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Wicked Pucking Orc
I was only looking for a good time.
And honestly, I thought that's all Kardok, the ridiculously talented Forward for the Teal Terrors, wanted. He is, after all, famous for his love-'em-and-leave-'em attitude...and that tongue. OMG, when he turns to the cameras and does that thing with his tongue, and all the ladies scream his name? Yeah, I might have been one of those never-been-kissed innocent-looking types, but secretly, I'm a huge fan of his bad-boy image.
I've always assumed that someone like him wouldn't want anything to do with quiet little me, but when the chance comes for a night with him, I jump on it--and him. I never expected this wicked pucking orc would suddenly decide he wants more from me!
***
The Orc Hockey League is a cozy-spicy monster romance series where fierce orc athletes rule the ice, rivalries run hot, and love hits harder than a body check. Each book can be read as a standalone and ends with a happily ever after.
And honestly, I thought that's all Kardok, the ridiculously talented Forward for the Teal Terrors, wanted. He is, after all, famous for his love-'em-and-leave-'em attitude...and that tongue. OMG, when he turns to the cameras and does that thing with his tongue, and all the ladies scream his name? Yeah, I might have been one of those never-been-kissed innocent-looking types, but secretly, I'm a huge fan of his bad-boy image.
I've always assumed that someone like him wouldn't want anything to do with quiet little me, but when the chance comes for a night with him, I jump on it--and him. I never expected this wicked pucking orc would suddenly decide he wants more from me!
***
The Orc Hockey League is a cozy-spicy monster romance series where fierce orc athletes rule the ice, rivalries run hot, and love hits harder than a body check. Each book can be read as a standalone and ends with a happily ever after.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2026
About the author
Veronika Kane
46 books115 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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 10, 2026
4 stars
June 8, 2026
This was an enjoyable blend of two of my favorite things: monster romance and hockey romance! Seriously, what’s hotter than a “bad boy” hockey player orc?? Nothing, the answer is nothing.
I enjoyed the forced proximity/working relationship that Kardok and Lila were subjected to, but I enjoyed even more than neither one of them minded 😉 I loved how they were able to express through the ice skating the blending of their two worlds and their two ice-related professions, as well as show that Kardok was not all brutal force.
I loved the connection to Eastshore Island, another monster series by Kane, that was woven in and how the couple eventually made it out there so see some of our favorites from that series.
I enjoyed the characters we met in this book and would definitely be interested in reading others in this series by the other authors.
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I enjoyed the forced proximity/working relationship that Kardok and Lila were subjected to, but I enjoyed even more than neither one of them minded 😉 I loved how they were able to express through the ice skating the blending of their two worlds and their two ice-related professions, as well as show that Kardok was not all brutal force.
I loved the connection to Eastshore Island, another monster series by Kane, that was woven in and how the couple eventually made it out there so see some of our favorites from that series.
I enjoyed the characters we met in this book and would definitely be interested in reading others in this series by the other authors.
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wicked Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane
The Orc Hockey League series, various authors. Alternating POV 1st. Connected to Eastshore Isle series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Lila Fairbanks manages the charity division of her father’s business and works most of her hours at the Bramblebluff Ice Complex. The rink is used by residents and professionals alike including the Teal Terrors, the local Orc League for their practice.
A marketing scheme has former figure skating champion Lila paired with orc hockey player Kardok in a gala event to raise funds for the community. Figure skating and hockey not only have different skates, they also have vastly different skating styles, goals and fans. It’s going to be up to Lila to work with Kardok so they can mess their styles and create an exhibition style performance to wow the crowd. She’s up to the task as long as she can keep her thoughts on skating and not the wicked tongue of her new orc partner.
What a fun romance. Minor references to the famous movie give this a great jumping off point. Lila and Kardok sparkle with banter, chemistry and preconceived expectations.
Both are used to the cameras and audience but this is different. They’ll need to depend on the other in this dance to the finish line. They’ll practice over and over to get it right. For the cameras.
Joyful, sexy, and an altruistic goal. Romance, lust, and a wicked orc. My hea.
The Orc Hockey League series, various authors. Alternating POV 1st. Connected to Eastshore Isle series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Lila Fairbanks manages the charity division of her father’s business and works most of her hours at the Bramblebluff Ice Complex. The rink is used by residents and professionals alike including the Teal Terrors, the local Orc League for their practice.
A marketing scheme has former figure skating champion Lila paired with orc hockey player Kardok in a gala event to raise funds for the community. Figure skating and hockey not only have different skates, they also have vastly different skating styles, goals and fans. It’s going to be up to Lila to work with Kardok so they can mess their styles and create an exhibition style performance to wow the crowd. She’s up to the task as long as she can keep her thoughts on skating and not the wicked tongue of her new orc partner.
What a fun romance. Minor references to the famous movie give this a great jumping off point. Lila and Kardok sparkle with banter, chemistry and preconceived expectations.
Both are used to the cameras and audience but this is different. They’ll need to depend on the other in this dance to the finish line. They’ll practice over and over to get it right. For the cameras.
Joyful, sexy, and an altruistic goal. Romance, lust, and a wicked orc. My hea.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fun orc hockey romance. It is part of the multi-author Orc Hockey League series and connects to Kane's Eastshore Isle series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Human FMC Lila runs the charity foundation for her father's business, which happens to own the rink where she used to practice figure skating. The PR department decides it would be a great event to have Lila use her figure skating skills in a Dancing with the Stars-style ice gala, paired with the orc hockey team's "wicked" player, orc MMC Kardok, whom Lila has been fangirling over for quite a while.
I really enjoyed this book! I'm not usually a sports romance girly, but hockey has been trending, and I'll admit I can see the appeal. I loved how this book blended both ice hockey and figure skating while still focusing on the couple and their romance. It was sweet while also having a lot of heartfelt moments and growth for both characters. Also spicy, never forget spicy!
Overall, this was a great orc hockey romance. I look forward to reading more from this series, as well as the other Eastshore Isle orcs this book connects with. Protective Pucking Orc and My Orc Hookup were both teased at the end of this book.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Human FMC Lila runs the charity foundation for her father's business, which happens to own the rink where she used to practice figure skating. The PR department decides it would be a great event to have Lila use her figure skating skills in a Dancing with the Stars-style ice gala, paired with the orc hockey team's "wicked" player, orc MMC Kardok, whom Lila has been fangirling over for quite a while.
I really enjoyed this book! I'm not usually a sports romance girly, but hockey has been trending, and I'll admit I can see the appeal. I loved how this book blended both ice hockey and figure skating while still focusing on the couple and their romance. It was sweet while also having a lot of heartfelt moments and growth for both characters. Also spicy, never forget spicy!
Overall, this was a great orc hockey romance. I look forward to reading more from this series, as well as the other Eastshore Isle orcs this book connects with. Protective Pucking Orc and My Orc Hookup were both teased at the end of this book.
Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veronika has sure done it again!!! This book was amazing from start to finish. I loved every single moment of this book. This story was so well-written I loved how this author put Kardak a hockey player in a charity figure skating event with Lila. The emotional journey that these two go through while they are training and getting to know and trust one another on the ice is both intense and heartwarming. I loved every single moment of this book it kept me reading from the minute I turned the first page. The way Kardak's team mates were supportive and bugged him through out the book made me laugh. These two were so made for one another and you can't help but fall in love with this couple. The way they support one another, and open up to each other. The way these two came together made for a spicy, hot read you may need to turn on the fan to cool down as you make your way through. This author's writing keeps getting better and better I cannot say enough good things about this book. I loved the hockey angle with the Orcs and hope we get to see more of them. This is a definite must read!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved this! As a certified hockey girlie (dated multiple players AND someone whose family owned an NHL team) I can say with my full chest that the best thing to happen to hockey romance was undoubtedly Roni Kane’s orcs.
No surprise at all that this was such a good read with an orc male that will literally make you drool and a female main you can relate to and love. Wicked Pucking Orc had such a beautiful Romeo and Juliet storyline in that Lila is a pretty and fragile figure skater and Korrak is a … well, hockey playing orc. So you know how that is!
But Lila isn’t what people probably expect her to be and that’s her own doing. She projects an image of perfection but loves watching Korrak’s games in team colored pajamas while throwing popcorn at the screen. I loved the relationship between these two and there were so many poetic lines throughout.
It was great to start building on a new “world” where we can meet some other orcs but tie it in to the Eastshore Isle series I love so much!
No surprise at all that this was such a good read with an orc male that will literally make you drool and a female main you can relate to and love. Wicked Pucking Orc had such a beautiful Romeo and Juliet storyline in that Lila is a pretty and fragile figure skater and Korrak is a … well, hockey playing orc. So you know how that is!
But Lila isn’t what people probably expect her to be and that’s her own doing. She projects an image of perfection but loves watching Korrak’s games in team colored pajamas while throwing popcorn at the screen. I loved the relationship between these two and there were so many poetic lines throughout.
It was great to start building on a new “world” where we can meet some other orcs but tie it in to the Eastshore Isle series I love so much!
May 30, 2026
Former professional figure skater Lila is asked to work on a pairs exhibition to benefit local children at the ice arena complex her father owns. When she finds out she’s to be paired with orc hockey player Kardok, she’s intrigued and nervous in equal measure.
Still sensitive about his last minute penalty costing his team the chance at the championship, Kardok knows he has no choice but to participate in the exhibition despite having no background in figure skating. Working with the beautiful Lila is a bonus, and their attraction to each other is off the charts.
After practicing together, Lila and Kardok soon become physically intimate, but how could a princess like Lila have any interest in a brutish orc for anything more than a good time?
This was another fun fated mates novella from Veronika Kane between a human and an orc. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
Still sensitive about his last minute penalty costing his team the chance at the championship, Kardok knows he has no choice but to participate in the exhibition despite having no background in figure skating. Working with the beautiful Lila is a bonus, and their attraction to each other is off the charts.
After practicing together, Lila and Kardok soon become physically intimate, but how could a princess like Lila have any interest in a brutish orc for anything more than a good time?
This was another fun fated mates novella from Veronika Kane between a human and an orc. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast paced, sweet and steamy, fated mates, opposites attract, colleagues to more, contemporary fantasy romance between Lila, the female human ex-figure skater lead, and Kardok, the male orc ice hockey player lead. I enjoyed the contrast between their approaches to life. I empathised with Lila’s perceived need to be perfect. I enjoyed seeing her relax as she felt confident in Kardok’s acceptance of her. I enjoyed Kardok’s surprise at his interest in Lila and his genuine care for her. I enjoyed his growing confidence that he could be more than a brute. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters. I enjoyed the acknowledgement of the realities of speciesism/racism, and the work done to combat it. I enjoyed the happy ending.
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
Second in a new, multi-author series, Wicked Pucking Orc is Veronika Kane’s first Orc story away from Eastshore, but it’s got all the same feels - low-angst, Fated Mates, great characters, humor, and more. In this story, Lila, the rich figure skater, and Kardok, the savage enforcer of an Orc hockey team, work together for a charity event and learn so much about themselves in the process.
I loved that Lila knew who she was deep down, but wasn’t courageous enough to show it because of how she’d been raised. I liked seeing Kardok grapple with his vulnerability about being the reason his team lost the championship and finally share that out loud, then figure out what to do about it. The slow burn of this story and “will they won’t they” was just right, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of heat in the latter half of the story! I don’t usually read hockey romance, but I had to read this once since it’s Eastshore-adjacent.
I received an early version and voluntarily leave this review.
I loved that Lila knew who she was deep down, but wasn’t courageous enough to show it because of how she’d been raised. I liked seeing Kardok grapple with his vulnerability about being the reason his team lost the championship and finally share that out loud, then figure out what to do about it. The slow burn of this story and “will they won’t they” was just right, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of heat in the latter half of the story! I don’t usually read hockey romance, but I had to read this once since it’s Eastshore-adjacent.
I received an early version and voluntarily leave this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolute Bliss!
So, a puck is used to play Ice Hockey - then mix that in with an Orc romance in which our main male character, Kardok the Wicked and a rich young lady, Lila, who is efficient and hard-working too, do some figure skating together and if you are lucky, you get a story (like this one) written by an author who knows how to write one about falling in love, finding your soulmate, some angst, some really funny scenes, some serious ones and some which are real hot (just some of the stuff written about) and to top that, you get a few hours of absolute delightful reading to entertain you - and I did! Absolute bliss and I love it all!
I just finished reading an early copy of this super book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
So, a puck is used to play Ice Hockey - then mix that in with an Orc romance in which our main male character, Kardok the Wicked and a rich young lady, Lila, who is efficient and hard-working too, do some figure skating together and if you are lucky, you get a story (like this one) written by an author who knows how to write one about falling in love, finding your soulmate, some angst, some really funny scenes, some serious ones and some which are real hot (just some of the stuff written about) and to top that, you get a few hours of absolute delightful reading to entertain you - and I did! Absolute bliss and I love it all!
I just finished reading an early copy of this super book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
June 8, 2026
Wicked Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane was an unputdownable read for me. It was a fun and steamy story with an engaging cast of characters.
I’m not usually a fan of cocky athletes as leading men, but Kardok is special. I enjoyed how fast he fell for Lila yet how clueless he was at first that she’s his mate. I also appreciated the love he has for his team of hockey brothers in arms. Ms. Kane did an admirable job of introducing several of the other team members whose stories I’m looking forward to reading.
I thought Lila was a string but vulnerable heroine. She could have been completely unlikable and snobby, but she was the complete opposite. I hope we see them make cameo appearances in the remainder of the series.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are mine.
I’m not usually a fan of cocky athletes as leading men, but Kardok is special. I enjoyed how fast he fell for Lila yet how clueless he was at first that she’s his mate. I also appreciated the love he has for his team of hockey brothers in arms. Ms. Kane did an admirable job of introducing several of the other team members whose stories I’m looking forward to reading.
I thought Lila was a string but vulnerable heroine. She could have been completely unlikable and snobby, but she was the complete opposite. I hope we see them make cameo appearances in the remainder of the series.
I received an ARC. The opinions expressed above are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was great!!!!!! It’s a low angst romance; however, it is a bit more angsty than Veronika’s other books (in my opinion). I loved the pining, the growth, the je ne sais pas. I don’t know how to describe it. I guess I loved how they each found their own place and confidence with each other. But there’s not a word to describe that. 😅 This book made me experience big feelings in the form of tears.
I’m always a sucker for hockey player/figure skater romances. Probably stims from The Cutting Edge, which was my very first romance movie I saw. 😂
Veronika did it again! This will def be on my reread list!!!!
I’m always a sucker for hockey player/figure skater romances. Probably stims from The Cutting Edge, which was my very first romance movie I saw. 😂
Veronika did it again! This will def be on my reread list!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never have I ever thought a hockey player could learn to figure skate, let alone on orc hockey player, but here we are. I loved Lila and Kardok's story. It's a classic rich girl/bad boy vibe, only the rich girl isn't insufferable, and well, he's an orc.
If you've read and loved any of the Eastshore Isle series books, you'll instantly fall in love with this one. Same universe, same vibe, different location. Even a few cameos. If you haven't, you should, but it's totally not necessary to enjoy this one.
Yes, it's a sport themed book, but you don't need to be a hockey fan, or even an ice skating fan to enjoy it.
If you've read and loved any of the Eastshore Isle series books, you'll instantly fall in love with this one. Same universe, same vibe, different location. Even a few cameos. If you haven't, you should, but it's totally not necessary to enjoy this one.
Yes, it's a sport themed book, but you don't need to be a hockey fan, or even an ice skating fan to enjoy it.
Want to Read
June 2, 2026Orc Hockey League Series :
❌ 1. Perfect Pucking Orc by Honey Phillips (June 1, 2026)
❌ 2. Wicked Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane (June 8, 2026)
❌ 3. Sweet Pucking Orc by Ava Ross (June 15, 2026)
❌ 4. Protective Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane (September 7, 2026)
❌ 5. Smitten Pucking Orc (by Ava Ross September 21, 2026)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMWKSKGZ?...
❌ 1. Perfect Pucking Orc by Honey Phillips (June 1, 2026)
❌ 2. Wicked Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane (June 8, 2026)
❌ 3. Sweet Pucking Orc by Ava Ross (June 15, 2026)
❌ 4. Protective Pucking Orc by Veronika Kane (September 7, 2026)
❌ 5. Smitten Pucking Orc (by Ava Ross September 21, 2026)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GMWKSKGZ?...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this story! So many barriers for Lila and Kardok to overcome, many of them in their own minds! It always amazes me how often we see problems when they don’t really exist. This book does a wonderful job of breaking down those barriers in both characters’ minds and helping them find a path forward together.
The plot is entertaining and there is enough drama, spice, and fun to keep me reading it all in one sitting.
Very enjoyable!!
The plot is entertaining and there is enough drama, spice, and fun to keep me reading it all in one sitting.
Very enjoyable!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wicked Pucking Orc
By Veronika Kane
More orc fun. I wasn’t going to read this one. I’m not a big fan of hockey so I thought I’d just pass. But somehow the blurb caught me and pulled me in. And I decided another orc escapade was just the thing. As usual Roni does her orc ish world proud and gives us more orcs to love. And even if you’re not a hockey fan maybe you just need to be an orcs’ fan.
By Veronika Kane
More orc fun. I wasn’t going to read this one. I’m not a big fan of hockey so I thought I’d just pass. But somehow the blurb caught me and pulled me in. And I decided another orc escapade was just the thing. As usual Roni does her orc ish world proud and gives us more orcs to love. And even if you’re not a hockey fan maybe you just need to be an orcs’ fan.
June 20, 2026
I loved The Cutting Edge vibes with a dash of low angst pining and a healthy dose of swoonworthy orc. I loved the trust and emotional growth that they build throughout the story and I enjoyed watching Kardok try his best to learn control while Lila starts wanting to let go of her carefully controlled life. The story is funny, sweet, and steamy. It is connected to the author's Eastshore Isle series but is easily read as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Veronika Kane's Wicked Pucking Orc is part of a three book multi-author series. This one features Lila, a former figure skater who works for her father's organization, and hockey player Kardok, known as "Wicked." The two team up to put on a figure skating routine to raise money for local kids' hockey. As they learn to trust each other to dance on ice, they fall in love. Sweet and spicy story.
June 9, 2026
What do you get when you match an ex figure skater up with with a beast of a hockey player? A darn good time. It was romantic when they practiced together, and she had learned to trust the big sexy orc. Once the trust built there was bedroom fun. What Kardok did not count on was falling in love with Lila.
June 10, 2026
I really enjoyed the story. It was so engaging that I found it hard to put the book down. The ice skating performance was my favorite part, and I could vividly picture it in my mind, feeling connected to their story and heartbreak. It truly felt perfect to me. I loved how their happiness and love were beautifully expressed in every word.
June 11, 2026
I have recently been getting into hockey romances, but orc hockey romance? Sign me up each and every time! This was a fun read! Oh and extremely hot! I don't know what it is with the "aquarium" vibe to hockey romances that just does it for me, but I really enjoyed this! Also shout out to Veronika for always writing amazing books that never cease to be amazing!
June 17, 2026
Hot!
I loved all the characters. I loved the story. I also love how it's interconnected with the Emerald Isle characters but you don't have to read those to enjoy this book but I highly recommend reading that series for no other reason than every single story is so amazingly good.
I loved all the characters. I loved the story. I also love how it's interconnected with the Emerald Isle characters but you don't have to read those to enjoy this book but I highly recommend reading that series for no other reason than every single story is so amazingly good.
June 20, 2026
I love Veronika Kane Orcs and Kardok was no exception. I loved how Lila and Kardok brought their worlds together and made it their own. Showing up the people who were trying to tear them apart.
I liked that she also linked to the Eastshore family of orcs who are already well loved and hope that the rest of the teal terrors get to experience the joy of Eastshore.
I liked that she also linked to the Eastshore family of orcs who are already well loved and hope that the rest of the teal terrors get to experience the joy of Eastshore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super orc/sports romance! Sweet and spicy, with wonderful chemistry.
June 10, 2026
Wicked
Another fun orc romance with the added benefit of it being a hockey rom-com. Luv all of Veronika Kanes Orc books
Another fun orc romance with the added benefit of it being a hockey rom-com. Luv all of Veronika Kanes Orc books
July 13, 2026
Cheesy but love it
June 19, 2026
excellent
Hockey and ORCs!
Lila is trying too hard to be perfect for her dad and her job. Asking to create a skating routine for the donors might be too much. But hockey player Kardok finds her fascinating beneath the surface. Lila is giving her heart. Can Kordak give his heart? Can two different worlds work?
Hockey and ORCs!
Lila is trying too hard to be perfect for her dad and her job. Asking to create a skating routine for the donors might be too much. But hockey player Kardok finds her fascinating beneath the surface. Lila is giving her heart. Can Kordak give his heart? Can two different worlds work?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews