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Aspect and Anchor #3.5
The Half-Orc's Maiden Bride
Lady Iolanthe of Rockmourn Keep expects to be a spinster all her days. She is very tall. She is very poor. And she is thirty. What lord could possibly want her?
But then her father returns with news that he has found a bridegroom for her—one that is impressively tall. One that is strong, and bold, and wealthy. And best of all? He wants Iolanthe. It seems too good to be true.
And when Iolanthe gets her first look at her husband-to-be, she realizes why.
No one mentioned the 'orc' part of things . . .
But then her father returns with news that he has found a bridegroom for her—one that is impressively tall. One that is strong, and bold, and wealthy. And best of all? He wants Iolanthe. It seems too good to be true.
And when Iolanthe gets her first look at her husband-to-be, she realizes why.
No one mentioned the 'orc' part of things . . .
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2022
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About the author
Ruby Dixon
161 books19.7k followersRuby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,128 reviews
April 4, 2022
4 Pleasing the Bride Stars ⭐
Sold by a scoundrel of a father into an arranged marriage, Lady Iolanthe can’t deny that her romantic heart is hopeful. Hopeful that her future husband will be the first man to see beyond her flaws and love her for the woman she wants to be.
They do not ask when I will marry. No one ever does. I try not to be envious. I've been tall for a very, very long time, so it's not as if my fate is surprising to me. I'm just…wistful.
However, Iolanthe hadn’t anticipated that her betrothed would be a Half-Orc. Oh, the horrors! Yet past the green skin, the craggy looks and broken tusks is a man far more than she ever yearned for. Agakor is a noble warrior. The perfect man to make a spinster’s dreams come true.
Today is my wedding day. I'm marrying a lord who is kind, encourages me to read his books…and licked between my thighs for an endless amount of time last night just to pleasure me. I feel blessed.
There are wedding customs and then there is the way of the Orcs. Gah, I frothed over the entire affair. The unrobing, the feasting and the claiming. Just use your imagination cos it was delicious!
The Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride was a far lighter then anticipated. At times I felt that Agakor was a little too tame for my liking. Frankly I had hoped for some bodice ripping and ravishment. Other than that, this story was romantic and wonderfully humorous!
BR with the lovely Rain. We are getting so good at this now. I feel we’ll be doing this for a long while!
Sold by a scoundrel of a father into an arranged marriage, Lady Iolanthe can’t deny that her romantic heart is hopeful. Hopeful that her future husband will be the first man to see beyond her flaws and love her for the woman she wants to be.
They do not ask when I will marry. No one ever does. I try not to be envious. I've been tall for a very, very long time, so it's not as if my fate is surprising to me. I'm just…wistful.
However, Iolanthe hadn’t anticipated that her betrothed would be a Half-Orc. Oh, the horrors! Yet past the green skin, the craggy looks and broken tusks is a man far more than she ever yearned for. Agakor is a noble warrior. The perfect man to make a spinster’s dreams come true.
Today is my wedding day. I'm marrying a lord who is kind, encourages me to read his books…and licked between my thighs for an endless amount of time last night just to pleasure me. I feel blessed.
There are wedding customs and then there is the way of the Orcs. Gah, I frothed over the entire affair. The unrobing, the feasting and the claiming. Just use your imagination cos it was delicious!
The Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride was a far lighter then anticipated. At times I felt that Agakor was a little too tame for my liking. Frankly I had hoped for some bodice ripping and ravishment. Other than that, this story was romantic and wonderfully humorous!
BR with the lovely Rain. We are getting so good at this now. I feel we’ll be doing this for a long while!
March 31, 2022
So I went into this with a bit of anxiety because my orc reads are usually really high angst, high heat, and high number of trigger warnings and kinks...but then about half-way through I went OH RIGHT, this is a Ruby Dixon book. And then I just settled in for a cute, romantic, happy little read...with high heat. This was a delight. It had all the charm of your usual Dixon book with a gentle, heroine-worshipping hero and a clever, kind heroine and great oral scenes. So many oral scenes.
Just a gem of a book, truly.
Just a gem of a book, truly.
April 4, 2022
*4.5* This is a sweeter take on the orc medieval universe. No animalistic rutting in this orc story. It was ott adorable with two characters I actually liked! The first sentence hooked me.
The Cyclopae customs for marriage are interesting (to say the least) and one that would prevent only the most invested in a life-long commitment to participate in.
The revealing of the bride
The tasting of the bride
The bedding of the bride
I loved this couple and Agakor goes in my book boyfriend pile because he’s ALL that.
An excellent little book for a BR with Isabella. Let the records show she is much better at picking titles than I.
The day I grew taller than my father was the day I realized I'd be unwed forever.Iolanthe is tall and average looking. Her self-esteem is in the dump mostly because her father is a jackass.
“You are not going to ruin this for me with your idle daydreams. He is a strong, fearsome lord. You should be grateful anyone will accept you at all.”The instant our couple meets, you know Iolanthe is in the best hands with Agakor. Also, that was the most intimate first meeting EVER. At times this story read like a manual for sexual awakening for a virgin, rather than a steamy orc romance. Our hero is not only honorable and strong, he's gentle and the perfect teacher for Iolanthe.
“And I'm going to lick you everywhere and make sure that you come, twice, because that's how orcs are. We like to make sure that we're outperforming everyone else.”Did the sign-up for an orc husband go around the room already??
The Cyclopae customs for marriage are interesting (to say the least) and one that would prevent only the most invested in a life-long commitment to participate in.
The revealing of the bride
The tasting of the bride
The bedding of the bride
I loved this couple and Agakor goes in my book boyfriend pile because he’s ALL that.
An excellent little book for a BR with Isabella. Let the records show she is much better at picking titles than I.
April 11, 2022
Finally an orc romance I can get on board with! No surprise it is from Queen Ruby... I enjoyed the trademark mix of sweetness and smut she brought to it, and particularly the spirit of curiosity that the hero encouraged in the heroine as she explored her more sensual side
April 12, 2022
3 stars. Some parts of this novella just too closely resembled “the king’s spinster bride” for me.
The story isn’t bad, but not particularly good either. I felt like there was too much sex and very little in terms of the actual story. Is this meant to just be erotica? Maybe my expectations weren’t correct going into this book. I like a good sex scene as much as the next girl, but I want more actual content mixed in with it. This book seemed to just jump from one sex scene to the next with little in between.
So yea, not bad, just not what I was expecting or wanting.
Mostly Safe; virgin (totally clueless, never had an orgasm) heroine, hero not a manwhore but has been with tavern wenches and prostitutes 🤮 in the past (I didn’t need to know these details btw - there were too many mentions of his past for such a short novella), but he’s supposedly been celibate for at least a little while. No cheating, no om/ow drama or scenes.
The story isn’t bad, but not particularly good either. I felt like there was too much sex and very little in terms of the actual story. Is this meant to just be erotica? Maybe my expectations weren’t correct going into this book. I like a good sex scene as much as the next girl, but I want more actual content mixed in with it. This book seemed to just jump from one sex scene to the next with little in between.
So yea, not bad, just not what I was expecting or wanting.
Mostly Safe; virgin (totally clueless, never had an orgasm) heroine, hero not a manwhore but has been with tavern wenches and prostitutes 🤮 in the past (I didn’t need to know these details btw - there were too many mentions of his past for such a short novella), but he’s supposedly been celibate for at least a little while. No cheating, no om/ow drama or scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
4.9 stars. Half-orc arranged marriage to unsuspecting tall and awkward spinster? Hell ya. Love me a sweet monster romance. Cinnamon roll hero. The trust and consent in this was A1. Perfection 😘👌 I loved the hero and the heroine equally, which is pretty rare for me. Loved this. Some of this reminded me of Radiance and some reminded me of Ice Planet Barbarians and I had a real good time😍
*Edit*: Reread August 2023. Still just as enjoyable :) Definitely my favorite from Ruby Dixon. Cute but also spicy.
*Edit*: Reread August 2023. Still just as enjoyable :) Definitely my favorite from Ruby Dixon. Cute but also spicy.
November 15, 2022
A cute Orc read with another sweet green hero. The descriptions of both mains had me picturing Fiona and Shrek the whole way through but my mind is warped that way. There was a lot of great growth in this one for the FMC, who was shy and self conscious at the beginning but learned to embrace her strength with her huge tusked man at her back. I love a supportive man.
I’d recommend this one for a light smutty read. I’d like to have known a bit more of Agakor’s back story to see him triumph a bit over prejudice, this was touched on but a bit more detail would have given this heavier feels. Also there was an opportunity to lean in to primal play a bit here with the Orc mating ceremony that could have been explored more.
Good news though, I found an orc emoji 🧌 (it’s actually a troll but I’m allowing it). Thanks to Mads for the reco!
I’d recommend this one for a light smutty read. I’d like to have known a bit more of Agakor’s back story to see him triumph a bit over prejudice, this was touched on but a bit more detail would have given this heavier feels. Also there was an opportunity to lean in to primal play a bit here with the Orc mating ceremony that could have been explored more.
Good news though, I found an orc emoji 🧌 (it’s actually a troll but I’m allowing it). Thanks to Mads for the reco!
March 4, 2023
This is how you write soft gentle instructional dirty talk and oh my god why didn’t I read this sooner?!
September 13, 2022
Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuute.
Arranged marriage trope - so reliable, so delicious.
Whipped cream topped cinnamon roll orc MMC, consent king 👑🍆👑
Shy, downtrodden, hidden strength wielding human FMC, lets her inner freak flag fly free, and gains self-confidence as we keep reading.
Asshole father of the FMC who deserves to be used as a toothpick daily by orcs.
This is a very simple, sweet, raunchy drawn out romp under the stars. Some exhibitionism in one scene - found that nerve wracking - how did the FMC *not* faint you ask?! I do not have the answer. I was tearing up throughout, not because I was crying but because when I read something scorching hot and/or cute, my eyes water 👁️👄💦👁️ I wish I was joking. The marriage ceremony scenes - ohhh those are the ones to zoom in on. 🥵🔥🔍
Love reading about a woman who is genuinely happy with stereotypically traditional feminine roles. A woman afterall should do whatever the fuck she wants to do, whether that's wield a magic sword, be a gardener, a CEO, a paranormal researcher, or raise her kids at home.
Special shoutout to Mads - you were right, this does have a very nice Radiance (by Grace Draven) vibe (I weep at the excellence of that book), though if Radiance is the wisened grandmother then this book is a loving grandchild.
This is my first Ruby Dixon book, and is a standalone 👏 Good place to jump in, get a taste of her writing. I recommend. 😌
I'm so happy I read this 😄
Edits: fml typos, sorry
Arranged marriage trope - so reliable, so delicious.
Whipped cream topped cinnamon roll orc MMC, consent king 👑🍆👑
Shy, downtrodden, hidden strength wielding human FMC, lets her inner freak flag fly free, and gains self-confidence as we keep reading.
Asshole father of the FMC who deserves to be used as a toothpick daily by orcs.
This is a very simple, sweet, raunchy drawn out romp under the stars. Some exhibitionism in one scene - found that nerve wracking - how did the FMC *not* faint you ask?! I do not have the answer. I was tearing up throughout, not because I was crying but because when I read something scorching hot and/or cute, my eyes water 👁️👄💦👁️ I wish I was joking. The marriage ceremony scenes - ohhh those are the ones to zoom in on. 🥵🔥🔍
Love reading about a woman who is genuinely happy with stereotypically traditional feminine roles. A woman afterall should do whatever the fuck she wants to do, whether that's wield a magic sword, be a gardener, a CEO, a paranormal researcher, or raise her kids at home.
Special shoutout to Mads - you were right, this does have a very nice Radiance (by Grace Draven) vibe (I weep at the excellence of that book), though if Radiance is the wisened grandmother then this book is a loving grandchild.
This is my first Ruby Dixon book, and is a standalone 👏 Good place to jump in, get a taste of her writing. I recommend. 😌
I'm so happy I read this 😄
Edits: fml typos, sorry
April 30, 2022
**4/5 stars**
Not really what I was expecting but very much something that I loved to read.
Iolanthe is a spinster who always dreamed to be graceful and dainty like her mother and younger sisters, but grew up to be tall and strong like her father's people. Even with her sweet personality, her feminine manners and interests, she was never able to find a husband. She then became a burden for her father who never misses a chance to patronize and belittle her constantly. One day, he gets back home and announces to Iolanthe that someone offered him gold in exchange for her hand. She is thrilled at the idea but never expected her future husband to be a half-orc...
Strangely, my favorite part of this story was Iolanthe and her development. In the first few chapters, I thought she seemed a bit stupid and dull because of the way she was portrayed. But then, I sort of realized that it was normal for her to be ignorant of certain things considering how sheltered she'd been, and how no one ever taught her anything. From that point, I thought she was absolutely awkward but also very adorable. She made me chuckle a few times, in a good way. She was shy, yet always curious and eager to learn from Agakor. She had a feminine and soft demeanor but not necessarily meek and that's what made me like her. Her evolution, the way she gained more and more confidence in herself, and that, without losing her sweetness was very beautiful.
Agakor was also a very likable character. The fact that he was so patient and sweet with Iolanthe was endearing. I liked that he was kind and protective, and always so supportive of her; complimenting her and helping her build her confidence back up after years of being criticized and patronized by her father. For some reason, I think I would've liked him to be a bit more...possessive? I guess I needed some more intensity coming from him but overall, I really liked him. I could easily see why Iolanthe fell in love with him.
Their chemistry was beautiful! I liked how patient they were with each other; respect, communication and understanding were very notable in this arranged marriage. It was cute to see them fall in love and look forward to be officially married. They made a lovely couple, always helping the other to fight their respective insecurities. Their intimate moments weren't many, and I would've normally thought that they were too slow, but in this context, I didn't have anything to complain about. They were what Iolanthe needed, and I'm glad the author wrote the scenes like that; with connection and sweetness.
One character I wasn't able to warm up to was Turnip. I understand the whole tradition thing with the chaperone and stuff but she wasn't a really interesting lady. The way she acted, the stuff that she said...I feel like she was meant to bring in some humor in the pages but it just didn't work for me. I found her annoying and out of place. Other than that, I liked most of the characters.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️MC's age
✔️Protective H
✔️Sweet/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
🔥 Steam level: 2.5/5
⚡Content warning
⚡Trigger warning
If you are looking for something really intense, you might be disappointed since the story is more about Iolanthe discovering her sexuality, desires, and also learning to love her body. I guess one has to be in the mood for that kind of story.
I would personally recommend this book to people who might be new to monster/human eroticas. I know some people are often reluctant to dive into weird romances, but in my opinion, it was very appealing, on the tame-ish side and cute.
Not really what I was expecting but very much something that I loved to read.
Iolanthe is a spinster who always dreamed to be graceful and dainty like her mother and younger sisters, but grew up to be tall and strong like her father's people. Even with her sweet personality, her feminine manners and interests, she was never able to find a husband. She then became a burden for her father who never misses a chance to patronize and belittle her constantly. One day, he gets back home and announces to Iolanthe that someone offered him gold in exchange for her hand. She is thrilled at the idea but never expected her future husband to be a half-orc...
My youngest sister, Flora, always teased me for loving all the traditional feminine duties, but I do. I love pretty dresses and doing my hair and sewing and all the things important for a wife. Flora wanted to be a soldier and explore the vast forests to the east. Me, I just wanted to be valued.-Iolanthe
Strangely, my favorite part of this story was Iolanthe and her development. In the first few chapters, I thought she seemed a bit stupid and dull because of the way she was portrayed. But then, I sort of realized that it was normal for her to be ignorant of certain things considering how sheltered she'd been, and how no one ever taught her anything. From that point, I thought she was absolutely awkward but also very adorable. She made me chuckle a few times, in a good way. She was shy, yet always curious and eager to learn from Agakor. She had a feminine and soft demeanor but not necessarily meek and that's what made me like her. Her evolution, the way she gained more and more confidence in herself, and that, without losing her sweetness was very beautiful.
For an ugly, hairy half-orc, he's…sweet. He's not even that ugly, not to me. His features are strong and not all that human, but he smiles a lot, and I like that.
-Iolanthe
Agakor was also a very likable character. The fact that he was so patient and sweet with Iolanthe was endearing. I liked that he was kind and protective, and always so supportive of her; complimenting her and helping her build her confidence back up after years of being criticized and patronized by her father. For some reason, I think I would've liked him to be a bit more...possessive? I guess I needed some more intensity coming from him but overall, I really liked him. I could easily see why Iolanthe fell in love with him.
"My lady, he is a fool. He might have a wagon full of gold, but I have the true treasure."-Agakor
Their chemistry was beautiful! I liked how patient they were with each other; respect, communication and understanding were very notable in this arranged marriage. It was cute to see them fall in love and look forward to be officially married. They made a lovely couple, always helping the other to fight their respective insecurities. Their intimate moments weren't many, and I would've normally thought that they were too slow, but in this context, I didn't have anything to complain about. They were what Iolanthe needed, and I'm glad the author wrote the scenes like that; with connection and sweetness.
One character I wasn't able to warm up to was Turnip. I understand the whole tradition thing with the chaperone and stuff but she wasn't a really interesting lady. The way she acted, the stuff that she said...I feel like she was meant to bring in some humor in the pages but it just didn't work for me. I found her annoying and out of place. Other than that, I liked most of the characters.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️MC's age
✔️Protective H
✔️Sweet/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
🔥 Steam level: 2.5/5
⚡Content warning
⚡Trigger warning
If you are looking for something really intense, you might be disappointed since the story is more about Iolanthe discovering her sexuality, desires, and also learning to love her body. I guess one has to be in the mood for that kind of story.
I would personally recommend this book to people who might be new to monster/human eroticas. I know some people are often reluctant to dive into weird romances, but in my opinion, it was very appealing, on the tame-ish side and cute.
July 19, 2024
I’m just a little bit in love with this book. Ok that’s a lie. I’m a LOT in love with this book. It had a tall, big, and 30 year old girlie girl and I was HERE for it! I feel like so many tall girl FMCs are all tough, which is great and has its place, but we need some softies in the mix too. Part of me wanted to be annoyed at how little Iolanthe understood about sex, but I didn’t understand much until my marriage in my 20s cuz purity culture likes to teach us that our bodies only exist to please men. I liked that she was so curious and eager to enjoy being with her man once she figures out what it’s all about.
Agakor was such a cin-a-roll and was perfect for Iolanthe. He gave her some much needed reassurance about her worth and she was able to bring some much needed compassion in turn. They were couple goals and I will stan them forever.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: emotional abuse, physical abuse (off page), Parental Neglect, Public Nudity/Humiliation, Sold off in marriage, Off page mentions of possible spousal abuse (never on page, and never committed by hero or heroine), Attempted kidnapping, Breeding the heroine for an heir, pregnancy
Agakor was such a cin-a-roll and was perfect for Iolanthe. He gave her some much needed reassurance about her worth and she was able to bring some much needed compassion in turn. They were couple goals and I will stan them forever.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: emotional abuse, physical abuse (off page), Parental Neglect, Public Nudity/Humiliation, Sold off in marriage, Off page mentions of possible spousal abuse (never on page, and never committed by hero or heroine), Attempted kidnapping, Breeding the heroine for an heir, pregnancy
April 13, 2022
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine (tall/taller FMC rep)👍
Curvy and sturdy and tall FMC.
“Older” FMC.
Cute, fluffy but also smutty.
➖ What I did not like:
Wished the FMC was more assertive ( She was kind of timid and shy, even if there were reasons for this)
Very sheltered FMC, but also self-sacrificing.
February 9, 2023
Uh oh, another Orc romance. I bet it's dark and angsty!
But wait... do you smell that?
... Our hero Agakor may be half Orc, but he's 💯 Cinnabon!
So I've been craving low-angst books the past couple months but it's been very hit-or-miss. This is definitely a top hit! This book is adorable, and brimming with my favorite tropes. Two in particular I need to highlight:
Plain FMC Trope: Elite Edition. The MMC thinks she's hot AF and doesn't understand how anyone else could think differently. He doesn't grow to like her "in spite of" her appearance. He's actually specifically attracted to things she thinks are flaws. I wish this was more common in books!
Soothing/coaxing/caregiving kink. AKA my Kryptonite. There are a lot of spicy scenes and he constantly murmurs stuff like: "I'm right here"/"I've got you"/ "Hold on"/"Let me take care of you"/"I'm going to make you feel good"/"Breathe, Iolanthe. Breathe."
RIP me💀
✨ Literally everything else you might want to know: ✨
ℹ️ General: | free on KU | short book (~56k) | audiobook available | dual 1st-person pov | vaguely medieval fantasy world | monster romance | low angst | light humor | "sold"/arranged marriage |
ps the audiobook is good! It's a dual narration w/Carmen Rose; I really like her narration style.
🫶 Safety:| low/no push-pull | no 3rd act breakup | no separations | no ow/om/op drama | no cheating | mmc main pursuer |
⚠️CWs:
👩 Iolanthe, 30: | "spinster" | tall | long brown hair | dark eyes | freckles | traditional/girly: likes sewing, pretty dresses, domesticity | pragmatic & romantic | extra-virgin | low self esteem |
(Basically, she could be mistaken for an Alice Coldbreath heroine!)
👨 Agakor, 35: | half-orc lord | very tall & broad | long black hair | dark eyes | tusks | green skin | cinnamon roll/alpharoll | smitten | protective | patient | average experience | celibate | 🍆anatomy: nothing unusual, but very large & intact |
👩❤️💋👨 Spice: | tons of consent | dirty talk | mild exhibitionism | mild primal kink (chasing & biting) | mild corruption kink | lots of coaxing-soothing-caregiving | instructional kink | praise kink | lube/oil used | come jamming | mild breeding kink | foreskin rep | he comes in his pants | brief cute awkward moments |
🏁Ending: HEA. Epilogue
🤷♀️ YMMV: Like most low-angst books, this might feel boring if you prefer more drama. Also, I wasn't kidding when I tagged her "extra virgin". She is very sexually naïve, esp. for a thirty year old, so heads up if that's a deal breaker.
But wait... do you smell that?
... Our hero Agakor may be half Orc, but he's 💯 Cinnabon!
So I've been craving low-angst books the past couple months but it's been very hit-or-miss. This is definitely a top hit! This book is adorable, and brimming with my favorite tropes. Two in particular I need to highlight:
Plain FMC Trope: Elite Edition. The MMC thinks she's hot AF and doesn't understand how anyone else could think differently. He doesn't grow to like her "in spite of" her appearance. He's actually specifically attracted to things she thinks are flaws. I wish this was more common in books!
Soothing/coaxing/caregiving kink. AKA my Kryptonite. There are a lot of spicy scenes and he constantly murmurs stuff like: "I'm right here"/"I've got you"/ "Hold on"/"Let me take care of you"/"I'm going to make you feel good"/"Breathe, Iolanthe. Breathe."
RIP me💀
✨ Literally everything else you might want to know: ✨
ℹ️ General: | free on KU | short book (~56k) | audiobook available | dual 1st-person pov | vaguely medieval fantasy world | monster romance | low angst | light humor | "sold"/arranged marriage |
ps the audiobook is good! It's a dual narration w/Carmen Rose; I really like her narration style.
🫶 Safety:| low/no push-pull | no 3rd act breakup | no separations | no ow/om/op drama | no cheating | mmc main pursuer |
⚠️CWs:
👩 Iolanthe, 30: | "spinster" | tall | long brown hair | dark eyes | freckles | traditional/girly: likes sewing, pretty dresses, domesticity | pragmatic & romantic | extra-virgin | low self esteem |
(Basically, she could be mistaken for an Alice Coldbreath heroine!)
👨 Agakor, 35: | half-orc lord | very tall & broad | long black hair | dark eyes | tusks | green skin | cinnamon roll/alpharoll | smitten | protective | patient | average experience | celibate | 🍆anatomy: nothing unusual, but very large & intact |
👩❤️💋👨 Spice: | tons of consent | dirty talk | mild exhibitionism | mild primal kink (chasing & biting) | mild corruption kink | lots of coaxing-soothing-caregiving | instructional kink | praise kink | lube/oil used | come jamming | mild breeding kink | foreskin rep | he comes in his pants | brief cute awkward moments |
🏁Ending: HEA. Epilogue
🤷♀️ YMMV: Like most low-angst books, this might feel boring if you prefer more drama. Also, I wasn't kidding when I tagged her "extra virgin". She is very sexually naïve, esp. for a thirty year old, so heads up if that's a deal breaker.
April 14, 2022
Well this was lovely and just what I needed today. Sexy and fun and I had a great time.
I felt very much for the heroine and saw a lot of myself in her. But I'll leave the big sexy Orc to her.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale.
I felt very much for the heroine and saw a lot of myself in her. But I'll leave the big sexy Orc to her.
4.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale.
April 1, 2022
I loved this, and I hope Ruby writes 10 more orc books! (But give me the rest of the Icehome books first... PLEASE.)
This was a bit lighter than other medieval setting orc series - like Orc Sworn by Finley Fenn. There doesn't seem to be as much outright war against the orcs in this book, in fact the heroine Iolanthe says many people still believe orcs to be mythical creatures.
The hero Agakor is a half-orc, wealthy, and has just bought a castle and lands of a former lord. But to make the claim legitimate, he wants a lady wife. Enter the tall, plain spinster: Iolanthe.
Every moment of them together was so earnest, so sweet. There were plenty of funny bits, like the three day marriage ceremony where day 2 is the tasting of the bride... and she worries it means he has to eat (bite) her. And he's like... "in a manner of speaking... yes."
This was a bit lighter than other medieval setting orc series - like Orc Sworn by Finley Fenn. There doesn't seem to be as much outright war against the orcs in this book, in fact the heroine Iolanthe says many people still believe orcs to be mythical creatures.
The hero Agakor is a half-orc, wealthy, and has just bought a castle and lands of a former lord. But to make the claim legitimate, he wants a lady wife. Enter the tall, plain spinster: Iolanthe.
Every moment of them together was so earnest, so sweet. There were plenty of funny bits, like the three day marriage ceremony where day 2 is the tasting of the bride... and she worries it means he has to eat (bite) her. And he's like... "in a manner of speaking... yes."
April 7, 2022
Welp, there goes another orc romance for the month.
And it's Ruby Dixon. She knows how to make weird hero so freaking attractive and charming. And oh boy, Atagor is one sweet hero in this case. He can sweeps me off my feet anytime.
Plus, I love that we don't get a dainty, petite, doe-eyed heroine this time. Iolanthe is tall, bony, sturdy and plain. Also very well endowed in the chest region. She didn't quite fit in in her family and found herself inadequate. To the point that she found herself to be lacking when she met Atagor... not the fact that she was forced to marry an orc (well, half-orc) for alliances.
Anyway, as far for a quick read, this book did it. I always love seeing different dynamics in a relationship, especially when it's physical and cultural in this sort of situation. And of course, the great smut is just another huge bonus.
And it's Ruby Dixon. She knows how to make weird hero so freaking attractive and charming. And oh boy, Atagor is one sweet hero in this case. He can sweeps me off my feet anytime.
Plus, I love that we don't get a dainty, petite, doe-eyed heroine this time. Iolanthe is tall, bony, sturdy and plain. Also very well endowed in the chest region. She didn't quite fit in in her family and found herself inadequate. To the point that she found herself to be lacking when she met Atagor... not the fact that she was forced to marry an orc (well, half-orc) for alliances.
Anyway, as far for a quick read, this book did it. I always love seeing different dynamics in a relationship, especially when it's physical and cultural in this sort of situation. And of course, the great smut is just another huge bonus.
April 1, 2022
She never disappoints in her little novellas. Short, sweet, guilty pleasure read.
September 21, 2022
3 ⭐️ A fluffy novella about a maiden and a half-orc
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ arranged marriage
✨ simping, orc hero
✨ innocent, 30-year-old, a tall, heroine
✨ loss of virginity
✨ “you can take it”
✨ primal play scene
✨ breeding kink
This is mostly a character-driven story where 90% is the romance, and 10% is plot. It’s the perfect book to read if you just want to relax and enjoy something fun.
I am absolutely obsessed with the hero, Agakor, who is a total simp for the heroine, Iolanthe. He is so damn sweet and is 100% the ideal husband! I also really appreciated how he handled Iolanthe being a virgin and so innocent. He was so patient and gentle. The king of consent! If only every girl's first time was with someone like home. 💕
Iolanthe starts off being a shy, demure woman, but after experiencing love and freedom with Agakor, she truly blossoms. I love her character growth and appreciate that Ruby gave us a character that can be a 'girly' girl but also brave and strong!
There’s hardly any angst. This story is mostly fluff with some steamy scenes.
Some things I didn’t love:
- A few parts of the story and even a few select sentences were repetitive.
- This story would have benefited from a bigger conflict and some plot tension. Honestly, I was a bit bored about 60% of the way in because the romance between the two has zero tension, and that’s the main focus.
- I was confused and embarrassed by Iolanthe’s innocence. She’s a 30-year-old woman and doesn’t know anything about sex. She legit doesn’t know a guy’s penis goes into her vagina! And she’s never touched her clit. Yet she reads romance books that have talked about orgasm? Seemed pretty unrealistic, but I could roll with it for the story’s sake.
- I would have liked more world-building and background on Agakor. All I know is he’s a half-orc and he used to bang bar maidens and prostitutes (I could have gone without knowing this).
Overall, a quick, fun read that’s a great intro to orc romance. If you want something a little more intense and filthy, try Finely Fenn’s Orc Sworn Series.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ arranged marriage
✨ simping, orc hero
✨ innocent, 30-year-old, a tall, heroine
✨ loss of virginity
✨ “you can take it”
✨ primal play scene
✨ breeding kink
This is mostly a character-driven story where 90% is the romance, and 10% is plot. It’s the perfect book to read if you just want to relax and enjoy something fun.
I am absolutely obsessed with the hero, Agakor, who is a total simp for the heroine, Iolanthe. He is so damn sweet and is 100% the ideal husband! I also really appreciated how he handled Iolanthe being a virgin and so innocent. He was so patient and gentle. The king of consent! If only every girl's first time was with someone like home. 💕
Iolanthe starts off being a shy, demure woman, but after experiencing love and freedom with Agakor, she truly blossoms. I love her character growth and appreciate that Ruby gave us a character that can be a 'girly' girl but also brave and strong!
There’s hardly any angst. This story is mostly fluff with some steamy scenes.
Some things I didn’t love:
- A few parts of the story and even a few select sentences were repetitive.
- This story would have benefited from a bigger conflict and some plot tension. Honestly, I was a bit bored about 60% of the way in because the romance between the two has zero tension, and that’s the main focus.
- I was confused and embarrassed by Iolanthe’s innocence. She’s a 30-year-old woman and doesn’t know anything about sex. She legit doesn’t know a guy’s penis goes into her vagina! And she’s never touched her clit. Yet she reads romance books that have talked about orgasm? Seemed pretty unrealistic, but I could roll with it for the story’s sake.
- I would have liked more world-building and background on Agakor. All I know is he’s a half-orc and he used to bang bar maidens and prostitutes (I could have gone without knowing this).
Overall, a quick, fun read that’s a great intro to orc romance. If you want something a little more intense and filthy, try Finely Fenn’s Orc Sworn Series.
November 30, 2023
2.5 not-for-Jac- ⭐’s
I like this author but think this series just isn’t a good fit for me. I read The King's Spinster Bride and was left feeling much the same… Bored. Like that one, much of the plot is the 3-part mating ritual of showing, tasting and consummating. This one had a teeny bit more plot with her evil father, but it wasn’t much.
The blurb sets this up, Iolanthe is a large woman approaching 30 and undesirable to the eligible bachelors throughout the kingdoms. She’s given up hope of a husband when her father returns announcing he’s made a match. She’s SHOCKED but intrigued to learn that her betrothed, Agakor, is a half-Orc.
The biggest obstacle for me though was getting on board with these characters. Our sons… especially the youngest LOVES Shrek, so I’ve seen the movies about 4082 times over the years. Not to mention, Nickelodeon has played it every day this week while I’m making dinner, so it’s FRESH in my mind and every time I read Agakor getting frisky… I could only picture Shrek which felt ick since he’s filed away in my brain with my kiddos. 🤷♀️
Bottom Line- Little plot coupled with cringy smut left me with a less than desirable reading experience… but that is a Jac issue. It’s available on KU and the audio is on Everand if you have either.
I like this author but think this series just isn’t a good fit for me. I read The King's Spinster Bride and was left feeling much the same… Bored. Like that one, much of the plot is the 3-part mating ritual of showing, tasting and consummating. This one had a teeny bit more plot with her evil father, but it wasn’t much.
The blurb sets this up, Iolanthe is a large woman approaching 30 and undesirable to the eligible bachelors throughout the kingdoms. She’s given up hope of a husband when her father returns announcing he’s made a match. She’s SHOCKED but intrigued to learn that her betrothed, Agakor, is a half-Orc.
The biggest obstacle for me though was getting on board with these characters. Our sons… especially the youngest LOVES Shrek, so I’ve seen the movies about 4082 times over the years. Not to mention, Nickelodeon has played it every day this week while I’m making dinner, so it’s FRESH in my mind and every time I read Agakor getting frisky… I could only picture Shrek which felt ick since he’s filed away in my brain with my kiddos. 🤷♀️
Bottom Line- Little plot coupled with cringy smut left me with a less than desirable reading experience… but that is a Jac issue. It’s available on KU and the audio is on Everand if you have either.
February 24, 2023
4.5 stars
I was looking for something light and entertaining and this definitely did the trick! A romance between a human spinster and a half-orc lord, it's funny, very smutty, and surprisingly sweet.
Lady Iolanthe is a tall, full-figured woman who is resigned to spinsterhood living with her truly awful father. Until the day he tells her he has arranged a marriage for her and she MUST go through with it or they will be financially ruined. While he looks terrifying and brutish, her groom actually turns out to be a very sweet, thoughtful, caring half-orc. One who is incredibly taken with his bride.
While the wedding ceremonies are kind of over the top, they also allow time for the couple to bond and build the sexual tension between them. Iolanthe may be in her 30's but she has been kept entirely ignorant of sex, and her new husband gently teaches her and helps her to become comfortable. I really loved their relationship, and also enjoyed seeing Iolanthe's growth from a frightened, insecure woman who has been mistreated into a strong and confident woman comfortable in her own skin. This was actually really delightful.
I was looking for something light and entertaining and this definitely did the trick! A romance between a human spinster and a half-orc lord, it's funny, very smutty, and surprisingly sweet.
Lady Iolanthe is a tall, full-figured woman who is resigned to spinsterhood living with her truly awful father. Until the day he tells her he has arranged a marriage for her and she MUST go through with it or they will be financially ruined. While he looks terrifying and brutish, her groom actually turns out to be a very sweet, thoughtful, caring half-orc. One who is incredibly taken with his bride.
While the wedding ceremonies are kind of over the top, they also allow time for the couple to bond and build the sexual tension between them. Iolanthe may be in her 30's but she has been kept entirely ignorant of sex, and her new husband gently teaches her and helps her to become comfortable. I really loved their relationship, and also enjoyed seeing Iolanthe's growth from a frightened, insecure woman who has been mistreated into a strong and confident woman comfortable in her own skin. This was actually really delightful.
April 5, 2022
I probably would have loved this if I hadn't already read The King's Spinster Bride. This book is a pretty close copy of its events, with the main characters switched up a bit for *flavor*. That said, the romance was sweet, and if you like Dixon and haven't read the aforementioned book, you should definitely give this one a try.
July 25, 2022
This was my first Orc’s read and I’ve got to thank dungeons and dragons for the intro. Truly loved it.
April 27, 2022
I didn't know how this story was going to turn out, but I know what RD does, and that's deliver, so I wasn't even worried. So what if the hero was a half-orc? So what if I constantly wondered how his tusks didn't get in the way, especially when they came close to sensitive bits? This story gave me exactly what I was looking for — sweet, sexy, swoony fun!
I loved the way the author created this story. The relationship between the characters was so beautiful to me. Iolanthe had lived her life knowing she was unwanted. There was no one to tell her different. And Agakor believed that no human lady could ever come to love him. He was half-orc after all. But what neither of them could have expected... that there was someone who would be the absolute perfect someone for them. That's what they were for each other.
Agakor gave Iolanthe all of the love she had been missing and she did the same to him in return.
Loved it!
Always find more on the blog
I loved the way the author created this story. The relationship between the characters was so beautiful to me. Iolanthe had lived her life knowing she was unwanted. There was no one to tell her different. And Agakor believed that no human lady could ever come to love him. He was half-orc after all. But what neither of them could have expected... that there was someone who would be the absolute perfect someone for them. That's what they were for each other.
Agakor gave Iolanthe all of the love she had been missing and she did the same to him in return.
Loved it!
Always find more on the blog
February 2, 2024
4.75 stars
OMG the sweet, crooning dirty talk in this one. *chef’s kiss*
Even though it’s a (half-)orc romance, it also gave me historical romance vibes?! The whole plain spinster is married off to the half-orc, who is immediately besotted and treats her like the queen she is, really did it for me. Lots of steam, but also oh so sweet.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Carmen Rose (one of my favourites, especially when she’s voicing a practical/plain Jane character) and Dan Calley (who I’ve never come across before but am definitely keeping an eye out for now). They both did a great job.
OMG the sweet, crooning dirty talk in this one. *chef’s kiss*
Even though it’s a (half-)orc romance, it also gave me historical romance vibes?! The whole plain spinster is married off to the half-orc, who is immediately besotted and treats her like the queen she is, really did it for me. Lots of steam, but also oh so sweet.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Carmen Rose (one of my favourites, especially when she’s voicing a practical/plain Jane character) and Dan Calley (who I’ve never come across before but am definitely keeping an eye out for now). They both did a great job.
April 3, 2022
Dnf
She had to strip out of her dress in front of all of his men. I guess I want a hero who would never let that happen
She had to strip out of her dress in front of all of his men. I guess I want a hero who would never let that happen
May 7, 2022
This book was such a delectable read and one I never expected to read and ended up loving so deeply. I dearly loved this book and it was such a delight and technically this is my first “monster” romance if you call a half-orc a monster? I am not sure the exact criteria haha, However, this was a random pick, I was just browsing through my kindle and I had seen so many good things and I needed a palette cleanser because I have been reading LOTS of angst of late, and need something sweet and sexy and this book fit the bill and more. The story basically is where our heroine Iolanthe is being bartered in an arranged marriage by her father. She is the unlikeable daughter, she has always dreamed of being a wife and mother but is tall and toned and not attractive to human males. but when she is to be married to a half-orc Lord, she is intrigued because he is kind and gorgeous and more than tall enough for her. There are marriage rituals that they must go through together, but as they learn about each other bodies, they discover a sweet passionate love along the way….
This story was such a pure delight and charmed me all the way through. I adored both characters, they are such good souls who are looking for something positive in their marriage. They become so in tune with each other, and like to play with each other sexually and it’s so fun. Ruby Dixon is always a fun author to read, and I really needed this type of read. I definitely couldn’t get enough and my only complaint is that it wasn’t nearly long enough. Because quite frankly an epic fantasy with arranged marriage is my catnip!! If you are looking for something short, sweet, and unique, I highly recommend this delightful story! I guarantee you will be charmed all the way through!
This story was such a pure delight and charmed me all the way through. I adored both characters, they are such good souls who are looking for something positive in their marriage. They become so in tune with each other, and like to play with each other sexually and it’s so fun. Ruby Dixon is always a fun author to read, and I really needed this type of read. I definitely couldn’t get enough and my only complaint is that it wasn’t nearly long enough. Because quite frankly an epic fantasy with arranged marriage is my catnip!! If you are looking for something short, sweet, and unique, I highly recommend this delightful story! I guarantee you will be charmed all the way through!
April 2, 2022
I worship at the altar of Ruby Dixon but this one just didn't do it for me. A tad repetitive and I never really became that invested in the relationship.
August 5, 2022
I’ve read plenty of Orc romance books, so imagine my surprise that the MMC is a sweet, lovable cinnamon roll!!!! Oh my gosh, I loved Agakor!!!
Okay, Iolanthe is a 30 year old spinster, no marriage prospects, no children, no life other than caring for her mean-ass father’s home. That changes when he announces that he’s found a marriage prospect, which shocks Iolanthe.
You see, she’s…sturdy. Much taller than her father and most men around her, fully curvaceous and seemingly unmarriable. Is that a word? I digress. She’s also completely innocent, shy, and dying to be loved. So is Agakor, who is half-orc and looked down upon by most humans. He’s also very, very large and physically compatible with Iolanthe. And he loves her almost on the spot!
These two are so sweet and earnest together, and I loved it! It’s a quick read, but even if it were a full length novel, I would have loved it. Maybe even more!
Okay, Iolanthe is a 30 year old spinster, no marriage prospects, no children, no life other than caring for her mean-ass father’s home. That changes when he announces that he’s found a marriage prospect, which shocks Iolanthe.
You see, she’s…sturdy. Much taller than her father and most men around her, fully curvaceous and seemingly unmarriable. Is that a word? I digress. She’s also completely innocent, shy, and dying to be loved. So is Agakor, who is half-orc and looked down upon by most humans. He’s also very, very large and physically compatible with Iolanthe. And he loves her almost on the spot!
These two are so sweet and earnest together, and I loved it! It’s a quick read, but even if it were a full length novel, I would have loved it. Maybe even more!
June 6, 2023
2023 reread: I loved it all over again! so happy I finally got to listen to the audiobook!
THIS WAS SO CUTE!!😍
This is Ruby Dixon's first orc romance, and I hope that it isn't her last! The book starts with Lady Iolanthe being told by her father that he has finally found a husband for her. Iolanthe honestly never thought that she would get married, due to her older age and her height. But she is thrilled to finally be married and super excited to meet the man who wants her. But she is in for a shock when she realizes that he is no man at all - he's an orc!
Ughhh this was so swoony and cute! I loved both characters so much and how they fell in love! Iolanthe was such an interesting character that I adored reading about. She is tall and less feminine looking on the outside, but she loves all things girly! UGH and Agakor was the sweetest bean!!!
TROPES: arranged marriage, cinnamon roll hero, fantasy romance, kindle unlimited, monsters, orcs, spinster, sweet hero, tall heroine, weddings
THIS WAS SO CUTE!!😍
This is Ruby Dixon's first orc romance, and I hope that it isn't her last! The book starts with Lady Iolanthe being told by her father that he has finally found a husband for her. Iolanthe honestly never thought that she would get married, due to her older age and her height. But she is thrilled to finally be married and super excited to meet the man who wants her. But she is in for a shock when she realizes that he is no man at all - he's an orc!
Ughhh this was so swoony and cute! I loved both characters so much and how they fell in love! Iolanthe was such an interesting character that I adored reading about. She is tall and less feminine looking on the outside, but she loves all things girly! UGH and Agakor was the sweetest bean!!!
TROPES: arranged marriage, cinnamon roll hero, fantasy romance, kindle unlimited, monsters, orcs, spinster, sweet hero, tall heroine, weddings
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