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Orc Sworn #11
The Ex and the Orcs
She made a family with a monster. And now he’s come home…
In a world of orcs and men, Raye will never forgive Kalfr. The tall, handsome orc who gave her a perfect son, and a happy ending…
Until she learned the horrible truth.
Kalfr wasn’t just hers. He was bound to another orc. To Gaelfr. A huge, hostile, dangerous monster.
In the seven years since, Raye has fought to erase Kalfr from her life, and protect her precious son. But she’s sinking into poverty and danger, with no one she can trust…
Until Gaelfr shows up at her door.
He’s still huge, vicious, and hateful — but once he sees Raye’s plight, he refuses to leave. He claims that due to his unbreakable vow with Kalfr, Raye is now… his.
His to protect.
His to feed and support.
His to touch, and taste, and tend however he sees fit…
And if that wasn’t enough, Gaelfr swears to bring Kalfr back home. To make them a family again.
It’s an appalling plan, and one Raye would never accept… right?
But maybe it’s already too late. She’s already made a family with her ex, and a monster.
And now, they’re both coming home. Forever.
_____________________
A dark, angsty, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Comes after The Artist and the Orc, but reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
Final release date to be confirmed.
In a world of orcs and men, Raye will never forgive Kalfr. The tall, handsome orc who gave her a perfect son, and a happy ending…
Until she learned the horrible truth.
Kalfr wasn’t just hers. He was bound to another orc. To Gaelfr. A huge, hostile, dangerous monster.
In the seven years since, Raye has fought to erase Kalfr from her life, and protect her precious son. But she’s sinking into poverty and danger, with no one she can trust…
Until Gaelfr shows up at her door.
He’s still huge, vicious, and hateful — but once he sees Raye’s plight, he refuses to leave. He claims that due to his unbreakable vow with Kalfr, Raye is now… his.
His to protect.
His to feed and support.
His to touch, and taste, and tend however he sees fit…
And if that wasn’t enough, Gaelfr swears to bring Kalfr back home. To make them a family again.
It’s an appalling plan, and one Raye would never accept… right?
But maybe it’s already too late. She’s already made a family with her ex, and a monster.
And now, they’re both coming home. Forever.
_____________________
A dark, angsty, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Comes after The Artist and the Orc, but reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
Final release date to be confirmed.
778 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
Finley Fenn
21 books1,418 followersFinley Fenn is “the queen of dark orc romance” (Virgo Reader), and her ongoing Orc Sworn series has been praised as “sexy, romantic, angsty, and captivating … utter brilliance” (Romantically Inclined Reviews).
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/orcsworn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
11. The Ex and the Orcs
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/orcsworn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
11. The Ex and the Orcs
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 16, 2026
Uwielbiam tę serię 🥹 niekoniecznie za seks na ołtarzach, z udziałem widowni, orgie itd.... niekoniecznie za to że na niemal każdej stronie leją się milkshaki 😂 autorka zbudowała świetny, spójny świat, znakomitych bohaterów, do których chce się wracać 🥹🥹🥹 czekam na kolejną część, gdzie będzie jeszcze bardziej obsceniczne!!!!
MMMF 🥹 dajcie mnie to 😂
MMMF 🥹 dajcie mnie to 😂
June 17, 2026
Another MMF book where the MM couple is prioritized. Fucking hate authors who write crap like this, fucking stick to writing MM when that's obviously what you're interested in writing.
June 11, 2026
This is one of my favourite series and I absolutely devour every new book and they are lengthy beasts. This latest one despite being around the 800-page mark I actually managed to finish in a day. If that doesn’t speak to how bingeable I find these then nothing will. So this one had some previous set-up and I was incredibly excited to learn more about Kalfr and his estranged mate and son. It’s a second chance romance which I’ll be transparent is usually one of my least favourite tropes. Well, here I ate that shit up. It seems there is nothing this particular author cannot serve me up that I won't end up bloody loving.
As in previous books anything goes so this has a MMF set-up. We get a brief rundown of how exactly shit went down. The root cause of all Raye’s anger and resentment and just why she then decided to raise her son alone. Then we start seven years later Raye is raising her son attempting to scrape a living with her weaving but it's not going well for her. Enter Gaelfr the catalyst for all of Raye’s hurt and disillusionment. He stayed away to give Raye and Kalfr a chance and he had no idea they’d been separated this entire time. Now he is back and is determined to protect Raye and her son in his bondmate's stead. He is also determined to fix what has been broken and that means getting Raye where she can to make amends.
I loved the set-up of this one you know who I also adored Gaelfr he was such a ferocious teddy bear. Despite Raye’s first initial impression of her mate's bondbrother that he was vicious and hostile and dangerous he actually comes across like a giant cinnamon roll. How could Raye not fall deeply under his spell? The way he takes care of both Raye and her son was bloody adorable.
This series despite being at times such pure filth also has so much heart this is why I think it works for me so well. Alongside the x-rated explicit sexual liberation, this also has such great world-building and a huge sense of found family and this one delivered for me in every single way. I also appreciate how flawed and imperfect the characters all are it makes it that much more relatable.
So yeah safe to say I raced through this in record time if you like filthy talking Orcs, found family, great world-building, and some serious sexual shenanigans where anything goes and I mean anything then this series is for you. Be aware it is all incredibly descriptive and totally explicit and though each book focuses on a separate family unit they do need to be read in order as there is an ongoing story woven throughout. As for me, I’m gonna keep reading these as long as they’re written I devour each new one so yeah keep them coming.
(Review of advanced reader copy)
As in previous books anything goes so this has a MMF set-up. We get a brief rundown of how exactly shit went down. The root cause of all Raye’s anger and resentment and just why she then decided to raise her son alone. Then we start seven years later Raye is raising her son attempting to scrape a living with her weaving but it's not going well for her. Enter Gaelfr the catalyst for all of Raye’s hurt and disillusionment. He stayed away to give Raye and Kalfr a chance and he had no idea they’d been separated this entire time. Now he is back and is determined to protect Raye and her son in his bondmate's stead. He is also determined to fix what has been broken and that means getting Raye where she can to make amends.
I loved the set-up of this one you know who I also adored Gaelfr he was such a ferocious teddy bear. Despite Raye’s first initial impression of her mate's bondbrother that he was vicious and hostile and dangerous he actually comes across like a giant cinnamon roll. How could Raye not fall deeply under his spell? The way he takes care of both Raye and her son was bloody adorable.
This series despite being at times such pure filth also has so much heart this is why I think it works for me so well. Alongside the x-rated explicit sexual liberation, this also has such great world-building and a huge sense of found family and this one delivered for me in every single way. I also appreciate how flawed and imperfect the characters all are it makes it that much more relatable.
So yeah safe to say I raced through this in record time if you like filthy talking Orcs, found family, great world-building, and some serious sexual shenanigans where anything goes and I mean anything then this series is for you. Be aware it is all incredibly descriptive and totally explicit and though each book focuses on a separate family unit they do need to be read in order as there is an ongoing story woven throughout. As for me, I’m gonna keep reading these as long as they’re written I devour each new one so yeah keep them coming.
(Review of advanced reader copy)
June 23, 2026
Anything with kids. Especially mothers will make me cry. Ugly cry. So I cried a lot at the beginning. But that little orc baby made this book extra good. I loved him so much. And finally getting the 3 adults together was hot. I do think it went on too long though. This could have been cut by 100-200 pages easily. However, good for Raye. Both Gael and Kal (I do not remember how to spell their full names) railed her any and every chance they got. This series is very physical. Like so much. But the story continues. There are so many evil humans that hate orcs.
Anyways, this was a MMF story and it starts off with so much drama. So much jealousy and miscommunication. This was the first time it was good for the story and the man tried to communicate but the female burned all the letters. I was actually very pleasantly surprised. Also, something I’d do. And suffer like Raye. Expect I wouldn’t apologize so I’d keep suffering. Hahahaha. She is a much nicer person than I am. Uhm, I forgot what I wanted to say. I guess, it was good and I liked it. But you either love this series or hate it. I will continue reading all of these.
Anyways, this was a MMF story and it starts off with so much drama. So much jealousy and miscommunication. This was the first time it was good for the story and the man tried to communicate but the female burned all the letters. I was actually very pleasantly surprised. Also, something I’d do. And suffer like Raye. Expect I wouldn’t apologize so I’d keep suffering. Hahahaha. She is a much nicer person than I am. Uhm, I forgot what I wanted to say. I guess, it was good and I liked it. But you either love this series or hate it. I will continue reading all of these.
June 24, 2026
Repeated behavior, no growth.
Not well written, characters kept stagnant instead of growing. Female character humiliated on a constant basis, males power tripped and got off on it. Not my kind of read, kept giving it the benefit of the doubt but I couldn't finish it.
Not well written, characters kept stagnant instead of growing. Female character humiliated on a constant basis, males power tripped and got off on it. Not my kind of read, kept giving it the benefit of the doubt but I couldn't finish it.
June 25, 2026
A Super Frustrating Read with a Satisfying Ending
I enjoyed this story & the characters. However, there were a few parts that drove me a little bit mad. Why is everyone treating Kalfr like the injured party? He is this saint-like figure who has done so much for the community, it’s too bad his mate and astvinur abandoned him. Like, what?! Kalfr cheated on his astvinur with Raye. He started a relationship with Raye under false pretenses. He did not tell her he was already with someone, already had a bond and commitment with Gaelfr, until after he started seeing her romantically. That’s pretty despicable. Kalfr mated Raye and made vows to her without consulting the man he was already in love with. On what planet is this ok? Of course Raye was upset. Of course Gaelfr was hurt. It’s not surprising that they both left Kalfr. But everyone drags Raye over hot coals making her prove herself and punishing her. A lot of the orcs call Gaelfr out for abandoning his astvinur and breaking his vows.
And Kalfr did not explain enough (or anything?) about orc culture to Raye. She seemed completely in the dark. She first thought the astvinur bond was a familial bond. Of course she was afraid when her people were at war with theirs. All of a sudden a big scary dude comes in claiming her mate and her children, and her mate agrees with him? She just found out she is pregnant. I’m not saying she should have kept her child away from his father, but she was afraid Kalfr would take her baby away. I can understand her point of view, but apparently, no one else can? She is jealous and greedy, and cruel. What?!
And what is with the constant show of jealousy? A successful polyamorous relationship should be all about love and acceptance. No one should try to rub their relationship with one person in the face of anyone else. You shouldn’t purposefully try to incite jealousy if you want that type of dynamic to work. That behavior from Gaelfr and Kalfr seemed cruel to me. Also constantly criticizing Raye for not trusting them. When have either of them given her a reason to trust them? Gaelfr acts like he cares for her, but then turns around and manipulates her into getting what he wants. Kalfr demands everything while offering very little in return.
I know this is a fantasy romance novel, and the content guidance did warn about unequal and unhealthy relationship dynamics. But why does the whole society practically worship Kalfr (the perfect son of the goddess)? He is the cause of all of his own problems. I kinda wanted to rage quit a couple of times, but I really wanted to know the ending. And the ending was worth it. It took a long time to get there though. I’m glad Kalfr finally seemed to acknowledge his mistakes and took some accountability (even if that was only among his partners, and not among the clan).
I enjoyed this story & the characters. However, there were a few parts that drove me a little bit mad. Why is everyone treating Kalfr like the injured party? He is this saint-like figure who has done so much for the community, it’s too bad his mate and astvinur abandoned him. Like, what?! Kalfr cheated on his astvinur with Raye. He started a relationship with Raye under false pretenses. He did not tell her he was already with someone, already had a bond and commitment with Gaelfr, until after he started seeing her romantically. That’s pretty despicable. Kalfr mated Raye and made vows to her without consulting the man he was already in love with. On what planet is this ok? Of course Raye was upset. Of course Gaelfr was hurt. It’s not surprising that they both left Kalfr. But everyone drags Raye over hot coals making her prove herself and punishing her. A lot of the orcs call Gaelfr out for abandoning his astvinur and breaking his vows.
And Kalfr did not explain enough (or anything?) about orc culture to Raye. She seemed completely in the dark. She first thought the astvinur bond was a familial bond. Of course she was afraid when her people were at war with theirs. All of a sudden a big scary dude comes in claiming her mate and her children, and her mate agrees with him? She just found out she is pregnant. I’m not saying she should have kept her child away from his father, but she was afraid Kalfr would take her baby away. I can understand her point of view, but apparently, no one else can? She is jealous and greedy, and cruel. What?!
And what is with the constant show of jealousy? A successful polyamorous relationship should be all about love and acceptance. No one should try to rub their relationship with one person in the face of anyone else. You shouldn’t purposefully try to incite jealousy if you want that type of dynamic to work. That behavior from Gaelfr and Kalfr seemed cruel to me. Also constantly criticizing Raye for not trusting them. When have either of them given her a reason to trust them? Gaelfr acts like he cares for her, but then turns around and manipulates her into getting what he wants. Kalfr demands everything while offering very little in return.
I know this is a fantasy romance novel, and the content guidance did warn about unequal and unhealthy relationship dynamics. But why does the whole society practically worship Kalfr (the perfect son of the goddess)? He is the cause of all of his own problems. I kinda wanted to rage quit a couple of times, but I really wanted to know the ending. And the ending was worth it. It took a long time to get there though. I’m glad Kalfr finally seemed to acknowledge his mistakes and took some accountability (even if that was only among his partners, and not among the clan).
June 20, 2026
Listen I love this author. Love. I have read a ton of the Orc series, I have special editions of some of them and genuinely am addicted. So this is such a painful review. I rounded up for Goodreads but this is really a 2.5 star for me.
This chick here. Raye. Cannot stand her. She's the first FMC that I so actively hate that I was literally screaming at her for most of the book while reading and wishing desperately that these two amazing orc's did not end up with her. For much of the book Raye is a selfish, jealous, vindictive woman who brought so much of her suffering on herself. Maybe all of it. She jumps to conclusions (mostly wrong or, if not wrong, there is endless repetitive inner thought on it). The worst thing is she also condemned her son to suffer as well. Kalfr and Gaelfr had their own challenges for sure - and they certainly aren't perfect and the lack of communication was glaring-even given the history that eventually comes out near the end- but the way Raye behaved was something different entirely. I didn't feel sorry for her at all. I felt sorry for her son. Finally at nearly the end she got a bit better but it was just too late for redemption in my eyes.
The other issue is there is just to much sex in this book and it's just too long. The sex is near on constant - more erotica than story and the plot and characters suffer for it. We don't get near enough info about either of the orc's past -until way too far in to the book (like 80%) and instead we have to watch as this insufferable female gets pleasured and is the focus of so much attention - and she engages in this repetitive inner dialogue that is nails on a chalkboard to read. So much woe is me, and crying and crying about how awful she has been and how they don't trust her and I was like that's right you are and they are trying- all she does is doubt, jump to conclusions, and question them constantly - instead of communicating. All the sex meant that the communication that should be happening did not. Amongst any of them. I do understand this is bautul which have a very unique way of bonding but - I was skimming/skipping the sex after a while.
I was wishing this book did what so many MMF do and kind of ignore the woman or she feels like a third wheel. I see some people say they felt that here but I didn't. Unfortunately. It felt like they were hyper focused on her most all of the time - even though their bond was much older and they had more time together.
I wish there had been way more MM scenes!
I did enjoy what we got of Orc Mountain again and seeing a few of the other characters I love. I liked the Bautul fort idea and how it was described and so many of the interactions. I loved the son - what a ray of light (no pun)
Overall - I did finish. Some of the others in this series and the MM series are re-reads multiple times - I just love them so much. This one had some moments but overall I just struggle to like a book when I really dislike the FMC and the length did not help either.
This chick here. Raye. Cannot stand her. She's the first FMC that I so actively hate that I was literally screaming at her for most of the book while reading and wishing desperately that these two amazing orc's did not end up with her. For much of the book Raye is a selfish, jealous, vindictive woman who brought so much of her suffering on herself. Maybe all of it. She jumps to conclusions (mostly wrong or, if not wrong, there is endless repetitive inner thought on it). The worst thing is she also condemned her son to suffer as well. Kalfr and Gaelfr had their own challenges for sure - and they certainly aren't perfect and the lack of communication was glaring-even given the history that eventually comes out near the end- but the way Raye behaved was something different entirely. I didn't feel sorry for her at all. I felt sorry for her son. Finally at nearly the end she got a bit better but it was just too late for redemption in my eyes.
The other issue is there is just to much sex in this book and it's just too long. The sex is near on constant - more erotica than story and the plot and characters suffer for it. We don't get near enough info about either of the orc's past -until way too far in to the book (like 80%) and instead we have to watch as this insufferable female gets pleasured and is the focus of so much attention - and she engages in this repetitive inner dialogue that is nails on a chalkboard to read. So much woe is me, and crying and crying about how awful she has been and how they don't trust her and I was like that's right you are and they are trying- all she does is doubt, jump to conclusions, and question them constantly - instead of communicating. All the sex meant that the communication that should be happening did not. Amongst any of them. I do understand this is bautul which have a very unique way of bonding but - I was skimming/skipping the sex after a while.
I was wishing this book did what so many MMF do and kind of ignore the woman or she feels like a third wheel. I see some people say they felt that here but I didn't. Unfortunately. It felt like they were hyper focused on her most all of the time - even though their bond was much older and they had more time together.
I wish there had been way more MM scenes!
I did enjoy what we got of Orc Mountain again and seeing a few of the other characters I love. I liked the Bautul fort idea and how it was described and so many of the interactions. I loved the son - what a ray of light (no pun)
Overall - I did finish. Some of the others in this series and the MM series are re-reads multiple times - I just love them so much. This one had some moments but overall I just struggle to like a book when I really dislike the FMC and the length did not help either.
Read
June 21, 2026I read about 75% then I skimmed the ending so imma count this as a book read. First off way too long omg. The issues with Sybil don’t even get resolved until like chapter 70 which is like 5 chapter before the ending. It just was to long and went on for to long. My main issue was with how they treated raye. Yes raye was wrong for putting her son in a position of poverty when she had her babydad willing to be apart of the kids life but let’s actually look into why she cut Kalfr off. He lied about having another mate which was someone whom he was sexually involved with. He didn’t tell her the full scope of his relationship with Gaelfr and yes knowingly omitting the truth is still lying. Then when they reunite everyone and I truly mean everyone blames raye. Just because she didn’t wanna deal with a liar… all the orcs/humans on orc mountain made her out like some crazy women when again it was Kalfr who withheld the truth. I am mad at raye though cause all I could think was your a bird brain. Please set boundaries but nope. Mind you Gaelfr whom is the mate Kalfr lied about ran away from Kalfr to basically whole other country. Yet he is the victim. Also on top of all that Kalfr slept with another women even though he was still mated. Raye and Gaelfr didn’t sleep with anyone else… and if the orcs actually care about the relationships why did they allow Kalfr to do that Imo I still consider that to be cheating. Gaelfr could literally still smell her in him. On top of the cheating Kalfr puts targets on raye and her sons back because Sybil the one he slept with was out to kill him. His son smells like him and yet he never went and warned raye or protected her. You’re telling me gaelfr could barge in and help but Kalfr wouldn’t. He was a coward. Again raye was a bird brain too but like be serious. I hate books like this where there is a mmf relationship but the women is just being used to further the mm relationship. Men already get enough in this world. They also constantly degraded her, barely stood up for her and were just all around disrespectful to the mother of their child. I think the thing that really upset me was kalfr was so quick to forgive Gaelfr for leaving him and moving so far away that he couldn’t feel the bond but forgiving raye for the act of kalfr lying was so out of the box. Mind you if he was just honest at the beginning then raye could have made a better informed decision before she got pregnant. Also he “mated” her but didn’t do any of the tribes traditions so it’s like they weren’t really seen as mated. So why pursue the relationship at all kalfr… and I can’t imagine the lies he told his other orc mountain members about raye for them to not like her when she was just setting boundaries. Also orcs are known for kidnapping the sons and just using the women which seems to be the case here as well. Also they never groveled they made raye do all the grovel it was so icky
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
THESE BOOKS ARE FILTHY!!
Full of 'Orc Seed!'
Story line for each book is fantastic, layered, sooo much spice!
The male narrator is filthy delicious!!
Full of 'Orc Seed!'
Story line for each book is fantastic, layered, sooo much spice!
The male narrator is filthy delicious!!
Read
July 1, 2026I read this for you Madi
June 12, 2026
“‘Mine to guard…Mine to command. Mine to tend and feed and fatten as I see fit. Mine to touch, and taste, and keep.’”
*SWOON*
Ugh, I just adore this series so much and I love me a second chance romance!!! Finley Fenn does it every 👏🏼 damn 👏🏼 time 👏🏼 when she reached out to ARC read, I fangirled so hard and of course I couldn’t deny the queen. I absolutely DEVOURED all 700+ pages of messy, angsty, orc drama and loved getting to meet new orcs and check in on old orc friends and their mates (and some orclings!) speaking of orclings, I LOVED Svein and his sweet little self so much. I love pregnancy and babies and children in books, IRL - don’t ask me a damn thing about children but book babies have my whole heart. Getting to know him and seeing his relationship and love for his Mama and Papas was everything.
Raye was such a raw and relatable FMC. Her doubts and feelings felt so honest and that’s what I love so much about Finley’s characters, they aren’t perfect and have flaws but that makes them feel so much more three dimensional. Raye, Gaelfr & Kalfr had such a lovely relationship dynamic. I loved seeing the bits and pieces of their past love but I also liked how it didn’t overshadow their current story. These orcs are so big and bulky but they become melted butter for their FMCs which I LOVE.
And our Bautul band of orcs!!! I had a blast getting to know them and seeing the different orcs come together. And those tidbits of potentially more stories to come 👀 looking at you Othan…mayhap someday BUT Finley does give us a peek of where she’s going next and I absolutely cannot wait. I won’t give it away but I would stay tuned if I were you.
Thank you SO much from Orc Mountain and back for the ARC, Finley, and I hope you have a wonderful release day with lots of sweetcakes 🫶🏻
*SWOON*
Ugh, I just adore this series so much and I love me a second chance romance!!! Finley Fenn does it every 👏🏼 damn 👏🏼 time 👏🏼 when she reached out to ARC read, I fangirled so hard and of course I couldn’t deny the queen. I absolutely DEVOURED all 700+ pages of messy, angsty, orc drama and loved getting to meet new orcs and check in on old orc friends and their mates (and some orclings!) speaking of orclings, I LOVED Svein and his sweet little self so much. I love pregnancy and babies and children in books, IRL - don’t ask me a damn thing about children but book babies have my whole heart. Getting to know him and seeing his relationship and love for his Mama and Papas was everything.
Raye was such a raw and relatable FMC. Her doubts and feelings felt so honest and that’s what I love so much about Finley’s characters, they aren’t perfect and have flaws but that makes them feel so much more three dimensional. Raye, Gaelfr & Kalfr had such a lovely relationship dynamic. I loved seeing the bits and pieces of their past love but I also liked how it didn’t overshadow their current story. These orcs are so big and bulky but they become melted butter for their FMCs which I LOVE.
And our Bautul band of orcs!!! I had a blast getting to know them and seeing the different orcs come together. And those tidbits of potentially more stories to come 👀 looking at you Othan…mayhap someday BUT Finley does give us a peek of where she’s going next and I absolutely cannot wait. I won’t give it away but I would stay tuned if I were you.
Thank you SO much from Orc Mountain and back for the ARC, Finley, and I hope you have a wonderful release day with lots of sweetcakes 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
* MMF
* Second chance romance
* Rejected mates
* Exes to lovers
* Grumpy x Grumpy x Grumpy
* High angst
The Ex and The Orc is the 11th in the Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn, it’s a second chance romance, and it feels as if we have been teased with hints of what could have possibly happened with Kalfr and his son’s mother, to lead to their breakup, for half of the series at least. At the end of the last book, Kesst (one of my favourite characters in the series) and Daisy took matters into their own hands and sent Gaelfr, another one of Kalfr’s exes, a portrait of poor sad looking Kalfr. Suffice to say, as an avid fan of this series, I have been counting down the days until I could get this book in my hot little hands.
Raye is a struggling single mother, living in a country on the edge of war. It was only a handful of years ago since humans and orcs were at war against each other, and Raye is raising an orc son, Svein alone, surrounded by people who consider him the enemy. She has been so deeply wounded before by Kalfr, that she has been on the offensive ever since to protect herself and her son. Leading to her being isolated and alone, doing her best to raise her son, her orc son, in a land that is still distrustful of orcs.
The three of them are stubborn, and one of the big lessons from the book is them learning to communicate to one another.
Kalfr had failed to mention to Raye that he was already in a relationship when they got together, with Gaelfr, and he hadn’t told Gaelfr about Raye either. When Raye discovered that Kalfr was already taken by an orc, she immediately cut all ties with him. But cheating is not a trope within this book, so if you actively avoid it (like I do), you are safe here. Gaelfr had a very different reaction when he had discovered about Raye, that same night:
“For this was settled with our vows, many moons past,” he went on, a soft taunting caress. “It was sworn into sacred laws before the goddess. Kalfr is my ástvinur, and you are his mate. And thus” – a low satisfied growl – “you are mine.”
Somehow, eleven books in the world building continues to grow richer. That there is still new things to discover about our goddess loving Bautul orcs. The warrior clan, that is also passionate about gardening. We get to discover so much more about them, and the clans history.
The three main characters in this book were surprisingly similar, they were three stubborn lonely fools, who needed their heads knocking together to finally make it work. Ironically, Gaelfr, the reason Raye and Kalfr broke up last time, is the glue that this trio needed to make this work. They each had complex feelings about each other, but mainly about themselves. Having the main FMC hit especially hard, being one myself, and some of her anxieties and intrusive thoughts hit me hard. I’m a discerning reader when it comes to high angst. I get easily emotionally invested when it comes to well written books, it’s one of the reasons I mainly stick to books with HEA. Finley Fenn is one of the few authors I trust my emotional wellbeing when it comes to high angst, as she always makes the payoff worthwhile.
I cannot finish this review without mentioning Svein in more detail. He was such a sweet, adorable boy, with the inherent ability to be more aware of what is going on than you would expect, but also that skill all children possess of turning up when they are least expected. His Clan Terror now exists in Orc Sworn lore and will never be forgotten.
***
Random thoughts
On an even more fun note, we are still discovering new properties of orc seed, it seems to be similar to breast milk, adapting to what the mate needs. It’s noted at the beginning of the book it is noted that Raye is malnourished, and so Gaelfr and Kalfr’s acted like the opposite of Ozempic!
Anyone else picture that when an orc orgasms it’s like a nuclear blast going off inside. So when they are mating, it’s like a mushroom cloud of sperm coating everything.
Now it could be possible to read this as a stand-alone, but you would be doing yourself a great disservice. So many threads that are woven into this story comes from earlier books in the series. Particularly from The Midwife and the Orc, The Fall of the Orc (from Orc Forged), and Offered by the Orc. But I would also argue that you benefit from having read The Artist and the Orc, as it was Daisy’s portrait that started the events that led to this book, and the book that she and Rosa worked on together gets mentioned so often by Svein. Just do yourself a favour and enjoy all of Finley Fenn’s orc books first, you can thank me afterwards.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
* Second chance romance
* Rejected mates
* Exes to lovers
* Grumpy x Grumpy x Grumpy
* High angst
The Ex and The Orc is the 11th in the Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn, it’s a second chance romance, and it feels as if we have been teased with hints of what could have possibly happened with Kalfr and his son’s mother, to lead to their breakup, for half of the series at least. At the end of the last book, Kesst (one of my favourite characters in the series) and Daisy took matters into their own hands and sent Gaelfr, another one of Kalfr’s exes, a portrait of poor sad looking Kalfr. Suffice to say, as an avid fan of this series, I have been counting down the days until I could get this book in my hot little hands.
Raye is a struggling single mother, living in a country on the edge of war. It was only a handful of years ago since humans and orcs were at war against each other, and Raye is raising an orc son, Svein alone, surrounded by people who consider him the enemy. She has been so deeply wounded before by Kalfr, that she has been on the offensive ever since to protect herself and her son. Leading to her being isolated and alone, doing her best to raise her son, her orc son, in a land that is still distrustful of orcs.
The three of them are stubborn, and one of the big lessons from the book is them learning to communicate to one another.
Kalfr had failed to mention to Raye that he was already in a relationship when they got together, with Gaelfr, and he hadn’t told Gaelfr about Raye either. When Raye discovered that Kalfr was already taken by an orc, she immediately cut all ties with him. But cheating is not a trope within this book, so if you actively avoid it (like I do), you are safe here. Gaelfr had a very different reaction when he had discovered about Raye, that same night:
“For this was settled with our vows, many moons past,” he went on, a soft taunting caress. “It was sworn into sacred laws before the goddess. Kalfr is my ástvinur, and you are his mate. And thus” – a low satisfied growl – “you are mine.”
Somehow, eleven books in the world building continues to grow richer. That there is still new things to discover about our goddess loving Bautul orcs. The warrior clan, that is also passionate about gardening. We get to discover so much more about them, and the clans history.
The three main characters in this book were surprisingly similar, they were three stubborn lonely fools, who needed their heads knocking together to finally make it work. Ironically, Gaelfr, the reason Raye and Kalfr broke up last time, is the glue that this trio needed to make this work. They each had complex feelings about each other, but mainly about themselves. Having the main FMC hit especially hard, being one myself, and some of her anxieties and intrusive thoughts hit me hard. I’m a discerning reader when it comes to high angst. I get easily emotionally invested when it comes to well written books, it’s one of the reasons I mainly stick to books with HEA. Finley Fenn is one of the few authors I trust my emotional wellbeing when it comes to high angst, as she always makes the payoff worthwhile.
I cannot finish this review without mentioning Svein in more detail. He was such a sweet, adorable boy, with the inherent ability to be more aware of what is going on than you would expect, but also that skill all children possess of turning up when they are least expected. His Clan Terror now exists in Orc Sworn lore and will never be forgotten.
***
Random thoughts
On an even more fun note, we are still discovering new properties of orc seed, it seems to be similar to breast milk, adapting to what the mate needs. It’s noted at the beginning of the book it is noted that Raye is malnourished, and so Gaelfr and Kalfr’s acted like the opposite of Ozempic!
Anyone else picture that when an orc orgasms it’s like a nuclear blast going off inside. So when they are mating, it’s like a mushroom cloud of sperm coating everything.
Now it could be possible to read this as a stand-alone, but you would be doing yourself a great disservice. So many threads that are woven into this story comes from earlier books in the series. Particularly from The Midwife and the Orc, The Fall of the Orc (from Orc Forged), and Offered by the Orc. But I would also argue that you benefit from having read The Artist and the Orc, as it was Daisy’s portrait that started the events that led to this book, and the book that she and Rosa worked on together gets mentioned so often by Svein. Just do yourself a favour and enjoy all of Finley Fenn’s orc books first, you can thank me afterwards.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ex and the Orcs is the 11th full book in the Orc Sworn main series, a dark monster romance with more fluids, domming, and emotional pain and trauma than other orc romance series and that’s what makes these books great. Technically, this a stand alone book, however the series is best read in order, so you can read how the world and characters have developed over the many many books. Ok, onto the review!!
Raye is a weaver and single mom to the cutest seven year old orcling, Svein. She left her orc mate Kalfr because he sprang his other mate, Gaelfr on Raye and she gave him an ultimatum to give him up for her. The ultimatum backfired and it turns out that all three of them, Raye, Gaelfr and Kalfr have all been suffering alone for the last seven years. Raye has been barely able to survive by weaving cheap plain cloth to sell and Kalfr leaving small gifts of food, gold, or furs at her door as child support. But she hasn’t received any gifts in a long time and she and Svein are slowly starving despite her best efforts. To make matters worse, humans have been upping their aggression towards Raye and Svein and have threatened to burn down her house and harm them. Gaelfr returns and literally barges into their life and drags them to Kalfr and Kalfr’s orcish bunker (not a metaphor). Can the three of them overcome their past pain and misunderstandings and be together or will orcish pride and secrets hold them back?
Oh my god, so much drama in this book. For a series that is unexpectedly emotional, this book hit me very hard. All of the MCs have their own secrets they have kept from another and those secrets kept them apart for so long despite the fact that they are still (literally) bonded together which causes them physical pain to be apart. Raye is a very sympathetic character, because although she has been working so hard and trying her best, she feels like she is constantly failing at life and failing her son. Gaelfr for being a super tough fearsome warrior is actually the most sweetest caregiving orc seen thus far on Orc Mountain but also because he has tremendous guilt and trauma. We get to know Kalfr who we meet in earlier books (The Maid at the Orcs and the Artist and the Orc) a lot more. We finally get to find out why he is so sad and it’s also because of secrets and trauma. I really liked the opportunity to read more about Kalfr even when he made choices that I wanted to slap him over but it’s not an Orc Sworn book if you don’t want to slap a character at least once in the book.
I really love these books. On the surface they sound like they would merely be monster smut but they also cover serious topics such as war, racism, sexism, persecution, sexual violence, child abuse (like all the abuse), and much much more but it’s been so interesting to read how orc society was shaped by the atrocities of their recent past and how they have been addressing a lot of those issues in the last few years–largely due in part to some very strong human women and the orcs who love them. Each book is built on an emotional core that usually has me crying by the end of the book if not sooner.
So in conclusion, The Ex and the Orcs is really good. I think you need to read the earlier books to get the most out of it but you can enjoy it on its own too. Crazy dark things happened and will continue to happen in the book. They don’t always deal with their emotions in a healthy way. I don’t know how every surface of Orc Mountain isn’t a sticky mess but goddamn these books are like a direct shot to my lizard brain.
4 out of 5 stars
TW Listed here: https://finleyfenn.com/books/the-ex-a... (there are many many trigger warnings)
Thank you to Finley Finn for all of my favorite broken orc boys and the ARC (but I also bought it because I love the series so much).
Reviewed on June 13, 2026
Raye is a weaver and single mom to the cutest seven year old orcling, Svein. She left her orc mate Kalfr because he sprang his other mate, Gaelfr on Raye and she gave him an ultimatum to give him up for her. The ultimatum backfired and it turns out that all three of them, Raye, Gaelfr and Kalfr have all been suffering alone for the last seven years. Raye has been barely able to survive by weaving cheap plain cloth to sell and Kalfr leaving small gifts of food, gold, or furs at her door as child support. But she hasn’t received any gifts in a long time and she and Svein are slowly starving despite her best efforts. To make matters worse, humans have been upping their aggression towards Raye and Svein and have threatened to burn down her house and harm them. Gaelfr returns and literally barges into their life and drags them to Kalfr and Kalfr’s orcish bunker (not a metaphor). Can the three of them overcome their past pain and misunderstandings and be together or will orcish pride and secrets hold them back?
Oh my god, so much drama in this book. For a series that is unexpectedly emotional, this book hit me very hard. All of the MCs have their own secrets they have kept from another and those secrets kept them apart for so long despite the fact that they are still (literally) bonded together which causes them physical pain to be apart. Raye is a very sympathetic character, because although she has been working so hard and trying her best, she feels like she is constantly failing at life and failing her son. Gaelfr for being a super tough fearsome warrior is actually the most sweetest caregiving orc seen thus far on Orc Mountain but also because he has tremendous guilt and trauma. We get to know Kalfr who we meet in earlier books (The Maid at the Orcs and the Artist and the Orc) a lot more. We finally get to find out why he is so sad and it’s also because of secrets and trauma. I really liked the opportunity to read more about Kalfr even when he made choices that I wanted to slap him over but it’s not an Orc Sworn book if you don’t want to slap a character at least once in the book.
I really love these books. On the surface they sound like they would merely be monster smut but they also cover serious topics such as war, racism, sexism, persecution, sexual violence, child abuse (like all the abuse), and much much more but it’s been so interesting to read how orc society was shaped by the atrocities of their recent past and how they have been addressing a lot of those issues in the last few years–largely due in part to some very strong human women and the orcs who love them. Each book is built on an emotional core that usually has me crying by the end of the book if not sooner.
So in conclusion, The Ex and the Orcs is really good. I think you need to read the earlier books to get the most out of it but you can enjoy it on its own too. Crazy dark things happened and will continue to happen in the book. They don’t always deal with their emotions in a healthy way. I don’t know how every surface of Orc Mountain isn’t a sticky mess but goddamn these books are like a direct shot to my lizard brain.
4 out of 5 stars
TW Listed here: https://finleyfenn.com/books/the-ex-a... (there are many many trigger warnings)
Thank you to Finley Finn for all of my favorite broken orc boys and the ARC (but I also bought it because I love the series so much).
Reviewed on June 13, 2026
June 27, 2026
What can I say, this may not be just Gaelfr's book, but he's definitely getting added to the list of fictional men that are probably too good for me.
This story starts with a flashback of Raye, who is pregnant and mated to Kalfr, but he kind of forgot to tell her that he also happens to be mated to another orc, Gaelfr.
When she catches the two of them mid-tryst in her garden, she throws them out and tells Kalfr that she never wants to see him again. And one thing we learn very quickly about Raye, this girl means what she says.....because 8 years pass, and she doesn't give in once. (Too bad for her though because she missed eight years of having Gaelfr around, and that is a tragedy.)
Fast forward to the present, and Raye has been raising her little orc son on her own, and it hasn't been easy. Money is tight, food is scarce, and the neighborhood bullies and bullying. And just when things are at their bleakest, in steps Gaeflr to totally fix her life.
Yes, he's rough and gruff, and this is an orc sworn book, so there has to be some deception and trickery and no one ever knows exactly what's going on, but he's also sweet and caring, and basically just a big beast who keeps all his feelings to himself so he can be strong for everyone, and I just want to squoosh his being beasty face!
As far as second-chance romances go, I think Fenn does a really good job with this. There's a lot of very realistic feelings of regret and second-guessing of past choices. I do think Kalfr was the hardest to connect with and I didn't end up liking him as much as I had thought I would, but I think the cast of secondary characters in the byrgi was one of my favorites in the series. The little quest with Raye, Skirvir, and Fengr was just perfect (and if I could have more of Skirvir and Fengr, I would happily devour that story, too). And of course Gaelfr. Top tier.
(Review of advanced reader copy)
This story starts with a flashback of Raye, who is pregnant and mated to Kalfr, but he kind of forgot to tell her that he also happens to be mated to another orc, Gaelfr.
When she catches the two of them mid-tryst in her garden, she throws them out and tells Kalfr that she never wants to see him again. And one thing we learn very quickly about Raye, this girl means what she says.....because 8 years pass, and she doesn't give in once. (Too bad for her though because she missed eight years of having Gaelfr around, and that is a tragedy.)
Fast forward to the present, and Raye has been raising her little orc son on her own, and it hasn't been easy. Money is tight, food is scarce, and the neighborhood bullies and bullying. And just when things are at their bleakest, in steps Gaeflr to totally fix her life.
Yes, he's rough and gruff, and this is an orc sworn book, so there has to be some deception and trickery and no one ever knows exactly what's going on, but he's also sweet and caring, and basically just a big beast who keeps all his feelings to himself so he can be strong for everyone, and I just want to squoosh his being beasty face!
As far as second-chance romances go, I think Fenn does a really good job with this. There's a lot of very realistic feelings of regret and second-guessing of past choices. I do think Kalfr was the hardest to connect with and I didn't end up liking him as much as I had thought I would, but I think the cast of secondary characters in the byrgi was one of my favorites in the series. The little quest with Raye, Skirvir, and Fengr was just perfect (and if I could have more of Skirvir and Fengr, I would happily devour that story, too). And of course Gaelfr. Top tier.
(Review of advanced reader copy)
June 13, 2026
4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Spice
Monster Romance | Second Chance | Betrayal/Angst| MMF
The Ex and the Orcs by Finley Fenn was a messy, emotional journey of redemption and finding home in someone(s) who have betrayed you.
We have the romance/relationship plot, and we have the 'enemy of the orcs plot, where some humans are still targeting the orc clan. A lot was going on in this book. There were many ups and downs, and in typical finley fenn fashion, A TON of angst, yearning, and spice. I also found a single mom who would give anything for her son. Raye is one of Finley's most devoted FMCs to date, where she didn't give push or pull, she threw herself full force into being a good mate.
Gael is my new favorite MMC of the Orc Sworn series. He is a solid place for Raye (and Kalfr) to land. He was a steady, solid character who always showed up for his mates.
Kalfr had been through a lot, so his character changed pretty quickly due to the "betrayal." He seemed colder, more reserved, and it was hard to gauge him at times. I appreciated that Finley didn't have a quick resolution to Kalfr and Raye's situation, because then it wouldn't have been authentic, realistic, or have that raw heartbreaking intrigue. However, Kalfr's anger seemed directed at Raye, while he appeared much quicker to forgive Gael. That threw me off, considering Gael had also left for years and abandoned their bond
Overall, I would recommend The Ex and the Orcs! I devoured the book in one day, which was not easy at a cool 800 pages. If you want a story with betrayal/miscommunication, devoted mates who will do anything for one another. It's so easy to get lost in this world, and it instantly grabs your attention and makes you want to stay there. Finley's writing is just that good!
Spoilers Below:
Monster Romance | Second Chance | Betrayal/Angst| MMF
The Ex and the Orcs by Finley Fenn was a messy, emotional journey of redemption and finding home in someone(s) who have betrayed you.
We have the romance/relationship plot, and we have the 'enemy of the orcs plot, where some humans are still targeting the orc clan. A lot was going on in this book. There were many ups and downs, and in typical finley fenn fashion, A TON of angst, yearning, and spice. I also found a single mom who would give anything for her son. Raye is one of Finley's most devoted FMCs to date, where she didn't give push or pull, she threw herself full force into being a good mate.
Gael is my new favorite MMC of the Orc Sworn series. He is a solid place for Raye (and Kalfr) to land. He was a steady, solid character who always showed up for his mates.
Kalfr had been through a lot, so his character changed pretty quickly due to the "betrayal." He seemed colder, more reserved, and it was hard to gauge him at times. I appreciated that Finley didn't have a quick resolution to Kalfr and Raye's situation, because then it wouldn't have been authentic, realistic, or have that raw heartbreaking intrigue. However, Kalfr's anger seemed directed at Raye, while he appeared much quicker to forgive Gael. That threw me off, considering Gael had also left for years and abandoned their bond
Overall, I would recommend The Ex and the Orcs! I devoured the book in one day, which was not easy at a cool 800 pages. If you want a story with betrayal/miscommunication, devoted mates who will do anything for one another. It's so easy to get lost in this world, and it instantly grabs your attention and makes you want to stay there. Finley's writing is just that good!
Spoilers Below:
June 19, 2026
I kind of hate Raye. No, I do hate her.
(Below contains mild spoilers, but nothing specific for the plot of the book)
Listen, every other woman in this series I am behind 100%. They did nothing to deserve how they often get treated and I don't think they should have forgiven their orcs by the end of their books most of the time.
And yet here is this selfish cruel brat, and she gets treated with nothing but sweetness and kindness when she did very little to deserve it.
Did Kalfr screw up with Gael and Raye in the beginning? Yes. But nothing, NOTHING he did warranted Raye not even giving him a chance to explain or apologize, barring him from his son's life, burning every letter he wrote, threatening him, and being so cruel to him. If I was him, there was nothing she could do to earn her way back into my life as a partner.
And she is a terrible mother. Because she was jealous of Gaeflr she forced her son to grow up a prisoner. Barely able to leave their tiny house, no friends, no contact with anyone but her. Half starved his entire life bc she couldn't support them. Separated from his own people, his own culture. Not knowing the basics of his own body or how to speak his own language bc his mother was too selfish to even ask Kalfr for help. She was so obsessed with keeping him all for herself and overlooked the horror of a life she was giving him. Would Svein have been in danger with his people during the war? Yes. But the war ended when he was two years old. There was no justification for what she put him through. None. There is no doubt in my mind when Svein grew up and better understood his childhood he would resent his mother.
This all happens before the book even starts btw. Everything horrible about Raye's life, everything she suffered, was 100% of her own making. I don't feel sorry for her at all, only for her son who knew nothing but suffering.
And then near the end of the good she has the NERVE to stand there and tell Kalfr he was manipulative and cruel. After finding out how he'd been forced and SA'd his entire childhood, the horrors he'd suffered, she made it about herself. She took his pain and threw it in his face to twist the narrative and make him the bad guy and her the innocent victim. Fuck her. Seriously.
Apart from Raye the rest of the book was a delight. I love Kaflr. He is so kind and dedicated and generous. Has been the entire series. Is he perfect? Yes. Just kidding, he makes his own mistakes, but overall he is a wonderful person, father, and partner.
Gaeflr surprised me. I really liked him, and how nurturing he is. Kalfr and he are great together, and they deserve better than Raye.
(Below contains mild spoilers, but nothing specific for the plot of the book)
Listen, every other woman in this series I am behind 100%. They did nothing to deserve how they often get treated and I don't think they should have forgiven their orcs by the end of their books most of the time.
And yet here is this selfish cruel brat, and she gets treated with nothing but sweetness and kindness when she did very little to deserve it.
Did Kalfr screw up with Gael and Raye in the beginning? Yes. But nothing, NOTHING he did warranted Raye not even giving him a chance to explain or apologize, barring him from his son's life, burning every letter he wrote, threatening him, and being so cruel to him. If I was him, there was nothing she could do to earn her way back into my life as a partner.
And she is a terrible mother. Because she was jealous of Gaeflr she forced her son to grow up a prisoner. Barely able to leave their tiny house, no friends, no contact with anyone but her. Half starved his entire life bc she couldn't support them. Separated from his own people, his own culture. Not knowing the basics of his own body or how to speak his own language bc his mother was too selfish to even ask Kalfr for help. She was so obsessed with keeping him all for herself and overlooked the horror of a life she was giving him. Would Svein have been in danger with his people during the war? Yes. But the war ended when he was two years old. There was no justification for what she put him through. None. There is no doubt in my mind when Svein grew up and better understood his childhood he would resent his mother.
This all happens before the book even starts btw. Everything horrible about Raye's life, everything she suffered, was 100% of her own making. I don't feel sorry for her at all, only for her son who knew nothing but suffering.
And then near the end of the good she has the NERVE to stand there and tell Kalfr he was manipulative and cruel. After finding out how he'd been forced and SA'd his entire childhood, the horrors he'd suffered, she made it about herself. She took his pain and threw it in his face to twist the narrative and make him the bad guy and her the innocent victim. Fuck her. Seriously.
Apart from Raye the rest of the book was a delight. I love Kaflr. He is so kind and dedicated and generous. Has been the entire series. Is he perfect? Yes. Just kidding, he makes his own mistakes, but overall he is a wonderful person, father, and partner.
Gaeflr surprised me. I really liked him, and how nurturing he is. Kalfr and he are great together, and they deserve better than Raye.
July 20, 2026
The Ex and the Orcs
This was a great example of many of the pitfalls and difficulties that come up in relationships with three people. This author does such a fabulous job of developing all three couples (there are actually three couples in a throuple). Often with threesomes and reverse harems the relationships between each couple in the group is not necessarily developed well but this author digs deep into everything about all the relationships.
There is so much betrayal and hurt for each of these characters between all of them, and as is typical with deep emotions, it takes time to trust again. As usual with most of this series, the revealing of each person's truth takes time. I even grumbled to my partner about how long it takes to get to Kalfr’s truth even though he started the whole mess. But I loved finding out the even bigger story about why Kalfr makes the mistakes he does. As always, it goes back to abuse, toxic masculinity and patriarchy - which the orcs themselves are working to overcome throughout the series.
I liked this acknowledgement about how absolutely devastating pregnancy and childbirth are on a woman's body.
“Had he thought about what they’d done in the tunnel at all, then? Did he regret it? Or worse, was he thinking of her body stretching and weakening for him as she grew his son? Of her writhing and screaming in childbirth, or even meeting her death in it? Offering him the ultimate penance, the ultimate punishment?”
I got a bit frustrated with how she seems to be carrying all the blame through 70 percent of the book when there are so many additional obstacles for women in patriarchal worlds. The orcs do have many reasons for mistrusting humans including women but still, I was almost ready to kick both these boys to the curb until she finally gets them to admit everything.
It's not until she finally threatens to be done with them entirely that they tell her the truth.
“I’m giving up,” she whispered. “For all our sakes. For good.”
It takes this threat for them to finally get the courage to tell her their truths. (Typical of RL men also).
I also liked the acknowledgement of how much trauma their son was carrying.
“It’s all right, Mama,” he whispered. “You can have a new son, instead of me. As long as you’re safe.”
Oof, and his acting out later when everything had settled down and he knew (unconsciously) it was safe to do so. Well done.
Looking forward to this author managing an MMMF next time around. How many couples is that? Six? Plus the dynamic of the foursome? That should be the longest book yet :)
This was a great example of many of the pitfalls and difficulties that come up in relationships with three people. This author does such a fabulous job of developing all three couples (there are actually three couples in a throuple). Often with threesomes and reverse harems the relationships between each couple in the group is not necessarily developed well but this author digs deep into everything about all the relationships.
There is so much betrayal and hurt for each of these characters between all of them, and as is typical with deep emotions, it takes time to trust again. As usual with most of this series, the revealing of each person's truth takes time. I even grumbled to my partner about how long it takes to get to Kalfr’s truth even though he started the whole mess. But I loved finding out the even bigger story about why Kalfr makes the mistakes he does. As always, it goes back to abuse, toxic masculinity and patriarchy - which the orcs themselves are working to overcome throughout the series.
I liked this acknowledgement about how absolutely devastating pregnancy and childbirth are on a woman's body.
“Had he thought about what they’d done in the tunnel at all, then? Did he regret it? Or worse, was he thinking of her body stretching and weakening for him as she grew his son? Of her writhing and screaming in childbirth, or even meeting her death in it? Offering him the ultimate penance, the ultimate punishment?”
I got a bit frustrated with how she seems to be carrying all the blame through 70 percent of the book when there are so many additional obstacles for women in patriarchal worlds. The orcs do have many reasons for mistrusting humans including women but still, I was almost ready to kick both these boys to the curb until she finally gets them to admit everything.
It's not until she finally threatens to be done with them entirely that they tell her the truth.
“I’m giving up,” she whispered. “For all our sakes. For good.”
It takes this threat for them to finally get the courage to tell her their truths. (Typical of RL men also).
I also liked the acknowledgement of how much trauma their son was carrying.
“It’s all right, Mama,” he whispered. “You can have a new son, instead of me. As long as you’re safe.”
Oof, and his acting out later when everything had settled down and he knew (unconsciously) it was safe to do so. Well done.
Looking forward to this author managing an MMMF next time around. How many couples is that? Six? Plus the dynamic of the foursome? That should be the longest book yet :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Ach, I ken we must all do this...We must seek to meet each other, learn each other, trust each other. Not as we were, but as we are now."
I love a second chance romance so much! So, when I learned that a favourite author with a favourite series was writing one, I was so excited! Add in that the characters have been apart for years with a lot of drama between them and I was here for it. And Finley Fenn never disappoints, this book was touching, emotional, drama-filled, tense, and super spicy!
Raye and Kalfr have been apart for years. And despite having a son together, Raye is sure she can never forgive Kalfr for his secrets. But when his biggest secret, Gaelfr, shows up at Raye's door she's forced to confront the past and her current danger. Gaelfr says she's his and is offering her a new path, and a chance to confront Kalfr and learn the truth about what happened all those years ago. And a chance for her son to know his father and go somewhere safe. But how can they ever all work out the hurt and damage between the three of them?
The emotional drama and healing journey is the main point of this one, I loved how the author treated it with the care and time it deserved. Their journey was never linear, it was two steps forward one step back with these three, and that made it feel so real and so engaging. And I was so happy to see female characters as complex and messy as the male ones. No one was perfect here, no one was without blame or without hurt, and watching them work it out was so good. There was no one conversation to magically fix everything, and no instant solution to their past hurts. They had to put in the work to get there and that's what made everything feel so real. I cried several times and loved every word of it!
And Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr are so right for each other. They may be hurt but they're working towards understanding, and a big part of that is the spicy times together. It would not be an Orc Sworn book without the hottest spice! The Bautul clan connection to nature makes things extra spicy as the story progresses, and Gaelfr is going to make these two self-sacrificing, stubborn grumps see sense if he has to plough it into them himself.
This is the next amazing book in the Orc Sworn saga, and I loved every page of it! It's an emotional ride to the HEA filled with lots and lots of spice and everything there is to love about the series!
I love a second chance romance so much! So, when I learned that a favourite author with a favourite series was writing one, I was so excited! Add in that the characters have been apart for years with a lot of drama between them and I was here for it. And Finley Fenn never disappoints, this book was touching, emotional, drama-filled, tense, and super spicy!
Raye and Kalfr have been apart for years. And despite having a son together, Raye is sure she can never forgive Kalfr for his secrets. But when his biggest secret, Gaelfr, shows up at Raye's door she's forced to confront the past and her current danger. Gaelfr says she's his and is offering her a new path, and a chance to confront Kalfr and learn the truth about what happened all those years ago. And a chance for her son to know his father and go somewhere safe. But how can they ever all work out the hurt and damage between the three of them?
The emotional drama and healing journey is the main point of this one, I loved how the author treated it with the care and time it deserved. Their journey was never linear, it was two steps forward one step back with these three, and that made it feel so real and so engaging. And I was so happy to see female characters as complex and messy as the male ones. No one was perfect here, no one was without blame or without hurt, and watching them work it out was so good. There was no one conversation to magically fix everything, and no instant solution to their past hurts. They had to put in the work to get there and that's what made everything feel so real. I cried several times and loved every word of it!
And Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr are so right for each other. They may be hurt but they're working towards understanding, and a big part of that is the spicy times together. It would not be an Orc Sworn book without the hottest spice! The Bautul clan connection to nature makes things extra spicy as the story progresses, and Gaelfr is going to make these two self-sacrificing, stubborn grumps see sense if he has to plough it into them himself.
This is the next amazing book in the Orc Sworn saga, and I loved every page of it! It's an emotional ride to the HEA filled with lots and lots of spice and everything there is to love about the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★
🍆 🍆 🍆🍆 🍆
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
💋💋💋💋💋
💥💥💥💥💥
🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦
⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️
💦💦💦💦💦
A Goodreads Review for The Ex and the Orcs by Finley Fenn
I knew this book was going to be a commitment when I saw the page count, but somehow I still wasn't prepared for how completely it would consume my life. This isn't a quick monster-romance snack—it's a full feast, and every single page earns its place.
What impressed me most was how detailed everything felt. The world-building, the relationships, the emotional baggage, the history between the characters—nothing felt rushed. Finley Fenn takes her time weaving every thread together, and by the end, I felt like I'd lived alongside these characters rather than simply read about them.
And then there's Gaelfr.
Listen. I am trying to be a respectable reviewer, but Gaelfr made that impossible.
This orc is possessive, fierce, loyal, protective, emotionally complex, and somehow manages to be both terrifying and completely irresistible. Every time he stepped onto the page, my attention span packed its bags and left. The man—or rather, the orc—had me in a chokehold from beginning to end.
Would I get on my knees for Gaelfr?
Without hesitation.
Without questions.
Without needing further explanation.
Don't Judge Me!!!!!!!
The chemistry in this book burns hot, but what really sold me was the emotional depth beneath all that tension. The characters aren't perfect. They make mistakes. They hurt each other. They struggle. And because of that, every hard-earned moment of connection feels incredibly satisfying.
The banter, the longing, the angst, the possessiveness, the tenderness hidden beneath all that orc-sized stubbornness—it's everything I love about monster romance wrapped into one enormous, deliciously addictive package.
Yes, it's long. (Just howbI like it) **** stop judging me....
But every chapter adds another layer to the story, the world, and especially to Gaelfr. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't wishing it had been shorter—I was wishing there were another five hundred pages waiting for me.
If you're looking for a monster romance that delivers world-building, emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and an orc hero who will permanently raise your standard.
The Ex and the Orcs absolutely delivers.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Favorite Character: Gaelfr. Obviously. Well duh!!!!
Biggest Problem: Finishing the book and realizing Gaelfr isn't real. Praying to the nearest mountain, that he comes out Stark naked and ready..... (your judging me.....)
Would Recommend: To anyone who enjoys monster romance, emotionally rich fantasy, and orcs who have absolutely no business being that attractive.
I am going to need the address for Orc Mountain like today......
🍆 🍆 🍆🍆 🍆
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
💋💋💋💋💋
💥💥💥💥💥
🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦
⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️⛰️
💦💦💦💦💦
A Goodreads Review for The Ex and the Orcs by Finley Fenn
I knew this book was going to be a commitment when I saw the page count, but somehow I still wasn't prepared for how completely it would consume my life. This isn't a quick monster-romance snack—it's a full feast, and every single page earns its place.
What impressed me most was how detailed everything felt. The world-building, the relationships, the emotional baggage, the history between the characters—nothing felt rushed. Finley Fenn takes her time weaving every thread together, and by the end, I felt like I'd lived alongside these characters rather than simply read about them.
And then there's Gaelfr.
Listen. I am trying to be a respectable reviewer, but Gaelfr made that impossible.
This orc is possessive, fierce, loyal, protective, emotionally complex, and somehow manages to be both terrifying and completely irresistible. Every time he stepped onto the page, my attention span packed its bags and left. The man—or rather, the orc—had me in a chokehold from beginning to end.
Would I get on my knees for Gaelfr?
Without hesitation.
Without questions.
Without needing further explanation.
Don't Judge Me!!!!!!!
The chemistry in this book burns hot, but what really sold me was the emotional depth beneath all that tension. The characters aren't perfect. They make mistakes. They hurt each other. They struggle. And because of that, every hard-earned moment of connection feels incredibly satisfying.
The banter, the longing, the angst, the possessiveness, the tenderness hidden beneath all that orc-sized stubbornness—it's everything I love about monster romance wrapped into one enormous, deliciously addictive package.
Yes, it's long. (Just howbI like it) **** stop judging me....
But every chapter adds another layer to the story, the world, and especially to Gaelfr. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't wishing it had been shorter—I was wishing there were another five hundred pages waiting for me.
If you're looking for a monster romance that delivers world-building, emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and an orc hero who will permanently raise your standard.
The Ex and the Orcs absolutely delivers.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Favorite Character: Gaelfr. Obviously. Well duh!!!!
Biggest Problem: Finishing the book and realizing Gaelfr isn't real. Praying to the nearest mountain, that he comes out Stark naked and ready..... (your judging me.....)
Would Recommend: To anyone who enjoys monster romance, emotionally rich fantasy, and orcs who have absolutely no business being that attractive.
I am going to need the address for Orc Mountain like today......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face.
What I expected was an orc romance with a messy second chance. What I got was a deeply emotional story about three lonely people who have spent seven years hurting, missing each other, and convincing themselves they're better off apart.
They were not. Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr absolutely wrecked me.
One of my favorite things about The Ex and the Orcs is that nobody is entirely right and nobody is entirely wrong. Raye's fear and anger made perfect sense. Kalfr's panic and terrible decisions made perfect sense. Gaelfr's heartbreak made perfect sense. Every one of them was trying to protect something precious and ended up hurting the people they loved most.
And somehow Finley Fenn takes all that pain and turns it into one of the most satisfying relationship journeys I've read in a long time.
The communication in this book was especially wonderful. Not perfect communication. These characters are carrying years of guilt, resentment, secrets, and insecurities, but it was real communication. The kind where people stumble, say the wrong thing, hide things they shouldn't, and then slowly learn how to be honest anyway.
Watching them peel back seven years of misunderstandings and finally let themselves be vulnerable with each other was incredibly rewarding.
Gaelfr completely stole my heart. Kalfr broke my heart. Raye made me want to shake her and hug her at the same time. And Svein? I would personally fight armies for that child.
This book is also hilarious in places. Orcs remain gloriously dramatic creatures, and some scenes had me laughing out loud when I least expected it.
And yes, the spice is excellent. This is Finley Fenn. That's a given.
But what made the spicy scenes hit so hard for me was the emotional context behind them. Every intimate moment felt like another step toward trust, healing, forgiveness, and acceptance.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn't even the smut (though there is plenty of that!). It was the overwhelming sense that these three people had finally found their way home to each other.
Messy, emotional, funny, heartbreaking, healing, and incredibly romantic.
I loved every page.
What I expected was an orc romance with a messy second chance. What I got was a deeply emotional story about three lonely people who have spent seven years hurting, missing each other, and convincing themselves they're better off apart.
They were not. Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr absolutely wrecked me.
One of my favorite things about The Ex and the Orcs is that nobody is entirely right and nobody is entirely wrong. Raye's fear and anger made perfect sense. Kalfr's panic and terrible decisions made perfect sense. Gaelfr's heartbreak made perfect sense. Every one of them was trying to protect something precious and ended up hurting the people they loved most.
And somehow Finley Fenn takes all that pain and turns it into one of the most satisfying relationship journeys I've read in a long time.
The communication in this book was especially wonderful. Not perfect communication. These characters are carrying years of guilt, resentment, secrets, and insecurities, but it was real communication. The kind where people stumble, say the wrong thing, hide things they shouldn't, and then slowly learn how to be honest anyway.
Watching them peel back seven years of misunderstandings and finally let themselves be vulnerable with each other was incredibly rewarding.
Gaelfr completely stole my heart. Kalfr broke my heart. Raye made me want to shake her and hug her at the same time. And Svein? I would personally fight armies for that child.
This book is also hilarious in places. Orcs remain gloriously dramatic creatures, and some scenes had me laughing out loud when I least expected it.
And yes, the spice is excellent. This is Finley Fenn. That's a given.
But what made the spicy scenes hit so hard for me was the emotional context behind them. Every intimate moment felt like another step toward trust, healing, forgiveness, and acceptance.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn't even the smut (though there is plenty of that!). It was the overwhelming sense that these three people had finally found their way home to each other.
Messy, emotional, funny, heartbreaking, healing, and incredibly romantic.
I loved every page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review :
Ooooo I can’t wait for you orc daddy loving feins to read this 😭
Review pending : 6/12/26…
We are back at Orc Mountain, but this time we're on the outside, in a small cottage inhabited by the eccentric, orc-loving "witch," Raye.
Raye used to be mated to Kalfr until one night she overheard part of a conversation he was having outside her cottage with his bound brother. After witnessing what appeared to be an intimate moment between them, she interrupted and accused Kalfr of breaking his mating vows. Convinced she had been betrayed, she ended their relationship and forbade him from ever seeing their child again.
Kalfr rejects his own mate and sends him away, choosing instead to care for his family from a distance.
Years later, Raye is approached by mercenaries who have heard rumors about the woman raising a half-orc child. Their constant harassment makes life increasingly difficult for her. One night, Gaelfr arrives demanding entry into her home and begins inserting himself into both Raye's life and her child's. His goal is to convince her to return to Orc Mountain, help their mate, and allow both of them the chance to be the fathers they were meant to be.
The story follows Raye, her son, and Gaelfr as they travel together and learn how to coexist. Along the way, Raye slowly discovers that everything she witnessed that fateful night was actually a massive misunderstanding.
**Initial Thoughts**
Raye made me so frustrated because so much of this situation could have been avoided if she had simply asked questions. Instead of immediately assuming the worst-case scenario, she could have communicated and gotten answers.
Gaelfr, on the other hand, spent a lot of time making demands and striking deals, which definitely didn't make Raye feel any more secure or trusting of him.
And then there's Kalfr, over here acting like the master manipulator of absolutely everyone.
Also, yes, there is a lot of sword-crossing MM content, along with MMF dynamics. It's important to remember that the two main male love interests were already in a relationship before the female main character entered the picture. Because of that, their relationship naturally receives a lot of focus throughout the book. Raye's storyline and personal journey are woven into that existing dynamic rather than replacing it.
Ooooo I can’t wait for you orc daddy loving feins to read this 😭
Review pending : 6/12/26…
We are back at Orc Mountain, but this time we're on the outside, in a small cottage inhabited by the eccentric, orc-loving "witch," Raye.
Raye used to be mated to Kalfr until one night she overheard part of a conversation he was having outside her cottage with his bound brother. After witnessing what appeared to be an intimate moment between them, she interrupted and accused Kalfr of breaking his mating vows. Convinced she had been betrayed, she ended their relationship and forbade him from ever seeing their child again.
Kalfr rejects his own mate and sends him away, choosing instead to care for his family from a distance.
Years later, Raye is approached by mercenaries who have heard rumors about the woman raising a half-orc child. Their constant harassment makes life increasingly difficult for her. One night, Gaelfr arrives demanding entry into her home and begins inserting himself into both Raye's life and her child's. His goal is to convince her to return to Orc Mountain, help their mate, and allow both of them the chance to be the fathers they were meant to be.
The story follows Raye, her son, and Gaelfr as they travel together and learn how to coexist. Along the way, Raye slowly discovers that everything she witnessed that fateful night was actually a massive misunderstanding.
**Initial Thoughts**
Raye made me so frustrated because so much of this situation could have been avoided if she had simply asked questions. Instead of immediately assuming the worst-case scenario, she could have communicated and gotten answers.
Gaelfr, on the other hand, spent a lot of time making demands and striking deals, which definitely didn't make Raye feel any more secure or trusting of him.
And then there's Kalfr, over here acting like the master manipulator of absolutely everyone.
Also, yes, there is a lot of sword-crossing MM content, along with MMF dynamics. It's important to remember that the two main male love interests were already in a relationship before the female main character entered the picture. Because of that, their relationship naturally receives a lot of focus throughout the book. Raye's storyline and personal journey are woven into that existing dynamic rather than replacing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The villain this time is a woman, which hits differently. There's a particular kind of infuriation that only another woman can conjure — she had me stressed. But I'll say this without spoiling anything: she wasn't quite as terrible as I thought. Still put me through the entire ordeal of capturing Kalfr and nearly ruining him and his family. I did not appreciate that.
The road to healing that Kalfr, Gafr and Raye went through was absolutely not a walk on rose petals. But they pushed through, and their bond to each other is even stronger than they realise. Being in the front row of the story's voice makes it more distressing — sitting with all their doubts is genuinely painful. But there's also a little cheat in it, knowing exactly what each character truly thinks and feels about the others. The love, the loyalty, the doubts, the fears and the hope all laid bare. It's a lot to hold at once.
And then there's the unapologetic ploughing, feeding, planting, drinking of seed and the worshipping. Jesus. The Bautul goddess knows exactly how to enjoy intimate offering and worship. Beautiful and filthy!
Dear goddess watch my greedy mate laid bare in your altar open and hale🤭.
The amount of worshipping that happens on that Bautul altar is incredibly hot.💦
What I love is that I can sit with the anxiety and heartache now and actually enjoy it — because I trust Fenn completely. The mother of orcs always delivers a warm, touching ending. Always. So I can let myself feel the stress knowing the payoff is coming.
The Bautul clan finally gets its moment to shine and it was so deserved. Other clans get a nod but this one is front and centre. I was here for every second of it, coz i always have this image that Bautul clan don't get that much of attention.
And then my two new fave character— Skirvie and Fengr. The characters, the chemistry, the little hints being dropped. Is Fenn setting up a Skirvie, Fengr and Sybil situation? Because it feels like it. I'm watching closely. 👀
The road to healing that Kalfr, Gafr and Raye went through was absolutely not a walk on rose petals. But they pushed through, and their bond to each other is even stronger than they realise. Being in the front row of the story's voice makes it more distressing — sitting with all their doubts is genuinely painful. But there's also a little cheat in it, knowing exactly what each character truly thinks and feels about the others. The love, the loyalty, the doubts, the fears and the hope all laid bare. It's a lot to hold at once.
And then there's the unapologetic ploughing, feeding, planting, drinking of seed and the worshipping. Jesus. The Bautul goddess knows exactly how to enjoy intimate offering and worship. Beautiful and filthy!
Dear goddess watch my greedy mate laid bare in your altar open and hale🤭.
The amount of worshipping that happens on that Bautul altar is incredibly hot.💦
What I love is that I can sit with the anxiety and heartache now and actually enjoy it — because I trust Fenn completely. The mother of orcs always delivers a warm, touching ending. Always. So I can let myself feel the stress knowing the payoff is coming.
The Bautul clan finally gets its moment to shine and it was so deserved. Other clans get a nod but this one is front and centre. I was here for every second of it, coz i always have this image that Bautul clan don't get that much of attention.
And then my two new fave character— Skirvie and Fengr. The characters, the chemistry, the little hints being dropped. Is Fenn setting up a Skirvie, Fengr and Sybil situation? Because it feels like it. I'm watching closely. 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
🏔️ He’d promised himself to her. She didn’t know he’d also promised himself to another. 🗡️
⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻
~𝘖𝘳𝘤 𝘚𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟷𝟷~
[MMF Monster Fantasy Romance]
📖 Single POV, third person, past tense
✨ 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:
When Raye discovers Kalfr’s secret, that he’s bonded to another, she vows he will never see her or their unborn son again. But time isn’t always kind. When Gaelfr, Kalfr’s other estranged mate, discovers Raye and her son living in poverty, he declares her as 𝘩𝘪𝘴, vowing to care for them as a mate should, and seeking to reunite them all with Kalfr.
✨ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
Queen of dark orc romance Finley Fenn’s eleventh installment immediately draws you in. Raye’s plight and Gaelfr’s abrupt intrusion in her life are utterly addictive.
There are many things I love about Finley Fenn’s books. The dark, angsty storylines in a historical fantasy setting. The balance of character interiority with a high-stakes plot. The blending of the familiar (characters, places, customs) with fresh discoveries as the lore behind each of the orc clans deepens.
In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤𝘴, we return to the Bautul clan, stubborn protectors and fierce warriors whose devotion knows no bounds. The tenuous peace between the orcs and humans is put to the test and Raye can no longer remain on the sidelines. She needs Gaelfr’s help even if she doesn’t want it, for her own sake and for her adorable orc son, Svein.
While there was once love, there is now only hurt, mistrust, and jealousy. But Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr must work to overcome their obstacles for the sake of their son and for their safety. Adding fuel to the fire, the cunning and vindictive Sybil (from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤) wants revenge and won’t stop until Kalfr pays for his sins in blood.
If you love dark stories with second chances, jealousy, punishment, and atonement, this is for you.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
~ 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘍𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 ~
⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻
~𝘖𝘳𝘤 𝘚𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟷𝟷~
[MMF Monster Fantasy Romance]
📖 Single POV, third person, past tense
✨ 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:
When Raye discovers Kalfr’s secret, that he’s bonded to another, she vows he will never see her or their unborn son again. But time isn’t always kind. When Gaelfr, Kalfr’s other estranged mate, discovers Raye and her son living in poverty, he declares her as 𝘩𝘪𝘴, vowing to care for them as a mate should, and seeking to reunite them all with Kalfr.
✨ 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
Queen of dark orc romance Finley Fenn’s eleventh installment immediately draws you in. Raye’s plight and Gaelfr’s abrupt intrusion in her life are utterly addictive.
There are many things I love about Finley Fenn’s books. The dark, angsty storylines in a historical fantasy setting. The balance of character interiority with a high-stakes plot. The blending of the familiar (characters, places, customs) with fresh discoveries as the lore behind each of the orc clans deepens.
In 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤𝘴, we return to the Bautul clan, stubborn protectors and fierce warriors whose devotion knows no bounds. The tenuous peace between the orcs and humans is put to the test and Raye can no longer remain on the sidelines. She needs Gaelfr’s help even if she doesn’t want it, for her own sake and for her adorable orc son, Svein.
While there was once love, there is now only hurt, mistrust, and jealousy. But Raye, Kalfr, and Gaelfr must work to overcome their obstacles for the sake of their son and for their safety. Adding fuel to the fire, the cunning and vindictive Sybil (from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤) wants revenge and won’t stop until Kalfr pays for his sins in blood.
If you love dark stories with second chances, jealousy, punishment, and atonement, this is for you.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
~ 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘍𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 ~
June 18, 2026
Finley Fenn is probably one of my all-time favorite authors, and *Orc Sworn* is definitely one of my favorite series.
Without straying too far from reality, I’d go so far as to say that I’d happily read even a grocery list if Fenn wrote it.
In these 11-plus volumes (if we count the novellas and the books in the *Orc Forged* series as well), I haven’t found a single one that I didn’t like or that didn’t entertain me.
However, to be honest, my heart clearly belongs to the Skai clan and (partially) to the Ka-esh clan, and the Bautul didn’t win me over as much as I’d have liked, even though the drama was spot-on.
Honestly, for the first time since I discovered the series, I found the novel too long.
As much as I enjoy the misunderstandings and the drama of things said and left unsaid, I have to say that certain situations were repeated far too many times.
If the novel had been even just 100 pages shorter, it would have been better.
Also, I’ll be honest and say that I missed the characters from Orc Mountain; since this book is set outside the mountain, I actually saw very little of my favorites, partly because there aren’t any characters among the Bautul that I really love.
Although I’ve learned to care for them a little more than before (especially Fengr).
I’ll add that I would have appreciated a bit more backstory about the protagonists’ past because, even though the situation has been fairly well explained in other novels, I think there’s still more to be told about how the orcs used to live.
However, the plot actually worked better than in other volumes of the series; I like how the situation with Lord Nash’s lover has evolved, and honestly, I’m really curious to see what Fenn will do with it in the future.
Still, I remain of the opinion that if someone could show me the way to Orc Mountain, I’d be infinitely grateful.
Without straying too far from reality, I’d go so far as to say that I’d happily read even a grocery list if Fenn wrote it.
In these 11-plus volumes (if we count the novellas and the books in the *Orc Forged* series as well), I haven’t found a single one that I didn’t like or that didn’t entertain me.
However, to be honest, my heart clearly belongs to the Skai clan and (partially) to the Ka-esh clan, and the Bautul didn’t win me over as much as I’d have liked, even though the drama was spot-on.
Honestly, for the first time since I discovered the series, I found the novel too long.
As much as I enjoy the misunderstandings and the drama of things said and left unsaid, I have to say that certain situations were repeated far too many times.
If the novel had been even just 100 pages shorter, it would have been better.
Also, I’ll be honest and say that I missed the characters from Orc Mountain; since this book is set outside the mountain, I actually saw very little of my favorites, partly because there aren’t any characters among the Bautul that I really love.
Although I’ve learned to care for them a little more than before (especially Fengr).
I’ll add that I would have appreciated a bit more backstory about the protagonists’ past because, even though the situation has been fairly well explained in other novels, I think there’s still more to be told about how the orcs used to live.
However, the plot actually worked better than in other volumes of the series; I like how the situation with Lord Nash’s lover has evolved, and honestly, I’m really curious to see what Fenn will do with it in the future.
Still, I remain of the opinion that if someone could show me the way to Orc Mountain, I’d be infinitely grateful.
June 22, 2026
This series is the GOAT of the monster romance world! And let me tell you, it’s much more than JUST monster romance. If you’ve not read any of the series yet, do it; believe me, they will change your life.
This is an MMF - Orc/Orc/Human romance.
Raye has been trying for years to keep her Orc ex away from her and their son after he betrayed her with another Orc. But when said other Orc barges his way into their home and refuses to leave, despite her protests, she finds she actually doesn’t really want him to leave.
From the very start, I knew I was in for a wild ride with how stubborn and suspicious Raye is. Honestly, I hated her to my bones for the majority of the book, but then I did a complete 180° and loved her for the latter part. That’s the beauty of Finley’s writing; she’s so skilled that you can‘t even trust your own feelings 😅 The miscommunication was so frustrating, and it had me totally hooked! I thought Kalfr (Raye’s ex) was just the sweetest, but he actually has quite the dark side to him that I didn’t see coming at all. And Gaelfr (Kalfr’s other lover)….god, I LOVE GAELFR! He’s the biggest, scariest, most demanding teddy bear! Svein (Raye’s son) is so adorable! Who couldn’t instantly love him, and Mr Snuggles of Clan Terror 🥹 They’ve all had such horrors to endure, and I really felt for each of them even though they’ve all hurt and been hurt by each other.
Finley has exceeded all expectations with this book. The yearning is next level; you can actually feel it as if it’s happening to you, and my heart was in my mouth more times than I can count. The world building is INCREDIBLE, as always; I loved learning about the old Bautul traditions and the history between the clans.
And if you like your romance spicy, then you won’t be disappointed, but hold on to your bloomers when you get to the Altar scenes because DEAR SWEET GODDESS, they are thoroughly DEBAUCHED!! 🔥🔥🔥
I wasn’t expecting Raye’s little revelation towards the end, but I cried so many happy tears! I’m so glad they got the HEA they truly deserved.
I’m already clawing at the walls for the next book!
Many thanks to Finley Fenn for the ARC copy 🖤 All opinions expressed above are my own.
This is an MMF - Orc/Orc/Human romance.
Raye has been trying for years to keep her Orc ex away from her and their son after he betrayed her with another Orc. But when said other Orc barges his way into their home and refuses to leave, despite her protests, she finds she actually doesn’t really want him to leave.
From the very start, I knew I was in for a wild ride with how stubborn and suspicious Raye is. Honestly, I hated her to my bones for the majority of the book, but then I did a complete 180° and loved her for the latter part. That’s the beauty of Finley’s writing; she’s so skilled that you can‘t even trust your own feelings 😅 The miscommunication was so frustrating, and it had me totally hooked! I thought Kalfr (Raye’s ex) was just the sweetest, but he actually has quite the dark side to him that I didn’t see coming at all. And Gaelfr (Kalfr’s other lover)….god, I LOVE GAELFR! He’s the biggest, scariest, most demanding teddy bear! Svein (Raye’s son) is so adorable! Who couldn’t instantly love him, and Mr Snuggles of Clan Terror 🥹 They’ve all had such horrors to endure, and I really felt for each of them even though they’ve all hurt and been hurt by each other.
Finley has exceeded all expectations with this book. The yearning is next level; you can actually feel it as if it’s happening to you, and my heart was in my mouth more times than I can count. The world building is INCREDIBLE, as always; I loved learning about the old Bautul traditions and the history between the clans.
And if you like your romance spicy, then you won’t be disappointed, but hold on to your bloomers when you get to the Altar scenes because DEAR SWEET GODDESS, they are thoroughly DEBAUCHED!! 🔥🔥🔥
I wasn’t expecting Raye’s little revelation towards the end, but I cried so many happy tears! I’m so glad they got the HEA they truly deserved.
I’m already clawing at the walls for the next book!
Many thanks to Finley Fenn for the ARC copy 🖤 All opinions expressed above are my own.
June 13, 2026
Oh my Gael! What an orc! What an ooey, gooey, cinnamon roll of an Orc! I didn't think I could love an Orc as quickly as I did with Filak, but Gaelfr has given him a run for his money, and has more than proven me wrong! Honestly, I don't know how she does it, but Finley's work, and this world that she has envisioned just keeps getting better and better! The world building is top notch, the characters are multidimensional and endearing, and the plot is complex and engaging! With this book, I think I finally truly understand what it means to be a Bataul, especially in light of the generational trauma that they have endured, and are working to overcome. This MMF grouping is one of the most well matched and balanced groupings that I have seen to date. I love how they each challenged one another, while also helping each other to heal and grow. This was truly a beautiful love story of three individuals coming together to find not only love, but forgiveness, happiness, and peace together! I love how each individual relationship was tended and cared for, while building a truly cohesive and loving family! And, I absolutely adore how this was done in such a manner to bring further growth, love, and healing to the Bataul clan as a whole. And, of course, Finley did all of this while giving us tons of spice, adventure, and more orcs to love. And, she brought back many of our favorites to join in not only the adventure, but also the fun. Now, I can't wait for Rurik and Julian's story! Even though this is her latest in the Orc Sworn Series, I feel that you can enjoy it on its own without having read the rest of the series! So, if you are new, feel free to jump in right here with the rest of us, and then you can go back to enjoy the rest of the series at your leisure.
June 13, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was a commercial when I was a kid for the Sears department store. There was a jingle for the commercial that went on about 'the softer side of Sears'.
When I think of The Ex and the Orcs, I think of 'the softer side of Orc Mountain' (and I sing it to that Sears commercial jingle in my head).
I've come to think of Finley Fenn's books as angst filled, sharp and pointy, smut (and fluid) filled. And while this book had all those things, you guys, it had a bit of a softer feel. A little tender moment amongst the usual Orc filled chaos.
This book was more of a finding the way home. And not home in the building or place sense, but in finding your way back to the people you love most. Overcoming past hurt and horrible circumstances, to again find and connect with the beings that give you that reason to carry on, love you for who you are and show you their power and truth. There was no better clan to represent this than Clan Bautul.
We've been waiting on Kalfr's story for so long and it did not disappoint. It was pure joy to finally meet Gaelfr, Raye and Svein. To finally have the whole story. To watch these big, tough Bautul Orcs barging in all over the place and really showing how tender they could be. The whole tone of the book was just sweet and angsty yearning.
I could give 5 stars just for the host of side characters well. The lead up to future books with some of these characters was, as usual, so well done. I cannot wait for the next addition to Orc Mountain!
In the mean time, I'll be nursing a little Bautul hangover and savouring all that good care these books give my soul.
There was a commercial when I was a kid for the Sears department store. There was a jingle for the commercial that went on about 'the softer side of Sears'.
When I think of The Ex and the Orcs, I think of 'the softer side of Orc Mountain' (and I sing it to that Sears commercial jingle in my head).
I've come to think of Finley Fenn's books as angst filled, sharp and pointy, smut (and fluid) filled. And while this book had all those things, you guys, it had a bit of a softer feel. A little tender moment amongst the usual Orc filled chaos.
This book was more of a finding the way home. And not home in the building or place sense, but in finding your way back to the people you love most. Overcoming past hurt and horrible circumstances, to again find and connect with the beings that give you that reason to carry on, love you for who you are and show you their power and truth. There was no better clan to represent this than Clan Bautul.
We've been waiting on Kalfr's story for so long and it did not disappoint. It was pure joy to finally meet Gaelfr, Raye and Svein. To finally have the whole story. To watch these big, tough Bautul Orcs barging in all over the place and really showing how tender they could be. The whole tone of the book was just sweet and angsty yearning.
I could give 5 stars just for the host of side characters well. The lead up to future books with some of these characters was, as usual, so well done. I cannot wait for the next addition to Orc Mountain!
In the mean time, I'll be nursing a little Bautul hangover and savouring all that good care these books give my soul.
June 15, 2026
This was a second chance romance full of miscommunication that had to be fixed.
There was a lot of public sex too. The Batuul orc clan likes to watch each other.
Spoilers.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Years ago, she fell in love with an orc. He told her she was his mate. She didn't know he already had a male orc mate. He told her he had (an orc word) and she did not understand what he was telling her.
She sees them being intimate and is angry he cheated on her, so she tells them both she never wants to see them again. She is pregnant.
He tells her he will never touch his orc mate again. She still refuses to see him or talk to him and she burns any letters he sends to her.
Meanwhile, his orc mate wants him to be happy. So orc mate goes across the sea so he is not tempted to touch his mate. He believes he is living happily with his human mate and their son.
But she never forgave him and she is starving and cold and does not have enough food to feed her growing son.
He has sex with a different woman because she was a spy and they wanted to find out her evil plans. He said it should be him because he already had 2 mates and should not be able to form a mate bond with the spy. His human mate thinks he has moved on from her.
The orcs sent a picture to his orc mate across the sea. He comes home after realizing no one is happy. He wants to fix their relationship and have a permanent threesome.
It takes a lot of talking and having sex and forgiving each other to fix things. Finally she takes both of them as mates. She is pregnant with orc twins.
The evil spy woman has been neutralized.
There was a lot of public sex too. The Batuul orc clan likes to watch each other.
Spoilers.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Years ago, she fell in love with an orc. He told her she was his mate. She didn't know he already had a male orc mate. He told her he had (an orc word) and she did not understand what he was telling her.
She sees them being intimate and is angry he cheated on her, so she tells them both she never wants to see them again. She is pregnant.
He tells her he will never touch his orc mate again. She still refuses to see him or talk to him and she burns any letters he sends to her.
Meanwhile, his orc mate wants him to be happy. So orc mate goes across the sea so he is not tempted to touch his mate. He believes he is living happily with his human mate and their son.
But she never forgave him and she is starving and cold and does not have enough food to feed her growing son.
He has sex with a different woman because she was a spy and they wanted to find out her evil plans. He said it should be him because he already had 2 mates and should not be able to form a mate bond with the spy. His human mate thinks he has moved on from her.
The orcs sent a picture to his orc mate across the sea. He comes home after realizing no one is happy. He wants to fix their relationship and have a permanent threesome.
It takes a lot of talking and having sex and forgiving each other to fix things. Finally she takes both of them as mates. She is pregnant with orc twins.
The evil spy woman has been neutralized.
June 22, 2026
I plan my weekends around the releases
The world-building in this series is so good. Every book builds upon the previous ones in this regards adding more layers to the cultures of Orc Mountain.
At the same time every story is a stand alone from the others, allowing someone to dive in at any point, before going to binge on the rest of the series.
As for the Ex and the Orcs, omg I sat down and read most of this in a single sitting. The emotional tension is so well written without being the kind that falls apart when you put it in a modern context. There is no "if they just called first" type plot holes. There are a lot of miscommunication but they eventually talk and straighten them out. And they really reflect on why they happen and strive to improve. For characters who are often frustrating stupid about relationship stuff, the growth is incredibly satisfying and someone by the end, the relationships are actually wonderfully healthy compared to most romance novels.
As to the erotic scenes, of which there are a lot in this series in general, I really appreciate how in each novel the scenes seem fresh. There are a lot of romance authors where I feel like if you've read 5 sex scenes, you've read the authors entire sexual knowledge, but that's not true of Orc Mountain and this book is definitely still hitting that target. All of the orc mountain books have a lot of fluid bonding and pregnancy kinks but this once had a little less urgency on that, since there was already a kid involved and that was a nice change.
I loved getting to see more of the orclings in this one.
The world-building in this series is so good. Every book builds upon the previous ones in this regards adding more layers to the cultures of Orc Mountain.
At the same time every story is a stand alone from the others, allowing someone to dive in at any point, before going to binge on the rest of the series.
As for the Ex and the Orcs, omg I sat down and read most of this in a single sitting. The emotional tension is so well written without being the kind that falls apart when you put it in a modern context. There is no "if they just called first" type plot holes. There are a lot of miscommunication but they eventually talk and straighten them out. And they really reflect on why they happen and strive to improve. For characters who are often frustrating stupid about relationship stuff, the growth is incredibly satisfying and someone by the end, the relationships are actually wonderfully healthy compared to most romance novels.
As to the erotic scenes, of which there are a lot in this series in general, I really appreciate how in each novel the scenes seem fresh. There are a lot of romance authors where I feel like if you've read 5 sex scenes, you've read the authors entire sexual knowledge, but that's not true of Orc Mountain and this book is definitely still hitting that target. All of the orc mountain books have a lot of fluid bonding and pregnancy kinks but this once had a little less urgency on that, since there was already a kid involved and that was a nice change.
I loved getting to see more of the orclings in this one.
June 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another five-star read from Finley Fenn.
At this point I've accepted that every time I think I've found my favorite Orc Sworn book, another one comes along and challenges it.
What keeps me coming back to this series isn't the spice—it's the emotion. The characters are messy. They make frustrating decisions. They hurt each other, keep secrets, and sometimes I wanted to shake them. But they also feel incredibly human (or... orc). Their mistakes aren't there for drama's sake; they're what the story is built around.
I found myself sympathizing with Raye far more than the clan did. Kalfr made choices that had me questioning him more than once, and I don't think every character gave Raye the grace she deserved. But rather than hurting the story, those frustrations made the emotional payoff that much sweeter.
And then there's Gaelfr.
He completely stole this book for me. I love a hero whose devotion isn't quiet or hesitant. His instinct is to care for the people he loves, whether they ask for it or not. He's protective, nurturing, stubborn, and absolutely relentless in the best way. He may be my favorite orc in the entire series.
My only real criticism is that the epilogue overstayed its welcome a little. After such a powerful ending, I was ready for the book to wrap up.
Finley Fenn has become an auto-buy author for me because these books offer so much more than monster romance. Beneath all the steam are stories about trauma, forgiveness, family, healing, and learning to love people who are wonderfully imperfect. That's what keeps me coming back to Orc Mountain.
Another five-star read from Finley Fenn.
At this point I've accepted that every time I think I've found my favorite Orc Sworn book, another one comes along and challenges it.
What keeps me coming back to this series isn't the spice—it's the emotion. The characters are messy. They make frustrating decisions. They hurt each other, keep secrets, and sometimes I wanted to shake them. But they also feel incredibly human (or... orc). Their mistakes aren't there for drama's sake; they're what the story is built around.
I found myself sympathizing with Raye far more than the clan did. Kalfr made choices that had me questioning him more than once, and I don't think every character gave Raye the grace she deserved. But rather than hurting the story, those frustrations made the emotional payoff that much sweeter.
And then there's Gaelfr.
He completely stole this book for me. I love a hero whose devotion isn't quiet or hesitant. His instinct is to care for the people he loves, whether they ask for it or not. He's protective, nurturing, stubborn, and absolutely relentless in the best way. He may be my favorite orc in the entire series.
My only real criticism is that the epilogue overstayed its welcome a little. After such a powerful ending, I was ready for the book to wrap up.
Finley Fenn has become an auto-buy author for me because these books offer so much more than monster romance. Beneath all the steam are stories about trauma, forgiveness, family, healing, and learning to love people who are wonderfully imperfect. That's what keeps me coming back to Orc Mountain.
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