Mochas and Minotaurs

Possessive Monsters #8

by Maggie Mayhem

Grab the Bull by the Horns

My recent one-night-stand was perfect in every way, so I ghosted him to save my heart. Only to find out he’s my new neighbor!

Now Marcus and I must team up to stop greedy land developers from destroying our homes. Along the way, I discover that he’s not just a monster under the sheets but sweet, considerate, and super protective to boot. My heart is definitely toast.

But the musclebound minotaur is hiding a dangerous secret. And if his past catches up to him, it will threaten much more than our homes. It may cost him his freedom, and me my heart.

Mochas & Minotaurs is a stand-alone paranormal romance with a musclebound minotaur, a feisty witch, and tons of action and magic. Sweet & steamy. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: Monsters, Monster Romance, Romance, Ebooks, Paranormal

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2025

Reviews

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

GG’s story

I love that they gave Griselda’s story, and a cursed blood line, perfect! The story was interesting and gave a story to not only the owner of the coffee shop but also the Minotaur that owned the fitness gym- it had to happen! Loved the story, not overly spicey and had a good story. I would’ve loved a little more detail on how the ending side story was broken- but I’m here if that’s the next story!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minotaurs are some of the lesser written-about supernatural creatures. I've only read one other book where a minotour (in that case minotours) was the MC. It was a RH, and I loved it. So after reading the two previous books in this series, I was very curious about Maggie's Mochas and Minotaurs.


Oh, the plot was exceptionally good. Like the other books in this series, this book was more of a light-hearted read with a cozy romance and a bit of mystery. Gigi is a spunky little witch trying to save her business from some big-time land developers. She teams up with Marcus, the minotaur next door so that they can face the company together. Marcus may own a gym, but he has some depth and has been through his fair share.


I loved how easily they fit into each other's lives. Worrying about one another and willing to help out as they follow the clues that lead to a pretty interesting secret. Speaking of interesting secrets. I loved the extra mystery Marcus's past brought to the story. There were things that most definitely captured my attention, and by the time the full story came out, I was utterly invested. I dare say Marcus's past was a more interesting storyline than the evil developing company trying to oust people out of their homes and businesses. Then there was a plot twist that no one could have seen coming. It kind of gave me the heebeegeebees and reminded me of The Witches, the original movie with Angelica Huston, not the book, I never read that one. It was delightful because it was just so unexpected and was its own little story set into this one.


Gigi and Marcus's story was fantastic! Everything came together seamlessly to tell their story. This cozy little romance was so refreshingly unique that I couldn't help but love it.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griselda/Gigi a witch owns Witch’s Brew.She flaunts that she failed magic but she has it only it comes from touching objects. So her apartment is crammed full of items that can be used. Anywho....she spent one night with a man a few weeks back but left early beacause she didn't know how to handle a morning after. She's closing her shop for the day when she takes the left overs and bags then to take to her new neighbor who's opening a gym. To her surprise it's him!
Marcus is a minatour and is opening a gym next door to a coffee shop. He's doing some work when he hears the door open and a voice that sounds familiar call out. He comes out of the back and sees the woman he spent the night with a few weeks back. His minatour is hyped his human half not so much. They talk then she leaves.
Eventually getting past the issue they band together because of a company called Arcane Development who are condo developers. It seems a realtor keeps coming around offering below cost prices for their land. Then they discover that the hobo across the way is working for the company also. In no time he, Griselda/Gigi and his friend Declan work together to get rid of the hobo. Then of all things a bad blast from his past shows up when Griselda/Gigi is there. His mother! Gigi helps him with a glamour that will throw her off. They start to work more closely together. He finally tells her about his life and how his mother is there to take him to a dragon to spend his life in a maze to guard the dragon's hoard. He wants no part of that. She is willing to help. Then the Arcane people step up their attacks. That is when the EA steps in. He's told the dragon is near so he has to be extra careful.
The two draw closer together. Will they be able to figure out what the contract begun centuries ago actually consisted of? Or will he be found and forced into a life he doesn't want just because his mother wants the money she will get to turn him over?
A fascinating story about a minatour and a witch who will fight to win.

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

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4&1\2 fabulous🌟's for Mochas and Minotaurs 🔥💖🌟

Yes, I do believe that I would enjoy living in the town of Darlington. Marcus is a Minotaur whose family line has been cursed to guard the treasure hoard of a dragon in Paris. When he escapes he changes his name and his appearance and finds himself in the U.S in Darlington. That where he meet Griselda the lovely witch that owns a coffee shop. Griselda wasn't looking for love but it found her anyway. What was supposed to be one night of incredible passion has turned into more. When she left Marcus she really didn't think she'd see him again but fate said otherwise. When she went to greet her new neighbor moving in it was none other for Han the male she couldn't forget. Together they unravel the mystery of why they're building is under attack and how to save Marcus from the dragon. As they work together their friendship blossoms into love and they'll stand strong and fight for each other! Great story and worth the read!🌟💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟

[Katie Mandley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just ignore this review, I’m going through a phase

Sorry but, ***** ** ** *** **** ******** ****! (We’re ignoring, remember)

[Jesse Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it so much! I love this entire series! It's great how the story keeps evolving, the cast of characters keeps growing. Marcus and Gigi are so much fun, their chemistry is off the charts. And now I am back to wanting my own bookstore/coffee shop!

[Magpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took a long time to read, this just felt like such a nothing sort of book until the last 20% or so when the plot decided to kick in. I don't know I'm also not feeling super jazzed about reading the next book in the series, but I'll get into that later on.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: I really cannot get enough of this author and her monsters. I feel like every book in this universe builds out the world a little more which I absolutely love. In this case our story also pulls on minotaur mythology in a really cool way speaking as someone who was fixated on the Mythology section of my local library. But even aside from the romance and the mythological aspect of things, something I didn't expect to have be so impactful in a positive way was the Bullseye Fitness that Marcus owns and runs. As someone who has struggled with ED and diet culture most of my life, gyms can be a pretty fraught arena for me. But the way that Marcus talks about the camaraderie and culture of Bullseye Fitness really connected for me and if this existed IRL I'd definitely join: "Many of our members have told me that before they found my gym, they didn’t have any friends, only coworkers who they couldn’t really speak to. I was glad to be able to give them a second home, a place where they knew they could come by if they needed to complain about their a$$hole bosses. The relief was in having someone to talk to, disguised as the serotonin of a cathartic workout. Not every gym was like this. Some of them were too competitive and not focused on individual development."

I also love the focus on friendships in addition to romance. Both our main characters have people in their lives who are important to them AND they each value the other person's friends/support network. Those kind of details really flesh out the world building aspect and foster a very connected feeling in this series.

This is however, a romance at its core and WOW is that part done well. Both our main characters are convinced that they can't have anyone permanent in their lives romantically but they are drawn to each other irrevocably. So the journey from one night stand to forever has just enough angst to feel like the HEA is earned but definitely not too much to the point of needless and annoying. I thoroughly loved this book and I can't wait for the next one. And to own this one on audiobook because wow is this series a great time in audiobook form. 5/5 Stars.

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

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mochas and Minotaurs is another fun addition and book number 8 in the Possessive Monsters series. This one follows Gigi (Griselda) and Marcus, both of whom we have met in previous books.

They had met a couple of weeks before in a nightclub and had a scorching one night stand. In Marcus’ POV we hear that he had fallen madly in love with her, in that one night and then to his disappointment she had snuck out on him. Because of his past and how he was currently having to exist, he had thought that this ended up for the better, as long term relationships could not work for him.

Gigi, who thinks of herself as a mediocre witch but a great coffee shop owner, goes next door to meet the neighbor who is opening his gym in the spaces next to the coffee shop. She wants to apprise him of a situation she has been having with a pushy real estate developer. Much to both of their surprise, her new neighbor turns out to be Marcus, her one night stand. Luckily any awkwardness is swept away as they reconnect both to team up to deal with their common foe but also more intimately. I love how protective they were of one another and that they had such helpful and caring friends around them for support and help.

This story has plenty of action and steamy moments, an intriguing plot and storyline, as well as fun and interesting side characters. Love this magical world and those who live in it. Throw in her mouthy grey parrot, Triscuit, and this was just a great read. Cannot wait to see whose book we will get next in the series!

[Jd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a great job giving the read two plots for one story.
Once again, we are in the magical town of Darlington.This time, our main characters are a witch( on the downlow) and a minotaur (in hiding).
This is a "he falls first" story.Despite their first interaction being a one night stand, for Marcus it ended up being more. Imagine his surprise when he finds out Gigi is his new next door neighbor.
The two decide to team up to fight off the corrupt company that wants to buy their property. Along the way, Marcus reveals his deep secret and they find out the real reason the Arcane company wants the property. That further reveals a surprise neither of them could have imagined.
Gigi's familiar, Trisquit, is funny. Marcus' friend Declan is loyal and fun. Hopefully, he will get his own story.
There were some assumption that the reader had to make, but I would have preferred that the answers were laid out by the author.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi and Marcus are both scared to open themselves up to a relationship. Him being the new owner of the property next door is the second chance they needed.

As they join forces against property developers, they quickly become a team and the fire is rekindled.

I loved how concerned they were about the other and each of their strengths are a great complement to the others weaknesses.

Gigi's parrot Triscuit is a character and a half. He is larger than life and adds some great moment to the story.

Supporting characters add to the story by enlarging the world around the main characters. This is only my 2nd book the series, so I am not as familiar with the the other characters, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.

Story was easy to read and held my attention and had me laughing out out. I was invested in them solving the problems standing in their way and was happy with the outcome. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the one night stand you ghosted comes back into your life.

“I’d almost told her I loved her. I stood stock-still even as a realization hit me. Minotaurs did have mates. And Gigi was mine.”

Get ready for an action packed story with engaging characters and plenty of steamy Minotaur love. Gigi (Griselda) is a witch who previously had a one night stand with Marcus. They meet again when he buys the store next door. Throw in a super novel twist and you have a great read!! It was so easy to immerse myself in this story and I was so happy that other characters in this series turn up to help when the nefarious Arcane company attempts to drive Gigi and Marcus out of business. Gigi and Marcus each have their own strengths and Gigi’s magic abilities and her relationship with Triscuit 🦜, her cute but naughty familiar is the star of this story.

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

[Natalia Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of complex characters with curious pasts. We start off when we meet Gigi, a cafe owner, and her small coven. One of her besties from her coven casted a spell for the perfect man, chaos ensues when men lineup out the door of her cafe. People of the city are mad at all the attention she’s been garnering. They send in their goons to try and get her to sell. She obviously doesn’t want to, the cafe was handed down from her grandmother. It seems everything was falling apart around her when she notices someone moving in next door. She goes to scope out the new owners and try to coax them to not sell to the goons. When someone responds, it’s a voice she recognizes. It’s the one night stand that rocked her world. It’s also the same man she ran away from the morning after. Now she’s has to work with him to keep their property. That’s when secrets start to reveal themselves in very curious ways.

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

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unique PNR. It's a well written page-turner, with action, humour, sweet romance and plenty of steam. I love the MCs. Gigi is a witch who owns a coffee shop. Marcus is a minotaur in hiding who is opening a gym next door. Both of them are plagued by a developer who refuses to take no for an answer; some hilarious solutions ensue!  There are some fun twists as the story progresses. Our MCs are lucky to have truly loyal friends who will go to great lengths to help them. The secondary characters really make the story, especially Gigi's bird Triscuit. At the end, I felt some questions were left unanswered and the ending was a bit rushed. However, this book is a welcome and entertaining addition to the Darlington universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brielle S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, cozy, mystery

Forewarning, this book isn't as spicy as some of the others. There's a few, but they aren't very graphic or kinky in the least. You get a millisecond of a minotaur chase fantasy (because of course if one was actually chasing you, there's no way you could outrun one, lol) and that's about the kinkiest thing in this book. It's sweet, cozy, finding your place in the world (MMC side) kind of story. There's a little bit of a magical mystery, which introduces a new character (and I reeeally hope we get to read her story eventually, aswell as the MMC's Best friend). There's a grumpy old fashioned dragon with a dorky name, well, only if you use the nickname (but I still want to see his story, as well. That silver hair 😍.) So yeah, No matter what I still love this universe 🥰

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Darlington and Gigi and Marcus's story. Meeting up again after a one night stand they find themselves working together to stop Arcane Development from harassing them and their business. They are still attracted to each other but Marcus doesn't want to get too involved as he has a secret which could ruin any chance they have of being together, but Gigi is determined to help and save Marcus. Full of drama, a touch of spice, suspense and twists and turns, I have really enjoyed this Possessive Monsters series and how each story introduces you to more of Darlington. I love the friendships and how they are all there for each other, no matter the cost. In this book I loved how Marcus's gym was a refuge for people, a place with no judgement. Beautifully written and highly recommended.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live in coffee shop owner and witch Gigi, who’s been plagued by aggressive attempts to have her inherited property sold out from under her is surprised to find that the gorgeous minotaur opening the gym adjacent to her is none other than her sizzling one night stand from a couple of weeks back.

On the run from a bad deal between his birth mother and a Parisian dragon, Marcus is intrigued by his new neighbor and isn’t shy about pursuing her even though Gigi initially seemed averse to anything beyond a casual relationship.

As the pair move through each other’s orbit, they must work together to find a solution to keep themselves safe from nefarious forces and prevent Marcus from being condemned to spend the rest of his existence wandering a labyrinth.

This was another fun book by Maggie Mayhem full of heat, heart, and magic.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m happy to share my honest impressions.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARM DAY COMPLETE!

Gigi and I are soul sisters.

We have an affinity for coffee and an avertion to cooking. We both crochet, have eclectic tastes, and can keep cactuses alive. If I had one, I would totally wear a bat wing robe with my fuzzy slippers. And although I've never spooned a minotaur, I totally would. This book had me living vicariously through our little witch friend and suddenly wishing for a gray jungle chicken who spouts fun phrases at inopportune times.

This book was both fun and delicious.

I had my arms up in the read-position for hours, so I considered that "arm day" even if my personal trainer doesn't agree. I would still encourage you to follow this same workout routine!

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus has been in hiding from his fated position as the Minotaur that protects a dragon’s hoard. He is getting ready to open up his gym in his new place. Griselda is owner of the coffee and bake shop that was her grandmother’s. When the two shop owners meet they realize that they were a one night stand weeks before. Their attraction remains but now they need to deal with a development company that wants them to fail, Marcus‘a mom looking for him, and to solve a mystery. With a new found friend as well as old friends, they work together to solve all the problems. Great read and characters! I couldn’t put the book down and love this author’s stories!.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus and Griselda
Griselda is a witch that owns and operates a coffee shop. Marcus is a minotaur that owns and operates a gym. When Marcus buys the space next to Griselda, neither knew that fate has brought them together. They had a real-estate owned by warlocks trying to buy their property and hiring thugs to mess with their businesses, Marcus' not so loving mother looking for him, or a dragon wanting to trap him into guarding his horde like his father and grandfather and so on. Things looked tough for our couple, but with good friends, some magic, luck and love, they could do anything.
Loved the characters, mystery, dysfunctional mother, whimsical, fated mates, steamy, and HEA.

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

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Darlington. This time the story of Gigi and Marcus.
I loved how she got her nickname "kitten".
Both Griselda (Gigi) and Marcus were great. I loved the chemistry between them and how Gigi was willing to help in several ways. Their second encounter was classic and fun to read.
Bella was a great twist. I liked all of the twists in the story. Action packed with just a smidgit of humor to make things interesting and of course steam to the romance. I liked that it had a slow burn to the romance.
I fell in love with both of them.
A standalone with the perfect HEA.

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

[HarleQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus unknowingly has a one night stand with his new business neighbor. Gigi sought to escape an awkward morning after, only to get a huge surprise later. While this book can be read as a stand-alone it is so much better if the previous books were read. We see previous characters and Maggie Mayhem continues to build this wonderful monster world.

Marcus is hiding secrets and avoiding relationships because he thinks no one cares. This story has some very unexpected twists and turns making for a great plot. Not your typical plot so do not want to spoil it for others…a definite need to read.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griselda (GiGi) is a witch who has an issue with an annoying real estate agent who wants to buy her coffee shop/home. Her two neighbors want to sell, but not to the realtor. So they sell out and GiGi's new neighbor is the minotaur Marcus who she ghosted after a one night stand. Now they are both being harassed by the realty company, and decide to work together. Unfortunately Marcus has an additional problem.

This book has magic, danger, and mystery, as well as friendship, romance, and steam. The couple, with the help of their friends, find solutions to their problems and discover their HEA.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab addition to the series and I loved the pairing of a witch and a Minotaur. Gigi and her familiar were wonderful. Feisty, cute and willing to help. Marcus and Gigi had a one-nighter that ends up being so much more for him. She's his mate and I love how fate pushed them back together after their initial time together. Expect to get caught up in the mystery, intrigue and steam as this cozy romance takes you on a lovely reading ride. I always enjoy when 'he falls first', so you know Marcus had me rooting hard for him ;P Thankfully, they get their HEA and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book by this author. Good fun!

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigi and Marcus had a connection and just one night together. Now it seems that despite the fact that there is still an attraction between them, they are work neighbours and need to plan together to prevent a developer from taking over their shops. I love how unique Gigi with her style and her outlook on life. Marcus has more to his life than he is letting on. He is hiding from his supposed destiny and yet he is also following it by being with Gigi. I cannot recommend this enough. The banter, the characters and the world-building is so good. If you need a fun, entertaining and enjoyable read, look no further.

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griselda is a witch, owner of coffee & pastries shop. Marcus is a Minotaur who just moved his gym next door to Gigi. Together Marcus and Gigi have a passionate, intense attraction. Marcus knows she is his mate but he is being hunted. Gigi and Marcus are fascinating and deliciously steamy together. They will have many difficulties, attacks, surprises, dangerous situations and heartbreak. But Gigi will fight great odds to save her mate, defeating their enemies and freeing Marcus. Thrilling Spellbinding story and amazing characters with a brilliant ending.

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

[Chrystal_K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Mayhem has done it again. I love the way she writes books. She just brings her world to life with her words. I’m in Darlington, at The Witch’s Brew, enjoying a handcrafted beverage. Sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how Gigi is going to react to seeing Marcus again after their awkward second meeting. The author pulls us in and I love that about her books. I also loved Marcus and Gigi together. The Minotaur and the Witch. Not a pairing you often see, but mates nonetheless. Oh and let’s not forget Triscuit. Adorable. Can’t wait for the next.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic paranormal romance. I love Maggie Mayhem's writing, and this story did not disappoint! Griselda owns a coffee shop that a large company is trying to buy out. But she is not giving in. Marcus has a gym, and he moves next door to Gigi. This is when we learn that they have a history. No spoilers here! You will not be disappointed with this book. It has a great plot, plenty of spice, and several fantastic twists. This is an excellent book!

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

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a entertaining romp that has two great characters in Griselda and Marcus. Griselda is unashamedly herself, she is a strong woman and won’t change who she is for anybody. Marcus is a softie. He is caring, loving and cannot stop himself from pursuing Griselda.
This is a fun story, that has excellent writing, gripping scenes and is a great 5 star read!
I am really looking forward to the next book, which is subtilely hinted at in this book, as it looks like it will be a fun and entertaining read.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh do I love the pets to these books. Triscuit is the cutest. Gigi is the best kind of witch. And is great at making coffee and has a new neighbor who just so happens to be her one night fling Marcus. Marcus is the Minotaur in this tale. He has a bad history that makes finding Gigi again mean things could change for good.
They get close and work together to untangle the drama of their lives. They don’t go a day without something or someone doing something to get them out of their homes and businesses. Thank the lord for their love and friends of this story wouldn’t have ended this way.