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Vexing the Grumpy Orc: A Fated Mates Monster Romance Novella
Territory lines weren't made to keep out fate.
Hannah
Saving my petrified familiar requires rare mountain mushrooms and sacred ritual grounds. Unfortunately, both sit squarely in one extremely hot and incredibly grumpy orc's territory. One defiant step across my ritual circle unleashes magic far more dangerous than any gorgon's curse—the kind that burns between bodies instead of bones.
But with Digby's stone form growing colder by the day, failure isn't an option—even if success means trusting the orc who ruins my spells with a single touch.
Galan
Witches destroy everything they touch. My father's exile taught me that lesson well.
But this witch stalks my woods with a sharp tongue and even sharper magic. Her fierce loyalty and forbidden rituals set my blood burning and instincts snarling for more.
My chief shatters my solitude and commands me to keep her safe while my father orders me to march her off a cliff. Blood should win over heart, but she makes me question every truth I thought I knew.
Fate branded Hannah into my soul, and I won't rest until I claim her as mine.
Vexing the Grumpy Orc is the third novella in the Silvermist Mates series. This fated mates monster romance brings the spice with a grumpy virgin orc hero and a stubborn witch who won't back down. Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and couples who fight destiny until it fights back.
Hannah
Saving my petrified familiar requires rare mountain mushrooms and sacred ritual grounds. Unfortunately, both sit squarely in one extremely hot and incredibly grumpy orc's territory. One defiant step across my ritual circle unleashes magic far more dangerous than any gorgon's curse—the kind that burns between bodies instead of bones.
But with Digby's stone form growing colder by the day, failure isn't an option—even if success means trusting the orc who ruins my spells with a single touch.
Galan
Witches destroy everything they touch. My father's exile taught me that lesson well.
But this witch stalks my woods with a sharp tongue and even sharper magic. Her fierce loyalty and forbidden rituals set my blood burning and instincts snarling for more.
My chief shatters my solitude and commands me to keep her safe while my father orders me to march her off a cliff. Blood should win over heart, but she makes me question every truth I thought I knew.
Fate branded Hannah into my soul, and I won't rest until I claim her as mine.
Vexing the Grumpy Orc is the third novella in the Silvermist Mates series. This fated mates monster romance brings the spice with a grumpy virgin orc hero and a stubborn witch who won't back down. Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and couples who fight destiny until it fights back.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2025
30 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 6, 2025
Galan first stumbles upon witch Hannah in the forest as she is trying to perform a ritual on clan lands, to restore her familiar who was turned to stone by a gorgon, while protecting her. Though she warns him away, he barges into her circle and they are caught up in attraction and desire which leads to them coming together.
Stuck in ways of tradition forced on him by his stubborn old fashioned father, he is disgusted with himself and feels like he has betrayed his family and blood. But he can’t stop thinking about Hannah and what they shared.
The grumpy orc is tasked with watching over her by his clan leader (also his cousin) as she works toward trying once more to perform the ritual which will restore her badger friend. Galan overhears her defending orcs and other creatures to her employer, ultimately quitting her job over it, and that starts to change his thinking about her.
They come together again after she successfully frees her familiar, and what they share is incredibly passionate and sweet. He seeks advice from his clan friend and comes to a life-changing realization about Hannah. One that will not make his father happy.
His growth was so cool to see. His grumpiness makes way for so much sweetness with Hannah. She is there for him in a moment of need and fully embraces him with such love and acceptance, it was very moving and emotional.
“In her arms, the choice I’d made didn’t feel like loss. It felt like the first step toward something new. Something real. Something mine.” So sweet.
Hannah saves Galan in more than one way and after an intense incident involving his hateful father, he comes to realize that his cousins and clan value and care about him, despite the isolation that he’d felt for so long due to his father’s views of tradition that were more based on hate and fear than anything else.
I loved the epilogue only a month later which shows them both fitting right into his clan and finding peace and happiness together as mates, surrounded by people who care about them.
Stuck in ways of tradition forced on him by his stubborn old fashioned father, he is disgusted with himself and feels like he has betrayed his family and blood. But he can’t stop thinking about Hannah and what they shared.
The grumpy orc is tasked with watching over her by his clan leader (also his cousin) as she works toward trying once more to perform the ritual which will restore her badger friend. Galan overhears her defending orcs and other creatures to her employer, ultimately quitting her job over it, and that starts to change his thinking about her.
They come together again after she successfully frees her familiar, and what they share is incredibly passionate and sweet. He seeks advice from his clan friend and comes to a life-changing realization about Hannah. One that will not make his father happy.
His growth was so cool to see. His grumpiness makes way for so much sweetness with Hannah. She is there for him in a moment of need and fully embraces him with such love and acceptance, it was very moving and emotional.
“In her arms, the choice I’d made didn’t feel like loss. It felt like the first step toward something new. Something real. Something mine.” So sweet.
Hannah saves Galan in more than one way and after an intense incident involving his hateful father, he comes to realize that his cousins and clan value and care about him, despite the isolation that he’d felt for so long due to his father’s views of tradition that were more based on hate and fear than anything else.
I loved the epilogue only a month later which shows them both fitting right into his clan and finding peace and happiness together as mates, surrounded by people who care about them.
March 15, 2025
A very good novella, a nice addition to the series
This is the third book in the Silvermist Mates series and it was a good one. Even after the first book, I was curious about Galan and what fate had in store for him. Growing up with a father like his, him living essentially at the fringes of his people’s community, always there but not sure how much he belongs. Hannah is the most unexpected thing that could happen to him. She is a witch and a nurse. She tries to perform a ritual in Galan and his peoples’ “sacred forest” to revive her familiar. Galan interferes with the procedure and sparks fly. Galan was ask by Osen, the Chief, to grand her supervised permission to perform the ritual. How can the grumpy, with trust issues and kind of prejudice against witches and Hannah navigate not only through the need to collaborate, but also to the undeniable chemistry between them? A few things occur, bridges are cut and others are built. I loved Hannah’s determination, stubbornness and determination and how they come to their HEA. 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Silvermist Mates series and it was a good one. Even after the first book, I was curious about Galan and what fate had in store for him. Growing up with a father like his, him living essentially at the fringes of his people’s community, always there but not sure how much he belongs. Hannah is the most unexpected thing that could happen to him. She is a witch and a nurse. She tries to perform a ritual in Galan and his peoples’ “sacred forest” to revive her familiar. Galan interferes with the procedure and sparks fly. Galan was ask by Osen, the Chief, to grand her supervised permission to perform the ritual. How can the grumpy, with trust issues and kind of prejudice against witches and Hannah navigate not only through the need to collaborate, but also to the undeniable chemistry between them? A few things occur, bridges are cut and others are built. I loved Hannah’s determination, stubbornness and determination and how they come to their HEA. 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
The Orc chooses his mate
“In her arms, the choice I’d made didn’t feel like loss. It felt like the first step toward something new. Something real. Something mine.”
Heart wrenching tale of acceptance of what is true after an upbringing filled with anger and prejudice along with the beauty of finding your fated mate. Galen is torn between duty and his unwelcome desire for Hannah. Both are strong and find inner strength to help the one they love. Love his interactions with his cousins (heaven help these blustery males😁). And we could all be so lucky as to have a Digby 🦡 in our lives; by our side when things as tough. This story steals itself into your heart and mind. Richly satisfying and sensual with just the right ending!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“In her arms, the choice I’d made didn’t feel like loss. It felt like the first step toward something new. Something real. Something mine.”
Heart wrenching tale of acceptance of what is true after an upbringing filled with anger and prejudice along with the beauty of finding your fated mate. Galen is torn between duty and his unwelcome desire for Hannah. Both are strong and find inner strength to help the one they love. Love his interactions with his cousins (heaven help these blustery males😁). And we could all be so lucky as to have a Digby 🦡 in our lives; by our side when things as tough. This story steals itself into your heart and mind. Richly satisfying and sensual with just the right ending!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
It's the redemption arc we've all been waiting for. Well, at least I have. I knew grumpy outcast Galan had it in him, and I loved this story of him and Hannah finding each other. This is the third book in the series and the therefore third book I've read by this author. All 3 have been super fun and a bit steamy. Bringing together witches and orcs despite some big trials and obstacles. Galan' and Hannah's story brings the bigger topic of b igotry fully into the mix, even more than prior books and layers in breaking generational curses. if you're looking for a quick fantasy romance between orc and witch This third Silvermist Mates book would be a great pickup.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
Galan lives on the outskirts after his father is exiled from the clan. Hannah is desperate to save her familiar and is preforming a ritual when Galan comes across her. What happens when an orc raised by a father that hates witches and humans comes across a human witch and there is instant attraction? This book was so good! The banter between the two main characters was perfect! The spice was good! The story was fast paced and well written! Chloe Graves writes amazing orc romances and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2025
Galan has felt like and outsider his whole life. His clan has been devastated by his father’s betrayal and his cousin the Clan Chief is trying to keep the balance in the clan. Galan has a lot and I mean an LAX worth of baggage from his childhood that is now being processed when he meets a witch he is supposed to hate. Fate and karma teamed up for this duo to not only be a star crossed pairing by Galan’s old beliefs but also the puzzle piece that sets him free from his past and allows them to find their HEA and their future together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2025
This was a fun and steamy romance for orc, Galan, and witch, Hannah. If you've been reading the series, you know there has been a history of trouble between orcs and witches. Sadly, Galan has to deal with his father's exile and prejudice vs what is the truth and what his people are now embracing. Enter Hannah, desperate to save her familiar... Of course, they have to work together, keep each other safe and yeah, try not to act on the hot chemistry between them ;P I loved this story of redemption and was glad Galan could find his own way and drop his father's attitudes. He and Hannah were on fire together and I love that they got an HEA. Such a great read!
August 19, 2025
Hannah had a important mission - to return her familiar from stone to his living version. Hannah knows she is invading an orc's territory but she won't stop until her mission is completed. Galan initially ruins her first ritual but their desire for each other burns hot. Galan is conflicted. He has a strong attraction to Hannah who is a witch and he was brought up to hate witches. Galan's father wants him to kill Hannah while his clan leader wants him to help Hannah to finish her ritual successfully. Galan helps Hannah, watching over her and finds his attraction to her too strong. Their mating is inevitable. This story has danger, sadness, romance and a happy ending.
March 8, 2025
An orc who feels like an outsider in his clan due to his father, meets a nurse who is also a witch and finds out she is his fated mate. Galen has always been on the edge of his clan, happier by himself in the forest and mountains visiting his outcast father. Hannah has gone to Grimstone to get the special purple mushrooms so she can cast a spell to rescue her familiar who was turned to stone by a gorgon. Their road to forever is well-written, entertaining and a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2025
“Vexing the Grouchy Orc” by Chloe Graves
-A heartwarming tale of love overcoming prejudice, this third installment in the series features Galen, a grumpy, reclusive orc, and Hannah, a determined witch on a quest. Their journey to acceptance and love is both touching and entertaining, with themes of bigotry and personal growth woven throughout. The story is enriched by engaging side characters, adding depth to this steamy, fun read.
I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-A heartwarming tale of love overcoming prejudice, this third installment in the series features Galen, a grumpy, reclusive orc, and Hannah, a determined witch on a quest. Their journey to acceptance and love is both touching and entertaining, with themes of bigotry and personal growth woven throughout. The story is enriched by engaging side characters, adding depth to this steamy, fun read.
I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2025
This is the first book I've read from this series, and I am definitely interested in checking out the previous books. I enjoyed the story of our grumpy orc, and I have a feeling I will like the other characters as well.
There is more to our main character; the reason for his grumpiness is quite complex. He is a multifaceted orc, and his witch has helped him discover himself and find a place where he belongs. His witch mate is sassy enough to handle his temperament and grumpiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is more to our main character; the reason for his grumpiness is quite complex. He is a multifaceted orc, and his witch has helped him discover himself and find a place where he belongs. His witch mate is sassy enough to handle his temperament and grumpiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2025
Hannah and Galan
This is a very good, well written, Orc/Human romance. Hannah is a nurse and a witch. Her craft has little healing power, more defensive. Her Familiar was cursed to stone protecting her. She searches for purple mushrooms to use to restore him. Galan is caught between his clan and his insane father who attacked the chief and has been banned to a cave. Galan finds Hannah on clan land performing a spell using mushrooms sacred to his clan. Trying to get her to leave, he disrupts her spell. Read to learn what happens and how Galan handles his father.
This is a very good, well written, Orc/Human romance. Hannah is a nurse and a witch. Her craft has little healing power, more defensive. Her Familiar was cursed to stone protecting her. She searches for purple mushrooms to use to restore him. Galan is caught between his clan and his insane father who attacked the chief and has been banned to a cave. Galan finds Hannah on clan land performing a spell using mushrooms sacred to his clan. Trying to get her to leave, he disrupts her spell. Read to learn what happens and how Galan handles his father.
March 9, 2025
He’d Found Her, Could He Keep Her?
Another swoon-worthy romantic read in this wonderful series!
Hannah was on a mission to save her familiar when Galan came across her. He had been brought up to dislike Witches and seeing one on his land, he wasn’t happy but suddenly he couldn’t resist her.
An entertaining read full of wonderful characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another swoon-worthy romantic read in this wonderful series!
Hannah was on a mission to save her familiar when Galan came across her. He had been brought up to dislike Witches and seeing one on his land, he wasn’t happy but suddenly he couldn’t resist her.
An entertaining read full of wonderful characters!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I liked both Galan and Hannah. Galan had been taught to hate witches so he was always butting heads with himself over his reaction to Hannah, a witch just trying to save her familiar Digby after he was turned to stone saving her from a jealous coworker. These two bickered and clashed, but I liked the way their relationship evolved over the course of the story. 4 stars.
July 29, 2025
Vexing each Other
He caught her on sacred land, and the magic affected them both. Then he was charged to be her protector. When she completed her spell which was successful, she passed out. In the meantime, his father, A traitor to the clan, caused malicious mischief and was jailed. He went after the couple injured his son and disappeared. Once he healed, they fully mated and got their HEA.
He caught her on sacred land, and the magic affected them both. Then he was charged to be her protector. When she completed her spell which was successful, she passed out. In the meantime, his father, A traitor to the clan, caused malicious mischief and was jailed. He went after the couple injured his son and disappeared. Once he healed, they fully mated and got their HEA.
March 13, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Galan changes from his father's expectations after falling for Hannah. While their first meeting didn't go well, that changes quickly. I liked how they stood up his father and how she fought to get him medical care. I'm glad they mated.
March 17, 2025
The next book in this enjoyable series featuring Orc and human couples. In this it's Hannah and Galan. I loved the banter between these two and they were so well suited for each other. There are issues to overcome and mushrooms to collect. :D But they get the in the end. :D
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
Galan has had a hard life and just wants to be left alone,or so he thinks. Hannah is trying to save her familiar and will go to any lengths to do it. These two make for a cute couple that must learn to trust each other. Some unexpected twists make for a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2025
Galan is a sexy grumpy Orc who has been taught to hate witches. Fate decides to make a witch his mate. Turns out she's just what he needs to find his path in life. These Silvermist mates are good little stories.
March 13, 2025
🌶3.5/5. Loved this one book in the series the most. I'm all about the grump who is secretly sweet and falls for the FMC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2025
he’s vexing but worth it
This is a good enemies to lovers story. Well, it’s really only enemies from his side based on his past.
But love helps him cast away old prejudices.
This is a good enemies to lovers story. Well, it’s really only enemies from his side based on his past.
But love helps him cast away old prejudices.
July 27, 2025
I've been waiting for this one! Galan is such a grump and Hannah matches his energy. Hannah is very headstrong and I love that for her. I don' know why but Galan being a virgin who is fated to a human just does it in for me. Such a great continuation of the series!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews