Title: Her Orc Warrior
Author: Zoe Ashwood
Series: Bellhaven Clan #3
Pages: 256
Hazel is determined to escape with her daughter and make her way to a safer town. She finally finds her opportunity when she sneaks into a caravan wagon. What she doesn’t expect is for the caravan to be run by orc merchants or to find out that the driver, Vark, is claiming her as his mate.
Like the previous books, this was another enjoyable fated mates romance. I have been eager to read Vark’s story since the events in the first book. Vark’s injuries have led him to believe he is unfit to be a warrior and in turn, not fit to be a mate. While we see him try to keep his distance because of this belief, he can’t really do it, which was good. I enjoyed Vark a lot, especially once Hazel started to get through his negative beliefs and realize he was still a deadly warrior.
Hazel is a strong woman who has led a life of a thief to survive. She adopted her daughter, Wren, when her mother passed and has spent the past four years taking care of her. I loved how strong and determined Hazel was. She was determined to be independent and to protect herself, which is always a microtrope that I enjoy. I especially loved that Vark didn’t question it and went to teach her how to fight.
These two spent a lot of the book circling each other in an effort to keep both of their walls up. Hazel has never trusted a man so she struggles to believe everything is straightforward with Vark, and the other orcs. Vark struggles to believe he is worthy of a mate and worthy to teach her to be a warrior. I enjoyed their relationship even with all the push and pull.
Overall, this was another enjoyable orc romance. I have been enjoying this series and can’t wait to see who will find their mate next.
TW: Mentions of child abuse, physical abuse, starvation, stealing, sex work, death of parent/friend from complications of childbirth;
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Previous books and reviews for the series:
Red-Haired Ash Reads 