eventually she winds up beyond the veil and realizes she is no longer a captive but a cherished mate. I've loved this series! Can't wait for the next... Viking orcs!

[Lou Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another awesome book by Veronika Kane. I love historical romance and this is one of my favorite books by Veronika. This is Book 5 in the Bloodfire Orcs and I recommend reading them all starting with the Stolen Harlots.

Lillian and Kragon, who is the chief of the Bloodfire Orcs, story is full danger, bravery, adventure and love. The women in these books are braver than they think they are. The Orcs respect and love their Mates.

I received this book as an ARC and give my review honestly.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series! I'm also sad that it's the last. I had a lot of fun reading this series! I fell hard for the mmc. He's my favorite male from this series. I thought the mmc and fmc are super perfect for each other! I also love how this book tied all the books and the series that this one is a spin off of. Veronica has done an amazing job writing these!

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girls Rule the World

She started out being shy and mousy, but grew throughout the book to become a courageous soul. He knew she was his mate and took her when he escaped. She nursed him back to health several times as they fell in love. She also took it upon herself to stop a battle. I liked the woman she became. A very good read. I only wish there were more to this series.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last of the Blood fire Orcs

I enjoyed Kragorn and Lillian's story. She was basically a slave for her father which is what he wanted but Kragorn who is the chief of if his clan knew she was his mate or at least felt drawn to her in the beginning. Wonderful ending for this clan of orcs.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Bloodfire Orcs Series :
1 The Orc's Auctioned Mate (2025)
2 The Orc's Unexpected Wife (2025)
The Orc's Fated Maiden (2025) - Related to this series
3 The Orc's Innocent Plaything (2025)
4 The Orc's Eager Captive (2025)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNBLPRZ2?...

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orc’s Eager Captive
By Caroline Lee

Oh. Weeee Malla, the Beginner
I can describe this one in one word
Juicy
And wilding entertaining (ok 4 words.) Anyway check it out. I loved it, you will tooooo

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing orc romance! Intense and passionate..

[Merrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda sad this arc has come to an end, but since the chieftain of the other clan now has a mate, hoping that there’s a third arc on the horizon.

[Wencke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Kim Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful conclusion to the Bloodfire Clan. There was a lot of character growth for our main lady Lillian, discovering who she is as a person and finding her place in her new life. Kragon is an incredible mate standing by her side while Lillian discovers herself, while also getting back into the swing of running his clan again.

The conclusion of this book brings Sisters back together and rival clan a new alliance for the future of their families.