Jockstraps&Newspapers

by Lizzie Strong

Elliot Bonesaw is the captain of the King's Fall Knights, a Sportsball team that never loses. Except this year, he's set to become coach. And this minotaur's a bit nervous, but he's determined to make it his best season. Go out with a bang, am I right?

The pressure doubles as Cassiopeia (Cassie) is made to be the newsie on his case about the season. It'd be easier if she knew a thing about sports, but Cassie isn't a fan. Infact, she's rather a fun hater. Middle child of a family stretched tight for funds, she's determined to see her name in lights. And this might be her big break! If she can keep herself from getting tangled up with the cheesy, himbo minotaur.

Genres: Monster Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Monsters, Fantasy Romance, Fae

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

Lizzie Strong is A Monster Romance Author, where the monsters are spooky scary, and the romance is cute and cuddly. Queer Representation, Smink ;) friendly, consent heavy. A Florida swamp gremlin masquerading as a functioning human and author. The DM for a D&D podcast, previous retail and restaurant manager, constant worry wort, and romantic, Lizzie is always in between a brilliant idea and a dumb one. Inclusive books with magical nonsense, filled with monsters (you may or may not love) and mayhem. Find out more about her, the books coming out, and her nonsense at lizziestrongauthor.com

Reviews

[spidermse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven foot tall, white and rust spotted minotaur in only a pair of hot pink, mesh shorts.

Need I say more?

Lizzie has absolutely become an "if they write it, I will read it" author for me. Her style of writing and humor is just so entertaining. The banter and teasing between the main characters had me cracking up. Although I did want to slap Elliot for being a dummy but he was forgiven fairly quickly. I loved that Cassie was so confident in herself and knew what she wanted and took it. No tiptoeing around her crush.

And as usual we have a crew of side characters that are just as fun and loveable as the main characters. It was nice to see Cassie and Elliot both heal their strained relationships with their siblings and that everyone ends up supporting each other. I want to have sisters like Lyra and Andromeda. We love a good girl power moment! There is no fury like a Darling scorned.

Can I move to King's Fall now?

[Johanna 夏✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book so much, if I had more free time I would have finished it sooner.

The love story between Elliot and Cassie was very cute and spicy (the knotting 🥵). He is such a sweetheart.
I was invested in the story about the sports and Cassie’s work at the Newspapers, how they met each other and how they fell in love 🥰
The story was thrilling in some parts, although for my opinion the drama was resolved to fast and to easy, especially the families relationship.
The miscommunication was also a bit too much for me.

My imagination was going wild with all the monsters and new sports, but I really liked it, it was something I haven’t read before, I enjoyed reading it.

Hope there will be a story about Toad and Lyra, loved them so much as well 🥹

Tropes:
💙 Monster Sports Romance
💙 Grumpy x Sunshine
💙 Himbo Minotaur
💙 Plus Size Fae FMC
💙 Sibling Shenanigans
💙 Knotting & Stuffing
💙 Big Families and Messy Relationships
💙 Bi/Pan Representation

received this book as an ARC

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an adorable book with a grumpy FMC and golden retriever himbo MMC. Elliot was just the sweetest sweetie pie to ever pie. He was so good to Cass and she was just as good to him. They both were willing to work on personal weaknesses to become better partners. Cass always had his back, even when he was hesitant to share his needs. The book heavily focused on people needing therapy and not always seeing the world for what it is because trauma shapes our perceptions. It was also queer normative, which I always enjoy.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: Misogynistic commentary(not from the MMC), sexual harassment (MMC and FMC receiving-ass slap from someone without consent&commentary), acts of violence, blood, talk of medical emergencies having to do with Heat, threatening language, Discussions of an adult flirting with a minor (in a past sense, revelations of a highschool crush turns out he was a creep 19 year old flirting with a 16 year old), mob activity, discussions of being disowned, discussions of parental neglect.

[labibliofille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, laugh out loud humor perfectly intertwined with heavier (and steamier!) themes for a rather spectacular monster romance. I've yet to read a Minotaur romance with knotting prior to J&N, and I'm absolutely not mad about it now being an option! There's even Mafia ties! So much ground covered in roughly 300 pages, but I'd absolutely read this one again!

[Lia ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story rating: 3.5⭐️ | Romance lvl: 3.5⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️  | Smut frequency: 4.0⏳

----------------------—

Tropes:
🐮 Minotaur x Fae
😂 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
👉 They know how to communicate
👀 Minotaur in heat

----------------------—

~ STORY 📝 ~

Very cozy story, kinda slice of life, with a lot of important topics addressed (and I love that) in between all the smut. 😂✨

Elliot is the biggest cinnamon roll, he's funny and he's just the best with Cassiopeia (and with everyone else too actually). Cass is what you get when you mix a lot of backbone, talent, some family trauma, and a dash of eccentricity 😂. She's a character hahaha.

Also, I loved that the relationships aside from the principal romantic one had developments and happy endings too 🥰.



~ SPICE 🌶️ ~

If you read Jockstraps & Newspapers, you're in for :

🐮 Minotaur in heat
🐮 They're almost always outside
🐮 Size difference
🐮 Dirty talk



---------------------—

This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖

---------------------—

[Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie is one 100% of those 'if they write it, I'm gonna read it' authors for me. I went into this not having read a Minotaur romance before and not a big sport/sport romance person, but my gods was this hecking adorable!!!
I wasn't one for sweet himbo MCs before, but I sure am now. Elliot is the sweetest, most adorable MC I have had the pleasure of reading. Cassie was a fun little grump and a firecracker. And I have never been so disappointed a sport didn't exist, Sportsball sounds genuinely so fun. There is also a bit of a Mafia vibe and scandals mixed in as well, which is always a good time

[Kelspar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet but very fast paced. A lot of the fast pacing was due to Elliot's Heat but I think some aspects of their relationship and story could have been slowed down significantly and developed more. I thought his heat was hot but it did get repetitive. Every problem, even the past issues with family and trauma, are all solved in literally one conversation every time, it was very unbelievable. And paired with the fast pacing, in the end I felt like there was very little depth in this. A fun, light hearted time, but just ok not great.

[Nymphie (Cynthia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the banter and teasing between these characters. They’re hilarious, cheesy, and just the right amount of cringe. Elliot is the most adorable himbo who always strives for his girl’s happiness. He takes the time to learn her likes and dislikes, and always picks out the perfect gifts. Cassie is a firecracker who doesn’t take smack from anyone, and I love her for that. She’s definitely fierce and tough as nails, but also incredibly compassionate. I loved watching her work through her issues with her sisters and come out on top with stronger family ties.

I felt that the ending was very rushed. The big moments that the entire book built up to ended up falling flat. There was a moment where I considered if I was given an outline instead of the actual book. I felt like Cassie’s sudden acceptance of “I guess we’ll never know and I’ll just get over it” directly contradicted the character I had grown to know and love across the story.

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for: contemporary romance readers, monster romance readers, rom-com readers, AND sports romance readers. Especially those who like their golden retriever/black cat combos, their MMCs goofy and their WMCs plus-sized, and their spice spicing throughout.

Who would’ve thought a monster sports romance could tackle so many deeper topics while still being an absolute blast? Jockstraps & Newspapers by Lizzie Strong takes a premise that sounds delightfully offbeat—a minotaur athlete and a cynical reporter—and turns it into something both heartfelt and hilarious. This isn’t your average sports romance, and that’s exactly why it works so well.

Elliot is the kind of himbo character you can’t help but root for—he’s big, he’s cheesy, and he’s got heart. He's a golden retriever bro with a youthful outlook and he's plenty of fun. Meanwhile, Cassie, the no-nonsense reporter looking for her big break, brings a much-needed edge to balance out his goofy charm. Despite not being a fan of sports (and, honestly, who can blame her? same girl same), she’s determined to make a name for herself, and watching her navigate this challenge while being pulled into Elliot’s orbit is wildly entertaining.

What makes this book shine is how it’s not just about the romance. Yes, the chemistry between Elliot and Cassie is great—fun and sexy—but there’s also a real depth to the challenges they face. The story digs into issues like family pressures and sexual harassment, giving the characters and their journeys so much more weight than you’d expect from a quirky romance setup. Strong doesn’t just focus on the romance but explores these themes thoughtfully, while still keeping the narrative light and humorous.

I loved the inclusion and the complexity of the characters. There’s something so refreshing about a story that doesn’t shy away from challenging topics but still delivers the fun, heat, and representation that romance readers crave.

Even if sports romances aren’t typically your thing (waves hand in the air), this one stands out. It’s funny, inclusive, and filled with characters you don’t often see in this genre, and that’s what makes Lizzie Strong’s work such a treat. Whether you're here for the quirky plot or the deeper issues, Jockstraps & Newspapers delivers on both fronts.

Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to read and review. I'd read any genre Strong writes because they're delightful. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Foxx Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARE YOU READY FOR SPORTSBALL?!?!?!! how about a hot and heavy Minotaur whose so into you he goes into heat, and stays there!? well you'll get all that and more in this fantastic story that takes place in the amazing Kings Fall where monsters mingle, and cute fey get [censored due to graphic ratings]. did i mention this was a hot and heavy book? like everything i've read by Lizzie Strong this book is filled to the brim with the sassiest of banter, hilarious situations, and more than a little heat (hah! get it?! heat?! because he... you get it.) make sure you roll up your sleeve's, get your newsie caps on, and get ready to be obsessed because this bull's got it all, and he's about to show Kings Fall just who the sportsball King really is... now they just both have to deal with their family history and emotional baggage and they can really set their goals on fire.

[adrie rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

i received a digital copy of this book as an advanced reader copy (ARC). i have not received any compensation or incentives to influence my review on this, or any other, platform.

there's a lot happening here. 3/5 stars

triggers: sexual harassment, off-page violence, blood, parental neglect, family alienation/estrangement

was it entertaining?
theoretically, all of the pieces are there. there are no human characters in this book, but the anatomy seems to be mostly similar, if not the same. i don't know if this will be marketed as insta-love, but it should be. within a week of meeting, our MMC has been kicked into a breeding heat by the FMC, a bouncing, fae ball of curls, porcelain skin, and never-ending complaints. within a week of extremely messy sex in a list of increasingly improbable locales, they're both internally declaring their love for each other.

but the overarching theme of this book is aggressive miscommunication. the MCs don't talk to each other, their parents, their siblings... respectfully, miscommunication is not the trope for me. i actually hate it, especially when the entire book would be half as long if the adults involved just sat down and had a conversation. for this reason, and a few more (i still don't understand what sportsball is supposed to be), i fear i must deduct 3 entire stars. 2/5

was it enjoyable?
i'll be honest, i skimmed through most of the sex. it was messy, extremely public, and not for me. that aside, there was SO MUCH happening here. every time i thought a plot line had wrapped up, an entirely new one was introduced. quite literally, up until the very end, new characters and new side quests were being thrown in. and if we're being honest, there's a way all of these threads could have been introduced, and wrapped up, neatly within 250 pages. and i think that's what frustrates me the most here -- 250 pages is both reasonable and respectable, but the way this was written made it feel interminable.

all that aside, i just didn't vibe with either of the MCs and we get both their perspectives here. i wouldn't say i overly suffer from self-insert syndrome with FMCs but it is difficult not to gauge their actions by my own self perception. the FMC here is constantly plagued by second guessing herself, unresolved childhood issues, a deeply fractured relationship with her sisters, and the pathological urge to feign confidence (which feels like unearned arrogance to everyone else) to avoid actually acknowledging anything happening internally. she's hypercritical of the MMC to such an extent that their relationship, and the rapid development of it, feels entirely unreasonable.

the MMC is almost the exact opposite. i understand the appeal of the himbo, i do, but it doesn't feel well-executed here. he's more of a pushover than anything, making excuses for people who treat him poorly and allowing frustrations fester until they boil over. the two MCs here feel wholly incompatible, far beyond the usual "opposites attract" trope. but i also acknowledge that a lot of this is personal preference so 3/5.

was it well-written?

unfortunately, not entirely. a lot of issues here could be addressed and cleaned up with the assistance of a good copy and/or line editor. there's nothing truly insurmountable, but i think it would go a long way towards improving the overall quality and experience. 3/5

[Aria Maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute! I loved how driven Cassie was and I loved how sweet Elliot was. We love a himbo!!

“Seven foot tall, white and rust spotted Minotaur in only a pair of hot pink, mesh shorts.”

Literally drooling.

I love when characters have to overcome some kind of hurt to be better partners to eachother and I got that in this. It was all so cute and sweet! And the spice was wonderful!

This was my introduction to Lizzie’s writing and I can’t wait for more!! So well written and even the background characters were a treat!!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm quite picky with my minotaurs, but Elliot was such a perfect one. I adored his goofy personality that was coupled with his kindness. I really liked how despite his heat, he longed to respect Cassie and her professionalism and wanted to take it as slow as he could. They were a sweet couple, but they had their spicy moments (WOW!). Mrs. Bonesaw was a great side character; I loved her! I also loved his brothers and would love to see more of them. The way Elliot and Cassie help each other with their sibling relationships made me smile.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minotaur jock, and a curvy fae reporter. What a wild ride it was. Lizzie knows how to build a world, and keep me turning pages. The intimacy was spicy. Loved the trauma healing siren best friend, and remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side. "Grass is grass, if you want it green, you gotta treat it good to get it."

[Tart · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this being my first big leap inot a himbo/jock romance type book, I can say that Lizzie made me not hate it. Will I be on the lookout for another book in the same vein...maybe not...but will I still be a Lizzie fan for all her amazingly strong female characters ABSOLUTELY!

[Noriboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was perfect. The chemistry, the banter, the sport (and I don't even like sports). It was so much fun!
I absolutely adore the authors writing style; the pacing and comedic timing hits every time.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book. I absolutely fell for the golden retriever MMC, he absolutely the cutest. I love how Lizzie continues to just build the different stories around Kings fall. Makes it an easy read for when you need a break from the constant world building. Definitely a must read.

[christy - pr0bablyreadingsmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my GODDDD did i love this book!!! elliot and cassie are everything i didn’t know i needed. i’m not usually a sports romance girlie but i was sold on this minotaur and his newsie fae. what a totally beautiful story. came for the spice, stayed for the plot.

five knotty girl stars

[May (toastyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

eeeeeeee

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall Jockstraps & Newspapers wasn’t bad. There were a few parts that felt a bit rushed, and all the conflicts wrapped up a bit too neatly, but it was cute 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIZZIE man what are you doing to me??
That ending? Come on.
Really the whole thing yet again, fantastic. absolutely brilliant.
I've fallen in love with the Bonesaw's and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!!

[Mott (Foxandcatspress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 Arc Review 📚✨

Finally I want to say a massive thanks you to @lizziestrongauthor for sending me an arc of her brilliant latest book 🧡🫶🧡
And also a big apology for the lateness of my review life has been a bit chaotic lately lol 🥲

📰🏈 Jockstraps & Newspapers 🏈📰
By Lizzie Strong

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2

Blurb: Cassiopeia Darling is determined to get her dream job at Salamander Press King’s Fall’s biggest newspaper publisher, but fist she hast to impress her new boss with a story about a sport she knows nothing about and the captain of the SportsBall team…

Elliot Bonesaw feels good about his career and wants to make this season, his final season before be retires and take up the coaching role, the best season of his career!
And the fact that the cutest fae journalist will be following the team for the season only makes him want to excel more.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book so much!! It was such a fun ride. The banter was on point and the characters had such chemistry, and the why Cassie and Elliot’s relationship grew and their friendship blossomed was truly delightful.
I also, as someone who has never really been into sports, really appreciated that Lissie created a sport that felt like it is something you would find in a DnD champion 🤣😂 and I have to say after reading this book I am a fan of SportsBall ✨

I would highly recommend this book if you love monsters romance but what to try Omegaverse, or if you love when the FMC is a little grumpy and the MMC is a sunshine cinnamon bun 🧁

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, packed with hilarious banter, sweet and quirky interactions, and heavier themes handled with both sensitivity and cleverness. And the spice? Seriously spicy. Unf.

Cassie is the ultimate black cat to Elliot’s golden retriever - a dynamic I adored, especially with Elliot being such an endearing himbo who absolutely worships Cassie. I loved how Cassie is a total badass, refusing to take shit from anyone, yet still deeply compassionate and caring. Their romance felt so satisfying, not just because of their undeniable chemistry, but because they were willing to work through their personal traumas to be better for each other. And the side characters? Absolutely lovable - the Bonesaws in particular stole my heart.

Beyond the romance, the plot was well-executed, striking a great balance between heavier themes and humor. My only critique is that some of the conflicts wrapped up a bit too quickly. Still, this was an entertaining, heartfelt read that left me smiling and giddy for a minotaur.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️
2.75-3🌶️

Lizzie has done it again. This was such a cute story and I loved reading about Elliot + Cassiopeia’s . They were just too adorable and the immediate chemistry.

I love that she stuck to her guns when it came to a story and that you got to see the evolution of their individual family dynamics.




****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own

[BriBiscuit · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started when a sexy himbo minotaur sportsball athlete and a cute spunky fae journalist walk onto a field… little did they know that this would be the most heated season yet ;D
Reading one of Strong's books is like coming home after a long day. I know that it will be comforting, heartwarming, and therapeutic with a heavy dose of unforgettable spice and a sprinkle of chaos. I'm always on the edge of my couch when I get to sit down and read more of what she's written, and I loved this book as much as I loved the rest! Returning to King's Fall is so thrilling to see the magical town from another set of eyes. This time we see from the points of view from a very stubborn, gorgeous but deadly with a pen fae journalist named Cassie and the goofy adored by all minotaur athlete, Elliot. At first they couldn't have been more different when judging from the outside, but throughout the story we get to see their most vulnerable truths that show there's more than meets the eye with them. Both were very talented in their fields and set in their ways, but once they crossed paths their lives had forever changed for the better. That didn't come without its intense challenges though, working hard to further your career is one thing, but when it comes to matters of the heart and honesty it's not always that easy. The steamy banter between Cass and Elliot had me giggling and kicking my feet, as I was rooting for them from the sidelines like a sportsball cheerleader ahaha! I didn’t expect this book to make me giggle one moment and then throw me an emotional curveball the next. I related to the main characters on a deep personal level, and found a lot of the therapy moments with Cassie's roommate to resonate with me. Never thought I’d be bringing up a monster romance book in my own therapy session, but hey life is full of surprises :) Cassie and Elliot were their own people and not two parts of one whole, but instead individuals who were great on their own, who became beyond amazing when together. It warms the heart and soothes a soul to see a couple flow so well together.
Honestly I wish the book was longer, or that there will one day be a second one where we get to see the end of the sportsball season and get to enjoy what is in store for the lovely couple! Who knows maybe we will one day be blessed with a story about Lyra & Toad if Lizzie would be so kind *wink* I would like to think that Cassie & Elliot would be a fantastic couple to be friends with and have couples game nights with :) The sweet loving energy between the two of them is palpable, I couldn’t get enough of their rambunctious life together! King's Fall is living up to its reputation of the city to be if you want to find a sexy magical monster who wants to devour you whole, and worship the ground you walk on! Ahaha I can’t wait to come back to King's Fall for another spicy adventure that I know will keep me up all night until I read all about it!

4.75/5 Minotaurs
Thank you Lizzie for writing another banger! If you write it I'll be reading it!! I cannot rave enough about your amazing books that always put a smile on my face to read and talk about with others! I hope to one day have a shelf dedicated to all your work! <3

[Lulu's Cosmic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book is FUN!
It was the perfect blend of monster and sports romance genres, but rest assured you don’t necessarily need to be a fan of either genre to get a kick out of this one.

Jockstraps & Newspapers blends humour and spice to tell the story of a most unexpected pairing: Elliot, the fun-loving minotaur (and Captain of the King’s Fall Knights), and Cassie, a fiercely determined journalist, desperate to get her big break and make her mark for the family name.

I am obsessed with ‘Sportsball’, the whacky fantastical game author Lizzie Strong has concocted for this series. I won’t spoil the rules, but it may or may not involve a live subject taking place of a ball to be thrown through goals.

Elliot’s focus is on finishing off his playing career with a strong season, hoping to transition to team coach the following year; he’s got everything riding on making this his best season yet. Enter Cassie, the no-nonsense, (allegedly) fun-hating journalist who couldn’t care less about Sportsball, who is assigned to a season-long project, mostly focusing on Elliot. Cassie’s got her own hang-ups, and has always lived in the shadow of her four perfect sisters. This theme comes up a lot throughout the story, but is balanced with an exploration of sisterhood and what “family” truly means. Similarly, Elliot’s relationship with his family and brothers is explored, and we come to learn the importance of communication and forgiveness. As the saying goes, “Grass is grass, if you want it green, you gotta treat it good to get it.”

Elliot and Cassie’s banter is top-notch, and the spicy scenes are hot.

Some of the main tropes include: knotting, size difference, grumpy x sunshine, himbo MMC, golden retrieved MMC, raunchy shower scenes, fae x minotaur.

Thanks to the author and team for providing this copy in exchange for a review!

[Kat Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassiopeia Darling is a journalist on a mission, and when she snags a position with the King's Fall Daily, she’s pumped. Until she realizes her subject focus is Sportsball and the Captain of the local team. Cass knows nothing about sports and didn’t even know the game of sportsball existed, but she’s determined to make this work.
Elliot Bonesaw is going into his last year as Captain of the King’s Fall Knights. Next year, he will be their coach, and he wants his playing career to end with a strong, winning season.
In walks a serious fae reporter that is about to turn his world on end. She’s alluring, but if he gets too close, she could unravel the secrets his family has been hiding for years and plaster the headline on the papers front page.
Cass is serious about her work, and Elliot can tell immediately, so although he initially finds her attractive, he is respectful of her as a reporter. She initially sees him as a big, idiot ball player but starts to realize there’s definitely more to the hulking minotaur. The way Elliot treats Cass is so sweet and respectful throughout the whole story. He’s a big himbo, Golden Retriever energy Minotaur, and when they do get together, it is hot and heavy. There are times Elliot is straight lusting for Cass, and it makes for very interesting scenarios that are not only steamy but sometimes comical.
Not only does this story involve Cass’ reporting, Elliot’s transition from Captain to Coach as well as their budding relationship, we also see their family dynamics and how it’s played a role in each of their lives and personalities. There’s plenty of character and relationship building from a plethora of side characters, which only adds more dimension to the overall story and opens up more options for the future. It’s a stimulating read, very tender and satisfying for those who love a GrumpyxSunshine HEA.

[✨The.PNW.Dark.Reader✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. I knew I was going to like it, did not expect to love it so much I didn’t want to finish it. This book is almost 80% Elliot and Cassiopeia in their relationship and watching them grow together.

The plot was so good, character development was spot on, in my opinion hence this review. But of course the smut, well it was smutting so good. 🫠

Lizzie continues to amaze me with her writing.

There is a breeding kink with no pregnancy and I’m chomping at the bit. Other tropes are Sunshine VS grumpy, size difference, plus size representation, knotting of course, and some messy family trauma.

Elliot is my dream Minotaur, a total goofball here to make his girl laugh. A complete cinnamon roll with a dirty mouth 🥰 He is out here making sure he’s the perfect boyfriend/partner for Cass, and I’m soooo here for it. Elliot is a minotaur and iykyk, he goes into heat and requires his knot to be released. Cass is here for the challenge 🥵. This is his last season playing Sportsball before becoming the next Coach. He’s excited for the change but also wants to become closer with his family after years of being farther apart. But I think my favorite detail about Elliot is the hotel toothbrushes and drawers full of sample size shampoo and conditioner.

Cassiopeia is a total bada$$. Completely body positive with all her curves. But more importantly, she knows exactly what she wants and is going to make sure she gets it. She is showing everyone she can be the journalist that is known in town. Not only that but she’s working on some family trauma while it’s all going down. She’s not big on Sportsball, like at all. But she takes the story by the horns, literally 😉, and writes some top notch pieces for her entry “interview”. She may look like a complete sweetheart, but she is not afraid to get dirty.

[Ra! ʕ •̀ ω •́ ʔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good
I loved so much about this book! Cass and Elliot were a perfect match and I loved experiencing them fall for each other. Cass is a no-nonsense reporter while Elliot is this seemingly carefree himbo and while there are some minor clashes at first, their fast commodore becomes something real and deep. I love when I'm really able to understand why two characters are perfect for each other and with Cass and Elliot it made so much sense. Cass needed someone who is supportive, understanding, and who can treat her like she's the only woman in the world. Elliot needed someone who saw and appreciated not just his goofy fun side but his kind, endearing, and intelligent side. The world is really interesting as well and I hope we get to see more stories set in it.

The Bad
I disliked that all of Cass's problems with her sisters were all somehow misunderstandings or miscommunications. I wanted her to really stand up for herself and get her feelings out and in these scenes it's undercut immediately because "oh her sisters aren't actually bad!" It felt pointless to me. I wish they had real conflicts to work out with each other. I understand it might be because future stories may involve them so readers to hating them would be bad, but it took out some of the emotional weight.

Tropes:
— Sports Romance
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Fae x Minotaur

Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format: Ebook

The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. This was so fun and I'm glad I found a new monster author to read! I need more in the universe with the Darling Sisters!!

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[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassiopeia Darling has always felt invisible. Being the middle child out of five sisters she had a tough time growing up. When the chance arises to finally get her dream job and make a name for herself, she has to make it count. What she didn't count on, was being sent to write about the local Sportsball team and it's captain's last season before he'll become a coach.
Elliot Bonesaw is everybody's darling and the local sports hero. Captivated by the fiery temperament of the newsie on the team, he has a hard time to keep his eyes off of her and his c**k has his own plans, as it seems.....

Funny, fluffy minotaur sports himbos? H€ll to the yes to that. Determined, headstrong, fierce elf reporters? Double yes!! This book is REALLY fun. I had such a good time with Cass, Elliot and their families. There's no third act break up, but they have to work through some stuff to become better for each other. There's some additional drama, that keeps you wanting to turn the pages and to throw your kindle at a certain slimeball. There's fun, fluff, feelings, fantastic spice, lots of family drama, and most importantly lots of heart to find in this gorgeous story.