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He loathes elves . . .
He can’t fall in love with one . . . Ever . . .


Imprisoned by the Elven court on a fateful mission, Gudvar’s life hangs in the balance. But the risk of death is nothing compared to success, which could mean the end of the war against the elf scourge.

And if he can kidnap the woman responsible for his best friend’s death as he escapes, so much the better.

He'll extract all the information he needs from her and then . . . well, one less elf in the world is nothing to complain about, right?

But Lady Adharian isn't the arrogant elf he expected . . .
Spending time with her, he sees there is more to her than meets the eye.

Desperate for freedom, she didn’t expect help from an orc . . .

Adharian has suffered a miserable existence as her husband -- a powerful, but cruel elven champion who hates her -- and torments her. Desperate to get away and find her lost son, she never anticipated aid from an orc.

Gudvar is a ruthless warrior with a fearsome reputation, but as he helps her flee from court (okay, so he didn’t give her much of a choice but she’s not arguing about that), she realizes he's not the enemy she thought him to be.
Beneath his tough exterior lies a compassionate and protective man, and during their perilous journey through dangerous terrain she finds herself attracted to him in ways she hadn't imagined.

But the champion won't give up that easily . . .

When Adharian is taken from deep within orc lands, Gudvar must face long-hidden truths about Adharian . . . his best friend's death . . . and his own deep-seated feelings for the beguiling elven woman he has come to love.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2023

38 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Mina Carter

289 books2,392 followers
Mina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, a puppy who pays no attention to her whatsoever, and a bossy cat.

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5 stars
108 (52%)
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58 (28%)
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31 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
March 11, 2023
The love of my life

This book was just as good as I imagined it would be from the glimpses we had of these two characters in the previous book. I enjoyed watching the connection between them and the way their relationship quickly grew. The author made him as bold and brash as you would expect from an apex predator, but don’t worry his lady love is no shrinking violet. I love how he took charge and managed to rid the world of something not worth living. This book was short and fast-paced, but you won’t want to miss that HEA.
Profile Image for Nevena.
925 reviews27 followers
March 16, 2023
💚 “I see everything. And I want it all.”
~~~
The life of Lady Adharian of Sharnwood Heights hasn’t been easy - losing the love of her life, then being forced to give up her child and finally having to deal for years with an unhappy arranged marriage to a cruel and vicious male - the fairy queen’s champion. Despite everything she’s been through, Adharian remains one phenomenal woman - kind, caring and compassionate. Even more, she’s so brave, strong and fierce. And I loved that she had such courage to face down her own husband to save one orc warrior. Adharian is such a wonderful elf Lady and I loved her so much!

Gudvar the Merciless is on a mission in the heart of fairy territory. He’s a ruthless warrior with quite the fearsome reputation - and he definitely lives up to it. Gudvar is huge, brash, violent, deadly, snarly, dominant, possessive and dangerous. And he’s filled with so much anger. But there is more to him than meets the eye. Because this half-orc, half-troll warrior is also fiercely protective, loyal and caring. And I adored everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Adharian and Gudvar. All Adharian has ever wanted was to escape her awful marriage and, to her surprise, salvation comes in the form of a giant and snarly orc warrior. But Gudvar recognizes her as the woman who’s the reason his friend since childhood was killed. Despite the animosity in the beginning, the attraction between the two was so strong and their chemistry was fantastic. I loved the time they spent together, getting to know each other and trying to escape the fairy kingdom. And what started as a means to an end, soon became so much more. Yeah, there’s a fine line between hate and love and when they couldn’t resist the need for one another, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot! Adharian and Gudvar were so perfect for each other and, after everything they went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love with each other.

Overall, Orc’s Prize is another great addition to the series! It’s a story about overcoming prejudice, seeing the real person behind the mask and finding true love. It’s filled with danger, action, violence, suspense, twists, blazing hot passion and fantastic characters.

I loved it!
1,240 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2023
Orc’s Prize is the third book in the Mist-Rift Monster Romance series. It could be read as a stand alone, but might be best understood by reading the previous book. Gudvar is half troll, half Orc, and allows the elves to capture him. Instead, Adharian captures his attention, passions, and maybe even something deeper. Stealing her away, he binds her to him with passion, but with danger around every corner, can they learn to trust and love and fight against the elves?

Ohh this book was super fun to read, full of passion and righting misconceptions and facing what love might mean to them. Gudvar and Adharian were a dynamite couple, and I flew through this book just as quickly as I could. Adharian faced so much tribulations in her life, with young love and a child torn away from her at a young age, to an abusive husband, to an Orc that wants to torture her… in the best of ways. She’s so brave as she faces new circumstances and I really enjoyed that she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Gudvar. Angry at the world, Gudvar was fierce and protective, and while her kidnapping might have started off as a means to an end, I loved how his thoughts and opinions had to shift and change to fit the truthful narrative instead of the lies he told himself. I thought it was super fun seeing a bit of the couple from the previous book and seeing the fight against the villain. I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it did not disappoint! I hope there will be more in this series!
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,558 reviews54 followers
February 21, 2023
Gudvar is on a secret mission for King Batak. He's essentially handed himself to the enemy on a platter in order to get close enough to the Elf Queen. He didn't realise that would overlap with the rescue of another Elf female. One who was very familiar to him!

Lady Adharian is unhappily married. Her husband, in turns, abuses and ignores her. But typical with a bully just because he doesn't want her doesn't mean he'll let her be free to love another. Decades ago she loved an Orc and had to give up their child in order to save the baby. She had given up enough of her life to this misery and she vows to try and escape.

I loved the set-up of this story. Orc warrior has to rescue Elf female, who he holds responsible for the death of his friend and abandonment of a fellow warrior. Finding out it was genuine love between Adharian and Braestak was kind of bittersweet. However, the scorching chemistry once these two get out of their own way is incendiary! Who knew that under all that Ladyhood was a passionate female? It was great getting to meet Graal and his mate again. Looking forward to more in the series, including a certain Sorcerer!
Profile Image for Fran.
1,054 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2023
Gudvar has been chosen by King Batak to be captured or tricked into being the elves to gain their secrets of their Queen Oonais by plucking hairs from the fairy queen's head. Little does he realize the fateful journey he's about to take. He's taken in chains into the elves' arena to be slaughtered after the elf champions compete for the privilege of killing him. Little does anyone realize he's two-natured: half orc and half troll. This is where Lady Adharian is introduced to this story. A long time ago Adharian was the forbidden elf lover of Orc legend Braestak. She born Braestak a child but had to abandon said child, Graal (Book 2 of this series), to save both their lives. Here is when the Mist-Rift happens thanks to the fairy godmother. Gudvar takes Adharian and escapes. Thus begins the real Orc's Prize story of overcoming prejudices and finding real love. A well-deserved HEA. Now I just need to find out about the Orc King's sorcerer Skali Howl and his story. This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
1,900 reviews13 followers
February 19, 2023
Fierce, harsh and spreading terror, the warrior Gudvar, half Orc, half Troll, had a mission to carry out. With his Troll inheritance he had special advantages and boy did he take advantage of them! In 'Taken by the Orc' we learned about the predicament Graal found himself in, Lady Adharian of Sharnwood Heights' past, and something about the Orc being trapped by the elves. I like it when the authors give us the stories of the minor characters that have left me intrigued and have something mysterious about them. Lady Adharian had already had her experience with an Orc, and she knew what she could expect and what she needed, while Gudvar was struggling with his feelings for her and a past he did not want to leave behind. The story is short and continues leading way to more in the fight the Orcs have with the Elves. Action, suspense, doubts, strong feelings, magic, violence, romance, passion, and a strange twist that left me intrigued about the Troll's magic.
137 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2023
Orcs & Elves: Can there be love?

Adharian is an elf married to Lord Naebalar, an elf she despises. He is cruel and brutal, and she has the bruises to prove it. An orc was captured by some elves, but Naebalar takes credit for his capture and presents him to the queen. He suggests they hold a tournament for the right to slaughter him.

Adharian is disgusted. But the orc, Gudvar, has a few plans of his own. Mass confusion ensues with the result that Gudvar kidnaps Adharian, taking her to the orc war camp. He intends to kill her. There are many years of animosity and misunderstandings between the elves and the orcs, so Gudvar and Adharian both have many preconceptions to overcome. Will they fall in love? Or will they kill each other?

And what will Naebalar do?

As always with Mina Carter, mixed with the drama there are many amusing moments. Grab a copy and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
February 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. It pulled me in from beginning to end and I enjoyed getting to see Gudvar and Adharian find their way together. Gudvar is pulled to her from the first moment he sees her in the Elven court and so is Adharian but they don't really know what their connection is between them and then when he breaks free he takes her as his captive. Adharian doesn't have a huge issue with all Orcs like the rest of her people. Years ago she found and fall in love with one as she nursed him back to health but he never came back for her (he was killed) and she had to give up their son. There is definitely some miscommunication between Adharian and Gudvar that they have to straighten out in order for everything to work out between them. There was some action and intrigue in this story along with the relationship. I enjoyed the story and found it entertaining. It was a nice continuation of the series and can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Emily Lindsey.
Author 4 books21 followers
February 28, 2023
This book was absolutely worth the wait! The Elvin Lady has secrets, and she hates her worthless husband. By chance, she sees something she never dreamed she'd see again, and her world changes. She was a character from the !ast book, and I am excited that she got her own story told in this one! Her name is as complex as her story is, and her story is impossible to put down. When she meets Gulvar, they both feel a connection, but that dude has layers of attitude and preconceptions coloring his thoughts and words. He also has a healthy dose of well-earned hatred of Elves and all they stand for. That makes for a dubious love connection that fuels this plot. The story is intense, with warring factions, violent societies, and fractured relationships. It's easy to read this straight through, and I hope there are more stories to come from this world!
Profile Image for Jan.
2,091 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2023
If you read, “Taken by the Orc,” you know about Lady Adharian and Gudvar. Lady Adharian is Graal’s mother that he has not seen. With this story we learn about what happened and why she left him behind. In regards to Gudvar, we find that he was sent on a mission and that is why he was taken. I have to say he was intimidating. At times I worried that he would hurt Adharian. Naebalar was a cruel man. He abused her and she didn’t need that from anyone else. At times I wanted to be mad at Gudvar for how he treated her. But he didn’t know her full story. Once everything was ironed out, they got hot and sweaty. You have to give it to Adharian. She is a strong fae. She may have been through a lot but she finally found her happy ending. And Gudvar let go of the guilt he felt for all those years about Graal and even his old friend Braestak.
Profile Image for Jeanne Mead.
498 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2023
Gudvar is ordered to " be captured" by the loathsome Elven court to complete a mission for his Orcan King.
When face to face with Lady Adharian, whom he believes is responsible for the death of his best friend, Gudvar absconds with her to obtain information to help win the war against the enemy elves.
Things are not what they seem, and past misconceptions are seen in a new light.
An attraction that can't be denied grows ever stronger and life altering choices have to be made.
Will an evil toad of a jilted husband destroy a new love before it's begun?
A kick butt wild romance!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Pam.
848 reviews
April 23, 2023
Gudvar is captured by the elven court so he can complete a mission for the Orc's. His life is in danger but he is willing to risk it to complete his mission and kidnap the elven woman he holds responsible for his friends death. Adharian wants to leave her lonely life behind. She is in a loveless and brutal marriage she never wanted. She fell in love with an Orc and had his child but when her love never returned she had no choice but to give her son up to save his life. She wants to find her son and live a happy life. When Gudvar kidnaps her the sparks start to fly. I loved this book, the story is original and the characters are amazing.
777 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2023
Mina Carter has put a different spin on Orc romance! Orc’s Prize is a wonderful addition to this series. I liked the age of the main characters…Gudvar is a half orc half troll warrior who meets his fated mate on his mission to the elf kingdom. Adharian is a mature woman who fell in love with an Orc warrior as a young girl, had his child but had to give that child up. She is now the wife of an abusive elf warrior champion. The story take off from the first chapter and is a non stop ride. Enjoyable ❤️
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,352 reviews46 followers
February 23, 2023
Enjoyable but felt rushed due to the shortness of the story.
Likeable characters though I’m not a fan of the fae.
The sex scene was overly long in my opinion in relation to the length of the book. If there had been more communication and romance between Adharian and Gunvar, I would have enjoyed this more.
I wonder what the queens hair was for.
Also, where are Gunvar’s tusks on the cover?
This is my honest review of this book but I have the strangest feeling that I’ve read this before though.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,917 reviews15 followers
February 27, 2023
The storytelling and the way the characters express themselves and their feelings makes this a book worth reading. The Elves, Orcs, Trolls and other mystical folk live in an alternate world to humans and are in a perpetual war. In previous books we’ve seen Orc and human women mate. This time Orc Gudvar is infiltrating the elven territory for a mission. Never did he imagine meeting so tempting an elven female. Adharian is no stranger to orcs but her people don’t know this. Can she sit back and ignore the intruders into the elf queen’s court? Can she resist Gudvar’s charms?
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
765 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2023
This is a second chance story..
Gudvar is half orc, half troll..
He's a fearsome warrior.
He finds his mate while on a mission.
The fairy that catches his eye is the woman who cost his best friend his life.
And bore his son whom was found and raised among the orcs.
A hard pill to swallow.
Adharian gets a second chance at love.
She gets a second chance at being in her estranged son's life.
It's a win-win.
A little loving, some curse words, and swordplay.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
1,465 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2025
Loved Gudvar's story and so sad to see the end of this series! Gudvar is caught by the Elves but really he lets them think he can't get away. Gudvar also sees that Graal (an Orc) and Hope (his mate) both have fairy magic hiding what they are while at the castle of the Elf Queen. As Gudvar escapes, he grabs the Elf champion's wife Adharian and takes her with him. On their journey back to the Orcs, they find they have more in common than they ever thought and find love together. This story has romance, danger and the best ending possible.
Profile Image for Cristy.
693 reviews13 followers
February 19, 2023
I loved this quick read, yes it could've been longer but why spoil a good thing. Especially with that ending! There's gotta be more.
I must admit that I thought Adharian was a bit of a hussy. Having lived an abhorrent existence subjected to a marriage filled with abuse and humility. Now free she chooses to accept Gudvar and the security she feels in his presence. Under his rough exterior his heart soars. He wants more he is besotted with her.
Such a brilliant happy ending.
153 reviews
February 27, 2023
She murdered his best friend! OK, so she didn't wield the ax, but if not for her Breastak would still be alive. Graal hates her! Right?
Lady Adharian is elvish. she fell in love with an Orc, and gave him a son. Or she would have if he had come back to her. Instead, she had to give her son to the Orc army and marry an abusive man she despises. Now another male wants to use and abuse her. When is enough, enough?
Profile Image for Ruth.
299 reviews
February 29, 2024
So much better than the first book.

Part of "Orc's Prize" coincides with "Taken by the Orc" and so we end up seeing some events that happened in the previous book but from a different point of view. We also get a conclusion to the villain and threat that were established in "Taken by the Orc."

I enjoyed it. Again, it was a nice fast read and so much better than the first book in this series.

***Okay read, 3 stars***
Profile Image for Stacy .
337 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2023
I’m really enjoying Mina Carter’s world of orcs! Her newest book, Orc’s Prize features Adharian and Gudvar. Gudvar is a grumpy half Orc and half troll who was best friends with the father of Adharian’s son. He believed his friend died because she used sorcery on him. They meet while he’s on a secret mission and sparks fly. This is their fast and furious love story. I really enjoyed it!
1,262 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this Orc monster romance. I loved the fairy and her son, and the orc is really sweet. The ending really made me smile. Only problem is I wanted the book to be longer, I was enjoying reading it so much I just wanted more. I received a copy from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving this review because I loved it
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2023
Quick steam up with a fun plot for reading. Adharian and Gudvar were an intriguing couple once they managed to figure each other out. Loved that Adharian was a more mature woman that had history and that Gudvar was more than just a simple Orc. The story read fast and was enjoyable. While it is part of a series, you don’t need to have read the other stories first.
3,173 reviews
March 2, 2023
Book 3 in the Mist-Rift Monster series, Orc’s Prize was a fast paced and steamy romance story. Enemy to lovers, Adharian and Gudvar was an interesting characters, his hate for her is evident but when danger find them he steps up to protect her. I enjoyed the storyline with a mature woman who finds her second chance at the most unlikely man that she finds her HEA and the fast paced action.
343 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2025
Another Fun Adventure in Orc/Fairy World

Yes! Another Fun Adventure in the saga of Orc vs Cold Fairy Court. Add a few Trolls and Dryeds for further entertainment, and a formula for success. I can now say I give all three books in this series a five star rating. What a fun binge I had, reading the series over the last 3 days. Too bad they are not on Kindle Unlimited!
701 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2023
Very quick story of a half-Orc, half-Troll with a chip on his shoulder, literally. While I always enjoy this author's work, this book was a bit too short, therefore not allowing the time to create a fully developed world and characters. While the action and smoking hot romance kept you turning the pages, it just seemed too rushed.

I received a ARC from the author, and am freely leaving this review.
Time and $$ spent was welll worth it.
4,497 reviews24 followers
February 21, 2023
Loved the characters, the interaction and chemistry between the characters is great. The storyline is entertaining and filled with action and adventure. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2023
First, please read this series in order to fully enjoy. That being said, this was an enjoyable read with a well written storyline and characters. The Orc and the Elven Queen are two characters that shouldn't have any reason to work as a couple. Somehow they overcome the odds to make it work. I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,892 reviews20 followers
March 23, 2023
Love the Orcs and I love the happily ever afters and Mina Carter really knows how to tell a good story, This one is as good as I thought it would be from reading the blurb. I liked seeing the connection between them and how their relationship quickly evolved.
Profile Image for Jane.
429 reviews8 followers
March 24, 2023
Great Series.

Another excellent book in a fun to read series. Being orc stories, they’re a little unconventional, but it makes them different and fun. I was really happy Adharian got her hea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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