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Iron Valley Chronicles #1
VOSH: Anatomy of the Beast: A Dark Monster Romance (Book 1)
Two lethal orcs. One snow-locked nest. A craving that won't be denied.
Elara Vance is the finest healer in Oakhaven—yet her gifts are dismissed by men. Desperate to save lives, she ventures into the deadly Forest of Bones, only to find herself at the mercy of the very predators she feared.
Vorian, the iron shield, and Zev, the savage blade, don’t see a helpless human. They see their mate.
Trapped by a winter storm in a single fur-lined nest, Elara must decide: flee back to her suffocating life, or surrender to the guttural purrs and possessive heat of the two orcs who would burn the world to keep her.
Why you’ll love the Iron Valleys:
⚔️ The Heroes: Two massive, scarred Orcs who find their mate and will raze mountains to keep her.
🧪 The Heroine: A defiant healer who discovers her own power among "monsters."
🔥 The Heat: High-steam MFM (two heroes, one heroine), primal devotion, and possessive purring.
Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon’s possessiveness and Finley Fenn’s Orc world-building.
VOSH is a standalone novella with a HEA, part of the Chronicles of the Iron Valleys.
Elara Vance is the finest healer in Oakhaven—yet her gifts are dismissed by men. Desperate to save lives, she ventures into the deadly Forest of Bones, only to find herself at the mercy of the very predators she feared.
Vorian, the iron shield, and Zev, the savage blade, don’t see a helpless human. They see their mate.
Trapped by a winter storm in a single fur-lined nest, Elara must decide: flee back to her suffocating life, or surrender to the guttural purrs and possessive heat of the two orcs who would burn the world to keep her.
Why you’ll love the Iron Valleys:
⚔️ The Heroes: Two massive, scarred Orcs who find their mate and will raze mountains to keep her.
🧪 The Heroine: A defiant healer who discovers her own power among "monsters."
🔥 The Heat: High-steam MFM (two heroes, one heroine), primal devotion, and possessive purring.
Perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon’s possessiveness and Finley Fenn’s Orc world-building.
VOSH is a standalone novella with a HEA, part of the Chronicles of the Iron Valleys.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
About the author
Caleb Vance
5 books2 followersWelcome to the VanceVerse.
My stories aren't for those who seek shining heroes, but for those who revel in the beauty found among shadows, monsters, and redemption. If you're looking for visceral Orc Romance, dark fantasy with touches of horror, or romances that burn, you've come to the right place.
My stories aren't for those who seek shining heroes, but for those who revel in the beauty found among shadows, monsters, and redemption. If you're looking for visceral Orc Romance, dark fantasy with touches of horror, or romances that burn, you've come to the right place.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the setting of this world and loved learning the traditions of the orc clan. I loved Elara and her two orcs Vorian and Zev. I thought the males' personalities suited each other well. Though this is advertised as MFM, this felt like MMF emotionally- even though there was no swords crossing. For example the orcs already shared one giant nest (only one bed trope), and during an action scene:
'Time seemed to stop for Vorian. He saw his mate's blood. He saw the enemy reaching for Elara with filthy hands.'
Zev was the one wounded, so Vorian considered him his mate. I just wish there was more physically between them.
Here is where I nitpick: While I really enjoyed the story and that it had some of my favorite tropes, orc culture and supporting characters, and Elara proving herself brave and skilled, it needed to be fleshed out more. More details so it doesn't feel too much like a summary. Too many actions seemed to happen in a couple sentences. Certain things they said to Elara that were more orc culture than human, she didn't respond to. One of them would say something to her, and then the scene shifts rather than have her response or thoughts. I wanted more into their mindsets during certain scenes as well. Though I did get a good sense of who the three of them were personality-wise.
The first bedroom scene happened too abruptly and felt clinical and detached. I couldn't tell if she even found them physically attractive at this point. But the buildup of their closeness over the course of the story I liked, because they clearly cherished her.
I loved seeing Elara's interactions with the other orcs, and would have enjoyed more village life scenes.
One scene in particular got very jumbled for me. There was a quick fight scene with three enemies. Zev engaged enemy 1, enemy 2 is never mentioned again, then Zev is injured by enemy 3 to protect Elara. Vorian saw Zev wounded and on his knees and enemy 3 reaching for Elara (quoted above), but suddenly he is before her covered in "enemy blood." I read it three times before my brain realized the enemies must have been killed off page for some reason and weren't simply not there anymore. Zev had gotten deeply wounded with a blade, but was never mentioned again, and instead Elara is the one Vorian frantically searches for injuries. Which confused me more because a few times we are told orc's blood is green and they know human's is red. I liked the scene this led to, but this fight needs some cleaning up.
I liked the contrast between the orc clan who revered females, and the human village's misogyny. Her decision to stay was understandable. But also no mindset here. She'd originally went into a storm to gather a moss that Mrs. Miller desperately needed or she would die. The storm/orcs brought her to their clan. But unless I missed it, she never mentioned needing or wanting to go back (or stay), and Mrs. Miller was never thought of again. lol
Overall this was a fun fast-paced quick romance balancing the forced proximity and only one bed tropes (with a yummy helping of size difference), with some culture building, and action/danger. A great debut novel for this author and I look forward to reading more. 4 stars
'Time seemed to stop for Vorian. He saw his mate's blood. He saw the enemy reaching for Elara with filthy hands.'
Zev was the one wounded, so Vorian considered him his mate. I just wish there was more physically between them.
Here is where I nitpick: While I really enjoyed the story and that it had some of my favorite tropes, orc culture and supporting characters, and Elara proving herself brave and skilled, it needed to be fleshed out more. More details so it doesn't feel too much like a summary. Too many actions seemed to happen in a couple sentences. Certain things they said to Elara that were more orc culture than human, she didn't respond to. One of them would say something to her, and then the scene shifts rather than have her response or thoughts. I wanted more into their mindsets during certain scenes as well. Though I did get a good sense of who the three of them were personality-wise.
The first bedroom scene happened too abruptly and felt clinical and detached. I couldn't tell if she even found them physically attractive at this point. But the buildup of their closeness over the course of the story I liked, because they clearly cherished her.
I loved seeing Elara's interactions with the other orcs, and would have enjoyed more village life scenes.
One scene in particular got very jumbled for me. There was a quick fight scene with three enemies. Zev engaged enemy 1, enemy 2 is never mentioned again, then Zev is injured by enemy 3 to protect Elara. Vorian saw Zev wounded and on his knees and enemy 3 reaching for Elara (quoted above), but suddenly he is before her covered in "enemy blood." I read it three times before my brain realized the enemies must have been killed off page for some reason and weren't simply not there anymore. Zev had gotten deeply wounded with a blade, but was never mentioned again, and instead Elara is the one Vorian frantically searches for injuries. Which confused me more because a few times we are told orc's blood is green and they know human's is red. I liked the scene this led to, but this fight needs some cleaning up.
I liked the contrast between the orc clan who revered females, and the human village's misogyny. Her decision to stay was understandable. But also no mindset here. She'd originally went into a storm to gather a moss that Mrs. Miller desperately needed or she would die. The storm/orcs brought her to their clan. But unless I missed it, she never mentioned needing or wanting to go back (or stay), and Mrs. Miller was never thought of again. lol
Overall this was a fun fast-paced quick romance balancing the forced proximity and only one bed tropes (with a yummy helping of size difference), with some culture building, and action/danger. A great debut novel for this author and I look forward to reading more. 4 stars
December 11, 2025
Elara Vance has spent her entire life healing others while being quietly dismissed by the very society she serves. She’s brilliant, driven, and so deeply human in her frustration it’s impossible not to root for her. When desperation pushes her across the forbidden border into the Forest of Bones, she isn’t looking for adventure—she’s looking for a fighting chance to save her patients.
What she finds instead are two warriors unlike anything she’s ever imagined.
Vorian, the Iron Clan’s immovable shield.
Zev, its razor-edged blade.
Massive. Terrifying. Revered. And absolutely nothing like the monsters she was raised to fear.
When they save her life and carry her to their snow-laden village, Elara expects chains, cruelty—every human tale she’s ever heard about orcs. But the truth is warmer, deeper, and far more complicated. Here, strength is honored but compassion is treasured. Women are revered. Her skills as a healer aren’t just noticed—they’re valued.
And then the storm hits, trapping her in a single cabin with the two warriors who rescued her.
It’s intimate. It’s tense. It’s slow-burn torture of the best kind.
Elara’s logical, scientific brain is fighting a losing battle against the heat pooling in her chest every time Vorian’s rumbling purr vibrates through her bones… or Zev looks at her like she hung the moon.
But winter brings danger with its desire. A rival clan hungers for the human healer, and their intentions are far from honorable. Vorian and Zev are willing to tear the world apart for her—but the real choice belongs to Elara.
Does she return to a life where her voice is crushed beneath tradition?
Or does she claim the two warriors who see her worth, who respect her mind, and who crave her with a devotion that feels as ancient as the forest itself?
This book is:
✨ primal devotion wrapped in snow and furs
✨ a heroine proving her worth in a world that finally sees her
✨ two orc warriors who redefine what it means to protect
✨ longing that builds like a storm and hits just as hard
✨ a love story that feels both dangerous and utterly safe
VOSH: Anatomy of the Beast is more than a monster romance—it’s a story about finding where you belong, even if it’s far from the home you thought you knew. It’s tender, it’s feral, it’s intimate, and it’s beautifully unexpected.
If you love fantasy worlds rich with culture, emotionally complex heroes, and a heroine whose strength shines through every page, this book will absolutely steal your heart—and warm you straight through the winter cold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What she finds instead are two warriors unlike anything she’s ever imagined.
Vorian, the Iron Clan’s immovable shield.
Zev, its razor-edged blade.
Massive. Terrifying. Revered. And absolutely nothing like the monsters she was raised to fear.
When they save her life and carry her to their snow-laden village, Elara expects chains, cruelty—every human tale she’s ever heard about orcs. But the truth is warmer, deeper, and far more complicated. Here, strength is honored but compassion is treasured. Women are revered. Her skills as a healer aren’t just noticed—they’re valued.
And then the storm hits, trapping her in a single cabin with the two warriors who rescued her.
It’s intimate. It’s tense. It’s slow-burn torture of the best kind.
Elara’s logical, scientific brain is fighting a losing battle against the heat pooling in her chest every time Vorian’s rumbling purr vibrates through her bones… or Zev looks at her like she hung the moon.
But winter brings danger with its desire. A rival clan hungers for the human healer, and their intentions are far from honorable. Vorian and Zev are willing to tear the world apart for her—but the real choice belongs to Elara.
Does she return to a life where her voice is crushed beneath tradition?
Or does she claim the two warriors who see her worth, who respect her mind, and who crave her with a devotion that feels as ancient as the forest itself?
This book is:
✨ primal devotion wrapped in snow and furs
✨ a heroine proving her worth in a world that finally sees her
✨ two orc warriors who redefine what it means to protect
✨ longing that builds like a storm and hits just as hard
✨ a love story that feels both dangerous and utterly safe
VOSH: Anatomy of the Beast is more than a monster romance—it’s a story about finding where you belong, even if it’s far from the home you thought you knew. It’s tender, it’s feral, it’s intimate, and it’s beautifully unexpected.
If you love fantasy worlds rich with culture, emotionally complex heroes, and a heroine whose strength shines through every page, this book will absolutely steal your heart—and warm you straight through the winter cold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
This was a fun read by a new to me author. The world building was clear, the characters fascinating but the flow was a little jumpy for me. Elara struggles for respect as a healer because she's female. When she gets rescued by Zev and Vorian, she finds herself proving her worth and earning the respect of the orc villagers. She also earns the attention and devotion of the two warriors that saved her. Expect to get caught up in the action and feel the heat as you follow these three to their HEA :D
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews