Knocked up by the Minotaur

Midlife Beastly Mates #2

by Skye Castel, Aline Ash

My cheating ex won’t leave. Solution? Fake date the town’s flirtiest Minotaur. What could go wrong?

I’ve been burned too often and I'm done with men. But Olistaire isn’t technically a man, is he?

Nearly seven feet tall (if you count his horns), he’s the most handsome Minotaur I’ve ever seen. Fun, easy-going, and surprisingly good with my four-year-old son. But he has a silver tongue that charms the panties off every lady in town.

The problem? I’m sure he wants to do the same with me. And I’m tired of smooth-talking players who break my heart. I came to this charming fairy tale town of mythical beings and magic to start fresh, not to make the same mistake again.

My plan to stay away from Oli is solid, but fate has other plans. My cheating ex chased me here, so now I’ve got my arms around Oli at every public opportunity, fake dating and fake kissing and fake…everything to get my ex to get the hint and leave. Or so I convince myself, because to my own surprise, the 'pretend' starts feeling more real than anything I’ve felt before.

And not to be dramatic, but a surprise pregnancy at the end of it all isn’t fake.

So how do I deal with my hot-as-hell Minotaur situation? Can I trust Oli with my heart?

Each book in the Midlife Beastly Mates series can be read as a standalone romance.

Genres: Monsters

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Xiomara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little misleading

I think the title and the description is a little misleading. Because it said she gets knocked up and don’t get me wrong she does get pregnant but like at the ending, it doesn’t even last more than like two chapters. And when I read the description, it said she was pregnant so I assumed the whole story or half of the story was gonna be about her being pregnant. Anyways, the main female character was a little frustrating to me, but you know it wasn’t so bad I couldn’t finish. I also feel like all of the problems they had could’ve been solved easily with just calling the police. But no they just want to take matters in their own hands and it just made things more complicated.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're looking for a minotaur romance, this one was ok. Not my fave but it does the job I guess.


PLOT:

After her latest crappy partner cheats on her, Grace decides enough is enough and leaves him to live near her sister in a magical town full of monsters. When her ex follows her there, she enlists the help of Oli, the town's resident playboy minotaur, to pretend they're dating so her ex will leave her alone.



THOUGHTS:

- Grace annoyed the hell out of me as a character and was honestly TSTL. After getting pregnant by some random ex, she gets with another piece of crap named Brad who's constantly cheating on her. After she gets tired of that she takes her son (from the first relationship) and heads to live with her sister in a monster town. She's ready for a new start but when her ex finds her, she agrees to pretend she's dating someone else? Literally you could have had your sister's husband or some other monster put the fear in your ex's heart and or gotten rid of him and your best idea was fake date a playboy? Objectively, what does that even do, if he's crazy he's not going to move on just bc you're dating someone new. Next she has sex with Oli after not taking her pill... really? She's already gotten pregnant once by accident, why not get the magical equivalent of Plan B when she realizes / be more careful to begin with? Also, Grace just kept letting this Brad guy show up and touch her kid... Like is there a spell or restraining order she could have gotten? It seems ridiculous she allows him so much leeway when he's got no leg to stand on. She dumped him, her child is not his, end of story.

- THE NICKNAMES?!? I get it, we're supposed to hate Brad, he's a spineless, cheating creep but did we really have to have him using cringe worthy nicknames for Grace in every sentence. It got old REALLY quick. What's with all the nicknames used sarcastically as well. Super irritating.

- kids talking like babies .... Maybe it's just me but Lucas is supposed to be like 6 right? So why does he talk like a 3/4 year old. It was super grating.

- Lastly, maybe it's just me but I didn't get Oli and Grace as a couple. Aside from attraction and banter they don't really have anything in common. He's a womanizer and she's a single mom. They really only come together when she realizes she's pregnant and it drove me crazy that just seeing his bitchy ex show up made her try to throw the whole relationship away. No talking it out / communication she just left and tried to break things off until the "misunderstanding" was cleared up.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace (H) leaves her unfaithful ex, Brad, and moves to Whispering Pines with her young son, Lucas. As she tries to rebuild her life, she finds herself drawn to Olistaire (H), a charming and flirtatious minotaur who she met at her sister Ella's wedding to orc Rhokar, Oli's business partner. Grace and Oli's relationship starts with playful banter and mutual attraction, but it quickly becomes more complicated as they spend time together, and dues to their conniving exes, the two let everyone believe they're an item. Until now, Oli has always avoided serious relationships, but he begins to develop deep feelings for her and for Lucas. Grace is wary of getting involved with another man who might hurt her as Brad and Lucas’s father did, but she can't deny the attraction between she feels for Oli, and things quickly heat up. But when Grace discovers she might be pregnant, she and Oli have to navigate past traumas, insecurities, unexpected surprises, exes, and the challenges of blending two very different worlds. Hot and steamy midlife, single mom, fated mates, minotaur-human romance, exploring love, connection, healing, trust, belonging, family, and taking chances.

[Nere · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Knocked up by the Minotaur” es una montaña rusa de emociones que te mantendrá al borde del asiento desde la primera página hasta la última. .
Grace lucha por superar un pasado doloroso y encontrar la felicidad para ella y su hijo. Su encuentro con Olistaire, un mujeriego con un corazón de oro, pondrá a prueba sus convicciones y despertará en ella sentimientos que creía enterrados.
La química entre los protagonistas es innegable, y sus constantes idas y venidas mantendrán al lector en vilo. Además, los personajes secundarios, como Brad, el ex de Grace, y Ella, su hermana, aportan profundidad y complejidad a la trama.
“Knocked up by the Minotaur” es mucho más que una simple historia de amor. Es una novela que te hará reír, llorar y reflexionar sobre temas como el amor, la familia y la superación personal. Si buscas una lectura apasionante y llena de emociones, te recomiendo que lo leas.
____________________________________________________________________
“Knocked Up by the Minotaur” is an emotional roller coaster that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.
Grace struggles to overcome a painful past and find happiness for herself and her son. Her encounter with Olistaire, a womanizer with a heart of gold, will test her convictions and awaken feelings in her that she thought were buried.
The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable, and their constant comings and goings will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. In addition, the secondary characters, such as Brad, Grace’s ex, and Ella, her sister, add depth and complexity to the plot.
“Knocked Up by the Minotaur” is much more than a simple love story. This novel will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on themes such as love, family, and self-improvement. If you are looking for an exciting and emotional read, I recommend reading it.

[Nina Diab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this world and it's balance with the human and non-human societies. I really liked Olistaire and his personality is fun. Grace... well, she was a mess in my opinion. Routinely makes bad choices and judgement calls. And although she's meant to be the twice-jilted girlfriend who does everything to support herself and her four-year-old son and finally puts her foot down against being taken advantage of, even from her first chapter I didn't really vibe with her. Her [second] ex, Brad (not Lucas's father), was an aggravating red flag, and the over-the-top stupid pet names that changed every few sentences made it hard to take him in any way seriously- as well as made me question how the heroine stayed with him and basically supported him for four years. Oli's view of him as a "floppy-haired, limp noodle of a male" made me laugh because it was a perfect description. I love the fake relationship trope, but for Grace's case, it felt like far from the best- or easiest- course of action to get Brad to leave her and Lucas alone. You know, after she was leaving him, told him exactly where she was going, and since she'd not paid their apartment after the following month, didn't she think he would follow her? I don't know, this book didn't do it for me and I eventually stopped reading. The chemistry between Oli and Grace was hot though. 3 stars.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: Hoo boy, as someone who has been stepped out on before by ex's and done exactly what the FMC here is having to do in finally having ENOUGH, this book resonated for me, right down to the playing video games and avoiding getting a job. “I’m done talking, Brad!” I stop and turn angrily to face him, and he rears back a step. “All you do is talk and lie and schmooze your way into whatever reality suits you in the moment, and I’m sick of it.” “Just give me a chance, Gracie-bear. Please…” “I’ve given you so many chances,” I snap, and for some reason, this is the point where my throat tightens, and tears begin to burn the back of my eyes. “I wanted to believe in you. I tried. I forgave you for cheáting on me. I agreed to give us another chance after I found out about Maggie, paid for your therapy sessions so you could grow and become a better man. I cook for you, clean, organize your whole life. I work and pay the bills, I do everything, Brad. I’ve tried so, so hard.”

I love the fact that on the heels of that disasterpiece of a relationship that she falls into a fake dating style entanglement with our MMC Oli, the minotaur Casanova who can't be tied down to one woman....or so he thinks. Fate has other plans and as the book says: "And all along, love was the answer." 5/5 Stars

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

MFC Grace has taken her son Lucas and left her cheating partner for sanctuary in Whispering Pines with her sister Ella who is married to Orc Rhokar.
When the ex follows her there she has to pretend sexy Minotaur player MMC Olistaire, her brother-in-laws business partner and she are now an item.
Hoping that will get the looser ex to leave her alone.
Olistaire has been attracted to Grace since meeting her at the sisters wedding and now she is back in town hopes for much more, and plays along.
With his own issue with a female that won’t take no for an answer Olistaire formulates a plan that may benefit both he and Grace.
I enjoyed Knocked up by the Minotaur which is a delightful story with humor, romance, family, spice, and fated mates weaved into a nicely written narrative whose characters were engaging and story provided a captivating emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human Grace takes her son Lucas to Whispering Pines to be near her sister Ella who is married to Orc Rhokar. She's leaving behind her serial cheating BF and looking forward to recovering and getting her life together without male interference. Her brother-in-law's business partner Minotaur Olistaire is excited about Grace's relocating to WP and is very attracted to her. He is a bit of a player, so Grace avoids him, but that becomes harder when they decide to use each other to defect their ex's unwanted attention. And their attraction to each other. This book was well-paced and had great characters, sizzle, steam, some drama, and more. I can't wait for more in this series by Skye Castel. A solid 4-star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace has finally decided to dump her boy friend. She realizes he's been going behind her back with other women and only uses her for her pocket book. She calls her sister to tell her she's on her way back to Whispering Pines. Her sister has a place for her to stay.
Olistaire is the romeo of the town. He has broken up with his ex only she doesn't believe him. Then he hears that Grace is back in town. While they are out for lunch her ex shows up. She uses Oli as her new boyfriend. Then Oli's ex is causing issues so he and Grace make a pact to be there for each other against their exes.
Will this really work? Or will the two find something more?
A cute story of a couple of individuals who have had wrong ideas and examples of that sometimes overlooked love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace has been living with her boyfriend, Brad and he is the only father her son, Lucas has ever known. Brad has been cheating on her and she forgave him a few times, but this time she has had it! I really dislike Brad, because other than watching Lucas sometimes, Grace is the one that pays for everything. So she calls her sister Ella and she moves to Whispering Pines. Grace has gone there to visit a few times to see Ella, the orc Rhokar, and the twins, Ryla and Rowan. The Minotaur Olistaire has been flirting with Grace since they met. Oli is a bit of a player, but all the females he is with know the score….
Lucas is 4 and a bit older than the twins and he is so adorable! As is his love of dinosaurs. I just wanted to hug him every time he came into the picture. I’m still laughing over what Lucas calls Oli. lol and it has been days since I finished the book. However, Brad doesn’t give up and he is even more of a piece of work! I saw red quite a few times when he came on scene. I chewed my nails, got teary and giggled a lot during this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite dramatic, but it makes the plot great. Grace has had it with her boyfriend, who she finds out has been cheating on her for over a year. So she moves to Whispering Pines, where her friend has a townhouse where she and her son can live. Oli, a minotaur, had decided years before that serious relationships were not for him. The way his Father had raised him made him believe he could not be loved. I love the dialogue between Grace and Oli. I got a kick out of how she told off her ex-boyfriend so brutally. This is an excellent book! It is also really spicy ;)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace found out that her long-term boyfriend Brad was still cheating on her and got another girl pregnant. So she takes her son and leaves him to go stay in a house that her sister has. Olistaire his best friends with Grace's sister's mate. He's also a big time flirt. He's never been in a relationship he only does casual. But neither of them can deny their instant attraction to each other. As much as I enjoyed this book I did have difficulties with Grace not having any kind of backbone. But there were certain aspects of this book that had me laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vyerna Kwakkel ( Vyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the first book in this series before I read this one, and let me tell you this is such a winning formula for me. The fact that the FMC just came as she is, no false advertisement nothing. She is grown, she knows what she wants, it's done. The MMC was super flirty, I loved their banter and I'm all for honesty. Really liked how all the pieces fell in to place and I'm excited for the next book in the series #cantwait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Eckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

New monster series in the making

I have a hard time with Minotaurs, but enjoyed (and finished) this one!
Grace & Oli are a good opposites attract couple trying to get rid of each others ex’s.
My issue with these stories is minor: Ella is supposedly Graces younger sister and I thought Ella was 48 when the twins were born. So this would put Grace at mid 50’s for her own story?Oli said he was 50. They both seem past the age of an accidental pregnancy, even if I could believe Grace was late 30’s, early 40’s.
Anyway, age conundrum aside, I enjoyed this story.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a well-written super romance between Oli and Grace. I loved Grace’s character, who was very protective of her son, but was also trying to move on from a failed relationship.
Oli was a charmer who didn’t want any commitment, but somehow seemed to sweet at the same time.
The chemistry between Oli and Grace was hot, steamy and sexy.
The dialogue was fun and there was some serious romance.
This was a great read. 5 stars!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knocked up by the Minotaur is my first time reading a book by Skye Castel and I like her writing style. This is the second book in the Midlife Beastly Mates series featuring Grace and Oli's story with chemistry, crazy exes and endless drama are just the beginning. As lines blur between what’s real and what’s for show, it’s never been harder to be in charge of feelings and emotions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this community of Whispering Pines, enjoying the many characters as they each are finding their Fated Mates. The wit and banter of Oli and Grace is phenomenal, loved her whip smart style and her many zingers. Loved how Oli, is so much more than he gives himself credit, with his suave demeanor and great care for the ones he loves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t my favorite but it was a decent read.
The flirting and talk between Oli and Grace was cute but I’m not sure how they fit together. They don’t have much in common. Graces son also was listed as the wrong age. He acts like a younger child than the 6 he is.
It’s nice to find a guy that is in your families inner circle but I think there should have been more common interests between them.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! How sweet! Poor Grace, poor Oli! They both have issues, don't we all. How many times have we or someone we know done something similar to get out of a toxic relationship. What I love is the grace and humor as well as olive chivalrous behaviour even though he is in denial about wanting a relationship. What a fun and sexy read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Olistaire/Oli, Grace and her son, Lucas. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, a fake relationship, drama and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shea Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

touching and spicy

I’m happy to find books with people over the age of twenty five to start this review! But honestly it has a great story with people working through hang ups and wasn’t a quick meet fall in love happily ever after story. Had past doings show up to show how shallow and empty life was kind of thing. I can’t wait for the next one

[Taara Amrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a charming and handsome male is friends with a strong, resilient, and worried female, what could possibly happen? This was romantic with touches of the past haunting both. Can friends become more?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan A Mishko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series

Beautiful story of love growing between a Minotaur and Human and follows neatly on from the first book. Ismelda has been brewing more love options and once again created fated mates. May Ismelda brew many more.

[Anne T. Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT

Loved BOTH books in this series….only wish there were MORE in this series!! Just really, really feel good stories. Definitely going to follow authors in hope there’ll be more

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Rid of Their Fears

Before these two get rid of their fears, they have to let go of their past rejections. Her from the men in her life and him from his father. Once they get over their pasts, they can get on with their HEA.

[Lorelei · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 67%. The FMC absolutely had no backbone and was a complete doormat, it was infuriating. And the MMC, despite saying he wanted love, really just wanted some tail.

The premise seemed enticing but was just disappointing.

[Wanda Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I really love this book series! It is filled with family, loyalty, friendship, drama, a little action but most of all love. What romance reader doesn't love💘 a HEA!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was funny, steaming, and quite enjoyable

[Lisa Quintin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knocked up by the Minotaur

This book was really good, showing people who got hurt can still love, plus I love the whole story line. Must tead

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read a few of this authors Sci FI books and the cover of this grabbed me, given I'd enjoyed other Minotaur books. We meet Grace in this tale and she's trying to distance herself from an annoying Ex. She flees to a magical town and enlists the help of Oli as a fake partner.
This leads to a pregnancy that has each now having to look to a possible more long term relationship.
I received a free copy of this book and only too happy to leave a review. :D