Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

His Enemy Mate

Not yet published
Expected 24 Apr 26
Rate this book
I vowed to see him dead. He’s taken me for life.

Spoils of war? I’d rather face my death bravely. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that’s exactly what’s about to happen when the terrifying Vrogul the Stormseeker, Chief of the Battleborn Sea Raiders, drags me from the crowd of villagers. His dark eyes spitting rage, he claims I will serve as a sacrifice to keep my people safe.

He still sports the bloody wound I gave him as we battled to protect those same cowards who gladly surrendered me to the monsters’ lusts to save their own hides.

I assume my life is over when Vrogul’s crew drags me aboard their ship, but I am learning there is more to this world than I understood. The Stormseeker and I have every reason to hate one another, so when he returns my blade to my hands and asks for my help, I do the only thing I can.

And in return, he kisses me again.
I’m not certain I want to remain his enemy for much longer…

An enemies-to-lovers romantasy starring a hot orc Viking who was just stabbed by a fierce warrior maiden, some fun times in the hot springs, and plenty of “sparring”.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 24, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Veronika Kane

41 books104 followers
Veronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.

Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.

Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
12 (100%)
4 stars
0 (0%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Jillian.
Author 9 books6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

This is an exciting historical fiction monster romance. It is the first book in the planned Battleborn Orcs series but connects with Kane’s Bloodfire Orcs and Stolen Harlots series.

MMC orc Vrogul is the chief of the Battleborn seafaring orcs. He has come to the human world in search of ore and finds a feisty female human warrior, FMC Rowena. She takes him by surprise on the battlefield, and he decides he can’t leave without her.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The FMC was truly as wildcat as he nicknamed her, and I really enjoyed their dynamic. It’s a one sided enemies-to-lovers story, as he was pretty much smitten from the get go. I loved the worldbuilding and the tie-in to true historical elements. Kane usually includes a bit about her writing process and historical accuracy/inaccuracy, which I always enjoy, and I think it’s one of the things that makes her books a little extra special. You can tell she loves history and works that into her stories seamlessly, creating really exciting and rich worlds. And of course, her characters are delightful, and these books don’t skimp on the spice.

A fantastic start to a new series! I can’t wait to read book 2, His Stubborn Mate, scheduled for release October 2026.

Spice 4/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
746 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
Vrogul and his men are ready to raid a village for supplies that they need. He was so shocked to find himself sparring with a fiesty woman Rowena. Rowena has had to be tough for a long time and she will do anything to defend these humans against these Orcs. When the leader decides to take her with him she goes to save her friends. She was shocked when she is exposed to this whole new world. There was something about this Orc that called to her.

This author has really been getting better and better this new series is going to be such a hit. I was hooked from the very beginning. This was so well-written and I so can't wait to see where this author is going to take us with this series. After getting a glimpse into Vrogul and his brothers I cannot wait to read their stories. I love that this author makes these women match these Alpha males who are warriors in every way. These women make them softer and even more stronger in the way they are willing to fight and protect their mates. This is a must read!!
3,169 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
4.5 stars. This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, captor/captive, fated mates, historical fantasy romance between Vrogul, the male orc warrior chieftain lead, and Rowena, the female human warrior lead who he takes as tribute after sacking a human village. I enjoyed Rowena’s determination to withstand any trouble that came her way. I enjoyed her resilience, given her history. I was amused by Vrogul’s confusion over his response to Rowena and enjoyed his dawning awareness of what he wanted from her. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed Vrogul’s enjoyment of Rowena’s fighting skills. I adored seeing Vrogul’s sister and her human mate (and would love if the author wrote their romance too!). I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and the valuable support Rowena provided Vrogul in his execution of chieftain duties.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Asher.
30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 13, 2026
Oof what a great book! Veronika does it again! She writes the best orc MMCs. Vrogul and Rowena are a power couple (They don’t start as that though). This book made me laugh and it made me swoon. Rowena is a complete Boss Babe. I absolutely love her. She is loyal, strong, funny, and noble. She holds her own against Vrogul. They both compliment each other. Vrogul is such a swoony male. He is sweet, protective, dominant without being controlling, and just an overall good male.

There is so much banter that leads into some tension 😏. There’s sparring foreplay. There’s a stellar fight scene at the end of the book. This book has it all.

If you’re into Vikings, orcs, and shabby FMCs then this is the book for you! I will def be rereading this book. Vrogul is def my new orc boyfriend.
2,355 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
An Orc with Heart!
Vrogul Stormseeker, Chief of the Battleborn Sea Raiders, had certainly met his match in Rowena, the sword wielding, fierce warrior maiden. Could she also be his perfect mate?
What an amazing story this was, with battles for plunder or supremacy and yes, even for love. All of it written superbly with characters who insisted on making a place for themselves in my heart.
Here is a quote which actually melted me :
"Safe in his arms, claimed and cherished, I let myself drift off to sleep. This was home."
Now isn't that something rather special?
I have just finished reading an early copy of this exciting book and am happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
21 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026
Rowena and Vrogul's story starts a bit rocky. He's a raider and she's a fighter who he takes as a spoil of battle. Spicy in the way that makes you wish for your own orc mate and a local hot spring (or maybe that's just me), and enough fighting to be called Battleborn. The beginning isn't necessarily optimal for relationship building, but they come together beautifully.

I've been impatiently waiting for this series to kick off, and am certainly not disappointed! Thank you Veronica for another look into this world.
841 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
His Enemy Mate by Veronika Kane is part of the Battleborn Orcs series featuring Viking Orcs in Scotland. Vrogul is the chief of his clan, bound to the high chief Callor. His group goes through the mist to raid a human settlement in search of ore needed for tribute. He captures a woman, Rowena, who fights with sword and knife and actually wounds the strong chief. Returning to his clan, he realizes that this woman is his mate, but she isn't interested in him... at first. The two soon discover they make quite the team as chief and lady.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
211 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
His Enemy Mate
Veronika Kane

This is Roni at her best. I loved it and recommend it highly.
It was so well written and the characters were undeniably three dimensional AND lovable. This book was FUN !!!
No question Veronika Kane/Caroline Lee are endlessly talented. For me it dots all the i’s and crosses all the t’s, a perfect rom-com. She’s the best and amazingly enough, still growing.
Thank you for arc. Honest review.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,360 reviews90 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 14, 2026
Fantastic romantic fantasy! Amazing scenes and wonderful characters.. So hard to put down!
Profile Image for Kim Torrance.
103 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
Dang Vrogul is a big bad golden retriever especially when it comes to Rowena. He would do anything to make sure she is happy and safe. Vrogul is an incredible cheif to his clan and does a dang good job looking out for them. Rowena is his perfect match keeping him on his toes, but also making him think harder about hiw he can improve life for the clan.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews