My Minotaur Husband, the first book in the Stories from New Eden series, is one of my favorite minotaur romances to date! I just adored Theo and Celeste so much. So when I heard there was a second book coming focusing on Celeste’s best friend Maddie, who we met in My Minotaur Husband, and an ogre, I could not wait to read it!!
First of all, I love this alternate reality where there is a dwindling number of humans left and they’re all stuck together in this kinda commune, but monsters can apply for them to be their live in relationships as trial runs that may or may not lead to marriage. This is such a unique concept and I love how it puts the humans as the rarity and the “monsters” as the normal.
I loved how Maddie was so exuberant and could not wait to get outside the walls of New Eden and find the love of her life. I also loved that even though these were her desires, she battled with if she was even loveable and worth someone’s attention. This hit so close to home and I loved watching Egorr think the world of her. As for Egorr, I loved how he was this huge ogre, but was a total nerdy teddy bear! He may have been oblivious at some points, but this ogre was willing to do anything to make Maddie happy.
But don’t let this sweet giant fool you. He is all too ready for a dirty time in the bedroom. And because this is a Lyonne Riley book, we got a bunch of delicious intimate scenes! One thing I especially appreciated in the intimate scenes was the perennial tear. I can’t say I’ve ever read this before, but honestly, it just makes sense!! Not only would an ogre his size ABSOLUTELY physically wreck you if you didn’t go slow enough, but it also forced the couple to slow down with their physical intimacy and get to know each other better. I loved this. I also loved how fast Egorr could switch from a total dom to a total sweetheart in bed at the drop of a dime. That just made the list of my favorite microtropes!
Lastly, I would be remiss to not mention Timble, a troll who Maddie befriended on one of her solo walks. I loved how Timble basically adopted Maddie as a friend in order to keep her safe while she was still able to have some independence in her new world. I honestly would love a Timble story where she applies for a human from New Eden herself.
Thank you to Lyonne Riley for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.25 stars!