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greystory's review
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Zoe Ashwood's Black Bear Clan series is a great easy comfort read and Her Orc Gentleman is no different. Like a decent warm, familiar hug. It was once again fun seeing all the characters again and I'm looking forward to Mara's story next and Neekar's down the road. I enjoyed the humor in this story as well and there's decent spice with consent and a good time for everyone.
Although Ozork is like over ten years older than Willow, 1) I got the impression she was in her late 20s based on how she compared herself to the other human females in the clan so it wasn't like she was super young, and 2) it was clear that the human alternatives for suitors were at least that old or older, plus gross money grubbing nobles to boot. In any case, Willow and Ozork are both rather mature in behavior and felt like they fit very well together.
One thing I noticed happening repeatedly was that our FMC Willow or MMC Ozork may do or say something a bit out of pocket that made me raising an eyebrow or rolling my eyes but it never got farther than that because <i>the characters would discuss issues that were bothering them</i> like, y'know, adults. Example: Ozork noticed Willow wasn't being forthcoming like he hoped she would? He tells her that, immediately, and makes it clear that she doesn't have to share everything but at least don't actively keep things from him. The longest time this happens I think is at the end where there's a total of several hours between Willow disliking that Ozork wasn't truthful with her and when she tells him as much, and a big part of that is because that wait time is plot relevant, intentionally crafted to help get from point a to point b but without also being frustrating. Great! Awesome! Appreciate that.
Ellis the bookshop owner seems to have they/them pronouns. I didn't notice that in Marut's book and it was a small thing that made me happy. In Her Orc Blacksmiths, we not only saw some M/M romance between Torren and Morg, both fated mates to Jasmine, but the female orcs also scented Jasmine when she first arrived as well, implying there could be same sex fated mates between orcs and humans. We're also obviously getting a female orc/male human combo in His Orc Lady, book #7, between Mara and Owen. Between all of these details, I'm hoping we may someday get a F/F or M/M book related to the Black Bear Clan!
Although Ozork is like over ten years older than Willow, 1) I got the impression she was in her late 20s based on how she compared herself to the other human females in the clan so it wasn't like she was super young, and 2) it was clear that the human alternatives for suitors were at least that old or older, plus gross money grubbing nobles to boot. In any case, Willow and Ozork are both rather mature in behavior and felt like they fit very well together.
One thing I noticed happening repeatedly was that our FMC Willow or MMC Ozork may do or say something a bit out of pocket that made me raising an eyebrow or rolling my eyes but it never got farther than that because <i>the characters would discuss issues that were bothering them</i> like, y'know, adults. Example: Ozork noticed Willow wasn't being forthcoming like he hoped she would? He tells her that, immediately, and makes it clear that she doesn't have to share everything but at least don't actively keep things from him. The longest time this happens I think is at the end where there's a total of several hours between Willow disliking that Ozork wasn't truthful with her and when she tells him as much, and a big part of that is because that wait time is plot relevant, intentionally crafted to help get from point a to point b but without also being frustrating. Great! Awesome! Appreciate that.
Ellis the bookshop owner seems to have they/them pronouns. I didn't notice that in Marut's book and it was a small thing that made me happy. In Her Orc Blacksmiths, we not only saw some M/M romance between Torren and Morg, both fated mates to Jasmine, but the female orcs also scented Jasmine when she first arrived as well, implying there could be same sex fated mates between orcs and humans. We're also obviously getting a female orc/male human combo in His Orc Lady, book #7, between Mara and Owen. Between all of these details, I'm hoping we may someday get a F/F or M/M book related to the Black Bear Clan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Slavery, Violence, War, and Trafficking
singingshooter's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
An excellent addition to the series! Loved the story and getting to revisit some of the characters from earlier parts of the series and setting up for the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny, Death of parent, Sexism, War, Slavery, and Trafficking
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