The Orc and Her Bride is a sapphic fantasy romance between an elf and an orc that is sure to get under your skin and sneak its way into your heart. Change happens when you least expect it to, and especially when you’re actively resisting it. This story will stay with you long after you’re done reading.
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The Orc and Her Bride by Lila Gwynn
🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(you can find my rating and spice system here)
POV & Tense: Dual POV, third limited, past tense
Genre: FF Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Themes: Unlikable MC, Elves, Orcs, Royalty, Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Pampered Rake, Courting, Forced Proximity, Archery, Midsummer Revelry
Synopsis:
Elketh, the elvish princess of Branwen, spends her days as she pleases—usually between the thighs of a rotating set of gorgeous women whose names she can’t remember. To forge an alliance with their orc neighbors and improve his daughter’s character, the King promises Elketh’s hand in marriage. It doesn’t matter that orc princess Ruga is kind and gentle, Elketh won’t stand for it. She’ll do anything to return to her carefree lifestyle. The peace-loving orcs of Torden aren’t prepared for Hurricane Elketh.
My Review:
The Orc and Her Bride surprised me. I loved the concept and I love unlikable main characters, and I thought I knew what was going to happen, but I didn’t. This story kept me on my toes, and I was floored by the ending. It’s so good!
Unlikable MC
Call me crazy, but I LOVE an unlikable main character. They are gorgeously flawed, go against the grain, and are guaranteed a strong character arc. Elketh reminds me of Princess Bean from season one Disenchantment. She’s a spoiled brat who shamelessly takes out her frustration on everyone around her. But like Ruga, it’s impossible not to fall for her charm and admire her strength of character. I found myself torn between embarrassment at her actions and yet I cheered her on as she attempted to out-stubborn her equally stubborn father.
One of Elketh’s talents appeared to be locating sources of alcohol. Victoriously, she swung open the door of a tavern and made herself comfortable at a long table that already had several orcs seated at the end.
The Likable MC
Orc princess Ruga is the polar opposite of Elketh. She’s selfless, putting the needs of her kingdom above her own, and she does what needs to be done regardless of how she feels. In the beginning, Ruga does whatever she can to make Elketh feel welcome, even though the elf doesn’t deserve it. She sleeps outside in the rose garden when Elketh refuses to share a bedchamber with her. But the true extent of her selflessness is revealed as the story progresses, and you can’t help but love Ruga for her kindness and dedication.
It’s too much effort to hate you.
Softer Side of Orcs
What’s interesting about the orcs in this universe is how soft and gentle they are. Gentle giants. Each orc displays such kindness and humanity at striking odds with orc stereotypes. The sense of community and helping where help is needed, and how their royals are chosen rather than born into, was heartwarming. I found it fascinating that they needed help to defend their settlement against raiders, which is what led to the alliance with the elves. It’s equally fascinating that the elves in this universe are as tall as the orcs and powerful allies in battle.
Ruga liked that she could be changed by people in this way. Even as a woman of solitude, she cherished that her life could transform over and over again during its course through her connections to other people.
Final Thoughts:
I loved the world Lila Gwynn created and can’t wait to read more about Ruga and Elketh, and the other characters. We need more sapphic orc books and that the series is called The Sapphic Orcs of Torden is perfect. From the backmatter, it looks like book two will be about Queen Astrid and Freya. I can’t wait.
The Orc and Her Bride by Lila Gwynn (The Sapphic Orcs of Torden Book 1)
Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
Lila Gwynn is the author of sapphic fantasy romance and paranormal romance novels.
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Banner Image Credit: Roses
~~If you like spicy books with orcs, check out my Orc Rec List ~~
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