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Sunshine Valley Orcs #2
The Orc's Gift
She carved flowers from his homeworld into wood. In his culture, that’s practically a marriage proposal.
Honey
I build instruments for retirees, hobbyists, and local musicians.
Not devastatingly attractive seven-foot orcs with broad shoulders, careful hands, and a deep voice that slides straight under my skin.
Kragen comes to my workshop looking for a custom dulcimer and somehow becomes part of my days instead. Coffee on the porch. Long conversations about music. Excuses to keep coming back long after I’ve delivered his instrument.
I tell myself he’s just a client, even when the best part of my day starts sounding a lot like his truck coming up the drive.
So when I customize his instrument using sketches he once drew on the back of a napkin, I think I’m just being thoughtful.
I don’t know I’m accidentally courting an orc.
Kragen
I knew I was in trouble when Honey started seeing me clearly.
Not the performance. Not the musician everyone thinks they know. Me.
She listens when I speak. She notices things no one else does. And then she hands me an instrument etched with flowers from my homeworld because she remembered they mattered.
And now I have a problem.
Because humans treat gifts like objects. Orcs treat them like intentions.
In my culture, a gift made with this much care is a declaration. It demands an answer in kind. Equal intention. Equal devotion.
Now I’m caught between restraint and desire, trying not to overwhelm the woman who’s already become the center of every song in my head.
Some gifts carry obligations. Some come with an orc who’s been writing songs about you for weeks and is running out of reasons not to back you against the nearest wall.
Protective hero • Orc musician • Handmade gifts • Slow burn to scorching • Size difference • Mutual yearning • Explicit heat • Guaranteed HEA
Honey
I build instruments for retirees, hobbyists, and local musicians.
Not devastatingly attractive seven-foot orcs with broad shoulders, careful hands, and a deep voice that slides straight under my skin.
Kragen comes to my workshop looking for a custom dulcimer and somehow becomes part of my days instead. Coffee on the porch. Long conversations about music. Excuses to keep coming back long after I’ve delivered his instrument.
I tell myself he’s just a client, even when the best part of my day starts sounding a lot like his truck coming up the drive.
So when I customize his instrument using sketches he once drew on the back of a napkin, I think I’m just being thoughtful.
I don’t know I’m accidentally courting an orc.
Kragen
I knew I was in trouble when Honey started seeing me clearly.
Not the performance. Not the musician everyone thinks they know. Me.
She listens when I speak. She notices things no one else does. And then she hands me an instrument etched with flowers from my homeworld because she remembered they mattered.
And now I have a problem.
Because humans treat gifts like objects. Orcs treat them like intentions.
In my culture, a gift made with this much care is a declaration. It demands an answer in kind. Equal intention. Equal devotion.
Now I’m caught between restraint and desire, trying not to overwhelm the woman who’s already become the center of every song in my head.
Some gifts carry obligations. Some come with an orc who’s been writing songs about you for weeks and is running out of reasons not to back you against the nearest wall.
Protective hero • Orc musician • Handmade gifts • Slow burn to scorching • Size difference • Mutual yearning • Explicit heat • Guaranteed HEA
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2026
About the author
Alana Khan
173 books631 followersSexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 28, 2026
Honey makes traditional, Appalachian "Mountain" Dulcimers 20min outside a small Missouri town. She hand makes and restores instruments for customers all over the world and comes from a long-line of traditional artists. She took up the trade after an injury ended her gymnastics career and she was in the care of her grandmother. She never could have imagined Orcs were real, let alone one was visiting her for a custom Dulcimer. They agree on a modified, larger instrument but that's not what motivates her creation for him. He noticed a small picture of purple-flowered phlox in her studio, covering a mountainside. After telling Honey how they remind him of "velara," a similar plant from his home world, she asks him to draw them for her. When he leaves, she can't get the image of the "velara" out of her mind. She's inspired to decorate his custom Dulcimer with images of velara burned and painted into his instrument.
Kragen is a musician at a local pub in rural Missouri. He and other Orcs were transported through The Rift, a break between the human world and the Orc world, 8 years ago. He's never quite fit in with his Clan as he's more outgoing where his Clan are generally quiet and observant. He plays the guitar which is close to the traditional "Drathvik," a stringed-instrument he played in his homeland before The Rift changed everyone's lives. One day he sees a woman online, playing a Dulcimer. Though still different, her Dulcimer is much more like his Drathvik and he's hopeful she can make him one which better fits his larger Orc hands. What she makes him is beyond his imagination.
Little does she know, that an instrument of this quality and workmanship means something....quite different in Orc culture. He's reluctant to tell her though they can both feel that their time together is growing into much, much more than craftswoman and client.
Kragen is a musician at a local pub in rural Missouri. He and other Orcs were transported through The Rift, a break between the human world and the Orc world, 8 years ago. He's never quite fit in with his Clan as he's more outgoing where his Clan are generally quiet and observant. He plays the guitar which is close to the traditional "Drathvik," a stringed-instrument he played in his homeland before The Rift changed everyone's lives. One day he sees a woman online, playing a Dulcimer. Though still different, her Dulcimer is much more like his Drathvik and he's hopeful she can make him one which better fits his larger Orc hands. What she makes him is beyond his imagination.
Little does she know, that an instrument of this quality and workmanship means something....quite different in Orc culture. He's reluctant to tell her though they can both feel that their time together is growing into much, much more than craftswoman and client.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alana has really outdone herself with this new Orc Series. The best is its not like any other Orc story I have read!! You can't help but fall in lover with her Orc characters and their personalities. Kragen is the biggest sweetheart, and the way he speaks through his music just tugs at your heart as you read this story. Honey is the perfect mate for him. She speaks through the way she makes her instruments and the way she repairs them. The way she plays as well is what brings her and Kragen closer together. This was one of the sweetest, emotional stories I have read in a long while and I loved every minute of the growth of their relationship. The way they came together makes it worth every emotional roller coaster these two have to go through to come together. I loved how the other Orcs are brought into the story so you can't wait to read their story as well. This whole new world that Alana has built is so much fun to read and become apart of. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us. This is a must read!!! You will not regret it!!
August 6, 2026
Reads Almost Like Poetry
This was a different type of story from Alana Khan. It’s usual in its romance and the difficulties brought into that romance from the main characters being from two literal different worlds. But the difference that sets this story apart is the almost poetic lyicalness of it. As Kragen and Honey, two lonely musicians, find their song together the story itself is told in such a cadence that one feels like the songs are floating somewhere in the background. I love how Alana weaves two different cultures and worlds together also so that they harmonize. Truly, this was a very sweet book. Some might find the pace of the story a little slow but I appreciated that it subtly evokes the Stillwater Clan that Kragen is from. Quiet, contemplative, deliberate and deep are their hallmarks and the story itself frames that. Overall, a good read as long as the reader understands what the author is portraying.
This was a different type of story from Alana Khan. It’s usual in its romance and the difficulties brought into that romance from the main characters being from two literal different worlds. But the difference that sets this story apart is the almost poetic lyicalness of it. As Kragen and Honey, two lonely musicians, find their song together the story itself is told in such a cadence that one feels like the songs are floating somewhere in the background. I love how Alana weaves two different cultures and worlds together also so that they harmonize. Truly, this was a very sweet book. Some might find the pace of the story a little slow but I appreciated that it subtly evokes the Stillwater Clan that Kragen is from. Quiet, contemplative, deliberate and deep are their hallmarks and the story itself frames that. Overall, a good read as long as the reader understands what the author is portraying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts a slow but soon caught my full attention. Slow burn. Intense attraction. Honey was a world class gymnast until an accident left her with a scar on her hip, a bit of a limp and a broken dream of going to the Olympics. Her boyfriend dropped her as it wasn’t what he signed up for—he wanted the “perfect” woman. Kragen was an Orc who arrived on this planet and endured a few years of “imprisonment” until the Orcs are deemed “safe”. He now works at a bar and plays/makes music for the customers. He wants an instrument made for an Orc’s size. He visits her for a custom dulcimer. As they talk, he draws a flower that grows on his world. She listened. As she continues to make his dulcimer, a friendship grows. It blooms into something more. This is the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone. HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The perfect slow building romance!
The Orc’s Gift is book 2 in the Sunshine Valley Orcs series. This can be read as a standalone book, it has its own story and HEA but I really enjoyed the first book in the series; The Orc’s Protection. They are set in the same world and some of the characters do pop in here for a visit!
If you have an appreciation for music, artistic craftsmanship and huge green orcs with a side of slow burning romance that turns steamy and a few cultural misunderstandings, jump right in! These characters are deep and thoughtful and completely endearing. I adored these characters and cannot wait for another book in this series. I am hooked!
Don’t miss the bonus epilogue by clicking the link at the end of the e-book for a glimpse into Honey and Kragen’s future.
The Orc’s Gift is book 2 in the Sunshine Valley Orcs series. This can be read as a standalone book, it has its own story and HEA but I really enjoyed the first book in the series; The Orc’s Protection. They are set in the same world and some of the characters do pop in here for a visit!
If you have an appreciation for music, artistic craftsmanship and huge green orcs with a side of slow burning romance that turns steamy and a few cultural misunderstandings, jump right in! These characters are deep and thoughtful and completely endearing. I adored these characters and cannot wait for another book in this series. I am hooked!
Don’t miss the bonus epilogue by clicking the link at the end of the e-book for a glimpse into Honey and Kragen’s future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Orc’s Gift, Sunshine Valley Orcs Book 2, by Alana Khan, has a completely different feel and rhythm from the first book of the series. Just as wonderful, just a different pulse. Kragen is a misfit among his own people, wanting people and music and movement of life. Honey has buried herself in her instrument building and lost the essence of who she once was. The relationship they develop is one of intention and deliberateness of forward motion. It’s a serene story with soft waves, instead of peaks, but just as fulfilling as Book 1. Looking forward to Book 3. DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beautifully written love story that revolves around two individuals who feel they don't belong anywhere. Kragen is a Stillwater Orc who is at odds with the calm, quiet nature of his clan. He grows and blossoms in the world of music. Honey is a human who lost her world class gymnastic standing after sustaining a hip injury at the age of 17. She turns to music and to becoming a luthier. An instant attraction forms between these two musicians who have felt ostracized from their respective communities for years. The slow, gentle love that developes between these extraordinary individuals turns them from outcasts into steel magnolias. A great read.
July 26, 2026
This is another engaging read for the series and this one hit the sweet and steamy tag perfectly. Kragen is an orc that works in a bar and makes music. He's able to express so much through his songs. Honey was a gymnast that got wounded, killing her Olympics dream. Now, she makes instruments and ends up bonding so strongly with Kragen. These two have gone through a lot to reach this point, and the work is still ahead of them. Expect to get caught up in the themes of acceptance, appreciating uniqueness, beautiful songs, fun dialogue and hot romance in this well written romance. I'm really hoping the other orcs brought into this book get their own stories, too. Good fun!
July 26, 2026
I highly recommend the second book in Alana Khan's Sunshine Valley Orcs series. The story follows Honey, an instrument builder, and Kragen, a seven-foot orc musician who requests a custom dulcimer. Their connection grows through shared coffee and music, but the plot hinges on Honey carving flowers from Kragen's homeworld onto the instrument, unaware that this gesture constitutes a marriage proposal in his culture. It is a sweet, slow-burn romance featuring a protective hero, explicit heat, a guaranteed happily ever after, and great emotional growth. The book also introduces other compelling orc characters, setting up an exciting future for the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Did you ever feel like something was meant to be? It's like that for Honey and Kragen.
It wasn't forced or rushed because it didn't have to be. These two had the same need of something that drew them together, then they couldn't pull back once that connection was made.
I guess it was because of the musical aspect, but reading this brought thoughts of so many classic and new love songs to mind. Ones that will be heard years later and still make the listener smile. That's how I saw their epilogue.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.
It wasn't forced or rushed because it didn't have to be. These two had the same need of something that drew them together, then they couldn't pull back once that connection was made.
I guess it was because of the musical aspect, but reading this brought thoughts of so many classic and new love songs to mind. Ones that will be heard years later and still make the listener smile. That's how I saw their epilogue.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a slow moving, intentional, really get to know you book. Honey and Kragen are able to look past the surface and really see the other person with very little needing to be said.
This book is one that was wonderful to read but very different. There is so much introspection with both characters and the interactions are more intuition than explicit conversation. An unusual and more quiet love story. It one that works because the characters personalities make it work. I really enjoyed reading this one.
This book is one that was wonderful to read but very different. There is so much introspection with both characters and the interactions are more intuition than explicit conversation. An unusual and more quiet love story. It one that works because the characters personalities make it work. I really enjoyed reading this one.
July 27, 2026
Meaningful.
This story featured much inner soul searching and reflection. In a way, it was a bit uncomfortable being part of the silence- an interesting approach for a story though. It was nice to see value placed on those important inner things that most people hide or protect from sharing with others. Despite some rather stilted conversations, it was a pleasure to see such depth of connection.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
This story featured much inner soul searching and reflection. In a way, it was a bit uncomfortable being part of the silence- an interesting approach for a story though. It was nice to see value placed on those important inner things that most people hide or protect from sharing with others. Despite some rather stilted conversations, it was a pleasure to see such depth of connection.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
July 30, 2026
Sweeter than honey.
This story was one of my favorites. The writing style is wonderfully expressive, full of feeling and totally moving. You feel these two on this journey and you love them together. It's almost like reading poetry. Honey and Kragen are the perfect pairing. Such a gift! Grulk and Walter add that little something that makes you smile in the end. This is a beautiful story!
This story was one of my favorites. The writing style is wonderfully expressive, full of feeling and totally moving. You feel these two on this journey and you love them together. It's almost like reading poetry. Honey and Kragen are the perfect pairing. Such a gift! Grulk and Walter add that little something that makes you smile in the end. This is a beautiful story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m really enjoying this series. This book was part of the series and yet a completely different experience. I don’t know how to describe it other than to say the author really captured the essence of these characters throughout the entire story. Calm, patient, and quiet are not my qualities but it was easy to appreciate them in the main characters. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What would you do if you were given a fantastic gift by someone you were really interested in and you wanted to reciprocate out of deep feelings but you society would turn that into an obligation not a heart felt desire? Welcome to the Orc conclave where navigating the union of two societal structures brings laughter, joy and heartache as both sides work towards compromise and union.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alana Khan's The Orc's Gift is a finely crafted romance that weaves the lives of a young human woman who handcrafts and plays a dulcimer with a 7 ft tall orc musician who plays guitar. They were made for each other though he is from another world. Amazing story telling and detailed description are high points.
September 30, 2026
A Journey toward ever lasting love!
The Orc’s Gift (Book 2 in the Sunshine Valley Orcs) allows us to follow the journey Kragen and Honey take to reach the deep understanding of themselves and their true places in each other’s lives. They each learn how to accept and reach for the very real lasting love they have for each other and trust that it will stay forever.
The Orc’s Gift (Book 2 in the Sunshine Valley Orcs) allows us to follow the journey Kragen and Honey take to reach the deep understanding of themselves and their true places in each other’s lives. They each learn how to accept and reach for the very real lasting love they have for each other and trust that it will stay forever.
Review of advance copy
Part of the Sunshine Valley Orcs series. Honey, a human didn't realize she was courting an orc by carving things. Kragen, an orc thought she was courting him. Will there be a HEA? Waiting for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honey and Kragen
I'm on love! This book is so good. I love Kragen and his gentle ways. Honey is a very lucky woman and She knows it. They work so well together. This book made me feal so good and happy. I want more sunshine valley Orc's . Amazing story.
I'm on love! This book is so good. I love Kragen and his gentle ways. Honey is a very lucky woman and She knows it. They work so well together. This book made me feal so good and happy. I want more sunshine valley Orc's . Amazing story.
July 26, 2026
I'm at a loss for words. The book doesn't have a lot of dialogue, but the silence, the gentle pause between the words, speaks volumes. It lingers with you and quietly stays in the back of your mind, like a steady watchful presence.
July 28, 2026
Thinking
I really liked the story. I'm not sure that I liked how it was written,like a series of statements and not a narrative that flowed. Unless I'm missing the purpose of the framing, which is possible.
I really liked the story. I'm not sure that I liked how it was written,like a series of statements and not a narrative that flowed. Unless I'm missing the purpose of the framing, which is possible.
July 30, 2026
This was so very sweet! Gosh I just love how these two fit together! Their bond they form through music and silence is so incredible! I am totally jealous of these females getting their orcs lol. It's swoon worthy! I can't wait for the next book!
August 1, 2026
thoughtful
That is the word that kept appearing in my mind. This is the most thoughtful and deliberate romance I’ve read in quite awhile.
It’s not flashy, it’s the good stuff that lasts.
That is the word that kept appearing in my mind. This is the most thoughtful and deliberate romance I’ve read in quite awhile.
It’s not flashy, it’s the good stuff that lasts.
August 21, 2026
Good read🎶
Honey has an online video of her hands playing a dulcimer that catches Kragen's attention. He wants to have one and learn to play it. And so begins their courtship. Sweet story and written in such a way that you feel the Ozarks.
Ps read the bonus!
Honey has an online video of her hands playing a dulcimer that catches Kragen's attention. He wants to have one and learn to play it. And so begins their courtship. Sweet story and written in such a way that you feel the Ozarks.
Ps read the bonus!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A bit different than usual. Sweet and introspective..
Review of advance copy received from Author
This a sweet story. Love all the characters. So caring about each other. It feels like family. I like up lifting book. Author does such a great job you get attracted to the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really like this Orc romance book about Kragen and Honey. I loved the music connection. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great addition to this series. It was such a sweet and emotional read. I can't wait to read others in this series. Would recommend!
August 11, 2026
A sweet orc romance. What started out as an obligation from a present, turned into so much more. I really enjoyed reading this book and my favorite part was the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Orc's Gift is a story that is written in such a beautiful, flowing way that you (at least I did) feel like you are gently floating down a calm river relaxing while you read. It just carries you along while you fall in love with the characters. It feels like home to me since it's set in the Midwest just south of where I grew up. Kragen is such a gentle giant and Honey really fits her name. Grulk shows up, of course, and causes havoc in typical Grulk fashion. There is music and diners and all sorts of sweet country living. I loved this story and it now has a home in my favorites folder on my Kindle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews