Agor the Merciless

by Cara Wylde

Zoe Cross can’t take it anymore. Her life is a bad joke. She’s been working in her family’s garage for years, diligent and dedicated, and what did she ever get in return? Contempt and backhanded comments. When a work accident takes her out of commission for a month, her family doesn’t even call and her boyfriend dumps her, she decides she’s through with the world of humans. Orcs might treat her better. She volunteers to become an orc bride, hoping an orc captain will appreciate her strength and competence, not call it unfeminine.

Agor the Merciless hasn’t had much luck with brides. He takes them, only to return them to the institute in a few days. None of these human females are strong enough to manage, or even enjoy, his deepest, darkest needs. But then he sees this beautiful woman who doesn’t look like a damsel. Soft curves in all the right places, but underneath it all, well-defined muscles that promise she might be able to handle him and his urges. It’s too much to hope… With her, maybe he can finally let go and be his true self.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2025

About the author

Cara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.

When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.

Reviews

[Arctic_Banshee]

Dnf @ 66%

Maybe it all works out in the end, but reading this book put me in a bad mood. I was going to power through anyway, but decided it would do more harm than good.

Book is dark in a realistic way. What I mean is, this type of relationship dynamic is probably what it would realistically look like to marry an orc if it were possible. Especially one that can’t keep a bride.

And I learned that, call me shallow, but I really don’t like reading that kind of realism at this time???

The books was well-written. So I’m not using any stars to review bc maybe it’s just not my jam.

[BookishBabeJenni · Rating 1 out of 5]

considering the MMC continually drugs and rapes the FMC about 30% in, I don't think I can finish this. I can't see the MMC ever being redeemed.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I would classify this as a darker read (which I wasn’t expecting), so please exercise caution if you have triggers.
Agor and Zoe get off to a rocky start and there is an instance of abuse and subsequent non consensual sex. Zoe is also repeatedly drugged to lower her inhibitions and enhance her pleasure resulting in a severe addiction which is nearly fatal. Thankfully Agor eventually listens to reason and realizes he is destroying the one thing he treasures above all else!
Though they both struggled with past traumas, they come to fully accept and respect each other, allowing their love to grow and thrive.
Although I quite liked Zoe’s character, Agor was a harder sell for me - I was not as ready to forgive his behaviour and I’m afraid I was left feeling uncomfortably disturbed by much of it. It’s an interesting story, but not one I plan on revisiting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Cross works at her father’s auto body shop. So does her brother. However, she is pretty much the one who works the most, getting everything done, without a so much as a thanks from them. Unlike other mechanics, Zoe uses her instinct to diagnose what was wrong with the car, etc. Even her boyfriend, treats her harshly. Finally, while working one day, the main cable on the lift snaps and the Chevy falls and pins her arm. Her family, knew that it needed to be fixed, but wouldn’t do it until they had to. She wasn’t family, but inventory. No one even calls 911 for her, she had to do it herself. I cried a bit in this book and I was angry at so many of the characters around her. Things go from bad to worse, and she is pretty much abandoned. She reads an orc story by an insider, Wendy Bennet. So, she decides if she is on her own anyway, and she doesn’t care about modern comforts, and orcs believe in community which is what she wants, then she would become an orc tribute bride. So she goes to the Grand Lake Orc Tribute Institute.

On the day that the orcs arrive to assess the brides for choosing, Agor the Merciless, chooses her because she looks like someone who won’t break. He is very honest with her of what he expects from her and what he will do with her. I love how he makes her feel beautiful. How he cares for her. As an orc captain, he will and command is absolute. She shows him who she truly is and they are compatible. The mage made an ointment to help with the BDSM. However, there are some side effects upon humans that don’t come into play with orcs. It is horrible to watch her fall victim to those side effects. We meet Hestra the Huntress, Pira the Forager, and Roric the Smith and many others. She talks with many and hits it off with Grol and his son Tarn, who work on the orc cars and all the mechanical stuff. When Agor finds out he is angry as he doesn’t want her to get dirty- to sully herself as his mate. That she needn’t lift a finger. But, she needs to feel helpful. They fight a lot over that and she does things that make him upset, and he has to ‘punish’ her. My heart broke after that and I wanted to smack him. He should’ve noticed that she - her demeanor, etc. began to change as time went on. Finally, Lyra the Mage, who took over from the previous one who was banished, figures out what is going on and tells Agor. Things go from bad to worse as they try to fix the problem. I cried, laughed, and fell in love with the majority of the orc horde. Zoe & Agor handle things and after a while, there is hope, but they need to work at it. I loved the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe works in the family business... Being a mechanic. But for years she's been out down but she ignored it Until the day the lift which was created broke and she was trapped Her dad and brother didn't call 911. They worried about the insurance and the business. Later in the hospital her boyfriend visits just to break up with her. After leaving the hospital there are no calls from anyone. Then she read s book about orcs. Maybe she can find someplace else to fit in.
Agor the merciless picked Zoe at the Institute. He took her back to his horde. He was given a just of ointment to help with pain but was also an aphrodisiac. When his current mage tries to explain what is happening to guys he pay attention and realize what he's done to the female he viewed to protect.
Now he must face that he feel into his old mage's trap. Will he be able to help his bride or will he lose her to a mage who sells revenge.
A mesmerizing story that catches the reader's attention and holds it. Be prepared to find yourself holding your breathe as a make must fight for his female and hope she will forgive him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was SOOO excited to get another Cara Wylde orc romance! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Zoe and Agor. My heart really broke for Zoe. Her misogynistic father, brother, and boyfriend didn't care about or appreciate her. Putting her down because she was smarter and more skilled than they were. I was so incredibly angry at those people! Zoe was intelligent, capable, skilled, hardworking, fearless, and independent. She forged her own path and decided being an orc bride could bring her someone who would appreciate and cherish her, and she would have her new beginning. She refused to break. I was rooting for her throughout the whole book. I really liked Agor. He was blunt and would get what he wanted, but would cherish her and she would be respected as his mate. Orc customs and ways were a bit different, so there were some bumps in the road for these two, but I was fully in for the journey! I also liked the supporting characters and other orcs- especially Grol and his son Tarn. My only wish was a confrontation with her father and brother to finally say her piece against them; maybe see their business hurting without her. 5 stars

[Kenadee Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like books by this author in a world where orcs pick brides and the brides fall in love and have children with them. Not this one. This one turns the FMC into an addict. The sex scenes after he first uses the ointment on her are skeevy and rape, despite the MMc not knowing about the ointment's effects. Not to mention, he leaves her tied up for hours, causing sores and welts because he doesn't want her doing what she loves. Last thing about their relationship, the rope, belts, and sex are obviously written by someone who isn't and has never been a part of the BDSM community. The pictures are obviously AI(which is bad on its own!), and the once compelling storylines and relationships are dulled. There are no meaningful background relationships with other orcs like we see in Rogan the Gray or others in this world. This is nothing like the other books, and that is a bad thing. I am super disappointed in the creepy direction this book went in.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe Cross volunteered to become an Orc bride after an accident at her family's garage left her recovering for more than a month. Her family has ignored her and her boyfriend dumped her; they have never understood that she loved being a mechanic despite the fact that it isn't a "feminine" occupation. Agor the Merciless has just returned another human female to the Bride Institute when he spots Zoe and decides that she looks much stronger than the females he has previously chosen, and more able to handle being mated to an orc with darker desires. As always, I loved the characters! They are all so well written and convincing that I couldn't put this book down. A surprising twist and a happily ever after made this a fantastic addition to a series that I love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading orc romances. This one was a bit different than others I've read in that it was a bit on the darker side. The characters both had some past events that shaped them into the person that they've become.

In the case of Zoe, her family was absolutely abhorrent, so she signed up to be an Orc bride. She thought that she would be able to have some freedom to work on cars, which is her passion. However, her new mate, Captain Agor, wants her to be a figurehead and not "get her hands dirty".

And this is where the darkness begins. Without spoiling the circumstances, the relationship between Agor and Zoe becomes a bit...unhealthy. Things do work out, but there is a period of time when the story was a bit heart wrenching.

Overall, I found this book to be well written and interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

["They Did What?" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this story because of Zoe and the need to see her find some happiness. What you don’t know is that Agor needs that happily ever after just as badly. There is a compelling narrative that draws you into a vividly crafted world, deeply rooted in orc culture, making it intriguing and rich with a dark under tone. The mix of romance, devotion, suspense, and well-developed fantasy elements keep you captivated with their journey throughout the story as well as the rocky road they follow filled with honor, past traumas, fear, friendship, strength, protectiveness, and lust that will keep you turning the pages. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbreakable

Wylde gives readers a different look at Orc/human relationships. Unaccepted by her own family and her fiancé for her passion for auto mechanics, Zoe chooses to find another community in which she’ll be able to be herself. Agor is looking for a strong bride tribute for a mate and Zoe is his choice. But things go horribly wrong after he finds their bonding is created by dark magic. Read how Agor finds a solution to his controlling behavior and the antidote to the dark magic that has gripped Zoe and has been draining her life. I enjoy reading books with the overriding message that love conquers all.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe was always treated like crap by her father and brother. They let her almost die under a car and if she didn't get her own cell out she would have died while they argued over insurance. While she was getting better after major surgery she decided to leave and go to be an Orc Bride. Agor is considered rough and he had already had to return two brides as they both had backed out of what he needed. Zoe was stronger. This book had a bit of a twist that kept ya guessing what would happen. It was sweet in its own way and the way the Orc's treated her was fun to read. I loved how Zoe was a better mechanic then the ones that were there as she just had a knack for engines and finding out what was wrong. This was a good read. Can't wait to read more of these Alpha Orc's.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agor the Merciless is a spicy fantasy romance that brings together MFC Zoe Cross with MMC Orc Captain Agor.
When Zoe is unappreciated by her family for her mechanical skills and other strengths an accident that leaves her injured soon enlightens her to their disdain and she seeks a change in her life by becoming an orc bride.
Agor needs a mate who can handle his needs and finds that with Zoe until a situation arises that has Zoe seeing him in a different light because of his over protectiveness.
I enjoyed their story which was nicely written had plenty of steam, passion, personal vulnerability, danger, drama, and adventure in an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Spinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really ran the gamut of emotions for me! Starting with Zoe's father and brother; I wanted to punch them out for how disregardful they were of her and her talent; her 'fiancé' for making her feel less than, and then Agor, who was supposed to be her new beginning, ended up restricting her worse than her family! I was definitely Team Zoe all the way, and when Agor finally saw what he was doing and worked to correct it; I could finally cheer him on too! In typical Orc fashion, it took him awhile to properly grovel (well, once again, Orc grovel!). This was a great story, great characters, a well developed plot and a story line I could really get into! This needs to go on your TBR pile!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited there’s another book in this series—I’ve enjoyed every single one!

The main characters are such a perfect match. By the end, I loved seeing them finally connect, with her finding her place and him realizing exactly what he needed to do for his mate.

I have to admit, I was a bit unsure about his name at first, but my worries changed into something much deeper when I learned its true meaning: he was “merciless” because he’d go to any lengths to protect what’s dear to him—his mate and his tribe.

It warms my heart to see that from their struggles, they’ve created something special that they can truly call their own!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touchy subject but it was wonderfully done.
Zoe comes from a family that takes her for granted big time. I mean when she gets her arm crushed under a car her brother and father could give two 💩s about her they are arguing over the costs of damages. Like WTH she is their blood. Then her boyfriend thinks her “hobby” has gone too far. 🤬🤬
So I was glad to see her go be an orc bride. That is until she meets him Agor the Merciless. He had me on edge for a bit. Like I know they value their mates but until I got some background lol I was almost done with him too.
Agor has had a rough go of it. In the orc world and then after he comes to our world. But I love that with Zoe he is able to change and loosen up enough to not smother her but walk with her.

[Amy Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

That’s a Nope. DNF.

I am not into rape fantasies, sorry.
Let’s review, shall we?

Talented female mechanic escapes familiar and relationship abuse and decides on a new life as an arranged bride.

Is immediately told she will stay in a cave and wait to be bred at hubby’s convenience. For life?

Sexy times are, in a word, rough. But FMC is proud of herself for enduring the pain. Because that’s healthy.

Next, she meets the rest of the fam, fits in well, and is immediately dragged back to the cave in a fit of possessive rage and tied up.

She manages to avoid rape and then is smeared with the orc equivalent of a date rape drug.

And that’s when I decided not to finish. Say it with me: rape isn’t romantic.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's kind of heartbreaking when two people are both looking for acceptance but have been hurt before, fail to communicate. But that's the parks that makes for a good storyline. Agor doesn't understand humans, just that they haven't been able to meet his needs, so when he meets Zoe, she's the closest to meeting his needs, he makes assumptions and then mistakes from them that could ultimately destroy them. A vivid , tapestry of want and need and hurt and desire that you can feel in your core. It clenched at my heart, I enjoyed the experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darker book, and I don't mind it one bit. However it isn't going to be a book for everyone out there.

Zoe has a crappy family. They treat her like a piece of machinery and don't care about her at all. She gets hurt on the job and they are standing around arguing about ins and fixing the machines while ignoring her completely. She's had enough and takes off to become an Orc bride.

Agor has been trying to find a bride for a while and hasn't had a lot of luck. With Zoe he thinks that can change. Can they still find a way to get through the things they have to face or are their differences too much?

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engaging dive back into this series and I will say that it's a darker read, so check the TWs. Agor and Zoe have a lot in common, despite being an orc and a human. Both have past trauma, long to belong to someone and like BDSM play. I really felt for Zoe and how awful her family and old boyfriend were and Agor may be named The Merciless, but he's so much more. Expect to be glued to your reader with the hot spice, wild twists, devotion, shocks and magic as they work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Agor the Merciless, a spicy fantasy romance, Zoe Cross, a skilled but unappreciated mechanic, leaves her disdainful family after an injury. Seeking change, she becomes an orc bride and meets Agor, a commanding Orc Captain needing a strong mate. Their passionate connection sparks, but Agor’s overprotectiveness challenges Zoe’s view of him. Packed with steam, vulnerability, danger, and adventure, this well-crafted story delivers an exciting, heartfelt read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great green guy tale. :) In this book, Zoe has struggled to please family and boyfriend and finally decides to have a go at volunteering to become an Orc Bride. The Orc is Agor, and of late, he hasn't had much luck in finding his one. When he sees Zoe, his hopes rise.
If you've followed this series from its start, you'll know that it's not an easy ride for many of the characters. But that it what draws you in, seeing how these two get their own HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book! Zoe feels really frustrated with how she's been treated by the humans in her life and the way they mistreat her. Wanting a fresh start, she decides to register as an Orc bride. Agor is also looking for a bride and is willing to take a chance on a human. I truly enjoy this story—especially the lovely pictures at the beginning of each chapter. It’s an excellent book with a heartwarming, happy ending that left me feeling happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe, a human, is a mechanic and is treated horribly by her family, so she signs up to be an Orc bride, hoping the Orcs will treat her better. Agor, an Orc warrior, hasn't been lucky in love, but when he sees Zoe, he knows she is the one for him, and he has finally found a mate who could accept him for who he is. This is a steamy addition to the Orc Mates series and a page turning read. The writing is well done, and the characters are well developed. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Zoe became dissillusioned with the way she was treated by her family and her boyfriend, she signed up to be an Orc Bride. She met Agor quickly - and he was as merciless as his name suggested - or was he? When Zoe is infectected by a disgruntled mage's magic, he will do anything he can to save her - but will it be enough to save their relationship? Love the twists and turns, and the characters!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe is sick of her family and the way they treat her, so she signs up to be and Orc bride. Argo the Merciless has tried to match with two brides already. He feels lonely and longing for a connection. They find they have similar tastes but. the cultural difference and a hidden enemy could destroy them both.
This is a spicy emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

individuality comes with a price

I found the characters one sided and I wanted more. I felt like the human side of things could have been more detailed especially with her having nothing. I felt like she was just a sacrifice and thrown in for good luck. The story was great and I felt drawn in about the horde and the individuality. I believe that is what ultimately wants me to keep reading about Agor and his mate plus the action.

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mechanic in the Horde

I have enjoyed all the books in this series so far. But this one dealt with an addiction. His using a salve on her had terrifying results. Being human, she quickly became dependent on a salve created by a mage who was exiled. Dealing with that and his possessive nature was something they had to overcome. Once they resolved these issues, they got their HEA.

[Amanda Ricchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe's search for a new life leads her to become Agor the Merciless Orc's wife. Naturally being the Captain's wife comes with a learning curve, but when personal baggage, unknown side effects, and dangerous magic are thrown in... a fabulous story with depth and spice flourished.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was way more realistic than I was expecting also a little darker. I loved Zoey out FMC but for once I really didn’t like the MMC. They both need a HEA but I didn’t really think he deserved it. They do finally go down a road to understanding what each other needs and wants and they do get that happy ending. But thoughts are left …..
Make sure to check your trigger warnings