I’m exploring my yearning for fantasy at the moment with a romance featuring an orc (actually, a half-human, half-orc) called Agakor. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, I mean green warlord types with tusks that are often portrayed as barbaric and vicious monsters.
This author did not disappoint with this easy read that provides a nice bit of escapism, and a hero that we expect to be cruel yet is a complete softie for his bride. Plus, the reader can enjoy plenty of hot and heavy sexy times where Agakor encourages his maidenly bride, Iolanthe, to explore her sexual desires.
Iolanthe is a gem of a heroine. She’s just turned thirty so we don’t have to deal with childishness and constant whining about her situation, even though she has plenty to moan about. She’s tall (which were reminded of a little too much), and a well-built rather than dainty heroine. Her father sees her as useless because he can’t marry her off easily due to her supposedly unappealing appearance. However, her father doesn’t think twice about selling her to a supposed monster when he needs the money.
Iolanthe could cry and have tantrums about it, but she doesn’t. She accepts her fate and gets on with the job, including some rather strange marriage customs. For example, being chased down by her orc suitor and clubbed over the head before being dragged off. Which, deep down, she enjoyed because Agakor is not the monster she’s been led to believe. Instead, he’s an adorable, caring and protective type who I couldn’t help but love, too.
You’ll enjoy this book if you like easy-going fantasy romances featuring older, sensible heroines and green, warrior heroes who happen to be cuddly teddy bears regarding their lady-love.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
