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Orc Sworn #7
The Governess and the Orc
He’ll make all her dreams come true… but only if she can pretend to love him.
In a realm of orcs and powerful men, Geva Okoro is a proud, impoverished governess, trapped in a dismal, dead-end post — until the day the orc breaks in.
He’s a huge, insolent, arrogant brute, swaggering with smooth, shameless wickedness. But unlike the orcs from the terrifying tales, he only wants one thing from Geva…
Her employers’ gold.
There’s no escaping his devious clutches, and soon a furious Geva is reduced to raiding her employers’ house with an orc. Compromising her career, and destroying all her dreams… until the orc proposes another shocking scheme.
He’ll split the day’s plunder with her — if she’ll pretend to be his mate. For one month. At Orc Mountain.
Sharing his rooms.
Smiling sweetly at his side.
Smelling all over of his deep, decadent scent…
He’s offering more wealth than Geva’s ever dreamt of, but there’s no way she can trust this treacherous thief… can she? Let alone convince all of Orc Mountain that she loves him?!
And surely, even her best play-acting would never start to feel real… or win over an orc’s cold, broken heart?
_____________________
An angsty, full-length, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Comes after The Maid and the Orcs, but also reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
In a realm of orcs and powerful men, Geva Okoro is a proud, impoverished governess, trapped in a dismal, dead-end post — until the day the orc breaks in.
He’s a huge, insolent, arrogant brute, swaggering with smooth, shameless wickedness. But unlike the orcs from the terrifying tales, he only wants one thing from Geva…
Her employers’ gold.
There’s no escaping his devious clutches, and soon a furious Geva is reduced to raiding her employers’ house with an orc. Compromising her career, and destroying all her dreams… until the orc proposes another shocking scheme.
He’ll split the day’s plunder with her — if she’ll pretend to be his mate. For one month. At Orc Mountain.
Sharing his rooms.
Smiling sweetly at his side.
Smelling all over of his deep, decadent scent…
He’s offering more wealth than Geva’s ever dreamt of, but there’s no way she can trust this treacherous thief… can she? Let alone convince all of Orc Mountain that she loves him?!
And surely, even her best play-acting would never start to feel real… or win over an orc’s cold, broken heart?
_____________________
An angsty, full-length, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Comes after The Maid and the Orcs, but also reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.
602 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2022
705 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
Finley Fenn
21 books1,359 followersFinley Fenn is “the queen of dark orc romance” (Virgo Reader), and her ongoing Orc Sworn series has been praised as “sexy, romantic, angsty, and captivating … utter brilliance” (Romantically Inclined Reviews).
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.
News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finleyfenn
THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc
THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc
THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
November 5, 2022
Mutual praise kink. *drools incessantly*
This book was longer than the previous... 6 + 2 novellas but I barely noticed. I was just flying through the pages loving all the previous characters popping back in, Rath's paranoia, Geva's patience and open heart, and the DRAMA.
There's nothing like a trip back to Orc Mountain and this filthy, filthy book was a perfection addition to the series.
This book was longer than the previous... 6 + 2 novellas but I barely noticed. I was just flying through the pages loving all the previous characters popping back in, Rath's paranoia, Geva's patience and open heart, and the DRAMA.
There's nothing like a trip back to Orc Mountain and this filthy, filthy book was a perfection addition to the series.
November 9, 2022
*deep breath* ...I can't believe I'm not 5-starring this one, but I have some niggles about it. I will happily read ANYTHING by FF. She's a writing Queen with a capital Q. I would never DNF any of her books, but if ever I came close to doing so, it was with this one.
I love the Orcsworn series. I had my problems with The Librarian and The Orc, and The Lady and The Orc, but those were more about the FMC being the issue (and because we're stuck in HER third person narrative, the whole unreliable-narrator thing worked pretty well, in the end). However, in The Governess and The Orc, alas, it was Rathgarr I didn't like. In fact, I almost ended up hating him by the end of it.
Rathgarr is of the Ash-Kai Clan, which means he's basically a Slytherin of the Orc world. They're known for lying and deceit and playing mind games and empty words, basically. Which, I'm fine with. Do what you gotta do, honey. And the other Ash-Kai members we've met have been challenging, but not downright AWFUL like Rathgarr was. He was selfish, cruel, manipulative, cowardly, self-obsessed...the list goes on. He wasn't just like that with Geva, the FMC, either. He was like that to his brother, other Orcs, his Captain, his clan members...everyone. He was just the worst. Geva would be bending over backwards to save his sorry arse, and afterwards he'd either pump-and-dump her, or say something incredibly mean. So many times, I wanted to shout at poor Geva, "YOU CAN DO BETTER!!" but alas, she couldn't hear me, because Rathgarr filled her ears with manipulative nonsense.
Honestly, most of the time this book felt like more of a brotherly drama between Kesst and Rath, with Geva's stuff on the side. She was constantly striving to help him, and he was constantly putting her down and/or disappearing for utterly useless reasons. Even the spice couldn't save it, and you KNOW that's saying something; it felt like every 2 pages, Rath was borderline-forcing Geva to pleasure him, and her pleasure was just an afterthought, if that.
This rant sounds critical, but that's only because I love this series so much. I had such high hopes - a POC character! No instant pregnancy! Fake dating! - but they were dashed because of stupid Rathgarr and his stupid toxic masculinity. If I wanted to experience life with a dude who constantly put money and his petty family sh*t ahead of me, I'd have stayed with my ex.
The 3 stars are for Geva carrying the whole romance on her shoulders, Kesst being his usual amazing self, and Cecily because I'm a sucker for neglected orphan types.
I love the Orcsworn series. I had my problems with The Librarian and The Orc, and The Lady and The Orc, but those were more about the FMC being the issue (and because we're stuck in HER third person narrative, the whole unreliable-narrator thing worked pretty well, in the end). However, in The Governess and The Orc, alas, it was Rathgarr I didn't like. In fact, I almost ended up hating him by the end of it.
Rathgarr is of the Ash-Kai Clan, which means he's basically a Slytherin of the Orc world. They're known for lying and deceit and playing mind games and empty words, basically. Which, I'm fine with. Do what you gotta do, honey. And the other Ash-Kai members we've met have been challenging, but not downright AWFUL like Rathgarr was. He was selfish, cruel, manipulative, cowardly, self-obsessed...the list goes on. He wasn't just like that with Geva, the FMC, either. He was like that to his brother, other Orcs, his Captain, his clan members...everyone. He was just the worst. Geva would be bending over backwards to save his sorry arse, and afterwards he'd either pump-and-dump her, or say something incredibly mean. So many times, I wanted to shout at poor Geva, "YOU CAN DO BETTER!!" but alas, she couldn't hear me, because Rathgarr filled her ears with manipulative nonsense.
Honestly, most of the time this book felt like more of a brotherly drama between Kesst and Rath, with Geva's stuff on the side. She was constantly striving to help him, and he was constantly putting her down and/or disappearing for utterly useless reasons. Even the spice couldn't save it, and you KNOW that's saying something; it felt like every 2 pages, Rath was borderline-forcing Geva to pleasure him, and her pleasure was just an afterthought, if that.
This rant sounds critical, but that's only because I love this series so much. I had such high hopes - a POC character! No instant pregnancy! Fake dating! - but they were dashed because of stupid Rathgarr and his stupid toxic masculinity. If I wanted to experience life with a dude who constantly put money and his petty family sh*t ahead of me, I'd have stayed with my ex.
The 3 stars are for Geva carrying the whole romance on her shoulders, Kesst being his usual amazing self, and Cecily because I'm a sucker for neglected orphan types.
Read
November 17, 2022This installment of the Orc Sworn series is spectacular! I loved the leading lady Geva. She's smart and warm and life has put her in a rough spot even before an orc shows up to rob her employers and ruin her prospects. Rathgarr... the audacity of this guy, but he doesn't get away with it.
💚 Fake relationship
💚 Devious plans
💚 Repairing family bonds
💚 Interchanging power dynamics
💚 So much good seed. So. Much. Seed.
The way these two soften for each other is really beautiful.
💚 Fake relationship
💚 Devious plans
💚 Repairing family bonds
💚 Interchanging power dynamics
💚 So much good seed. So. Much. Seed.
The way these two soften for each other is really beautiful.
May 25, 2025
Terrible MMC and distasteful BW trope
This book actually put me in a reading slump for a few months. I genuinely tried a few times to continue reading. To push through just to get to the good parts, but I have decided that I’m just going to call it quits. Reading it has become quite a chore and I see other books that I want to read to cleanse my palette from this one.
It started out well enough. Our FMC is a well educated governess orphaned (adult, albeit, but orphaned nonetheless) in a strange continent away from her home. She’s also one of the few (if not the ONLY) Black woman in the city or country. I can’t recall if it were explicitly stated. Her employer are the evil rich who see her as “uppity” and they go on a holiday and that is when the MMC makes him entrance to rob the place and have FMC be an accessory by holding her at knife point.
I LOATHE the MMC. I did not finish this book and doubt I will revisit in the future, so I’m unsure if he becomes redeemable throughout the rest of the story. However, what I’ve read of him, which is up to 23% of the story is enough to make me wish to wretch. It is important to note that I love a morally grey character and unpolished male leads. Provided they are not A-holes. I believe a lot of writers confuse morally grey with A-holes and we should correct this.
MMC is gruff, a liar, a manipulator, a thief (umm, eww, gross). It would be different if he were plundering from war and battle and what have you, but no. This big strong orc is breaking in regular human homes and stealing from them. This gave me the biggest ick ever. I never got over seeing him as a petty thief and it just made me repulsed by him. Secondly, he doesn’t treat FMC well, at all. (I only read up to a certain point of the story, I don’t know if he redeems himself but I have no interest to know). He uses her and not in a smart way either. That way that would somewhat endear him to readers as a ruthless and cunning ML. Nope, he just manipulates and lies to her to get her to go along with his on his mission. (Side note, that swallowing thing in the cup, frothy is vile. It makes me think of infections and not sexy).
Let’s talk about FMC. She’s sharp as a whip, smart, a beauty in a foreign land and she’s just trying to survive her environment. She’s a woman, unmarried at that and she’s seen as an outsider because of her skin, so she tolerates the job (that is beneath her) and the abuse (verbal) from her employers. All she wants to do is return to her continent to be with people who look like her and presumably, family who are still across the sea. To do that, she needs funds because the job she had would find her to be an accessory because of the MMC who robbed the place and now she is on the run from … well, everyone and her only means of earning income is to go along with the thriving orc who uses her desperate situation to threaten and manipulate her.
Bloody hell I hate the MMC so much. Moving on.
I tired to press on through some scenes that made me really uncomfortable and caused my brows to climb to my hairline. I’ll just say it. FMC gave that Jezebel trope character that Black women often have placed upon them in media. It was gross. She was being exploited and used sexually to do acts that were so morally degrading I was completely repulsed. She was really prostituting herself for the MMC and readers are not supposed to be uncomfortable because she is questionably attracted to MMC despite him doing NOTHING to earn her attraction!!! Even the way he was described was unattractive to me and I LOVE monster/fantasy/grotesque (think scarred faces, Frankenstein types) MMCs. He was NOT it.
The occurrence in the forest with the two orcs in watch was my 13 reasons and I said, “no more.” It’s 2025. I refuse to read books that do not spark joy and this did not spark joy.
This was my first time reading a work from this author and it will be my last. She might have good stories, and that’s fine, I don’t know, but this one left such a sour taste in my mouth. I just cannot. I refuse.
I will seek out a book that is short and cute and has likeable leads, because this one did not. (In the event of the MMC anyways). And one where the Black woman is written not as a Jezebel/prostitute trope, but well.
Side note, I’m not saying characters should be flawless or perfect, I hate perfect characters and I do want characters to be flawed so we can see them grow across the story, but this … was not that. Your characters, even flawed, STILL have to be likable and MMC was NOT that. FMC just felt really icky to read about what was being done to her because of the reasons listed above.
2/5 stars. Also, the story was kind of boring.
This book actually put me in a reading slump for a few months. I genuinely tried a few times to continue reading. To push through just to get to the good parts, but I have decided that I’m just going to call it quits. Reading it has become quite a chore and I see other books that I want to read to cleanse my palette from this one.
It started out well enough. Our FMC is a well educated governess orphaned (adult, albeit, but orphaned nonetheless) in a strange continent away from her home. She’s also one of the few (if not the ONLY) Black woman in the city or country. I can’t recall if it were explicitly stated. Her employer are the evil rich who see her as “uppity” and they go on a holiday and that is when the MMC makes him entrance to rob the place and have FMC be an accessory by holding her at knife point.
I LOATHE the MMC. I did not finish this book and doubt I will revisit in the future, so I’m unsure if he becomes redeemable throughout the rest of the story. However, what I’ve read of him, which is up to 23% of the story is enough to make me wish to wretch. It is important to note that I love a morally grey character and unpolished male leads. Provided they are not A-holes. I believe a lot of writers confuse morally grey with A-holes and we should correct this.
MMC is gruff, a liar, a manipulator, a thief (umm, eww, gross). It would be different if he were plundering from war and battle and what have you, but no. This big strong orc is breaking in regular human homes and stealing from them. This gave me the biggest ick ever. I never got over seeing him as a petty thief and it just made me repulsed by him. Secondly, he doesn’t treat FMC well, at all. (I only read up to a certain point of the story, I don’t know if he redeems himself but I have no interest to know). He uses her and not in a smart way either. That way that would somewhat endear him to readers as a ruthless and cunning ML. Nope, he just manipulates and lies to her to get her to go along with his on his mission. (Side note, that swallowing thing in the cup, frothy is vile. It makes me think of infections and not sexy).
Let’s talk about FMC. She’s sharp as a whip, smart, a beauty in a foreign land and she’s just trying to survive her environment. She’s a woman, unmarried at that and she’s seen as an outsider because of her skin, so she tolerates the job (that is beneath her) and the abuse (verbal) from her employers. All she wants to do is return to her continent to be with people who look like her and presumably, family who are still across the sea. To do that, she needs funds because the job she had would find her to be an accessory because of the MMC who robbed the place and now she is on the run from … well, everyone and her only means of earning income is to go along with the thriving orc who uses her desperate situation to threaten and manipulate her.
Bloody hell I hate the MMC so much. Moving on.
I tired to press on through some scenes that made me really uncomfortable and caused my brows to climb to my hairline. I’ll just say it. FMC gave that Jezebel trope character that Black women often have placed upon them in media. It was gross. She was being exploited and used sexually to do acts that were so morally degrading I was completely repulsed. She was really prostituting herself for the MMC and readers are not supposed to be uncomfortable because she is questionably attracted to MMC despite him doing NOTHING to earn her attraction!!! Even the way he was described was unattractive to me and I LOVE monster/fantasy/grotesque (think scarred faces, Frankenstein types) MMCs. He was NOT it.
The occurrence in the forest with the two orcs in watch was my 13 reasons and I said, “no more.” It’s 2025. I refuse to read books that do not spark joy and this did not spark joy.
This was my first time reading a work from this author and it will be my last. She might have good stories, and that’s fine, I don’t know, but this one left such a sour taste in my mouth. I just cannot. I refuse.
I will seek out a book that is short and cute and has likeable leads, because this one did not. (In the event of the MMC anyways). And one where the Black woman is written not as a Jezebel/prostitute trope, but well.
Side note, I’m not saying characters should be flawless or perfect, I hate perfect characters and I do want characters to be flawed so we can see them grow across the story, but this … was not that. Your characters, even flawed, STILL have to be likable and MMC was NOT that. FMC just felt really icky to read about what was being done to her because of the reasons listed above.
2/5 stars. Also, the story was kind of boring.
December 13, 2022
I’m addicted to these delicious devious and dirty Orcs and was so excited to get my new fix. So Geva Okoro is just existing in her current job of governess undervalued and dismissed by her employers she’s currently facing a quiet month home alone whilst her young charges are residing in the city with their parents. When a huge unfamiliar Orc barge into her schoolroom insisting on her aid upon pain of death Geva has little choice but to show him where all of the valuables are hidden.
Fearing being blamed for this theft Geva knows she has little choice but to flee else face being arrested for the Orc’s crimes. Alone since her parent's death and far from her native shores with little coin or opportunities this Orcs offer is definitely tempting. A month of pretence and liberties in return for her cooperation and the appearance that they are mates will mean that Geva can afford to return home across the sea it seems a small price to pay.
Rathgarr of clan Ash-Kai is returning home and the circumstances seem less than ideal. The brother of one of my favourite orcs who I definitely have a soft spot for. Kesst’s blood Kin Rathgarr is very much an enigma. From the start, there’s a definite air of secrecy and hidden agendas and this orc is not giving anything away. He initially comes across as suspicious and self-serving with definite baggage and obvious attachment issues. It’s apparent he doesn’t want any real bond in regards to Geva his upbringing prior traumas and many previous interactions with human females prior to her playing a huge role in this current mindset. Rathgarr is ultimately afraid to experience real intimacy as it means leaving himself open and vulnerable something he fears greatly.
Geva, by comparison, has to fight her natural instincts of closeness and unity every day and Rathgarr’s constant dismissive treatment does at times make her feel extremely unworthy and even cheap. I did feel for her whilst he isn’t cruel by any means Rathgarr is definitely dismissive and needlessly thoughtless. I don’t think it was intentional just for the most part wholly unthinking.
I enjoyed this one immensely if you're new to this series I’d definitely recommend starting at the beginning as though each book focuses on a different human-orc pairing there’s still so much added background story and you’ll get much more from this if you experience this as a whole. Be aware though this is very explicit with lots of voyeurism and plenty of unapologetic sexual behaviours.
As usual, this had a rich sense of world creation and I loved how in-depth and lengthy this one was. Yes, there were times I definitely wanted to give this stubborn orc a big shake but he got there, in the end, managing to completely redeem himself and though Rathgarr is a force of nature he was also equally incredibly vulnerable a fact that definitely endeared him to me.
I adored the sense of community this one imparted and it stressed loyalty and family values so strongly here. We also get to catch up with some old faces and meet a lot of the adorable Orclings currently residing in the mountain.
Overall this was another fantastic addition to the series it had its usual mix of sensual seediness mixed up with some serious agendas and I devoured it in record time. If you like huge shameless filthy Orcs but also crave the added world-building that is ofttimes missing from this niche genre this is definitely the series for you. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the Governess and the Orc.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
December 6, 2024
I MISS THE RAGEEEEEE. After Simon and Maria idk these just don’t hit any longer.
December 10, 2022
Wow. I’ve read a lot of this author’s work, but nothing has been as singularly horrible as this story. I can’t remember the last time I read a MMC as unlikable and irredeemable. WHY WAS IT SO LONG and why didn’t she leave his ass?? Just another example of an incredible woman with a completely mediocre half-ass man.
November 20, 2022
I love this author’s unique take on orcs and unapologetic smut-filled writing style. I wish she would write more mage books, because those are my favorite. I enjoyed the angst in this one and the strong heroine.
November 2, 2022
I absolutely adored this book, particularly the couple and the way their relationship developed. Fake relationship with benefits in an orc romance? What's not to love? Finley Fenn does angst in style, with some of the angstiest books I have read, while also creating this emotional intimacy that exposes the couple's true feelings for each other. Her stories are high steam, and I remember when I first started reading them, I was new to high steam romance and wasn't sure if I could fully appreciate the relationship when all that fluid was flying around. Truly, lots of fluid. However, as I have become more comfortable and confident in my reading, I can now read past the sex (which is really well written, make no mistake) and really hone in on what the characters were hiding from each other. What makes them tick, besides the clear lust in their eyes. Once you do that, you see how complex these characters are, and the culture the orcs are creating in this world with each new book becomes even stronger. With that, I will say, you need to read from book one to really appreciate how far this series has come. This is definitely my favorite among them.
Geva Okoro is having a really rough day. After a face-off with her terrible employer and almost being fired, she is left along in a houseful of disrespectful servants and near tears. The day doesn't get any better when a strange voice interrupts her solitude and it turns out to be an orc with a knife to her throat. Help him steal from her employer, and she can live. Realizing that she'll be blamed for the theft, she berates the orc for what he has done to her, and so a deal is struck. He'll give her enough money to sail far away to the homeland of her parents, if she'll spend one month pretending to be his mate in Orc Mountain. There's just one catch...the orcs will be able to sense if they're not having relations, so they have to be intimate if they wish to maintain the ruse. And what Geva doesn't realize is that as she spends more time with this orc, marked by his scent and sleeping in his arms, she may in more danger than ever. Not of losing her life...but losing her heart...to an orc who has no interest in making her his permanently.
This couple was so hurt and broken from the past, and it made their relationship so poignant. Geva had been treated terribly by those around her, and she simply wanted to make enough money to be independent again. Falling in love with an orc was not part of her plans, but if playing mate to him would help her achieve her dream of returning to the land where her parents were born? She would do anything for that. And she quickly learned that he would be easy to love. Rathgarr had a horrible backstory, which is revealed later on in the book and so I don't want to spoil it here. However, suffice to say that he had good reason to keep Geva at a distance. It was clear that he had a vulnerable, gentle heart and a need for love that even he didn't realize was there. His willingness to apologize to Geva when he was wrong, his affection towards her when it wasn't needed to maintain their lie, and his protectiveness over her and need to see her safe and comfortable all spoke to his true nature. From the very beginning, I could see he was going to be a very unique orc hero and one I could easily fall in love with. Scarred by life, yet still generous and caring towards others, I knew this would be the orc who could make Geva want to stay. Of course, with the third act conflict that occurred, and his tendency to distrust everyone, there was groveling that would need to be done. Geva had so much respect for herself and respect for him, and it showed in her actions. Just the perfect heroine for Rathgarr, as he was the perfect hero for her.
I so look forward to seeing where this series is going to go next! Each book is better than the last, setting a high bar that Finley Fenn keeps on meeting over and over again. Amazing job.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
Geva Okoro is having a really rough day. After a face-off with her terrible employer and almost being fired, she is left along in a houseful of disrespectful servants and near tears. The day doesn't get any better when a strange voice interrupts her solitude and it turns out to be an orc with a knife to her throat. Help him steal from her employer, and she can live. Realizing that she'll be blamed for the theft, she berates the orc for what he has done to her, and so a deal is struck. He'll give her enough money to sail far away to the homeland of her parents, if she'll spend one month pretending to be his mate in Orc Mountain. There's just one catch...the orcs will be able to sense if they're not having relations, so they have to be intimate if they wish to maintain the ruse. And what Geva doesn't realize is that as she spends more time with this orc, marked by his scent and sleeping in his arms, she may in more danger than ever. Not of losing her life...but losing her heart...to an orc who has no interest in making her his permanently.
This couple was so hurt and broken from the past, and it made their relationship so poignant. Geva had been treated terribly by those around her, and she simply wanted to make enough money to be independent again. Falling in love with an orc was not part of her plans, but if playing mate to him would help her achieve her dream of returning to the land where her parents were born? She would do anything for that. And she quickly learned that he would be easy to love. Rathgarr had a horrible backstory, which is revealed later on in the book and so I don't want to spoil it here. However, suffice to say that he had good reason to keep Geva at a distance. It was clear that he had a vulnerable, gentle heart and a need for love that even he didn't realize was there. His willingness to apologize to Geva when he was wrong, his affection towards her when it wasn't needed to maintain their lie, and his protectiveness over her and need to see her safe and comfortable all spoke to his true nature. From the very beginning, I could see he was going to be a very unique orc hero and one I could easily fall in love with. Scarred by life, yet still generous and caring towards others, I knew this would be the orc who could make Geva want to stay. Of course, with the third act conflict that occurred, and his tendency to distrust everyone, there was groveling that would need to be done. Geva had so much respect for herself and respect for him, and it showed in her actions. Just the perfect heroine for Rathgarr, as he was the perfect hero for her.
I so look forward to seeing where this series is going to go next! Each book is better than the last, setting a high bar that Finley Fenn keeps on meeting over and over again. Amazing job.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
September 25, 2023
Highlights:
I haven't read previous books in this series but I'm jumping in because it is one of the books on my diverse monster romance list!From the moment Geva and Rathgarr met I knew I was going to like this book. Their chemistry was insane and it only got better. The tension between them was so high! I love fake-dating trope and their banter.
Lowlights:
I hated how much Geva was basically begging and appeasing Rathgarr constantly. Even when she's standing up for herself she's still coddling him and his hot and cold emotions. Even when she's in the right she feels she's in the wrong somehow. It was so frustrating. There also was not nearly enough groveling for me. I love an "I'm sorry. I was wrong." but paired with an immediate reconciliation even before the apology is crazy. Like, have some pride and self-worth.
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format:
Ebook — Kindle Unlimited
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. This book was filthy in the best way and very interesting plotwise but it also was like hearing my friend talk about her awful boyfriend who she refuses to break up with.
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
I haven't read previous books in this series but I'm jumping in because it is one of the books on my diverse monster romance list!From the moment Geva and Rathgarr met I knew I was going to like this book. Their chemistry was insane and it only got better. The tension between them was so high! I love fake-dating trope and their banter.
Lowlights:
I hated how much Geva was basically begging and appeasing Rathgarr constantly. Even when she's standing up for herself she's still coddling him and his hot and cold emotions. Even when she's in the right she feels she's in the wrong somehow. It was so frustrating. There also was not nearly enough groveling for me. I love an "I'm sorry. I was wrong." but paired with an immediate reconciliation even before the apology is crazy. Like, have some pride and self-worth.
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format:
Ebook — Kindle Unlimited
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. This book was filthy in the best way and very interesting plotwise but it also was like hearing my friend talk about her awful boyfriend who she refuses to break up with.
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
November 2, 2022
The Governess and the Orc is the latest installment in the Orc Sworn series and every time is honestly a great time with these headstrong orcs!
In this we not only get a fake relationship situation right from the start. Rathgarr, of Clan Ash-Kai, wants to return to Orc Mountain after years away and prove to everyone he has found success and has a mate. But we also get some road-trip action in the beginning with Geva, the human heroine, and Rathgarr making their way back to Orc Mountain. Geva Okoro is a proud, impoverished governess, trapped in a dismal, dead-end post—until the day Rathgarr breaks in and wants to steal her employers’ gold. Geva was treated horribly and ends up raiding her employers’ house with him. Of course this compromises her career but Rathgarr proposes another to split the day’s plunder with her—if she’ll pretend to be his mate. For one month, at Orc Mountain!
I loved seeing some familiar characters again. There is also a great found family aspect to these books and so many interesting conversations happening amongst the orcs. The family moments and healing, emotional moments are always handled so well, Of course lots and lots of bodily fluids as always in these books, but this one felt like it cranked it up again. Lots of “painting” her and providing her “drinks” every morning. 😅 The community is just so great in this series and the orclings!
Thank you so much to the author and Marykate for the e-arc! All thoughts in this review are my own. This book has a publish date of November 4, 2022!
In this we not only get a fake relationship situation right from the start. Rathgarr, of Clan Ash-Kai, wants to return to Orc Mountain after years away and prove to everyone he has found success and has a mate. But we also get some road-trip action in the beginning with Geva, the human heroine, and Rathgarr making their way back to Orc Mountain. Geva Okoro is a proud, impoverished governess, trapped in a dismal, dead-end post—until the day Rathgarr breaks in and wants to steal her employers’ gold. Geva was treated horribly and ends up raiding her employers’ house with him. Of course this compromises her career but Rathgarr proposes another to split the day’s plunder with her—if she’ll pretend to be his mate. For one month, at Orc Mountain!
I loved seeing some familiar characters again. There is also a great found family aspect to these books and so many interesting conversations happening amongst the orcs. The family moments and healing, emotional moments are always handled so well, Of course lots and lots of bodily fluids as always in these books, but this one felt like it cranked it up again. Lots of “painting” her and providing her “drinks” every morning. 😅 The community is just so great in this series and the orclings!
Thank you so much to the author and Marykate for the e-arc! All thoughts in this review are my own. This book has a publish date of November 4, 2022!
November 4, 2022
Hear me out! In terms of spicy moments, its Monstrously delicious! BUT!
I'm giving this a straight 5 star not because I got ARC or because I've dived the entire series and collected the paperback copy.
I love how this was so different from the previous books.
One of the hightlights from this book, is the focus of the future for those adorable orclings. As a preschool teacher, this sticks with me.
For those who hasn't read this Orc Sworn series; There was no future between human and orcs living in the same realm
But with much hard work from their Captain and with the help of human women - (sworn bound mates to the five clan leader.)
they obtained treaty with humans but even then , still it was not safe for them. Specially for the
orclings. Each clan that live in Orc Mountain has its own strength.
And Geva's contribution as governess is a great blessing for the future of Orcs.
It was fun being able to picture and sit down with orclings new schoolroom.
With Geva's guidance ; they took advantage of each clan's strength and knowledge to educate the orclings.
I still have book-hangover.
Yes- I shamelessly enjoy the blatant rough and dirty f**king-
You guys have no idea the amount of nasty quotes I saved and highlighted.
Road trip with an orc (Spicy inn moments).
as well as the small gesture of grooming each other, the praising kinks (yeah I'm here for that)
and their Fake relationship - but gotta tell you though,
they maybe faking it but they argue like old couple, stand up for each other like they do mean it.
This book is packed with emotional cupcakes.
I may be emotionally drained after learning the family story of Rathgarr and Kesst.
As well as the part were Geva has to leave the Orc Mountain.
But Just right after the short-painful goodbye, the author gave a fun twist where this painful leaving was turned
into a fun scenting and tracking adventure for the orclings.
I love how the sibling reunion and healing between Rathgarr and Kesst has its own highlight
but the at the same time it doesn't overpower the romance between Rathgarr and Geva.
Aaaand! Ooof! Rathgarrs delicious submission! come on!🥵🔥
Pure happy ending for the sworn bound mates Rathgarr and Geva
Happy ending for the siblings Rathgarr and Kesst;
Happy ending for the neglected girl Cecily,
Happy ending for Abjorn and Sigarr (Bless Geva for her straight-to-the-point meddling).
I love the round-up where Geva and Rathgarr started and reconciled.
It was a great bonus seeing the lead characters from the previous books without overtaking the main leads here.
Unforgettable characters like Killick and Ullfarr.
god, I look forward for Ullfarr's own happy ever after. 3 books had passed since the first time he appeared as the villain. I'll wait however long it will take for his own story. I'll rejoice with him 😁.
I'm giving this a straight 5 star not because I got ARC or because I've dived the entire series and collected the paperback copy.
I love how this was so different from the previous books.
One of the hightlights from this book, is the focus of the future for those adorable orclings. As a preschool teacher, this sticks with me.
For those who hasn't read this Orc Sworn series; There was no future between human and orcs living in the same realm
But with much hard work from their Captain and with the help of human women - (sworn bound mates to the five clan leader.)
they obtained treaty with humans but even then , still it was not safe for them. Specially for the
orclings. Each clan that live in Orc Mountain has its own strength.
And Geva's contribution as governess is a great blessing for the future of Orcs.
It was fun being able to picture and sit down with orclings new schoolroom.
With Geva's guidance ; they took advantage of each clan's strength and knowledge to educate the orclings.
I still have book-hangover.
Yes- I shamelessly enjoy the blatant rough and dirty f**king-
You guys have no idea the amount of nasty quotes I saved and highlighted.
Road trip with an orc (Spicy inn moments).
as well as the small gesture of grooming each other, the praising kinks (yeah I'm here for that)
and their Fake relationship - but gotta tell you though,
they maybe faking it but they argue like old couple, stand up for each other like they do mean it.
This book is packed with emotional cupcakes.
I may be emotionally drained after learning the family story of Rathgarr and Kesst.
As well as the part were Geva has to leave the Orc Mountain.
But Just right after the short-painful goodbye, the author gave a fun twist where this painful leaving was turned
into a fun scenting and tracking adventure for the orclings.
I love how the sibling reunion and healing between Rathgarr and Kesst has its own highlight
but the at the same time it doesn't overpower the romance between Rathgarr and Geva.
Aaaand! Ooof! Rathgarrs delicious submission! come on!🥵🔥
Pure happy ending for the sworn bound mates Rathgarr and Geva
Happy ending for the siblings Rathgarr and Kesst;
Happy ending for the neglected girl Cecily,
Happy ending for Abjorn and Sigarr (Bless Geva for her straight-to-the-point meddling).
I love the round-up where Geva and Rathgarr started and reconciled.
It was a great bonus seeing the lead characters from the previous books without overtaking the main leads here.
Unforgettable characters like Killick and Ullfarr.
god, I look forward for Ullfarr's own happy ever after. 3 books had passed since the first time he appeared as the villain. I'll wait however long it will take for his own story. I'll rejoice with him 😁.
November 4, 2022
“One month, and then the sea.” That’s what governess Geva keeps telling herself when she’s boxed into a corner by the thieving orc Rathgarr and accepts his plan to fake a relationship, which will allow him to return to Orc Mountain and not look like a failure. She just has to play the role of his mate for a month, and then she can return to her parents’ homeland.
But these are Finley Fenn’s orcs we’re talking about—Fenn’s sly, tricksy, multilayered orcs—and Rathgarr is no exception. What’s interesting is that both Geva and Rathgarr are “outsiders” to Orc Mountain. Rathgarr left 16 years ago, and there have been so many changes to Orc Mountain that what he expects isn’t what he finds. This makes for a story where he and Geva both need to learn about Orc Mountain and what their roles in it might be.
This is refreshing, offering different perspectives to what Geva and Rathgarr find in Orc Mountain and how much (or even if) they’re willing to adapt to it. Rathgarr is a veritable fop among orcs, polished, urbane, and a fancy dresser. Geva is a giving and thoughtful instructor. But each carries deep wounds, and Fenn deliciously draws out the threads of their stories over the course of The Governess and the Orc.
Fenn keeps expanding this world with each new task and role that the heroines fulfill in the Mountain’s structure, and I loved seeing the return of the now-large cast of previous characters, particularly the affecting relationship between Rathgarr and his brother Kesst. And the amount of potential future stories Fenn teases you with here is staggering.
This series is one of the best in romance right now—rich, enveloping, and rewarding. If you haven’t read the other books, The Governess and the Orc is a surprisingly good entry point. But don’t cheat yourself—read them all!
But these are Finley Fenn’s orcs we’re talking about—Fenn’s sly, tricksy, multilayered orcs—and Rathgarr is no exception. What’s interesting is that both Geva and Rathgarr are “outsiders” to Orc Mountain. Rathgarr left 16 years ago, and there have been so many changes to Orc Mountain that what he expects isn’t what he finds. This makes for a story where he and Geva both need to learn about Orc Mountain and what their roles in it might be.
This is refreshing, offering different perspectives to what Geva and Rathgarr find in Orc Mountain and how much (or even if) they’re willing to adapt to it. Rathgarr is a veritable fop among orcs, polished, urbane, and a fancy dresser. Geva is a giving and thoughtful instructor. But each carries deep wounds, and Fenn deliciously draws out the threads of their stories over the course of The Governess and the Orc.
Fenn keeps expanding this world with each new task and role that the heroines fulfill in the Mountain’s structure, and I loved seeing the return of the now-large cast of previous characters, particularly the affecting relationship between Rathgarr and his brother Kesst. And the amount of potential future stories Fenn teases you with here is staggering.
This series is one of the best in romance right now—rich, enveloping, and rewarding. If you haven’t read the other books, The Governess and the Orc is a surprisingly good entry point. But don’t cheat yourself—read them all!
October 20, 2023
so good as always. Although, Rathgarrs paranoia and scheming would’ve had me throwing gold at his head.
November 3, 2022
Not only did I love this book, crying with joy and sadness at multiple moments, but it also just fits so well within the overall story arc. Yes, you can read these as standalone novellas — however, the way Fenn has woven the overarching plotline is sublime.
Fenn took me on an emotional journey throughout the pages and the HEA was all the sweeter for it, knowing the deep sorrow and pain and anger that had to be worked through and brought to life before everyone involved could begin to heal and be happy again.
I loved Geva and Rath’s dynamic, how they both fought against each other and for each other at alternate turns. I have never been more desiring of some good orc seed, this honestly is my favorite so far in the series, the way Rath enters the novel had me screaming — it was such a perfect, character-defining moment.
Fenn took me on an emotional journey throughout the pages and the HEA was all the sweeter for it, knowing the deep sorrow and pain and anger that had to be worked through and brought to life before everyone involved could begin to heal and be happy again.
I loved Geva and Rath’s dynamic, how they both fought against each other and for each other at alternate turns. I have never been more desiring of some good orc seed, this honestly is my favorite so far in the series, the way Rath enters the novel had me screaming — it was such a perfect, character-defining moment.
November 25, 2022
Because gods, what it would be like to be saved, to be liked, to be kept safe and content?
This is Rathgarr and Geva’s story. And man oh man is it spicy. I think all of these books are but I’m reading them out of order. This is the second book from this series that I read and it’s the 7th in the series. It stays with the couple, as a stand alone, so I can read them out of order but I’m guessing all the politics happening in Orc mountain grow as the series grow. Either way it hasn’t taken away from the story for me so it’s all good.
This story has one of my favorite tropes, marriage of convenience. And these two enjoy the benefits quite a lot. Haha.
“Not only do I pay good coin for this room, but I pay good coin for you, also. And I shall have what I have paid for!”
He doesn’t hide what he wants and offers her more money. She’s desperate. This was possibly the one thing I didn’t like. The problem is solved but she is scared and alone and desperate. She enjoys it but it’s still not okay. And I’m so lucky these two showed clear signs from the start that they were into each other or it would have been very icky. I absolutely loved all the children. Those little orclings are adorable!! I’d read a whole book just about them.
It was a very steamy book full of kinks because these Orc’s are definitely exhibitionist. It’s part of their culture actually. So that’s different. It definitely leaves it open for more couples.
This is Rathgarr and Geva’s story. And man oh man is it spicy. I think all of these books are but I’m reading them out of order. This is the second book from this series that I read and it’s the 7th in the series. It stays with the couple, as a stand alone, so I can read them out of order but I’m guessing all the politics happening in Orc mountain grow as the series grow. Either way it hasn’t taken away from the story for me so it’s all good.
This story has one of my favorite tropes, marriage of convenience. And these two enjoy the benefits quite a lot. Haha.
“Not only do I pay good coin for this room, but I pay good coin for you, also. And I shall have what I have paid for!”
He doesn’t hide what he wants and offers her more money. She’s desperate. This was possibly the one thing I didn’t like. The problem is solved but she is scared and alone and desperate. She enjoys it but it’s still not okay. And I’m so lucky these two showed clear signs from the start that they were into each other or it would have been very icky. I absolutely loved all the children. Those little orclings are adorable!! I’d read a whole book just about them.
It was a very steamy book full of kinks because these Orc’s are definitely exhibitionist. It’s part of their culture actually. So that’s different. It definitely leaves it open for more couples.
November 7, 2022
Another amazing instalment in the Orc Sworn series! Orc Mountain and it’s inhabitants are one of my comfort reads, and I’m so happy with this addition.
First of all, Rathgarr and Geva are both hot as hell! They had so much chemistry, and fake dating is one of my favourite tropes. This does this so well! So much drama, my goodness! The angst was top tier, and I could’ve strangled them both at times, which just made their HEA all the more sweeter.
The ORCLINGS!!!!! They deserve 5 stars on their own they’re all so STINKIN’ CUTE! The teaching scenes were some of my favourites, my heart couldn’t take it! Honestly these chapters just show how much Orc Mountain has evolved since the first book, and it’s so refreshing. A lot of the times with books like these, the circumstances around all the couples don’t change, but Orc Mountain from this book is leaps and bounds different from Orc Mountain in ‘The Lady and the Orc’. What growth! Hats off to our previous leading ladies for whipping the orcs into shape 👏
Kesst my sweet, storytelling, shit-stirring orc. We see more of him and Eft and his happily ever after. He and Rath healing together was so lovely to see. I just love Kesst so much. We also get to see a lot of previous main couples and their orclings, which was so lovely.
Everything about this was perfect. I was laughing, crying, screaming at the page. I could not put this down for the life of me.
And that bonus epilogue?! Don’t miss out on that cos hoooooly moly it’s hot. Cannot WAIT for the absolute disaster that is going to be Varinn and Thrain! (And whoever their lucky lady will be)
First of all, Rathgarr and Geva are both hot as hell! They had so much chemistry, and fake dating is one of my favourite tropes. This does this so well! So much drama, my goodness! The angst was top tier, and I could’ve strangled them both at times, which just made their HEA all the more sweeter.
The ORCLINGS!!!!! They deserve 5 stars on their own they’re all so STINKIN’ CUTE! The teaching scenes were some of my favourites, my heart couldn’t take it! Honestly these chapters just show how much Orc Mountain has evolved since the first book, and it’s so refreshing. A lot of the times with books like these, the circumstances around all the couples don’t change, but Orc Mountain from this book is leaps and bounds different from Orc Mountain in ‘The Lady and the Orc’. What growth! Hats off to our previous leading ladies for whipping the orcs into shape 👏
Kesst my sweet, storytelling, shit-stirring orc. We see more of him and Eft and his happily ever after. He and Rath healing together was so lovely to see. I just love Kesst so much. We also get to see a lot of previous main couples and their orclings, which was so lovely.
Everything about this was perfect. I was laughing, crying, screaming at the page. I could not put this down for the life of me.
And that bonus epilogue?! Don’t miss out on that cos hoooooly moly it’s hot. Cannot WAIT for the absolute disaster that is going to be Varinn and Thrain! (And whoever their lucky lady will be)
November 2, 2022
Do I have a new favourite couple in Orc Mountain? It's still up in the air. I can tell you for sure that I loved this with the heat of a thousand suns.
Here is me explaining it to my husband who must be weary of me talking about orc d*ck by now:
So there's this orc Rathgarr who is on his way back to the mountain after like 16 years and he ends up bringing this governess, Geva, and he asks her to pretend to be his mate. But orcs can smell if they're true mates so they have to "do stuff" *wags eyebrows* to prove they're mates. Of course they're lying to each other and hiding stuff and falling for each other and it's a hot mess. And Rath has major drama with the other orcs and his bro who thinks he just abandoned him 16 years ago. It's a tangled web of angst, lust, lies and it's amazing.
Geva is the perfect mate for Rathgarr, and when these two start being vulnerable with each other it's absolutely beautiful. There are so many sweet moments with past couples and the young orclings as well. The third act drama had my eyes glued to my kindle.
This series has been the ultimate place to escape to this year when I needed it and I'm very glad Finley Fenn wrote it. I won't shut up about it anytime soon.
Here is me explaining it to my husband who must be weary of me talking about orc d*ck by now:
So there's this orc Rathgarr who is on his way back to the mountain after like 16 years and he ends up bringing this governess, Geva, and he asks her to pretend to be his mate. But orcs can smell if they're true mates so they have to "do stuff" *wags eyebrows* to prove they're mates. Of course they're lying to each other and hiding stuff and falling for each other and it's a hot mess. And Rath has major drama with the other orcs and his bro who thinks he just abandoned him 16 years ago. It's a tangled web of angst, lust, lies and it's amazing.
Geva is the perfect mate for Rathgarr, and when these two start being vulnerable with each other it's absolutely beautiful. There are so many sweet moments with past couples and the young orclings as well. The third act drama had my eyes glued to my kindle.
This series has been the ultimate place to escape to this year when I needed it and I'm very glad Finley Fenn wrote it. I won't shut up about it anytime soon.
November 5, 2022
The long awaited Rathgarr book. Listen this book is 10/10. I will say no more!
February 15, 2024
I enjoyed it overall. However it had too much public sex for me. That’s just a squirmy limit I have, nothing against the book . It’s just a me thing.
I liked the world building and the flashes of angst. Good characterization
I liked the world building and the flashes of angst. Good characterization
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
“You do not believe a proud, prim schoolmarm like you could welcome an orc’s sweet seed down her throat?”
When I tell you I devoured this book like Geva was devouring *ahem* seed…
THE ANGST!!! I had full body chills reading this book. Finley kills it every time.
I love the way she created a whole community and it’s not hard to follow or confusing at all. These are orcs, so they are not your right off the bat swoony men. They are stubborn, hard-headed, oblivious and thinking with the wrong head. But they are SO much fun.
I had so much fun reading this book and I know it’s a 5 star read when I make excuses to read and neglect my chores for days on end.
Geva was such a badass character and a POC!! She’s just minding her business when Rathgarr comes charging into her life demanding all the valuables in the house. Geva finds herself in a pickle realizing she has no place left after helping an orc steal from the home and Rathgarr presents her with the opportunity to leave and earn coin: insert fake mating plot.
I am a SUCKER for a fake dating trope and this fake mating was on point. Bonus points because orcs have an amazing sense of smell and to make things more realistic, she will need to scent of him…oh yeah. You know what that means 😏
This has everything we love with a fake dating trope. The spice scenes were 🔥 and did not disappoint whatsoever. And the spice starts right off the bat. Finley wastes no time getting straight into the action.
I freaking love orcs and all their fluids and growls. They are really starting to become one of my favorite monsters to read about. And Finley’s orcs are just top tier.
I will say I even read this out of series order, I’ve read book 1: The Lady and the Orc, and now this one and it didn’t take away from anything whatsoever so if you’re cautious about jumping in because you don’t want to read out of order, dive right in!
Thank you so much to Finley and her PA for the ARC of The Governess and the Orc! This is definitely one I’m going to have to look into buying for my shelf.
When I tell you I devoured this book like Geva was devouring *ahem* seed…
THE ANGST!!! I had full body chills reading this book. Finley kills it every time.
I love the way she created a whole community and it’s not hard to follow or confusing at all. These are orcs, so they are not your right off the bat swoony men. They are stubborn, hard-headed, oblivious and thinking with the wrong head. But they are SO much fun.
I had so much fun reading this book and I know it’s a 5 star read when I make excuses to read and neglect my chores for days on end.
Geva was such a badass character and a POC!! She’s just minding her business when Rathgarr comes charging into her life demanding all the valuables in the house. Geva finds herself in a pickle realizing she has no place left after helping an orc steal from the home and Rathgarr presents her with the opportunity to leave and earn coin: insert fake mating plot.
I am a SUCKER for a fake dating trope and this fake mating was on point. Bonus points because orcs have an amazing sense of smell and to make things more realistic, she will need to scent of him…oh yeah. You know what that means 😏
This has everything we love with a fake dating trope. The spice scenes were 🔥 and did not disappoint whatsoever. And the spice starts right off the bat. Finley wastes no time getting straight into the action.
I freaking love orcs and all their fluids and growls. They are really starting to become one of my favorite monsters to read about. And Finley’s orcs are just top tier.
I will say I even read this out of series order, I’ve read book 1: The Lady and the Orc, and now this one and it didn’t take away from anything whatsoever so if you’re cautious about jumping in because you don’t want to read out of order, dive right in!
Thank you so much to Finley and her PA for the ARC of The Governess and the Orc! This is definitely one I’m going to have to look into buying for my shelf.
January 24, 2024
FMC was far too patient & forgiving of MMC. That man doubted her & dogged her out A LOT but she handled him so tenderly & sweet despite all of that. Sister could have made him grovel a little bit more. This book was a rollercoaster but I really liked it.
November 7, 2022
4 🌟's!
📝 tropes: monster rom (orcs), governess x orc, enemies to lovers, banter, road trip, only one bed, fake relationship, poc heroine
🌶 spice: 5/5 (praise, switch dynamic, copius fluids, spanking)
CW: parental abandonment/neglect
it's always such an exciting time when finley releases a new book, especially one set in our orc sworn series! book 7 follows Governess Geva and Kesst's long-lost brother, Rathgarr and boyoooo, this was such an emotional, sexy and entertaining read!
disparate thoughts in list form bc my brain can't paragraph rn:
- i loved the angst and tension that their enemies to lovers/fake relationship dynamic brought in .. there were some instances by the mid/end though where the constant pulling away of Rath from Geva did move beyond the territory of enjoyable and was just annoying
- love the sweet pet names Rath calls Geva 🥺
- every single book has had a copious amount of fluid kink but SOMEHOW fenley keeps leveling up??????? and this one had by far the most...... i truly do not know how to feel about this aspect of the story at all so.... no comment LMAO
- this book had a lot of darker and emotional elements that just UGH especially with the tentative bond between Kesst and Rath as brothers reunited, having to work through their trauma but also Rath's past too ..
- i fucking ADORE the amount of scenes we got with the little orclings .. i fucking love children in books.. it just makes everything 10x more fun and adorable and dynamic to read UGH .. esp given her position as the new schoolteacher, it just wAS SO CUTE
- the switching of the dom/sub dynamic WAS SO HAWT BYE LOLSF
- interesting turn of events with the Cecily and ........ (spin off series feat. the kids :0000?)
overall, i did think that there were things that could've been taken out to make this less long and stagnant but in general, i really enjoyed my time reading it! can't wait to read more from this series :)
📝 tropes: monster rom (orcs), governess x orc, enemies to lovers, banter, road trip, only one bed, fake relationship, poc heroine
🌶 spice: 5/5 (praise, switch dynamic, copius fluids, spanking)
CW: parental abandonment/neglect
it's always such an exciting time when finley releases a new book, especially one set in our orc sworn series! book 7 follows Governess Geva and Kesst's long-lost brother, Rathgarr and boyoooo, this was such an emotional, sexy and entertaining read!
disparate thoughts in list form bc my brain can't paragraph rn:
- i loved the angst and tension that their enemies to lovers/fake relationship dynamic brought in .. there were some instances by the mid/end though where the constant pulling away of Rath from Geva did move beyond the territory of enjoyable and was just annoying
- love the sweet pet names Rath calls Geva 🥺
- every single book has had a copious amount of fluid kink but SOMEHOW fenley keeps leveling up??????? and this one had by far the most...... i truly do not know how to feel about this aspect of the story at all so.... no comment LMAO
- this book had a lot of darker and emotional elements that just UGH especially with the tentative bond between Kesst and Rath as brothers reunited, having to work through their trauma but also Rath's past too ..
- i fucking ADORE the amount of scenes we got with the little orclings .. i fucking love children in books.. it just makes everything 10x more fun and adorable and dynamic to read UGH .. esp given her position as the new schoolteacher, it just wAS SO CUTE
- the switching of the dom/sub dynamic WAS SO HAWT BYE LOLSF
- interesting turn of events with the Cecily and ........ (spin off series feat. the kids :0000?)
overall, i did think that there were things that could've been taken out to make this less long and stagnant but in general, i really enjoyed my time reading it! can't wait to read more from this series :)
November 5, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The governess in the orc is a story about a governess in a dead end job until one day and orc crashes through her window and offers her an opportunity come with him to orc mountain, pretend to be his bond mate and he will pay her handsomely.
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story I found it I found myself sinking into the story with familiar characters and familiar storyline. I will say sometimes I do wish there were different plots, more adventure or different kinds of conflict but you get what you get with the stories and there is an element of comfort when reading these; you know where you going to go.
Getting to see a different side of characters was a treat I loved seeing how everyone rallied around the children in orc mountain. The relationship dynamic between an Geva and Rath was also very entertaining it was a blast to see how they interacted with each other and with other orcs I found myself barreling through the story because I couldn’t wait to see how they would resolve their challenges.
Fake relationship real feels is one of my favorite tropes and Fenn did a really good job portraying it. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves orcs, fantasy, monster romance or straight up smut.
This book comes out tomorrow November 4, 2022.
The governess in the orc is a story about a governess in a dead end job until one day and orc crashes through her window and offers her an opportunity come with him to orc mountain, pretend to be his bond mate and he will pay her handsomely.
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story I found it I found myself sinking into the story with familiar characters and familiar storyline. I will say sometimes I do wish there were different plots, more adventure or different kinds of conflict but you get what you get with the stories and there is an element of comfort when reading these; you know where you going to go.
Getting to see a different side of characters was a treat I loved seeing how everyone rallied around the children in orc mountain. The relationship dynamic between an Geva and Rath was also very entertaining it was a blast to see how they interacted with each other and with other orcs I found myself barreling through the story because I couldn’t wait to see how they would resolve their challenges.
Fake relationship real feels is one of my favorite tropes and Fenn did a really good job portraying it. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves orcs, fantasy, monster romance or straight up smut.
This book comes out tomorrow November 4, 2022.
November 27, 2022
An exiled Orc and an impoverished governess
pretending to be mates even though they don't like each
other? Officially my favorite couple on Orc Mountain.
I think what makes this series so special for me is that it
really tics all my boxes for a fantasy/monster romance. The
found family aspect is so heartwarming and I think it really,
really shown through in this installment!
Geva and Rathgarr were such a dynamic couple. The push/
pull of their relationship as they travel to Orc Mountain, the
way they soften for each other along the journey, and the
balanced exchange to be what each other needs was
absolutely delightful. It also helps that there's mutual praise
kink!! Authors. I need more of that in my books. Thank
youuuuu.
There's copious amounts of *ahem* seed as per usual for our
beloved Orcs and Rathgarr loves to *paint* his lady. Bless
you, Finley Fenn.
But what I really love most is that this is really the story of
two lost souls that find homes in each other. And that's
always my favorite ending for a couple.
Thank you to Finley Fenn and Marykate for an e-ARC! It’s truly always a joy to be back with my favorite Orcs!
pretending to be mates even though they don't like each
other? Officially my favorite couple on Orc Mountain.
I think what makes this series so special for me is that it
really tics all my boxes for a fantasy/monster romance. The
found family aspect is so heartwarming and I think it really,
really shown through in this installment!
Geva and Rathgarr were such a dynamic couple. The push/
pull of their relationship as they travel to Orc Mountain, the
way they soften for each other along the journey, and the
balanced exchange to be what each other needs was
absolutely delightful. It also helps that there's mutual praise
kink!! Authors. I need more of that in my books. Thank
youuuuu.
There's copious amounts of *ahem* seed as per usual for our
beloved Orcs and Rathgarr loves to *paint* his lady. Bless
you, Finley Fenn.
But what I really love most is that this is really the story of
two lost souls that find homes in each other. And that's
always my favorite ending for a couple.
Thank you to Finley Fenn and Marykate for an e-ARC! It’s truly always a joy to be back with my favorite Orcs!
May 4, 2025
This one had me in tears
Geva and Rathgarr’s story had so much that just tugged at my heartstrings. And by the time we reached the truth of the betrayal suffered by both Rathgarr & Kesst I was crying. Then the steps Geva was forced to take to prove she’s not just in it for the gold… Waterworks, I swear!
In typical Orc Mountain fashion, our two MCs are in a relationship built upon a deception, yet even when real feelings develop neither can speak the truth of it… until it’s (almost) too late. The spice was on point. Siggar & Abjorn were an unexpected surprise side story I quite enjoyed.
The orc school was such a delight! It served as a wonderful vehicle for a message of unity and inclusivity, of how we can teach the next generation to work together, to see the strengths gained in our diversity. It was perfect!
Each book has me swearing it’s my fave, yet when I get to the next story it somehow manages to top the last. Bravo.
Geva and Rathgarr’s story had so much that just tugged at my heartstrings. And by the time we reached the truth of the betrayal suffered by both Rathgarr & Kesst I was crying. Then the steps Geva was forced to take to prove she’s not just in it for the gold… Waterworks, I swear!
In typical Orc Mountain fashion, our two MCs are in a relationship built upon a deception, yet even when real feelings develop neither can speak the truth of it… until it’s (almost) too late. The spice was on point. Siggar & Abjorn were an unexpected surprise side story I quite enjoyed.
The orc school was such a delight! It served as a wonderful vehicle for a message of unity and inclusivity, of how we can teach the next generation to work together, to see the strengths gained in our diversity. It was perfect!
Each book has me swearing it’s my fave, yet when I get to the next story it somehow manages to top the last. Bravo.
November 4, 2022
A deliciously girthy marriage of convenience-esque story that reminded me a lot of a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Finley Fenn lives rent free in my head and her latest characters, Geva and Rathgarr, will be on my mind for a good long while.
I can always count on these Orc Sworn books to be ridiculously over the top, full of well-developed stories, lots of exquisite emotions, and HEAs that make me swoon. I savor each new story from Finley Fenn and The Governess and the Orc is no different.
Rathgarr and Geva both hold great tragedies in their pasts but as luck would have it when their paths cross, a fortuitous deal is struck between the two of them. I love that their deception leads to heartfelt truths, and as always the commotion in Orc Mountain never fails to bring me the best entertainment.
5 wonderful and wild stars.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Finley Fenn lives rent free in my head and her latest characters, Geva and Rathgarr, will be on my mind for a good long while.
I can always count on these Orc Sworn books to be ridiculously over the top, full of well-developed stories, lots of exquisite emotions, and HEAs that make me swoon. I savor each new story from Finley Fenn and The Governess and the Orc is no different.
Rathgarr and Geva both hold great tragedies in their pasts but as luck would have it when their paths cross, a fortuitous deal is struck between the two of them. I love that their deception leads to heartfelt truths, and as always the commotion in Orc Mountain never fails to bring me the best entertainment.
5 wonderful and wild stars.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
Didn't know I needed this book
What to say about yet another exquisite Finley Fenn book in the Orc Sworn universe.
This book was particularly poignant as we revisit Kesst and his ongoing existential drama... I mean, his big brother who mysteriously disappeared 16 years ago. Rathgarr is a scheming, conniving, silver-tongued orc who is on his way back to the mountain to reunite with his brother, but he needs a fake mate to make his move back to Orc Mountain less suspicious. Enter another strong woman currently at the mercy of the foul humans. When Rathgarr makes her an offer she can't refuse, thus begins another angst-filled, emotional tale of true love.
At this point, you're probably thinking, I know what's going to
happen.... but trust me, there are some wild twists and turns (of course, the Ash-Kai are involved) throw in a well-educated Governess with a penchant for story-telling and secrets of her own and you WON'T be disappointed.
Honestly, I don't think I've read a book Ms. Fenn has written that hasn't been a true work of art... and she has only gotten better with time.
Go. Read. You won't regret it!
I was given an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
What to say about yet another exquisite Finley Fenn book in the Orc Sworn universe.
This book was particularly poignant as we revisit Kesst and his ongoing existential drama... I mean, his big brother who mysteriously disappeared 16 years ago. Rathgarr is a scheming, conniving, silver-tongued orc who is on his way back to the mountain to reunite with his brother, but he needs a fake mate to make his move back to Orc Mountain less suspicious. Enter another strong woman currently at the mercy of the foul humans. When Rathgarr makes her an offer she can't refuse, thus begins another angst-filled, emotional tale of true love.
At this point, you're probably thinking, I know what's going to
happen.... but trust me, there are some wild twists and turns (of course, the Ash-Kai are involved) throw in a well-educated Governess with a penchant for story-telling and secrets of her own and you WON'T be disappointed.
Honestly, I don't think I've read a book Ms. Fenn has written that hasn't been a true work of art... and she has only gotten better with time.
Go. Read. You won't regret it!
I was given an ARC copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
November 9, 2022
A mystery in Orc Mountain!
While Geva’s employer’s are away Rathgarr shows up and completely up ends her life. The only way to fix it? Pretend to be Rathgarr’s mate for the duration of his visit to Orc Mountain should be easy … right?
I absolutely loved Geva she was clever and didn’t back down when she wanted something.
Rathgarr was new! I loved learning about him since he’s not an orc we know from the mountain. He had very different motives than what we’ve seen with the other orcs.
The villain of the story was also a twist that I didn’t really expect!
I also really loved the glimpses of the previous mates and the hints of ones to come!
While Geva’s employer’s are away Rathgarr shows up and completely up ends her life. The only way to fix it? Pretend to be Rathgarr’s mate for the duration of his visit to Orc Mountain should be easy … right?
I absolutely loved Geva she was clever and didn’t back down when she wanted something.
Rathgarr was new! I loved learning about him since he’s not an orc we know from the mountain. He had very different motives than what we’ve seen with the other orcs.
The villain of the story was also a twist that I didn’t really expect!
I also really loved the glimpses of the previous mates and the hints of ones to come!
November 20, 2022
Another fantastic orc romance from author Finley Fenn!
Geva and Rath have the steamiest fake dating trope ever! And seeing all the other couples, as well as some new ones was very fun.
I also love all the father-son relationships, even if they are not the biological father.
As usual, there are a lot of misunderstandings and drama, but there is a happy ending.
Geva and Rath have the steamiest fake dating trope ever! And seeing all the other couples, as well as some new ones was very fun.
I also love all the father-son relationships, even if they are not the biological father.
As usual, there are a lot of misunderstandings and drama, but there is a happy ending.
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