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Touched & Tamed
A cozy, high heat monster omegaverse romance from Sofia Rose
Cassie didn’t come to Briar Hill looking for love. After a messy breakup, all she wants is a quiet place to settle down. When she lands a new job supplying flowers to Rosie’s Café, the small town charm and slower pace feel like exactly what she needs.
She’s not interested in drama. She’s definitely not interested in dating.
But the minotaur butcher across the street is impossible to ignore.
Thorne doesn’t talk much. He keeps to himself, runs his shop with precision, and avoids attention. But every morning, she’s there… smiling, warm, and impossible to miss. The more he tries to stay away, the more his instincts pull toward her.
He tells himself she’s just human. That he can ignore the bond.
But when her scent shifts and her heat rises, all bets are off.
He told himself he wasn’t going to touch her.
He lied.
🔥 Slow burn omegaverse with cozy vibes and feral tension
🔥 Grumpy minotaur alpha who’s big, broody, and bond bitten
🔥 Chatty, sunshiney florist who just wants to feel safe
🔥 Knotting, claiming, scenting, and one very soft HEA
Welcome to Briar where the coffee is hot, the monsters are hotter, and love is anything but tame.
Cassie didn’t come to Briar Hill looking for love. After a messy breakup, all she wants is a quiet place to settle down. When she lands a new job supplying flowers to Rosie’s Café, the small town charm and slower pace feel like exactly what she needs.
She’s not interested in drama. She’s definitely not interested in dating.
But the minotaur butcher across the street is impossible to ignore.
Thorne doesn’t talk much. He keeps to himself, runs his shop with precision, and avoids attention. But every morning, she’s there… smiling, warm, and impossible to miss. The more he tries to stay away, the more his instincts pull toward her.
He tells himself she’s just human. That he can ignore the bond.
But when her scent shifts and her heat rises, all bets are off.
He told himself he wasn’t going to touch her.
He lied.
🔥 Slow burn omegaverse with cozy vibes and feral tension
🔥 Grumpy minotaur alpha who’s big, broody, and bond bitten
🔥 Chatty, sunshiney florist who just wants to feel safe
🔥 Knotting, claiming, scenting, and one very soft HEA
Welcome to Briar where the coffee is hot, the monsters are hotter, and love is anything but tame.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
19 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 10, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, but it’s flowery prose was extremely repetitive. Lots of sentences with the same structure over and over like “Noun was adjective. Adjective. Adjective.” Also describing how silence feels between the two MCs over and over. I also didn’t believe the romance (which by the way they have had maybe three real actual conversation by page 188). Also, MMC is a dick?? He’s sending a human who doesn’t know what heat is into heat and he’s just not fucking telling her because he wants her to make an informed choice about being with him without feeling pressured?? Maybe, idk INFORM HER THAT YOU HAVE CHANGED HER BIOLOGY. PART OF BEING INFORMED IS HAVING ALL THE INFORMATION. Regardless of her ending up with you you have changed her body (even if it’s out of your control) and she deserves to know. He knows it’s going to happen but he’s not saying a fucking word about it. Or any words at all really. Unbelievable. The whole book has just dragged on and on. I love purple prose and a slow burn as much as the next gal but man. You need to give us something. Not the same sentences and interactions 10 times over and over.
August 14, 2025
Hello Mr. Grumpy and Broody Minotaur 🥵 Loved Thorne and how sweet & thoughtful he was. The slow burn was too much for me though. Felt like it took forever for them just to finally talk and then after another long bout of similar scenes we are suddenly jumping into a heat and spicy times. I wanted to jump in the book and lock them in a room together.
I was really happy to see Cassie finally have her dream happen! Her feelings about wanting to feel safe and exist without someone always criticizing her was so relatable. Just more proof monster men are better than human ones. 😏
I was really happy to see Cassie finally have her dream happen! Her feelings about wanting to feel safe and exist without someone always criticizing her was so relatable. Just more proof monster men are better than human ones. 😏
dnf
September 27, 2025Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an eARC. Unfortunately this book was not for me! A few aspects of the writing style made it hard to concentrate as it resulted in the sentences becoming extremely repetitive and it kept making me pause because I’d think I had somehow reread the same paragraph.
September 6, 2025
Was this even a book? There was no story, nothing.
Who was exactly "touched & tamed"? Certainly not the MCs in this.
The MCs don't talk, they know nothing about each other, and I'm not even joking. All the book is one introspective scene after another, with so few lines of dialogue that would be ridiculous in itself, but when you find out that she speaks more to the barista than with the MMC? I was annoyed beyond words.
The author can say whatever she wants, but they only seem to like each other because of their roles as alpha and omega. Their instincts and scents tell them to be together, but again, they hardly talk and don't know squat about each other.
And the fact that Thorne keeps her true nature a secret from her, under the guise of "making her choose," adds a level of manipulation that leaves Cassie in the dark and with no direction.
Who was exactly "touched & tamed"? Certainly not the MCs in this.
The MCs don't talk, they know nothing about each other, and I'm not even joking. All the book is one introspective scene after another, with so few lines of dialogue that would be ridiculous in itself, but when you find out that she speaks more to the barista than with the MMC? I was annoyed beyond words.
The author can say whatever she wants, but they only seem to like each other because of their roles as alpha and omega. Their instincts and scents tell them to be together, but again, they hardly talk and don't know squat about each other.
And the fact that Thorne keeps her true nature a secret from her, under the guise of "making her choose," adds a level of manipulation that leaves Cassie in the dark and with no direction.
August 30, 2025
This book really was quite a bit different than books of hers I have read in the past. She went for a more slow burn this time and honestly I really enjoyed that! (Although I'm a sucker for slow burn already, so no surprises there).
The book focuses on Cassie, a woman trying for a fresh start in a new town, delivering flowers and making small floral displays.
While doing said job and frequenting the local coffee shop she works for / grows to really love, she catches the eye of Thorne, the Minotaur butcher who just so happens to have a good view into the window where he can see her sit and have coffee every morning.
I did enjoy Cassie as a character, although I wish Thorne could have been a bit more...assertive? I know he was the strong silent type but by the end I found myself internally screaming at him 🤣 like sir, no more avoidance, JUST WALK UP TO HER AND SAY HELLO. Although that being said, the awkward beginning to their relationship felt like it could have most definitely been a real life situation with people fumbling their way into something more so I guess that trump's me wanting my boy to move alittle bit faster 🤣
Overall if you want a low stakes slow burn with monsters then this may just be a book for you.
The book focuses on Cassie, a woman trying for a fresh start in a new town, delivering flowers and making small floral displays.
While doing said job and frequenting the local coffee shop she works for / grows to really love, she catches the eye of Thorne, the Minotaur butcher who just so happens to have a good view into the window where he can see her sit and have coffee every morning.
I did enjoy Cassie as a character, although I wish Thorne could have been a bit more...assertive? I know he was the strong silent type but by the end I found myself internally screaming at him 🤣 like sir, no more avoidance, JUST WALK UP TO HER AND SAY HELLO. Although that being said, the awkward beginning to their relationship felt like it could have most definitely been a real life situation with people fumbling their way into something more so I guess that trump's me wanting my boy to move alittle bit faster 🤣
Overall if you want a low stakes slow burn with monsters then this may just be a book for you.
August 30, 2025
***ARC REVIEW***
When is it my turn to have a coffee shop meet cute??
I want a big beefy minotaur to get all flustered when he sees me 🤭🫣
This book is definitely a low stakes, cozy, slow burn story that may leave you wanting to jump into the book to smush their faces together and say...
"Okay, now kiss."
CAUSE THORNE MY GUY 🤣🤦🏻♀️🤭
I do also wish we had a bit more conversation around the mate bond and the heat situation. With omegaverse books, there's usually already an understanding.
With this universe, though, humans don't know much about the monsters, so they don't understand the changes.
I would've liked to see more context and detail just for Cassie's knowledge as a human.
Otherwise, this is a cute, light read for the minotaur girlies who love a cozy romance book!
When is it my turn to have a coffee shop meet cute??
I want a big beefy minotaur to get all flustered when he sees me 🤭🫣
This book is definitely a low stakes, cozy, slow burn story that may leave you wanting to jump into the book to smush their faces together and say...
"Okay, now kiss."
CAUSE THORNE MY GUY 🤣🤦🏻♀️🤭
I do also wish we had a bit more conversation around the mate bond and the heat situation. With omegaverse books, there's usually already an understanding.
With this universe, though, humans don't know much about the monsters, so they don't understand the changes.
I would've liked to see more context and detail just for Cassie's knowledge as a human.
Otherwise, this is a cute, light read for the minotaur girlies who love a cozy romance book!
September 1, 2025
Delicious slow burn with all the things I love. Like seriously, it's slow, you gotta be patient and just savor the tension! But when you get there it's knotting, nesting and heats. Thorne and Cassie were so sweet together. Loved this one and can't wait for more from this small town!
August 26, 2025
This was so fantastically cozy, sweet, and tender that I physically couldn’t read it fast enough. I am so thoroughly obsessed with Briar Hill, I need to move there immediately.
Touched & Tamed follows our FMC, a human florist, named Cassie. After a breakup she is still healing from, she felt the call to move to Briar Hill where she took up being the local florist. While working, she notices the surly butcher Minotaur, Thorne. Thorne is very quiet, a man of few words but knows how to fill a room. Cassie and Thorne’s romance is the perfect blend of sweet, tender, and primal and raw. They somehow perfect toe the line between the two.
This was my first omegaverse with a minotaur in it too and I must say that I was so obsessed with it! “MORE MINOTAUR SMUT” I scream as they take me away. I just cannot express how much I loved this cozy, whimsical book. 10/10 I had a great time.
🌷 Human FMC/ Minotaur MMC
🌷 Slow burn
🌷 Fated mates
🌷 Knotting, nesting, heats, oh my!
🌷 Small town
🌷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🌷 Shy MMC
🌷 SWOON SWOON SWOON
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
thank you for the ARC!
Touched & Tamed follows our FMC, a human florist, named Cassie. After a breakup she is still healing from, she felt the call to move to Briar Hill where she took up being the local florist. While working, she notices the surly butcher Minotaur, Thorne. Thorne is very quiet, a man of few words but knows how to fill a room. Cassie and Thorne’s romance is the perfect blend of sweet, tender, and primal and raw. They somehow perfect toe the line between the two.
This was my first omegaverse with a minotaur in it too and I must say that I was so obsessed with it! “MORE MINOTAUR SMUT” I scream as they take me away. I just cannot express how much I loved this cozy, whimsical book. 10/10 I had a great time.
🌷 Human FMC/ Minotaur MMC
🌷 Slow burn
🌷 Fated mates
🌷 Knotting, nesting, heats, oh my!
🌷 Small town
🌷 Grumpy/Sunshine
🌷 Shy MMC
🌷 SWOON SWOON SWOON
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
thank you for the ARC!
September 24, 2025
I had to DNF this because I just couldn’t get past all the redundancies. The flow of the story felt off, and so many phrases and thoughts from the MCs were repeated over and over to the point it felt like nothing new was happening. The constant mention of the same scents made it feel like that was the only thing making this an omegaverse story—and I didn’t even see clear omegaverse traits (nesting, body feeling hot) show up until I was already 46% in. On top of that, the relationship between the two MCs was maybe starting to go somewhere at this point. Talk about a super slow burn!
Thanks so much for the ARC! I really appreciate getting the chance to read and review it honestly.
Thanks so much for the ARC! I really appreciate getting the chance to read and review it honestly.
August 26, 2025
What a cute, cozy, and spicy read. This is my first book by Sofia Rose and it won't be my last. By the end of the first chapter, I was wishing that I lived in Briar Hill and could visit Rosie's Cafe.
*I will come back to fully finish my review*
*I will come back to fully finish my review*
September 13, 2025
Genre: Adult Monster Romance (with omegaverse dynamics)
Spice: 2/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, monster x human, omegaverse dynamics, shy Minotaur MMC & sunshine FMC, fated mates, insta-connection, nesting, mutual pining & angst, low stakes & cozy vibes, gifts of meat as a love language, “I didn’t know where else to go,” steering him by the horns
Kink: primal chase
Synopsis: Cassie left her city life behind for the charming town of Briar Hill, where humans and monsters coexist in sleepy harmony. She certainly isn’t looking for love in her new adventure, but the stoic, shy Minotaur butcher catches her attention. One sniff and Thorne knows that the new florist is meant to be his, but as a man of few words, and concerns for how her body will change, he doesn’t know how to pursue her.
Thoughts:
Those who adore soft, cozy, slice of life style monster romances will enjoy this one! I think the author said it best in their author’s note, Touched & Tamed is “feral but domestic.” You’ll find no conflict, but lots of pining, sweet angst, and cute moments of gift giving. If you are a vibes reader, you will totally enjoy, AND you can probably skip the rest of this review, lol.
***
For my own taste, I do think this veered into “too cozy.” I wish there had been more…everything. More character development, more plot, more dialogue, deeper feelings that relied on emotions instead of instincts, more backstory about alphas & omegas, and more omegaverse mechanics. In that vein, is this omegaverse? In my opinion, no. Without writing a dissertation to explain why, I’ll say that the societal structure needed classify this as omegaverse was non-existent. I am a firm believer that omegaverse authors are allowed the freedom to make the genre their own, I just don’t think this qualifies. A knot, nesting, and heat do not make an omegaverse alone.
That being said, this could be good for new readers interested in knotting or nesting. I did super enjoy the nesting scenes.
As for the characters, unfortunately, I just don’t feel like I know them. We definitely get more information about Cassie, but I still have so many questions about her life before moving, about how she got interested in flowers, etc. Aside from being shy and broody, Thorne is very unknowable. And the main reason for this is the distinctive lack of dialogue. There is hardly any communication in this book. The characters have their first real conversation at almost 70%. The author relies heavily on instinct alone to explain their feelings and connection and it just wasn’t enough for me. Because of the lack of communication, certain important parts of the story felt odd.
The big thing for Cassie was that Thorne made her feel safe because he was quiet and gentle, and while that’s super adorable and I like that concept, that’s as deep as it ever got. For Thorne, it felt like he wants her because of instinct alone.
My biggest issue with this book, however, was the writing:
• First, the entire book was overly repetitive. In some cases, chapters began the same way, almost word for word, one right after another. Entire sentences seemed to be said in several different chapters, nearly word for word.
• In other cases, internal dialogue was the same message said multiple ways.
• There were a lot of odd turn of phrases and imagery that were awkward or didn’t work or make sense. Example: “‘You must be Cassie,’ she says, voice low and warm with just enough caffeine snap to keep it moving.”
• The book’s cohesion and continuity was actually distractingly inconsistent. Major things like whether a character was wearing boots or not, or whether a character was standing or not, were not consistent within the same scene, sometimes even on the same page.
• Lastly, several chapters have POV switches so often that it would have made more sense for the book to be in 3rd person to avoid the constant disruption. This might have also helped with the distinct lack of dialogue, and offered an opportunity for the reader to get a deeper understanding of the characters from an outside perspective.
Overall, I genuinely believe there is a group of readers out there looking for this exact kind of sweet and cozy, slice of life monster romance, that are here for the vibes alone and want something to make them feel warm and gooey. This is that book. I’m just not the audience, I fear.
Spice: 2/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, monster x human, omegaverse dynamics, shy Minotaur MMC & sunshine FMC, fated mates, insta-connection, nesting, mutual pining & angst, low stakes & cozy vibes, gifts of meat as a love language, “I didn’t know where else to go,” steering him by the horns
Kink: primal chase
Synopsis: Cassie left her city life behind for the charming town of Briar Hill, where humans and monsters coexist in sleepy harmony. She certainly isn’t looking for love in her new adventure, but the stoic, shy Minotaur butcher catches her attention. One sniff and Thorne knows that the new florist is meant to be his, but as a man of few words, and concerns for how her body will change, he doesn’t know how to pursue her.
Thoughts:
Those who adore soft, cozy, slice of life style monster romances will enjoy this one! I think the author said it best in their author’s note, Touched & Tamed is “feral but domestic.” You’ll find no conflict, but lots of pining, sweet angst, and cute moments of gift giving. If you are a vibes reader, you will totally enjoy, AND you can probably skip the rest of this review, lol.
***
For my own taste, I do think this veered into “too cozy.” I wish there had been more…everything. More character development, more plot, more dialogue, deeper feelings that relied on emotions instead of instincts, more backstory about alphas & omegas, and more omegaverse mechanics. In that vein, is this omegaverse? In my opinion, no. Without writing a dissertation to explain why, I’ll say that the societal structure needed classify this as omegaverse was non-existent. I am a firm believer that omegaverse authors are allowed the freedom to make the genre their own, I just don’t think this qualifies. A knot, nesting, and heat do not make an omegaverse alone.
That being said, this could be good for new readers interested in knotting or nesting. I did super enjoy the nesting scenes.
As for the characters, unfortunately, I just don’t feel like I know them. We definitely get more information about Cassie, but I still have so many questions about her life before moving, about how she got interested in flowers, etc. Aside from being shy and broody, Thorne is very unknowable. And the main reason for this is the distinctive lack of dialogue. There is hardly any communication in this book. The characters have their first real conversation at almost 70%. The author relies heavily on instinct alone to explain their feelings and connection and it just wasn’t enough for me. Because of the lack of communication, certain important parts of the story felt odd.
The big thing for Cassie was that Thorne made her feel safe because he was quiet and gentle, and while that’s super adorable and I like that concept, that’s as deep as it ever got. For Thorne, it felt like he wants her because of instinct alone.
My biggest issue with this book, however, was the writing:
• First, the entire book was overly repetitive. In some cases, chapters began the same way, almost word for word, one right after another. Entire sentences seemed to be said in several different chapters, nearly word for word.
• In other cases, internal dialogue was the same message said multiple ways.
• There were a lot of odd turn of phrases and imagery that were awkward or didn’t work or make sense. Example: “‘You must be Cassie,’ she says, voice low and warm with just enough caffeine snap to keep it moving.”
• The book’s cohesion and continuity was actually distractingly inconsistent. Major things like whether a character was wearing boots or not, or whether a character was standing or not, were not consistent within the same scene, sometimes even on the same page.
• Lastly, several chapters have POV switches so often that it would have made more sense for the book to be in 3rd person to avoid the constant disruption. This might have also helped with the distinct lack of dialogue, and offered an opportunity for the reader to get a deeper understanding of the characters from an outside perspective.
Overall, I genuinely believe there is a group of readers out there looking for this exact kind of sweet and cozy, slice of life monster romance, that are here for the vibes alone and want something to make them feel warm and gooey. This is that book. I’m just not the audience, I fear.
August 22, 2025
ARC Review of Touched & Tamed by Sofia Rose💘☕️🌸🥩📚
Wow, this book honestly stole my heart. If you’re into a good slow burn, you’re in for a treat. It’s cozy, sweet, and simmering with that delicious kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages all day.
Cassie and Thorne? Absolute perfection together. Their pining was painful in the best way, and when it finally paid off—oh my god, so worth it. I really loved that we got to see them after they officially got together too, because sometimes books fade out right when you want more. Those extra little moments made their relationship feel even more real and complete.
Cassie’s journey hit me hard. Watching her finally get the safety, love, and acceptance she’s always dreamed of was so moving. Her longing to just exist without constant criticism was painfully relatable. Honestly, it just proves once again—monster men are better than human ones, and it’s even better when Sofia’s the one writing them.
Every single moment between Cassie and Thorne felt intentional and tender. From the flowers to the little packages to the coffee, nothing was wasted, and it made their eventual coming together that much sweeter. And don’t even get me started on the nest scene… the way he created that space for her, and how much it meant to him to have her there? I had tears in my eyes. It was beautiful and so full of love.🥹
And the spice? Let’s just say when it hit, it hit. Hot, emotional, and everything I wanted.🔥
This book was honestly everything—sweet, emotional, tender, fiery. Pure perfection.🥹💘
TROPES
✨Small Town Romance
✨Minotaur Butcher x Human Florist
✨Cozy Monster Romance
✨Omegaverse
✨Slow Burn
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
🌸My Favorite Quotes🌸
He doesn’t make me smaller. He makes space for me to be exactly the size I am.
Let her think she’s getting away. Let her feel that rush for a few more seconds. Because the truth is, I’ll catch her when I want to. And when I do, she’s not getting away again.
‼️Book coming out September 5th on Amazon‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
Wow, this book honestly stole my heart. If you’re into a good slow burn, you’re in for a treat. It’s cozy, sweet, and simmering with that delicious kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages all day.
Cassie and Thorne? Absolute perfection together. Their pining was painful in the best way, and when it finally paid off—oh my god, so worth it. I really loved that we got to see them after they officially got together too, because sometimes books fade out right when you want more. Those extra little moments made their relationship feel even more real and complete.
Cassie’s journey hit me hard. Watching her finally get the safety, love, and acceptance she’s always dreamed of was so moving. Her longing to just exist without constant criticism was painfully relatable. Honestly, it just proves once again—monster men are better than human ones, and it’s even better when Sofia’s the one writing them.
Every single moment between Cassie and Thorne felt intentional and tender. From the flowers to the little packages to the coffee, nothing was wasted, and it made their eventual coming together that much sweeter. And don’t even get me started on the nest scene… the way he created that space for her, and how much it meant to him to have her there? I had tears in my eyes. It was beautiful and so full of love.🥹
And the spice? Let’s just say when it hit, it hit. Hot, emotional, and everything I wanted.🔥
This book was honestly everything—sweet, emotional, tender, fiery. Pure perfection.🥹💘
TROPES
✨Small Town Romance
✨Minotaur Butcher x Human Florist
✨Cozy Monster Romance
✨Omegaverse
✨Slow Burn
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
🌸My Favorite Quotes🌸
He doesn’t make me smaller. He makes space for me to be exactly the size I am.
Let her think she’s getting away. Let her feel that rush for a few more seconds. Because the truth is, I’ll catch her when I want to. And when I do, she’s not getting away again.
‼️Book coming out September 5th on Amazon‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
September 7, 2025
Overall: 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Vibes: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
Oh my goodness! This was an adorable bear hug of a book that had me squealing and kicking my feet at the cuteness of it all ❤️ Expect small town romance, cozy vibes, and a picture perfect little town full of monsters and magic!
Cassie and Thorne are adorable. Idiots, but adorable idiots. Their romance was slooooow and filled with so much longing, yearning, pining, and almost stalking (more so on Thorne's part) just to be around each other... all without actually communicating with each other. It made me want to jump in the book and smoosh them together like "just talk to each other already!" 🤣 The subtle glances, accidental touches, handwritten notes, sneakily left presents and clumsy courting was SO CUTE and refreshing compared to modern texting and speed dating, it would have been completely and utterly romantic if it wasn't so awkward.
Thank the heavens for Farrow the barista dropping not so subtle hints and prompts, or I dont think they would have ever ended up together. I think Farrow was my favourite character in the whole book just for this honestly, I loved the sass and the playful smirks.
--SLIGHT SPOILERS START HERE--
Farrow was the only one who tried to explain the omegaverse situation to poor Cassie, and even then it was just "monsters feel more deeply" but at least they tried, which is more than I can say for Thorne's confession later in the book...
Considering the MMC makes a point several times that FMC is human and doesnt know about it, he does an awful job of preparing her for what's to come. I actually liked reading about Cassie experiencing heat and nesting without having any idea what was happening, it really put a new spin on it that wasn't just "heat equals horny" and explored the feelings of sensory overload, everything being too much without the immediate connection that it was a s€xual thing. Well... until later on 😉
--SLIGHT SPOILERS END HERE--
I only gave it a 3.5 spice rating overall because theres actually very little spice in the book, but when it does finally happen its very hot! 🥵 It contains all the usual things one would expect from a monster romance and omegaverse (knotting, claiming bites, primal play etc) but only in a teeny tiny dose at the end.
Despite adoring this book, I knocked off half a star because some of the scenes were a bit repetitive. It seemed the characters made progress sometimes, and then went right back to square one again. I loved the slow burn, but going in circles was very frustrating.
Ive read some of Sofia Rose's work before, but this is the first time I've ARC read for her, and I was so happy to be given a chance to read this! I look forward to future Briar Hill stories!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Vibes: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
Oh my goodness! This was an adorable bear hug of a book that had me squealing and kicking my feet at the cuteness of it all ❤️ Expect small town romance, cozy vibes, and a picture perfect little town full of monsters and magic!
Cassie and Thorne are adorable. Idiots, but adorable idiots. Their romance was slooooow and filled with so much longing, yearning, pining, and almost stalking (more so on Thorne's part) just to be around each other... all without actually communicating with each other. It made me want to jump in the book and smoosh them together like "just talk to each other already!" 🤣 The subtle glances, accidental touches, handwritten notes, sneakily left presents and clumsy courting was SO CUTE and refreshing compared to modern texting and speed dating, it would have been completely and utterly romantic if it wasn't so awkward.
Thank the heavens for Farrow the barista dropping not so subtle hints and prompts, or I dont think they would have ever ended up together. I think Farrow was my favourite character in the whole book just for this honestly, I loved the sass and the playful smirks.
--SLIGHT SPOILERS START HERE--
Farrow was the only one who tried to explain the omegaverse situation to poor Cassie, and even then it was just "monsters feel more deeply" but at least they tried, which is more than I can say for Thorne's confession later in the book...
Considering the MMC makes a point several times that FMC is human and doesnt know about it, he does an awful job of preparing her for what's to come. I actually liked reading about Cassie experiencing heat and nesting without having any idea what was happening, it really put a new spin on it that wasn't just "heat equals horny" and explored the feelings of sensory overload, everything being too much without the immediate connection that it was a s€xual thing. Well... until later on 😉
--SLIGHT SPOILERS END HERE--
I only gave it a 3.5 spice rating overall because theres actually very little spice in the book, but when it does finally happen its very hot! 🥵 It contains all the usual things one would expect from a monster romance and omegaverse (knotting, claiming bites, primal play etc) but only in a teeny tiny dose at the end.
Despite adoring this book, I knocked off half a star because some of the scenes were a bit repetitive. It seemed the characters made progress sometimes, and then went right back to square one again. I loved the slow burn, but going in circles was very frustrating.
Ive read some of Sofia Rose's work before, but this is the first time I've ARC read for her, and I was so happy to be given a chance to read this! I look forward to future Briar Hill stories!
September 4, 2025
Three words. COZY MONSTER OMEGAVERSE.
If you require more than that, I honestly don’t understand. 😆
Touched and Tamed is slow burn omegaverse romance between a human florist and a minotaur butcher. Cassie decides to move to Briar Hill, a newly integrated Monster / Human suburb, temporarily while she figures out her life. When she lands a new job supplying and arranging beautiful flower displays at a local cafe, she falls in love with the slow pace and small town charm. But when she catches sight of the handsome Minotaur butcher, Thorne across the street, she cannot look away.
The writing in Touched and Tamed created such a cozy, whimsical atmosphere. The descriptive imagery of the coffee shop alone was so transportative. I can just imagine how lovely and quaint and colorful the suburb or Briar Hill is.
Both Cassie and Thorne are seemingly socially awkward and somewhat shy, which contributes to one of the most excruciating SLOW burns that I have experienced. It takes quite some time for these two to grow up the courage to talk to one another, but the pining that occurs in the interim is next level.
I enjoyed the slow burn aspect of this book, but I do think that it was stretched on just a bit too long and it caused some of the language and interactions to feel repetitive. After many scenes of Cassie and Thorne dancing around each other or outright avoiding talking to one another, things escalate QUICKLY. The spice goes from a low simmer to an almost instantaneous HOT with all of the knotting and such that you might expect from a monster omegaverse romance. 😏
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think that the slow burn might have caused a little bit of repetition, but there were many sweet moments sprinkled throughout that kept me invested in seeing Cassie and Thorne get their HEA.
If you require more than that, I honestly don’t understand. 😆
Touched and Tamed is slow burn omegaverse romance between a human florist and a minotaur butcher. Cassie decides to move to Briar Hill, a newly integrated Monster / Human suburb, temporarily while she figures out her life. When she lands a new job supplying and arranging beautiful flower displays at a local cafe, she falls in love with the slow pace and small town charm. But when she catches sight of the handsome Minotaur butcher, Thorne across the street, she cannot look away.
The writing in Touched and Tamed created such a cozy, whimsical atmosphere. The descriptive imagery of the coffee shop alone was so transportative. I can just imagine how lovely and quaint and colorful the suburb or Briar Hill is.
Both Cassie and Thorne are seemingly socially awkward and somewhat shy, which contributes to one of the most excruciating SLOW burns that I have experienced. It takes quite some time for these two to grow up the courage to talk to one another, but the pining that occurs in the interim is next level.
I enjoyed the slow burn aspect of this book, but I do think that it was stretched on just a bit too long and it caused some of the language and interactions to feel repetitive. After many scenes of Cassie and Thorne dancing around each other or outright avoiding talking to one another, things escalate QUICKLY. The spice goes from a low simmer to an almost instantaneous HOT with all of the knotting and such that you might expect from a monster omegaverse romance. 😏
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think that the slow burn might have caused a little bit of repetition, but there were many sweet moments sprinkled throughout that kept me invested in seeing Cassie and Thorne get their HEA.
September 2, 2025
I always love a Minotaur MMC and florist FMC so I was super excited for this one. I also have read a bunch of Sofia Rose’s books before and for the most part love them. I also took me way too long to realize this was Rosie’s Cafe as in Rosie from Zinnia, book 4 in the Fortune Records series, so that was cool to see! Let’s start with what I liked about it. It was super cozy; the cafe was so sweet and calm and comforting. I loved that as our main setting and how most of the interactions took place there. I thought the writing was also very pretty and flowy, very descriptive and contemplative from both characters perspectives. I also like the cute gestures that Thorne and Cassie would do for each other; sticky notes, flowers, butcher parcels and sketches of him, it was all very cute and charming.
I did feel like it was slow at times, with not much happening to progress the story or their relationship. Aside from a few interactions, stolen moments and two main conversations, they didn’t know much about each other. They didn’t go on a date, or talk outside of the cafe or butcher shop, it all came from small, mostly nonverbal conversations. Then, when it came time for them to *come together*, I assumed Thorne would take things slow and careful. That was the personality I associated with him the whole time, but it felt like all the non spicy build up didn’t lead to anything too big. There was barely any foreplay, he didn’t prep her or eat out, he just dived right in without drawing it out. I was sort of disappointed by that, it seemed like they dived head first into everything in the last 50 to 80 pages, after this incredibly slow build up. It took me a while to really get through it but it wasn’t my favorite I’ve read from her.
I did feel like it was slow at times, with not much happening to progress the story or their relationship. Aside from a few interactions, stolen moments and two main conversations, they didn’t know much about each other. They didn’t go on a date, or talk outside of the cafe or butcher shop, it all came from small, mostly nonverbal conversations. Then, when it came time for them to *come together*, I assumed Thorne would take things slow and careful. That was the personality I associated with him the whole time, but it felt like all the non spicy build up didn’t lead to anything too big. There was barely any foreplay, he didn’t prep her or eat out, he just dived right in without drawing it out. I was sort of disappointed by that, it seemed like they dived head first into everything in the last 50 to 80 pages, after this incredibly slow build up. It took me a while to really get through it but it wasn’t my favorite I’ve read from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
✨THIS IS AN ARC REVIEW✨
If you love a cozy and magical monster romance with fated mates, then this book is for you! The primary setting of the story takes place in the coziest dreamy coffee shop in an adorable town called Briar Hill where both monsters and humans live alongside each other. Immediately in the first chapter, I felt immersed in this magical world of Briar Hill with how descriptive the imagery and world building is.
The two main characters and love interests in this book are both so likable, authentic, and relatable. Thorne is a large burly Minotaur butcher, is actually a big softie who is afraid of being too much for everyone around him. Cassie, a human and the main lead in this book, is a florist looking to find a new start after going through some trauma back in her hometown. Although both characters have been through trauma, it is not described thoroughly. But, you can tell as a reader how they have been deeply impacted by and developed significant insecurities because of what they have been through. I do wish this could have been fleshed out more so that as a reader I could have learned more about why Cassie and Thorne are the way they are.
Cassie and Thorne’s love is a very slow burn, but it is filled with many cute romantic gestures and moments together along the way. When Thorne and Cassie finally get together, the payoff is so worth it!
The spicy scenes in this book near the end are so hot and juicy 🌶️🥵. If you love sexy mating scenes and size difference then you are going to love this. I would give this book a 🌶️🌶️/5 spice level because the spice is only towards the end of the book rather than throughout. Again, it’s a really slow burn.
Although I enjoyed several parts of the book, here is where I docked some points in my rating:
The beginning and ending chapters of the book are the real selling points because they are so engaging and enthralling. However, I found the middle chapters in the book contained a lot of repetitive scenes where the characters are doing the same things chapter to chapter. This repetition lost me a bit and had me skimming over some of those chapters because it was like reading a copy and paste of the same scenes multiple times. I do think it could have been much more concise and did not need to describe the same things in detail.
Overall this book was a fun and cozy read. I liked that it was a light feel good book with a happy ending. Now if only I could move to Briar Hill myself and get my own magical restart!
If you love a cozy and magical monster romance with fated mates, then this book is for you! The primary setting of the story takes place in the coziest dreamy coffee shop in an adorable town called Briar Hill where both monsters and humans live alongside each other. Immediately in the first chapter, I felt immersed in this magical world of Briar Hill with how descriptive the imagery and world building is.
The two main characters and love interests in this book are both so likable, authentic, and relatable. Thorne is a large burly Minotaur butcher, is actually a big softie who is afraid of being too much for everyone around him. Cassie, a human and the main lead in this book, is a florist looking to find a new start after going through some trauma back in her hometown. Although both characters have been through trauma, it is not described thoroughly. But, you can tell as a reader how they have been deeply impacted by and developed significant insecurities because of what they have been through. I do wish this could have been fleshed out more so that as a reader I could have learned more about why Cassie and Thorne are the way they are.
Cassie and Thorne’s love is a very slow burn, but it is filled with many cute romantic gestures and moments together along the way. When Thorne and Cassie finally get together, the payoff is so worth it!
The spicy scenes in this book near the end are so hot and juicy 🌶️🥵. If you love sexy mating scenes and size difference then you are going to love this. I would give this book a 🌶️🌶️/5 spice level because the spice is only towards the end of the book rather than throughout. Again, it’s a really slow burn.
Although I enjoyed several parts of the book, here is where I docked some points in my rating:
The beginning and ending chapters of the book are the real selling points because they are so engaging and enthralling. However, I found the middle chapters in the book contained a lot of repetitive scenes where the characters are doing the same things chapter to chapter. This repetition lost me a bit and had me skimming over some of those chapters because it was like reading a copy and paste of the same scenes multiple times. I do think it could have been much more concise and did not need to describe the same things in detail.
Overall this book was a fun and cozy read. I liked that it was a light feel good book with a happy ending. Now if only I could move to Briar Hill myself and get my own magical restart!
September 3, 2025
This was a very cute book that was very well written. The characters are so well matched and you root for them the entire way through. The entire book is very cozy and the writing style feels very romantic. When you hear about romanticizing the little things in life, that’s something that’s done every step of the way.
However, There were a few paragraphs that were repeated word for word the following chapter. The routines are so repetitive that you could remove four or five chapters from this book and lose absolutely nothing. It’s a lot of repetition, of strategically arranging flowers, and sitting in the same chair day in and day out. At times it almost felt like a sitcom that has only two sets available because the majority of the book takes place with Thorne lingering in the alleyway while Cassie is either arranging flowers in Rosie’s, or Thorne lingering in the alleyway while Cassie sits at her favorite table at Rosie’s.
The characters hint at backstories that never come to life. You get glimpses of struggle that helped shape them but it’s nothing more than a glimpse. That being said, it’s beautifully written and their love is very cute. It’s just the slowest slow burn I think I’ve ever read. Up until the last 30% of the book, I don’t think Thorne speaks more than fifteen words to Cassie. And she’s described as a chatterbox that was too loud and too much for where she came from but even she speaks very little throughout.
However, There were a few paragraphs that were repeated word for word the following chapter. The routines are so repetitive that you could remove four or five chapters from this book and lose absolutely nothing. It’s a lot of repetition, of strategically arranging flowers, and sitting in the same chair day in and day out. At times it almost felt like a sitcom that has only two sets available because the majority of the book takes place with Thorne lingering in the alleyway while Cassie is either arranging flowers in Rosie’s, or Thorne lingering in the alleyway while Cassie sits at her favorite table at Rosie’s.
The characters hint at backstories that never come to life. You get glimpses of struggle that helped shape them but it’s nothing more than a glimpse. That being said, it’s beautifully written and their love is very cute. It’s just the slowest slow burn I think I’ve ever read. Up until the last 30% of the book, I don’t think Thorne speaks more than fifteen words to Cassie. And she’s described as a chatterbox that was too loud and too much for where she came from but even she speaks very little throughout.
September 18, 2025
Touched & Tamed is a comforting, cozy romance, but it is the sloooooowest of slow burns. I mean, the heroine and hero don’t talk to one another until a third of the way through the book! But if you like a slow burn, you’ll love this book. It’s fun to see a slow burn in a monster romance, when so many of those tend to feature the insta-love trope.
Rose executes her story beautifully, with a particular emphasis on scents and smells that makes sense in an omegaverse romance. Cassie and Thorne are quickly drawn to one another, but they don’t have a lot of faith in themselves—Cassie due to a failed relationship, Thorne from a lack of experience. So the slow burn involves gaining the confidence to take steps, to act on a growing interest, and Rose lets this gradually happen in that slow-burn context.
I wish we’d learned more about the town Cassie and Thorne live in. This book is hyperfocused on the coffee shop where Cassie is employed, Thorne’s butcher shop, and Cassie’s house. That’s something I hope Rose addresses in future books in this series, which looks to be centered on the town. And we find out almost nothing about Thorne and Cassie’s families, to the point that this was a bit jarring for me.
If you like your romances fast and furious, Touched & Tamed is not for you. But slow-burn fans of monster romance can rejoice in this book.
Rose executes her story beautifully, with a particular emphasis on scents and smells that makes sense in an omegaverse romance. Cassie and Thorne are quickly drawn to one another, but they don’t have a lot of faith in themselves—Cassie due to a failed relationship, Thorne from a lack of experience. So the slow burn involves gaining the confidence to take steps, to act on a growing interest, and Rose lets this gradually happen in that slow-burn context.
I wish we’d learned more about the town Cassie and Thorne live in. This book is hyperfocused on the coffee shop where Cassie is employed, Thorne’s butcher shop, and Cassie’s house. That’s something I hope Rose addresses in future books in this series, which looks to be centered on the town. And we find out almost nothing about Thorne and Cassie’s families, to the point that this was a bit jarring for me.
If you like your romances fast and furious, Touched & Tamed is not for you. But slow-burn fans of monster romance can rejoice in this book.
August 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
”He doesn’t make me smaller. He makes space for me to be exactly the size I am.”
This was a really sweet and cosy romance. I know the idea was feral but domestic and I didn’t quite get that. This book is a very slow paced, slow burn. Which sometimes is exactly what you need. However, I just felt like I would have enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit more. The characters don’t say more than a couple of words to each other until the last few chapters, and their POV’s don’t give a lot of info. Especially Thorne, it hints at his dad being gone and we meet his siblings briefly at the end; but other than that and the fact he’s a butcher I don’t know anything about him despite him being the male main character. I also found the time frame’s a little confusing when she started heat, like I don’t know if she was calling in sick or going into work or if it was a shorter time frame where she had a few days off.
I will say I think this is the perfect, cosy monster romance for some people, just not for me on this occasion (although I absolutely love the author)
🩷I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily🩷
”He doesn’t make me smaller. He makes space for me to be exactly the size I am.”
This was a really sweet and cosy romance. I know the idea was feral but domestic and I didn’t quite get that. This book is a very slow paced, slow burn. Which sometimes is exactly what you need. However, I just felt like I would have enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit more. The characters don’t say more than a couple of words to each other until the last few chapters, and their POV’s don’t give a lot of info. Especially Thorne, it hints at his dad being gone and we meet his siblings briefly at the end; but other than that and the fact he’s a butcher I don’t know anything about him despite him being the male main character. I also found the time frame’s a little confusing when she started heat, like I don’t know if she was calling in sick or going into work or if it was a shorter time frame where she had a few days off.
I will say I think this is the perfect, cosy monster romance for some people, just not for me on this occasion (although I absolutely love the author)
🩷I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily🩷
September 5, 2025
Touched and Tamed feels like coming home and being wrapped up in warm blankets on a cold day. The language Rose uses to describe the town Briar Hill is eloquent and honestly just beautiful. It's been a long time since I read a book that calmed me in the way that truly felt like coming back to a safe space.
If you're looking for a cozy read this it. Look no further. Add in a dash of a silent type minatour hottie and a sweet human florist and boom! I give you Thorne and Cassie.
My only complaint is that personally this was a bit too slow of a slow burn for me. It felt like it took a long time for the protagonists to exchange words and by the time they did there was only so much of the book left and a lot of ground of cover. Thag being said, if you like a slow, slow burn then that shouldn't be an issue.
Overall rating: 3.5
If you're looking for a cozy read this it. Look no further. Add in a dash of a silent type minatour hottie and a sweet human florist and boom! I give you Thorne and Cassie.
My only complaint is that personally this was a bit too slow of a slow burn for me. It felt like it took a long time for the protagonists to exchange words and by the time they did there was only so much of the book left and a lot of ground of cover. Thag being said, if you like a slow, slow burn then that shouldn't be an issue.
Overall rating: 3.5
August 28, 2025
You know that feeling when you're cuddled up with your favorite blanket and a warm drink?
This is was precisely what this book feels like.
I've heard the term cozy monster romance...and that's exactly what this is.
It is sweet. It is cute. It is romantic.
It's new beginnings. It's stolen glances.
It's little gestures that turn into so much more.
I immediately fell in love with these characters, and was rooting for them from the start.
The push and pull.
It's deliciously slow... and I'm not typically a slow burn lover but it fits perfectly in this story.
But when those primal instincts kick in and they stop fighting fate... sheeeewweee it gets HOT!
I have a feeling that this little town is going to be my next obsession!
This is was precisely what this book feels like.
I've heard the term cozy monster romance...and that's exactly what this is.
It is sweet. It is cute. It is romantic.
It's new beginnings. It's stolen glances.
It's little gestures that turn into so much more.
I immediately fell in love with these characters, and was rooting for them from the start.
The push and pull.
It's deliciously slow... and I'm not typically a slow burn lover but it fits perfectly in this story.
But when those primal instincts kick in and they stop fighting fate... sheeeewweee it gets HOT!
I have a feeling that this little town is going to be my next obsession!
August 29, 2025
Cassie is looking for a new start in Briar Hill. Her chance: making the flower arrangements at the local Rosie's cafe.
Thorne isn't looking for a mate. But as soon as he lays eyes on Cassie, there's no denying the pull he feels towards her.
"Touched and Tamed" is such a sweet and gentle story between a human florist and a Minotaur butcher. Lingering glances, sneaky presents, slowly opening up to each other and getting closer and closer. A heat, that Cassie didn't see coming but is all too aware of who might be able to help her. Starting slow and ending with a 💥, if you like slow and cozy stories, perfect to read with a hot beverage in your hand, curled up under a blanket, then put "Touched and Tamed" on your TBR
Thorne isn't looking for a mate. But as soon as he lays eyes on Cassie, there's no denying the pull he feels towards her.
"Touched and Tamed" is such a sweet and gentle story between a human florist and a Minotaur butcher. Lingering glances, sneaky presents, slowly opening up to each other and getting closer and closer. A heat, that Cassie didn't see coming but is all too aware of who might be able to help her. Starting slow and ending with a 💥, if you like slow and cozy stories, perfect to read with a hot beverage in your hand, curled up under a blanket, then put "Touched and Tamed" on your TBR
September 6, 2025
I loved the slow-burn feel to this book. It gave me a deeper understanding of both Cassie and Thorne, as well as their relationship together. I wish I had more of them!!
I found myself wanting to hug them both. Cassie’s journey to finally feel like she belonged was so heartfelt, and I loved being right there with her as she opened up. I love how Farrow’s presence made Cassie feel more comfortable in the new space and showed Cassie she was there when she needed someone to talk to. And when Thorne finally stepped out of his shell, his added presence made the story so much better.
This book is tender, heartfelt, and full of emotions. Fans of slow-burn romances and character-driven stories will love Touched & Tamed. Can’t wait for more of this series.
I found myself wanting to hug them both. Cassie’s journey to finally feel like she belonged was so heartfelt, and I loved being right there with her as she opened up. I love how Farrow’s presence made Cassie feel more comfortable in the new space and showed Cassie she was there when she needed someone to talk to. And when Thorne finally stepped out of his shell, his added presence made the story so much better.
This book is tender, heartfelt, and full of emotions. Fans of slow-burn romances and character-driven stories will love Touched & Tamed. Can’t wait for more of this series.
September 6, 2025
It's the first book I read by Sofia Rose, and literally this book is as Sofia said in her author's note without doubt: Feral but make it domestic!
You could feel Thorne's intensity, he didn't even need to speak....just with his presences was enough.
Love how they were tailing each other around, the small things; it did took them a long time to get their hands on each other,so you gotta be patient. All good thing comes with a little patience.
I was happy that at the end they were really happy and comfortable with each other and that both of their dreams were coming true.
So thankful for the ARC as minotaur girly, I enjoyed myself.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice:🌶️.5
September 6, 2025
Cassie and Thorne
This is the first book in the Briar Hill Omegaverse series. It follows the human FMC Cassie and the Minotaur MMC Thorne. The plot is both simple and complex in the way only love can be. This is a very slow burn and then it is extremely spicy through to the end. Their story is told mostly through internal monologue and time passage is a bit vague. Sometimes when the POV changes it recaps what just happened from the opposite point of view and other times skips forward. It felt a little repetitive at times since there is only so many ways you can describe the same activities happening day after day. Overall I enjoyed it and will likely continue reading the series
This is the first book in the Briar Hill Omegaverse series. It follows the human FMC Cassie and the Minotaur MMC Thorne. The plot is both simple and complex in the way only love can be. This is a very slow burn and then it is extremely spicy through to the end. Their story is told mostly through internal monologue and time passage is a bit vague. Sometimes when the POV changes it recaps what just happened from the opposite point of view and other times skips forward. It felt a little repetitive at times since there is only so many ways you can describe the same activities happening day after day. Overall I enjoyed it and will likely continue reading the series
October 15, 2025
I really just want someone to edit this book. I enjoyed the vibe, I liked the writing overall, and I’m interested in the world/stories from this author.
BUT
the amount of repetition was unbelievable. whole paragraphs would be repeated just a few pages later, let alone the multiple times a page the same phrases would be written. I both enjoyed this book and constantly had to fight the urge to throw my kindle across the room and swear off reading indie books all together. Hopefully the author gets alpha and beta readers who are willing to give real feedback because I think there’s potential here but buried under Thorne’s ~aura~
BUT
the amount of repetition was unbelievable. whole paragraphs would be repeated just a few pages later, let alone the multiple times a page the same phrases would be written. I both enjoyed this book and constantly had to fight the urge to throw my kindle across the room and swear off reading indie books all together. Hopefully the author gets alpha and beta readers who are willing to give real feedback because I think there’s potential here but buried under Thorne’s ~aura~
November 26, 2025
Nesting! Yearning! Endearing sweetness!
It’s like the author knew all my favorite things about omegaverse and put them in one place. I need 10 more please!
You really do have to love yearning to enjoy this book I think. They are both reserved personalities, so a lot of the book is them yearning from afar and tip toeing up to each other.
I know some people didn’t care for this, but ironically it made it more realistic for me as I imagine that’s how it would work for shy people in an omegaverse. A lot of bashfulness until their hormones take over.
I enjoyed it because it was a different set of personalities than you normally see in these types of books.
It’s like the author knew all my favorite things about omegaverse and put them in one place. I need 10 more please!
You really do have to love yearning to enjoy this book I think. They are both reserved personalities, so a lot of the book is them yearning from afar and tip toeing up to each other.
I know some people didn’t care for this, but ironically it made it more realistic for me as I imagine that’s how it would work for shy people in an omegaverse. A lot of bashfulness until their hormones take over.
I enjoyed it because it was a different set of personalities than you normally see in these types of books.
September 6, 2025
Sloooooow burn
Cassie is a florist and new to town. Monsters are way more prevelant in this town. Thorne is a minotaur and owns the butcher shop.
This is a slow and sweet omegaverse. Thorne is large but quiet. Cassie is small and louder but also human.
This story goes through Cassie very slowly falling into heat. She has no idea what it is besides instincts and need. He knows she is his but he refuses to force anything.
Once they come together it is hot but still sweet. It's perfect and I loved every moment.
Cassie is a florist and new to town. Monsters are way more prevelant in this town. Thorne is a minotaur and owns the butcher shop.
This is a slow and sweet omegaverse. Thorne is large but quiet. Cassie is small and louder but also human.
This story goes through Cassie very slowly falling into heat. She has no idea what it is besides instincts and need. He knows she is his but he refuses to force anything.
Once they come together it is hot but still sweet. It's perfect and I loved every moment.
November 3, 2025
I really loved the narrative voice and wistful tone of the novel. After a while, though, repetition became noticeable and then shifted into slightly jarring. With each new page, I felt sad that I might not like this book. I get that it's slow burn, but that’s not what kept pulling me out of the story. This went beyond characters who are creatures of habit. There is so much that we don't know and don't get about the characters. There is definitely high heat, so there is no disappointment on that end.
November 11, 2025
if you are in the mood for a welcome escape into monster-romance blended with omegaverse tropes, with more warmth than darkness, Touched & Tamed offers precisely that. It doesn’t aspire to be a sub-genre upheaval, it simply invites you in, hands you a blanket, and says “stay awhile”. For those who prefer slow-burn emotional arcs, light world-building, and unapologetic steam, this one hits the brief. If you prefer heavy conflict, intricate mythology, or stretched-out pacing, you may find it a tad surface-level.
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