What do you think?
Rate this book
My Orc Protector
He protected me when no one else would. Now can he learn to let me care for him?
When my father sent me to Eastshore Isle to pay off the guy he lost to at poker, I assumed I’d be handing over a wad of cash to another sleazy lowlife. I didn’t expect the door to be answered by a ridiculously hot, far too clean-cut orc who looks like he takes everything too seriously. And I definitely didn’t expect the payment to be…me?
But my dad’s just enough of an asshole to follow through on his threats if I don’t seduce Garrak to pay off the debt, and I find myself not really minding the thought of climbing this guy like a mountain. Too bad Garrak’s too noble to consider his own pleasure.
In fact, he’s too noble to send me back to my shitty old life and insists on keeping me on Eastshore to take care of me. I mean, a girl could get used to the bonbon-eating, Insta-O life, yeah? Except…the more I get to know Garrak, the more I realize he needs someone to take care of him. Why won’t he let me be that person?
This feel-good, low-angst, high-heat cozy romance features the following sold-for-a-debt, independent heroine, forced proximity, protective hero, adorable small town (of course), lots of humor, lots of heat
When my father sent me to Eastshore Isle to pay off the guy he lost to at poker, I assumed I’d be handing over a wad of cash to another sleazy lowlife. I didn’t expect the door to be answered by a ridiculously hot, far too clean-cut orc who looks like he takes everything too seriously. And I definitely didn’t expect the payment to be…me?
But my dad’s just enough of an asshole to follow through on his threats if I don’t seduce Garrak to pay off the debt, and I find myself not really minding the thought of climbing this guy like a mountain. Too bad Garrak’s too noble to consider his own pleasure.
In fact, he’s too noble to send me back to my shitty old life and insists on keeping me on Eastshore to take care of me. I mean, a girl could get used to the bonbon-eating, Insta-O life, yeah? Except…the more I get to know Garrak, the more I realize he needs someone to take care of him. Why won’t he let me be that person?
This feel-good, low-angst, high-heat cozy romance features the following sold-for-a-debt, independent heroine, forced proximity, protective hero, adorable small town (of course), lots of humor, lots of heat
- GenresRomanceParanormal
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
40 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Veronika Kane
44 books94 followersVeronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 8, 2026
Hoo boy, it took me a minute to connect with the FMC, but I should’ve known Roni Kane wouldn’t let me down. Stevie is the adopted daughter of a sl3azy card cheat who uses Stevie’s ability to “read” people to hustle a pair of organized cr!me bosses out of significant funds. When he loses big time to an orc, rather than pay up, he sends Stevie as payment. (ins3rt barfing gif here)…
Respected as the de facto chief of his bunch of orc brethren after sacrificing a literal limb to save them from a deliberately caused horr!fic mine explosion, Garrak is a natural born protector, whose love language revolves around service toward and caring for others, often to his own detriment. When he realizes why Stevie’s been sent to him, and later who sent her, rather than ship her back home, Garrak decides to do what he does best as he provides for Stevie, pl3asures the breath out of her (early and often), won’t let her lift a finger, and most critically, protects her from the man who delivered her like a parcel to a stranger.
Stevie, however, isn’t used to anyone fighting her battles, and the inability to sit back while others care for her along with her other abandonment issues drive her to step back from Garrak’s care, wary that she’s just another of the obligations for which he feels responsible. A showdown with daddy dearest is necessary for both her and Garrak to move forward, as is settling matters with the other “family” back in New Orleans.
A conclusion and epilogue worth applauding followed, and it’s a great, steamy little read which is a delightful addition to the Eastshore Isles series.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Respected as the de facto chief of his bunch of orc brethren after sacrificing a literal limb to save them from a deliberately caused horr!fic mine explosion, Garrak is a natural born protector, whose love language revolves around service toward and caring for others, often to his own detriment. When he realizes why Stevie’s been sent to him, and later who sent her, rather than ship her back home, Garrak decides to do what he does best as he provides for Stevie, pl3asures the breath out of her (early and often), won’t let her lift a finger, and most critically, protects her from the man who delivered her like a parcel to a stranger.
Stevie, however, isn’t used to anyone fighting her battles, and the inability to sit back while others care for her along with her other abandonment issues drive her to step back from Garrak’s care, wary that she’s just another of the obligations for which he feels responsible. A showdown with daddy dearest is necessary for both her and Garrak to move forward, as is settling matters with the other “family” back in New Orleans.
A conclusion and epilogue worth applauding followed, and it’s a great, steamy little read which is a delightful addition to the Eastshore Isles series.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
February 17, 2026
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
EEEEEEEK! This may be my new favorite Eastshore Isle book!!
Garrak was absolute perfection! He has to be the most protective orc to date and I freaking loved that!! He was all about helping and providing for others, not just his mate but his found family of orcs. I loved how helping and giving was his love language. He was such a sweet and thoughtful orc but definitely didn’t give golden retriever vibes; a careful line to walk but Veronika did him flawlessly! Sir, you have dethroned Sakkara for me!
And Stevie, oh I think you are my favorite FMC to date as well! I loved how Stevie had been THROUGH IT but was still such a good person. She was so attuned to other people (and orcs), whether if was from her past of wanting to be in the psychology/counseling field, or from all of the stuff she had to survive. Most of all, I loved how perceptive she was to Garrak and how from the start she worried who was caring for him when he was caring for everyone else.
Ummmmm…..so praise/degradation is one of my favorites and this book had TONS of it!! So naughty, so much lip biting on my end, so delicious.
Lastly, I loved getting to meet a bunch of new guys given this new influx of orcs to the Isle. I loved how these guys definitely had a found family vibe set in stone as they had moved together to the Isle. I especially loved Brakkor, the orc who doesn’t believe in mates. Despite his non-beliefs, he was the one who constantly was pushing Garrak to acknowledge his feelings for Stevie and ultimately showed him what he need to do to get her back and keep her for good. I so can’t want for this disbeliever to fall on his ass over a human hahaha.
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the eARC!
Garrak was absolute perfection! He has to be the most protective orc to date and I freaking loved that!! He was all about helping and providing for others, not just his mate but his found family of orcs. I loved how helping and giving was his love language. He was such a sweet and thoughtful orc but definitely didn’t give golden retriever vibes; a careful line to walk but Veronika did him flawlessly! Sir, you have dethroned Sakkara for me!
And Stevie, oh I think you are my favorite FMC to date as well! I loved how Stevie had been THROUGH IT but was still such a good person. She was so attuned to other people (and orcs), whether if was from her past of wanting to be in the psychology/counseling field, or from all of the stuff she had to survive. Most of all, I loved how perceptive she was to Garrak and how from the start she worried who was caring for him when he was caring for everyone else.
Ummmmm…..so praise/degradation is one of my favorites and this book had TONS of it!! So naughty, so much lip biting on my end, so delicious.
Lastly, I loved getting to meet a bunch of new guys given this new influx of orcs to the Isle. I loved how these guys definitely had a found family vibe set in stone as they had moved together to the Isle. I especially loved Brakkor, the orc who doesn’t believe in mates. Despite his non-beliefs, he was the one who constantly was pushing Garrak to acknowledge his feelings for Stevie and ultimately showed him what he need to do to get her back and keep her for good. I so can’t want for this disbeliever to fall on his ass over a human hahaha.
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are not enough words in the English language to express how much I enjoyed this new book to Veronika Kane's Orc series. I have fallen in love with this series 1 Orc at a time. Garrak is the protector and takes care of everyone he has accepted into his life, and has never had anyone take care of him in such a long time. Then comes in this little woman Stevie who is a little tornado of her own and has been through so much in her life and she needs his protection and care but she also needs to be able to return those same things. Garrak doesn't know how to handle her but all he knows is she is his to protect and his mate. I loved every single moment of this book you can't help getting sucked into their world and these characters all become so real as you read them and you feel their emotions as much as they are feeling them on the page. I love how this author develops her stories and you just fall in love with these characters and adventures as you read. Be prepared once you open this book and start reading you will need to finish the book to find out what happens. I loved how you don't see the ending coming and the way it all comes to an end its always a new beginning. This is a must read you won't regret it!! I cannot wait to see what is around the corner for us with this new group of Orc's that this author is developing!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Orc Protector by Veronika Kane
Eastshore Isles series #14. Contemporary paranormal romantic comedy. Abuse.
Stevie Hendricks travels from New Orleans to Eastshore Isles to deliver an envelope to orc Garrak Longspear on behalf of her father. It’s only after Garrak reads the note and gets angry that Stevie finds out her father has whored her out in exchange for his gambling debt. Because of threats from her father, Stevie realizes she has no choices here. Seeing bruises on Stevie’s arms as well as the surprise when she gets to read the letter, Garrak’s protective instincts kick in. He’s not letting her get away, but he sure isn’t taking advantage of her either.
Stevie and Garrak are attracted to each other. A bit of fun together isn’t out of the question. He can keep her satisfied as long as he doesn’t take action that would settle the debt. Easy. Or not.
Garrak is such a protector. Even as mad as he is at her father, he would never take it out on Stevie.
Steamy hot monster romance and a great resolution.
Small town, low angst, hot sex, and tons of humor.
My favorite series. New releases always go to the top of my tbr.
Eastshore Isles series #14. Contemporary paranormal romantic comedy. Abuse.
Stevie Hendricks travels from New Orleans to Eastshore Isles to deliver an envelope to orc Garrak Longspear on behalf of her father. It’s only after Garrak reads the note and gets angry that Stevie finds out her father has whored her out in exchange for his gambling debt. Because of threats from her father, Stevie realizes she has no choices here. Seeing bruises on Stevie’s arms as well as the surprise when she gets to read the letter, Garrak’s protective instincts kick in. He’s not letting her get away, but he sure isn’t taking advantage of her either.
Stevie and Garrak are attracted to each other. A bit of fun together isn’t out of the question. He can keep her satisfied as long as he doesn’t take action that would settle the debt. Easy. Or not.
Garrak is such a protector. Even as mad as he is at her father, he would never take it out on Stevie.
Steamy hot monster romance and a great resolution.
Small town, low angst, hot sex, and tons of humor.
My favorite series. New releases always go to the top of my tbr.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another fun small-town orc romance in the Eastshore Isle series of interconnected standalones.
Human FMC Stevie arrives in Eastshore thinking she’s delivering a payment to MMC orc Garrak, but unbeknownst to her, she is the intended payment. Of course, Garrak is an honorable male and doesn’t take advantage of the situation, though he does become protective very quickly.
This was a really fun read! The characters are super cute together, and both have their own issues and backstories to work through. That creates some conflict, but the story stays mostly spicy and cozy. (You may want to check the trigger warnings if you have sensitivities.) I especially liked the gambling and poker-playing elements, and that this book introduces more of the Alaska orcs to the island.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in My Orc Hookup, scheduled to release in May 2026.
Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Human FMC Stevie arrives in Eastshore thinking she’s delivering a payment to MMC orc Garrak, but unbeknownst to her, she is the intended payment. Of course, Garrak is an honorable male and doesn’t take advantage of the situation, though he does become protective very quickly.
This was a really fun read! The characters are super cute together, and both have their own issues and backstories to work through. That creates some conflict, but the story stays mostly spicy and cozy. (You may want to check the trigger warnings if you have sensitivities.) I especially liked the gambling and poker-playing elements, and that this book introduces more of the Alaska orcs to the island.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in My Orc Hookup, scheduled to release in May 2026.
Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 9, 2026
My Orc Protector is by far one of my favorite Eastshore Isle books by Veronika Kane. It was hard to put down once I started reading. You do not have to start in the beginning of the series to enjoy this book.
Stevie our FMC is smart and very intuitive in reading people's (and Orcs) personalities. Unfortunately her father is slime and has Stevie using her ability to help him cheat in cards and other unlawful deeds. Garrack, our Orc, has the personality of a protector and is always thinking of others rather than himself. They meet when Stevie is paying a debt for her Dad and Garrack and wants to protect Stevie. Stevie sees Garrack as always giving to others and not allowing to be cared for.
Stevie is one of my favorite characters as she is smart and caring. Garrak is a just a big Orc teddy bear who would do anything for you. It is a very enjoyable book.
I received an advanced copy and give my review honestly.
Stevie our FMC is smart and very intuitive in reading people's (and Orcs) personalities. Unfortunately her father is slime and has Stevie using her ability to help him cheat in cards and other unlawful deeds. Garrack, our Orc, has the personality of a protector and is always thinking of others rather than himself. They meet when Stevie is paying a debt for her Dad and Garrack and wants to protect Stevie. Stevie sees Garrack as always giving to others and not allowing to be cared for.
Stevie is one of my favorite characters as she is smart and caring. Garrak is a just a big Orc teddy bear who would do anything for you. It is a very enjoyable book.
I received an advanced copy and give my review honestly.
February 17, 2026
4.25 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, steamy, forced proximity, fated mates, contemporary fantasy romance between Stevie, the female human lead whose abusive father has sent her to be “payment” for his debt, and Garrak, the male orc businessman/semi-professional gambler lead, who needs that money to fund his current construction project. It is somewhat darker in theme than many of the author’s other works but I felt the threat issues were sensitively handled, though I was less convinced on the disability issues. I enjoyed Garrak’s ethics and his determination to not take advantage of Stevie, whilst still balancing his biological draw to her as his mate. I empathised with Stevie’s fears and concerns, and enjoyed the confidence that Garrak’s support allowed her to develop. I enjoyed the characters’ enjoyment of steamy intimate moments, though the preferences were not in line with my own. I enjoyed the resolution and the handling of the antagonist. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters, and the set up for future stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh man. This book hits the right spots. Garrak is a protective, growly, possessive, and noble (character wise not like actual nobility). Stevie has experienced some stuff and it was very healing for me to read about them coming together.
There were moments where I laughed and teared up. I felt like this book was spicier than previous ones. Like there are two scenes in particular that are 🥵
*SPOILERS* This book explores a degradation and praise kink (😏) Also Stevie has an abusive dad. Veronika doesn’t go into detail but it’s there.
Overall, I loved this book. I feel like Garrak will be my book boyfriend for a while. I love a possessive, growly, and protective orc. This book will def be reread in the future!
There were moments where I laughed and teared up. I felt like this book was spicier than previous ones. Like there are two scenes in particular that are 🥵
*SPOILERS* This book explores a degradation and praise kink (😏) Also Stevie has an abusive dad. Veronika doesn’t go into detail but it’s there.
Overall, I loved this book. I feel like Garrak will be my book boyfriend for a while. I love a possessive, growly, and protective orc. This book will def be reread in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from my favorite coastal town, Eastshore Isle. And that is saying a lot because I literally live on the East coast - like walk to the beach close.
Everytime I read a book from this series I think this orc male is my new favorite and I’ve decided it’s just that I love every single one equally. They are all great in their own way and Garrak is absolutely goals. Not only is he a natural born protector and caretaker of his men, his girl, heck - humanity in general (as far as Eastshore is concerned) but he also has a filthy mouth and a kinky side to him. Can there be anything better?
Stevie has a rough backstory but her fierce independence leads to both a heartbreaking few chapters and SUCH a fun ending! Loved this read and can’t wait till the next one!
Everytime I read a book from this series I think this orc male is my new favorite and I’ve decided it’s just that I love every single one equally. They are all great in their own way and Garrak is absolutely goals. Not only is he a natural born protector and caretaker of his men, his girl, heck - humanity in general (as far as Eastshore is concerned) but he also has a filthy mouth and a kinky side to him. Can there be anything better?
Stevie has a rough backstory but her fierce independence leads to both a heartbreaking few chapters and SUCH a fun ending! Loved this read and can’t wait till the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Imagine a sexy, over the top protector. Now, add in one who refuses to allow anyone to help him or believe his mate would want anything more than to be loved, protected, and cherished and you have found Garrak.
Now, imagine a woman who has been used by the very family who is supposed to protect and cherish her. When Stevie finds Garrak and all the things he offers, it sounds and feels like paradise…or a different kind of prison???
It was fabulous to see the characters grow and learn about themselves and each other.
Although this is part of a series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend this book.
Now, imagine a woman who has been used by the very family who is supposed to protect and cherish her. When Stevie finds Garrak and all the things he offers, it sounds and feels like paradise…or a different kind of prison???
It was fabulous to see the characters grow and learn about themselves and each other.
Although this is part of a series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Highly Entertaining!
Garrak and Stevie are so well suited; they are the perfect pair!
Their story is definitely my favourite of the series - It was so light and easy to read.
I couldn't get enough of these two characters. Loved their passion which is fan-hot, in fact there was nothing I didn't like and so this is a book which I highly recommend! Enjoy!
I read an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review!
Garrak and Stevie are so well suited; they are the perfect pair!
Their story is definitely my favourite of the series - It was so light and easy to read.
I couldn't get enough of these two characters. Loved their passion which is fan-hot, in fact there was nothing I didn't like and so this is a book which I highly recommend! Enjoy!
I read an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review!
February 14, 2026
The story started off smoothly enough. We met the main characters, and things took an exciting turn when the female protagonist was supposed to leave—but she stayed. Their mutual introduction was filled with humorous frustration for the male protagonist, yet it was also touching to see how concerned he was for her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two characters. I'm glad they found each other.
February 13, 2026
Oh my! Poor Stevie! I felt horrible for her! What a crap father! Then there's our protector! He is the absolute BEST! WHAT a kind and fierce male! I loved their story. It was a wonderful add to the series!
February 14, 2026
Stevie is sent by her father as a payment for a gambling debt. Garreck is not what she expected. A handsome orc whose kteer is going wild. But he refuses to touch her. So much sexual tension. Stevie breaks down his defenses. He just has to keep her safe from her father.
February 22, 2026
The instant chemistry between Garrak and Stevie sizzles and the care he shows for her safety and happiness is incredibly heartwarming. It’s sweet, spicy, and satisfying—exactly what we’ve come to expect when we visit Eastshor Isle!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super orc romance.. Sweet, fun, and full of sparks..
February 16, 2026
Solid little piece of smutty fluffy fluff. The kink wasn’t my cuppa but the rest was good.
February 19, 2026
another goody from the Eastshore crew. both Stevie and Garrak grew a lot in this book. they both learnt a bit more about themselves and learnt how to work as a team .
February 25, 2026
Romantic, Entertaining, Wonderful characters, Great world building, Unpredictable, Happily Ever After, Steamy
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Orc Protector
By Veronika Kane/Caroline Lee
Back to our orc world but these orcs originated in Alaska. Such a beautiful thing to have peoples who come from other worlds and care this much about each other. I’ve never seen anything in my life that even makes this remotely possible or plausible but it was a wonderfully distracting funny fantasy. Thanks again Roni. You do a superb job.
By Veronika Kane/Caroline Lee
Back to our orc world but these orcs originated in Alaska. Such a beautiful thing to have peoples who come from other worlds and care this much about each other. I’ve never seen anything in my life that even makes this remotely possible or plausible but it was a wonderfully distracting funny fantasy. Thanks again Roni. You do a superb job.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews