As the eldest daughter of the Priest King of Almohad, Jessamin had always known that her marriage would be a political affair. However, she didn’t anticipate being sent to the untamed wilderness of Norhaven to marry to a huge, terrifying orc king. But Ulric is nothing like she envisioned, and beneath his stern facade she glimpses a profound loneliness that mirrors her own. She longs to ease his burdens and make their marriage a true partnership, but he continues to keep her at a distance.

Ulric’s decision to marry Jessamin was based on political necessity, intended to solidify a tenuous alliance between their two kingdoms and provide Norhaven with a much needed ally. He hadn't anticipated his bride's captivating beauty and innate kindness, nor the desire she would awaken within him. His heart urges him to claim her, but how can he when so much more than his own happiness is at stake?

But dark forces are at work, and as Jessamin and Ulric navigate the treacherous terrain of politics and passion, the fate of the Five Kingdoms hangs in the balance.

Each book in the Five Kingdoms series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy romance is intended for mature readers.

Published
July 24, 2025
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The Five Kingdoms

The series

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In the sprawling world of The Five Kingdoms, power, passion, and treachery weave together in a captivating tapestry of adventure and romance. Set across five distinct realms, each ruled by a unique monarch, this series immerses readers in a world where alliances are as fragile as glass and loyalty can be a deadly game. Magic pulses through every corner of this land, and the politics of the kingdoms are as unpredictable as the winds themselves.

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The story begins with a mysterious prophecy that foretells the rise of a hero who could unite the fractured kingdoms—or see them fall to ruin. But the path to unity is never simple. As the characters navigate a world full of intrigue and shifting allegiances, they must grapple not only with their desires but also with the shadows of their pasts and the complex relationships that define their futures.

At the heart of The Five Kingdoms is a cast of fiercely independent and multi-dimensional characters, each with their own burdens to carry and secrets to keep. From a reluctant princess caught between duty and love to a battle-hardened prince struggling with his sense of honor, the characters face not only external threats but also the very personal stakes of choosing who they can trust—and who they can love.

The world-building is rich and immersive, with each kingdom offering its own unique culture, traditions, and magical abilities. Readers will journey through the icy realms of the North, the sun-drenched deserts of the South, and everything in between. But no matter where the story leads, the stakes are always high, and the choices made could determine the fate of all the kingdoms.

With its blend of political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes adventure, The Five Kingdoms is a series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover what happens next. The blend of magic, power struggles, and heart-pounding moments makes this an unforgettable journey into a world where not everything is as it seems, and even the most unlikely alliances could change the fate of an entire world.

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10/10

I really enjoyed getting to know King Ulric & Queen Jessamin in this story and seeing how the two of them navigated their marriage while trying to understand one another and overcome differences and misunderstandings as well as working through their fears. Both were great characters and I was happy to see them work things out to reach their HEA. While each book in this series is about a different couple and can technically be read as a standalone it does have a bigger plot in the background and is enjoyed better as a series. I am looking forward to the next book and getting to know Khorrek better.

The Five Kingdoms Series
Prequel is The Orc's Hidden Bride: Thorn & Freya
The Orc's Stolen Bride: Wulf & Kari
The Orc's Promised Bride: Lothar & Jana
The Orc's Bonded Bride: Egon & Lyric
The Orc's Princess Bride: Ulric & Jessamin
The Orc's Captive Bride: Khorrek &

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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