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Orc Guardian Brides #1
Promised to the Orc
I’ve been promised to an Orc Guardian.
He’s coming for me soon and I will have no choice—I’ll have to leave the realm of humans and marry the huge, fearsome beast known as Gregor the Slayer.
Orc Guardians are said to be cruel and unfeeling. I struggle to accept my lot in life, and I won’t lie—I’m tempted to run and hide. But deep down, I know I wouldn’t get far, and the last thing I wish to do is bring down an orc’s vengeance upon my village… or upon myself.
I soon learn that while Gregor has a fierce, vengeful side, when it comes to me, he can be gentle and… sweet. He’s also intensely protective and possessive of me.
But we come from different realms, and his world is so very different from my own.
Will I survive marriage to a big, growly orc?
He’s coming for me soon and I will have no choice—I’ll have to leave the realm of humans and marry the huge, fearsome beast known as Gregor the Slayer.
Orc Guardians are said to be cruel and unfeeling. I struggle to accept my lot in life, and I won’t lie—I’m tempted to run and hide. But deep down, I know I wouldn’t get far, and the last thing I wish to do is bring down an orc’s vengeance upon my village… or upon myself.
I soon learn that while Gregor has a fierce, vengeful side, when it comes to me, he can be gentle and… sweet. He’s also intensely protective and possessive of me.
But we come from different realms, and his world is so very different from my own.
Will I survive marriage to a big, growly orc?
160 pages, ebook
Published January 22, 2022
241 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Sue Mercury
75 books245 followersSue Mercury writes sci-fi romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and children, where she hopes one day she'll turn on the television to find a breaking news report about sentient alien beings contacting Earth. She also writes romance of the much kinkier variety under the name Sue Lyndon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 12, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked this fantasy romance between orc Gregor (H) and human Catrin (h), but I didn't love it. It's sweeter romance-wise with some darker elements in the world at large. I'm not sure if the writing style was a bit dry for me or if I couldn't connect with Catrin, but I had a harder time feeling emotionally invested. I still had a good time learning about this new-to-me world, which has fae, orcs, and humans under a truce after formerly fighting each other. Gregor is an Orc Guardian who catches Catrin trying to steal fruit from the Fae Realm. He sends her home (giving her some of his own money to help her family), but can't stop thinking about her. Catrin meanwhile is trying to save her dying father and on his deathbed, learns he kept a major secret from her, which brings these two back together. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are virgins (in orc culture, having sex means marriage and there's also a shortage of orc women because of fighting between orcs and humans; h was forced to provide some sexual services to her landlord to keep her home).
This story had a fated mates feel to it, but never comes out and says they're fated. There's a draw to the other and both attraction and trust build quickly, despite both characters suffering personal losses because of the other's race. Gregor and Catrin go on a journey to the Orc Realm and along the way get steamy, have heart to hearts, discuss some hard truths about the world's history, and fight off danger. The danger felt a bit forced because of the timing, but I did like how it solidified feelings.
Most of the story is just Gregor and Catrin, but other characters pop in, and there are hints for the other two books in the series, also with that fated feel. I loved that the orcs were good to the women and their culture was family-focused. A sweet extended epilogue a year into the future has a HEA that's all family cuteness.
Trigger warnings:
I liked this fantasy romance between orc Gregor (H) and human Catrin (h), but I didn't love it. It's sweeter romance-wise with some darker elements in the world at large. I'm not sure if the writing style was a bit dry for me or if I couldn't connect with Catrin, but I had a harder time feeling emotionally invested. I still had a good time learning about this new-to-me world, which has fae, orcs, and humans under a truce after formerly fighting each other. Gregor is an Orc Guardian who catches Catrin trying to steal fruit from the Fae Realm. He sends her home (giving her some of his own money to help her family), but can't stop thinking about her. Catrin meanwhile is trying to save her dying father and on his deathbed, learns he kept a major secret from her, which brings these two back together. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are virgins (in orc culture, having sex means marriage and there's also a shortage of orc women because of fighting between orcs and humans; h was forced to provide some sexual services to her landlord to keep her home).
This story had a fated mates feel to it, but never comes out and says they're fated. There's a draw to the other and both attraction and trust build quickly, despite both characters suffering personal losses because of the other's race. Gregor and Catrin go on a journey to the Orc Realm and along the way get steamy, have heart to hearts, discuss some hard truths about the world's history, and fight off danger. The danger felt a bit forced because of the timing, but I did like how it solidified feelings.
Most of the story is just Gregor and Catrin, but other characters pop in, and there are hints for the other two books in the series, also with that fated feel. I loved that the orcs were good to the women and their culture was family-focused. A sweet extended epilogue a year into the future has a HEA that's all family cuteness.
Trigger warnings:
May 29, 2022
**3.8/5 stars**
I was a little bit worried when I got this book since I've only had bad experiences with orc-human romances in the past. I was happily surprised with this one because it didn't depict orcs as the usual monsters who mistreat women and only use them as breeding factories, but rather showed orcs whom cared deeply for their wives.
Gregor was absolutely the sweetest. He was strong, honorable, protective and devoted. His dream of finding a wife and having a big family with her was adorable. I also loved how respectful of boundaries he was. He listened, he cared and honestly, I only have a good opinion of him.
Catrin on the other hand was alright. I mean, she was sweet and all but she didn't make that big of an impression. If at first she was hesitant about the orc, she was also quickly swooned by Gregor and his nice attentions. She felt a little bit immature, especially in the beginning, but overall, she wasn't bad at all. She was very selfless and was willing to risk doing something dangerous in an attempt to save her ill father.
I don't have much negative to say about this story, it was just very sweet and cute and quick to read. The issues that the main characters faced were more of a prejudice nature rather than real angst. Because of the past history between Humans and Orcs, there were some frictions at first between Gregor and Catrin, mostly due to the misconceptions, rumors and stories that they heard growing up. I liked that they took the time to know each other, asked questions and built their trust.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️MCs age
✔️Dual virgins
✔️Sweet h
✔️Protective H
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Push and pull
🔥 Steam level: 1.5/5
⚡Content warning
⚡Trigger warning
Long story short, it was about understanding, devotion and trust between two people who, despite their differences, sought the same thing; a loving family, a home. I will definitely read the next books!
I was a little bit worried when I got this book since I've only had bad experiences with orc-human romances in the past. I was happily surprised with this one because it didn't depict orcs as the usual monsters who mistreat women and only use them as breeding factories, but rather showed orcs whom cared deeply for their wives.
Gregor was absolutely the sweetest. He was strong, honorable, protective and devoted. His dream of finding a wife and having a big family with her was adorable. I also loved how respectful of boundaries he was. He listened, he cared and honestly, I only have a good opinion of him.
“I will always protect you. You need not fear anything, not beast or man. As your husband, it is my duty to keep you safe. An Orc Guardian protects his woman with his life.”-Gregor
Catrin on the other hand was alright. I mean, she was sweet and all but she didn't make that big of an impression. If at first she was hesitant about the orc, she was also quickly swooned by Gregor and his nice attentions. She felt a little bit immature, especially in the beginning, but overall, she wasn't bad at all. She was very selfless and was willing to risk doing something dangerous in an attempt to save her ill father.
“You smell like a freshly bloomed meadow, my sweet bride.”
-Gregor
I don't have much negative to say about this story, it was just very sweet and cute and quick to read. The issues that the main characters faced were more of a prejudice nature rather than real angst. Because of the past history between Humans and Orcs, there were some frictions at first between Gregor and Catrin, mostly due to the misconceptions, rumors and stories that they heard growing up. I liked that they took the time to know each other, asked questions and built their trust.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️MCs age
✔️Dual virgins
✔️Sweet h
✔️Protective H
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Push and pull
🔥 Steam level: 1.5/5
⚡Content warning
⚡Trigger warning
Long story short, it was about understanding, devotion and trust between two people who, despite their differences, sought the same thing; a loving family, a home. I will definitely read the next books!
Orc Guardian Brides series
1. Promised to the Orc - 2. Rescued by the Orc
- 3. Fated to the Orc
November 13, 2022
Welp, not a whole lot to say about this one. It was a book about an orc and a human who walked for a week. It was low angst, and mildly boring. Neither character was very deep and neither was the plot.
It wasn’t terrible, it just depends on what you expect from a novella. Insta love, arranged marriage, prosy sex scenes set in an old timey fae magical world.
It wasn’t terrible, it just depends on what you expect from a novella. Insta love, arranged marriage, prosy sex scenes set in an old timey fae magical world.
January 27, 2022
a sweet romance
This was a fast, sweet romance with an Orc hero who claims his promised human bride…who just happens to be the little human he rescued from disaster a few weeks earlier.
It was enjoyable, although I didn’t like that the heroine had sucked another man’s dick prior to the hero, in order to keep her landlord happy. That was gross
The hero is a virgin, as is the heroine. No others, no cheating or abuse. The hero is very kind and considerate, so if u want a romance where the Orc hero acts like an Orc, this isn’t it. HEA with epilogue
This was a fast, sweet romance with an Orc hero who claims his promised human bride…who just happens to be the little human he rescued from disaster a few weeks earlier.
It was enjoyable, although I didn’t like that the heroine had sucked another man’s dick prior to the hero, in order to keep her landlord happy. That was gross
The hero is a virgin, as is the heroine. No others, no cheating or abuse. The hero is very kind and considerate, so if u want a romance where the Orc hero acts like an Orc, this isn’t it. HEA with epilogue
January 27, 2022
This book kept me awake at night. This is certainly light reading, no dark themes though it speaks of war between the realms that was in the past, but enjoyable all the same. I couldn't finish it in one sitting much as I'd like to because I have to attend to other duties that are much more urgent, but this book stayed on at the back of my mind making me wonder what's on the next chapter.
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.
January 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this story! I havent read an orc story before and wasn't sure I'd enjoy the premise but I love Sue's books so I gave it a shot and fell in love. This was a wonderful book with great characters and a strong plot
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.
February 11, 2022
Sue never fails to deliver a fantastic alien romance tale and this was one of them , i hope there will be more like it soon
January 24, 2022
Diese neue Serie wird meine Lieblingsserie. Wir sind in einer Welt, wo drei Universen nebeneinander existieren: das Menschenreich, die Feenländer und das Orcland in den Bergen. Gregor ist ein Borderline-Wächter und hat seinen 10-jährigen Soldatendienst absolviert und will seine menschliche Braut, die ihm vor fünf Jahren ,als er einen menschlichen Jäger gerettet hat, von ihrem Vater versprochen wurde endlich abholen und in seine Heimat zurückkehren. Er hat Catrin, seine Braut, einige Tage zuvor im Grenzland beim Klauen von magischen Äpfeln erwischt und bringt sie heil zurück in ihr Heimatdorf und gibt ihr einen Beutel Silbermünzen, um ihren sterbenden Vater zu heilen. Doch der Vater stirbt und Catrin ist ganz allein...und der große, grüne Orc kommt, um sie zu holen. Obwohl er furchterregend wirkt, hat sie keinerlei Angst vor ihm...denn ihr gegenüber ist der muskelbepackte Orc umwerfend zärtlich und besitzergreifend. Es entsteht eine tiefe Liebe zwischen den beiden, die allen Gefahren trotzt und ein glückliches Leben in Gregors Heimatdorf aufbauen. Absolut lesenswert.
Ich habe ein Freiexemplar über Booksprout erhalten und hinterlasse freiwillig eine Rezension.
This new series is going to be my favorite. We are in a world where three universes coexist: the human realm, the fairy lands and the Orcland in the mountains. Gregor is a borderline guardian and has completed his 10 years of soldier service and wants to finally pick up his human bride, who was promised to him by her father five years ago ,when he rescued a human hunter, and return to his home. He caught Catrin, his bride, stealing magic apples in the borderlands a few days earlier and brings her back to her home village in one piece, giving her a bag of silver coins to heal her dying father. But the father dies and Catrin is all alone...and the big green orc comes for her. Though he seems fearsome, she is not afraid of him at all...for to her, the muscle-bound Orc is devastatingly tender and possessive. A deep love develops between the two, who defy all dangers and build a happy life in Gregor's home village. Absolutely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ich habe ein Freiexemplar über Booksprout erhalten und hinterlasse freiwillig eine Rezension.
This new series is going to be my favorite. We are in a world where three universes coexist: the human realm, the fairy lands and the Orcland in the mountains. Gregor is a borderline guardian and has completed his 10 years of soldier service and wants to finally pick up his human bride, who was promised to him by her father five years ago ,when he rescued a human hunter, and return to his home. He caught Catrin, his bride, stealing magic apples in the borderlands a few days earlier and brings her back to her home village in one piece, giving her a bag of silver coins to heal her dying father. But the father dies and Catrin is all alone...and the big green orc comes for her. Though he seems fearsome, she is not afraid of him at all...for to her, the muscle-bound Orc is devastatingly tender and possessive. A deep love develops between the two, who defy all dangers and build a happy life in Gregor's home village. Absolutely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2022
This is a world full of fae, orcs, and humans. The fae have their own realm, the orcs guard the borders between the fae realm and the human one, and the humans are just trying to live.
Meanwhile, Catrina is trying to survive and help her poor sick and dying father. She's going to sneak into the fae realm and get something that she can steal to sell so that she can take care of her father. Just as she fills up a bag, an orc grabs her. Gregor tells her that she needs to leave the stuff and leave the realm and get back to her own village.
When the orcs are done being guardians, they get to have a bride. Gregor is just about to get his bride, and the person is surprising to him.
I like Catrina. She had a lot of guts. She was going to go out and do what she needed to for her dad, no matter what. She is also kinda accepting of what is happening. And not just accepting, at times she's completely proactive about what's happening, and she's not willing to stop.
Gregor is fierce, but he's also really tender and gentle, and a really good man. I really liked him a lot.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Meanwhile, Catrina is trying to survive and help her poor sick and dying father. She's going to sneak into the fae realm and get something that she can steal to sell so that she can take care of her father. Just as she fills up a bag, an orc grabs her. Gregor tells her that she needs to leave the stuff and leave the realm and get back to her own village.
When the orcs are done being guardians, they get to have a bride. Gregor is just about to get his bride, and the person is surprising to him.
I like Catrina. She had a lot of guts. She was going to go out and do what she needed to for her dad, no matter what. She is also kinda accepting of what is happening. And not just accepting, at times she's completely proactive about what's happening, and she's not willing to stop.
Gregor is fierce, but he's also really tender and gentle, and a really good man. I really liked him a lot.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 4, 2023
It's true that in hindsight, this book is pretty average. Not much happens in it. There is very little angst, average to below average adventure and world building. But you know what? That's okay. I enjoyed this book a lot! Gregor was wonderful... I love the way he was written and his tenderness towards Catrin- he was a sweetheart the whole way through and it gave me heart throbs.
4 stars because it was pretty gosh-darn sweet.
4 stars because it was pretty gosh-darn sweet.
April 6, 2022
A quick, low angst read with a great H and h. The hero obviously being an orc.
These orcs are quite different to Tolkien's, so was nice to read a good side to this species. Very family orientated and not thuggish.
There are 2 others out in this series so will hunt them out.
Recommended for a light read.
These orcs are quite different to Tolkien's, so was nice to read a good side to this species. Very family orientated and not thuggish.
There are 2 others out in this series so will hunt them out.
Recommended for a light read.
February 3, 2022
..... it had potential but the writing was weirdly stilted and unnatural. I felt like we were just checking boxes along the plot line. boring and I couldn't finish, which makes me mad because this was outside of the KU universe and I rarely buy outside of that.
November 8, 2022
It was cute and not as magical as I had hoped but still an easy fun read.
May 28, 2025
Catrin's father promised her to the Orc Guardian named Gregor the Slayer when he saved the father from a certain death by a bear. When Gregor finishes his job as guardian, he travels to Catrin's human town to take her to his clan lands. As they travel and get to know each other, Catrin no longer fears Gregor and she learns how gentle he is with her and that there are many human females in his clan as well as half orc and half human children. This is when she begins to have feelings for him. When they reach his clan and he introduces her to his father and uncle who rule the clan and they hug and welcome her, Catrin feels at home and feels loved. What a beautiful ending for a beautiful couple!
June 9, 2024
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 🔥.5
Trope:
Orc Romance
"arranged marriage"
Plot: Catrin finds herself in deep trouble and an orc guardian catches her and brings her to the human realm. Gregor the Orc Guardian brings her back to her village and gives her money to help her father. To only realize that she is promised to him by her father 5 years ago.
Thoughts: I liked the story, i'm very biased with orc romances, as they're my favorite. Catrin is the sweetest human, just struggling to survive and help her father who's sick. I'm glad Gregor has a soft spot for her. I wish they dug deeper into the potential "fated mates" portion of the book. It is implied but not really confirmed.
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: nope
Triggers: none
HEA: yes <3
Spice: 🔥.5
Trope:
Orc Romance
"arranged marriage"
Plot: Catrin finds herself in deep trouble and an orc guardian catches her and brings her to the human realm. Gregor the Orc Guardian brings her back to her village and gives her money to help her father. To only realize that she is promised to him by her father 5 years ago.
Thoughts: I liked the story, i'm very biased with orc romances, as they're my favorite. Catrin is the sweetest human, just struggling to survive and help her father who's sick. I'm glad Gregor has a soft spot for her. I wish they dug deeper into the potential "fated mates" portion of the book. It is implied but not really confirmed.
Virgin/ Celebate: no
Cheating/sharing: nope
Triggers: none
HEA: yes <3
September 10, 2025
2.5⭐️
I rly wanted to like this, especially since i’ve been craving a good monster romance, but it just kinda fell short for me. I just couldn’t get over some of the terms used in the spicy scenes, & the plot just kind of fell short for me. I still had a good time reading & I appreciate the author for putting in time and effort to write this book, it just unfortunately wasn’t for me. But if you are craving a monster romance, read for vibes, & don’t mind terms like ‘cunny’ & ‘nubbin’ being used during spicy time then u should definitely give this book a try!! 🥰💖
I rly wanted to like this, especially since i’ve been craving a good monster romance, but it just kinda fell short for me. I just couldn’t get over some of the terms used in the spicy scenes, & the plot just kind of fell short for me. I still had a good time reading & I appreciate the author for putting in time and effort to write this book, it just unfortunately wasn’t for me. But if you are craving a monster romance, read for vibes, & don’t mind terms like ‘cunny’ & ‘nubbin’ being used during spicy time then u should definitely give this book a try!! 🥰💖
December 31, 2023
A fantasy orc romance. I loved how the story built up the back stories and the relationship of the two main characters. We get to know each of them and what life has been like for them. The romance slowly builds and there is never any force. The two are really a match by fate. There is some danger that helps build the story as well as the relationship. Definitely a good read with a happily ever after.
October 24, 2023
I loved the way Gregor and Catrin meet and how much help he is. I'm so glad he's the Orc who she was promised to. They both had bad experiences with the others kind but didn't let it stop them from trying. I loved their story and look forward to starting the second one.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
October 22, 2023
Loved this book
I love this book. I loved the way this author writes and the characters were great! plenty of steam parts and no shortage of drama, look no further. This will tick every box and leave you wanting more. To read / lessons
I love this book. I loved the way this author writes and the characters were great! plenty of steam parts and no shortage of drama, look no further. This will tick every box and leave you wanting more. To read / lessons
October 29, 2023
Promise to the Orc:
Very interesting book. I really enjoyed it. The ends and outs little drama department is a little scary adventure, but not too much wooing and no romance but I can tell you kept contradicting yourself and some areas of this book
Very interesting book. I really enjoyed it. The ends and outs little drama department is a little scary adventure, but not too much wooing and no romance but I can tell you kept contradicting yourself and some areas of this book
June 14, 2024
She had go service her landlord to help her dad pay rent?? Wtaf?
Too instalust for a girl who didn't know her dad promised her to an orc and orcs murdered her mother. She just recovered from all that trauma and jumped into bed with this new hubby? I lost all respect there.
Too instalust for a girl who didn't know her dad promised her to an orc and orcs murdered her mother. She just recovered from all that trauma and jumped into bed with this new hubby? I lost all respect there.
July 10, 2024
We need to protect Thorsen, Gregor and Magnus at all cost. Magnus sounds cool and I already read Thorsen's side and I want them all to be protected. I do enjoy that Catrin and Gregor are comfortable with each other on talking about hard subjects that traumatized both sides.
May 14, 2025
I must read
I truly enjoyed this book. This is one of first books. I’ve read from this writer. I truly enjoyed reading about or and humans for the summer. I can’t hardly wait to book 2 comes out.
I truly enjoyed this book. This is one of first books. I’ve read from this writer. I truly enjoyed reading about or and humans for the summer. I can’t hardly wait to book 2 comes out.
April 1, 2024
loved this book so much!!
I loved the world Sue created and can’t wait to dive into the next book! It has everything I love about Orc books and more!,
I loved the world Sue created and can’t wait to dive into the next book! It has everything I love about Orc books and more!,
April 28, 2024
Heartwarming
Loved it. Wish real men were like that for real . Very enchanting. Descriptive. Warm and heartfelt. Loved it. Thanks
Loved it. Wish real men were like that for real . Very enchanting. Descriptive. Warm and heartfelt. Loved it. Thanks
February 15, 2025
I did not appreciate the usage of the word “cunny” in this book but besides that it was kinda cute I guess? Idk some of the storytelling felt too drawn out, too long between the action
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Good book! Sweet story— great writing-!
June 26, 2025
Nothing really happens and the spice is not that exciting
July 8, 2025
QUOTES
1.“If my nephew doesn’t treat you well, Catrin, just say the word and I will hurl this ruffian off the mountain.” — Chapter 23: Promised to the Orc by Sue Mercury
1.“If my nephew doesn’t treat you well, Catrin, just say the word and I will hurl this ruffian off the mountain.” — Chapter 23: Promised to the Orc by Sue Mercury
October 12, 2023
The heroine finds out on her father's deathbed that her dad promised her to an orc, and in 6 days he's showing up to get her. She is shocked.
The hero has been daydreaming about his future wife and kids for years. He wants her to fall in love with him. He offers to buy her anything she needs.
He is pushy when it comes to physical intimacy. The heroine says she wants him but also they just met and she wants to wait but he doesn't want to wait. He says it's their wedding night and they are not mated until they "do it". So eventually she consents but he didn't seem to be respectful of her boundaries at first.
The hero has been daydreaming about his future wife and kids for years. He wants her to fall in love with him. He offers to buy her anything she needs.
He is pushy when it comes to physical intimacy. The heroine says she wants him but also they just met and she wants to wait but he doesn't want to wait. He says it's their wedding night and they are not mated until they "do it". So eventually she consents but he didn't seem to be respectful of her boundaries at first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews