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Monstrous New York #3

The Minotaur in the Snowstorm

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A vampire who’s allergic to commitment and a minotaur nursing a broken heart. What could possibly go wrong?

She blew in with the snow, bringing Christmas cheer when I had none. Standing before me in the swirling flakes, Vanessa Bielski is sunshine personified. Mon soleil.

But when she gets snowed in with me and needs to feed, my blood is the only option. Except, things go from bad to worse when her bite triggers a mating bond and my rut.

I’m not looking for a mate. I did that once and it left my heart blackened like a lump of coal. So we agree to one night to satisfy our carnal urges; a necessary means to an end and nothing more.

Inevitably, when the snow melts, she heads back to the city, and I can’t help but think it’s for the best because I can’t give her my heart.

The pull to Vanessa is stronger than I expect and I find myself needing to be around her. There’s only one her life is in the city and mine is here, in Maple Ridge Hollow. Can we navigate long distance to give our mate bond a fighting chance? Or were we doomed from that first snowy night?

The Minotaur in the Snowstorm is a low-angst, sweet, and spicy monster x monster romance novel with a guaranteed HEA. It’s the third book in the Monstrous New York world and can be read as a standalone.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

7 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

E.M. Sauber

9 books40 followers
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Born and raised in the Midwest, reading has always been a part of her life. A way to escape when the real world gets to be too much.

E.M. currently lives in Minnesota with her wonderful husband, two children, and two dogs.

When she isn't writing steamy shifter stories, you can find her cuddled on the couch under a fuzzy blanket with her kindle.

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5 stars
32 (66%)
4 stars
11 (22%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Spinster Pam.
176 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2025
Don't tell anyone, but I think this may be my favourite book of the series (so far)!! It was so, so, so good! It was scorching hot, deliciously sweet and swoony to the point I was concerned for my oxygen levels.

Vanessa is a vampire who loves grown up fun times and doesn't do relationships.

Jean-Luc is a minotaur who had his heart broken and is determined to not let it happen again.

They met because he works in her future sister-in-law's orchard. She has been nursing a healthy (or maybe unhealthy) crush. He has been avoiding her. She gets storm-stayed at his cabin at Christmas. It is not a holly jolly time. Then she needs to feed and he lets her use him. Turns out they are mates, but neither is looking for a relationship. Then his rut gets triggered and a decision is made for some mutual care. Lights become ropes, she takes a wild ride, then he takes control, a lot of fluid happens, and everyone ends the night happy. Then morning comes. And it is not happy.

Vanessa is so soft & kind. She is bold & powerful & crazy smart & confident. And at her core, she has the biggest heart. She is not afraid of success & pursuing what she wants but is a little more than hesitant for her wants to involve a mate & her heart. Watching her open her heart & let Luc love her will have you swooning so hard.

Jean-Luc is straight up dreamy. He is big (yes, in all the ways) and has the kindest heart. He is afraid of love, afraid of being hurt again, so he tries to avoid what he knows to be true with Vanessa. Watching him realize that is foolish and throw himself into pursuing something with her is the thing of romance dreams and will have you kicking your feet & squealing.

I adore these two and their story. And if you are not sure about monster romance/new to it, this is a great one to start with.

EM's writing is so good. There is so much emotion wrapped up in every word & even though there are times of tears, she infuses the story with an overwhelming joy that feeds the soul. My heart & brain adore how she writes and the characters she crafts.

I received this as an arc which had zero impact on my review.
Profile Image for Mama's Reading List .
104 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2025
This was my first Minotaur book and E.M. Sauber has made sure it won't be my last! 🔥

Jean Luc thinks he is just fine living his solitary life. He has his routine and he has let very few people into his life. That is until Vanessa gets trapped in a snow storm and comes knocking at his door.

The playful banter between these two made their relationship so much fun! Watching their bond grow, while Jean Luc mended his broken heart and Vanessa found a way to maintain her independence but molded her life around her new relationship. Luc and Vanessa have officially stolen the top spot of my favorite couple in this series, their chemistry, banter, her protectiveness, and the spice really just made this a book I couldn't put down!

I read this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. :)
Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book47 followers
October 19, 2025
Ahhh I've been so excited for Jean Luc and Vanessa's story since we met them with Maggie and Victor's book!
Jean Luc was the grumpy loveable Minotaur that helped Maggie and was hurt in the past so he wasn't so keen on Vanessa being stuck in his cabin.
Vanessa wasn't looking for anything serious being the commitment phobe that she was but she did like Jean Luc and all his grumpy-ness.
I loved how they both become everything each other needed and more, they took time to actually understand.
I loved seeing everyone else too!
I can't wait to see what else we get from this series!
Profile Image for Kara McCrea.
130 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2025
Please see this is an ARC review and the book was so kindly given to me by the author is exchange for my honest review.

If you are caught up in the series, Vanessa is Viktor's sister (the MMC from book 2 in the series) and she is just sunshine personified. Jean Luc comes off as a grumpy boy but he is secretly a big marshmallow on the inside. We have met him previously in the series as he's the one who helps Maggie with the apple orchard.

These 2 have the BEST chemistry, and I'd venture to say, so far my favorite couple in the series.
Being stuck together on a snowy winters night puts them on a one way track to healing and I loved that for them. They are so so sweet together.
Reluctant love with a foundation of hurt and betrayal always feels like it hits me JUST a little harder when the characters do finally get together, and this book did not disappoint in that category.
This is the perfect holiday read and you will absolutely fall in love with these 2. I know it.
Profile Image for Josie Lingard.
136 reviews
November 3, 2025
The Minotaur in the Snowstorm by E.M. Sauber
5 🌟

I absolutely devoured this book. I read it in 24 hours and really struggled to put it down when I had to be a functioning member of society. This is hands down my favourite book in the Monstrous New York series. I loved the dynamics of Vanessa and Jean-Luc's relationship, the forced proximity that brought them together and the pace at which their relationship progressed. The way Jean-Luc respected Vanessa's independence and her dreams, and showed his own vulnerability, was beautiful. Their communication was also top-notch, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. By the end of this book, Jean-Luc has a piece of my heart, and I would trust him a million times over to keep it safe 💚

Thank you so much to E.M. Sauber for the opportunity to read an ARC of this fantastic book. It releases on November 12th, and if you're a fan of forced proximity, mate bonds, vampire x minotaur relationships, and don't mind a cheeky breeding kink, I highly recommend checking out this book!
Profile Image for Britt 🐺.
450 reviews16 followers
November 11, 2025
“‘Make a mess on me, Ness. Soak me. Show me what my blood does to you, ma belle.’” 🫠

I had so much fun with Vanessa and Jean-Luc omg. We meet them in The Vampire in the Orchard and I was very excited when it was revealed that their book came next. I adored how Vanessa knew exactly what she wanted and went after it 👏 The combo of a vampire and a Minotaur was *chef’s kiss* because he could be strong while in his rut but she is no flimsy female. I loved it. The spice was off the charts and once they realized their emotions were involved for more than they were snowed in together, I adored how they went with it and didn’t deny themselves or each other for very long. There’s also just something that sits so right with me about a grumpy MMC who makes small gestures to show he cares, like getting her a Christmas tree when she wants one and knowing that toys are allies and not competition 😏

I love E.M. Sauber’s writing and cannot wait to see where the next story goes and am so grateful to have received an ARC!
Profile Image for Liz.
130 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
I’m so glad we’re back on the farm — but this time with Nessa!! I love a girl who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

We’ve got a heartbroken Minotaur and a commitment-phobe vampire who find out they’re mates after one unforgettable night snowed in together. They both fight it (of course), but that’s what makes it so perfect. He doesn’t want her to give up her dreams or her spa, and their dynamic is just chef’s kiss.

Our girl gets sick, and this man literally breaks down a door to get to her.

The “who hurt you, Luc?” moment — but coming from our FMC — absolutely wrecked me.

Jean-Luc will always have a special place in my heart (iykyk — my husband on IG 👀)

These two are beyond perfect for each other, and getting to see the characters from the previous book made it even better. I can’t wait for the next one!! 💕🐂🧛‍♀️❄️

Tropes:
Grouchy/sunshine
Size difference
Accident snowed in
Toys as teammmates
Accidental rut
Profile Image for monika_is_booked.
363 reviews13 followers
November 8, 2025
Getting snowed in with the grumpy Minotaur who peaked her interest a few months ago wasn't on Vanessa's bingo card. Neither was accidentally triggering Luc's rut. But sometimes fate has plans that need to happen. Doesn't matter that neither Vanessa nor Luc are keen to fall in love. That they are mates? Just a minor inconvenience, or maybe the best that could happen to them?

The Minotaur in the Snowstorm is such a cute and cozy read. Both main characters accent the other for who they are from they start and after the first hiccup, they quickly decide to take the leap and explore their connection. What was mostly physical at first, rapidly becomes a deep connection between the Vampire and the Minotaur and they just need to work out how to navigate this new life they want together.
If you like cozy monster romance with amazing spice to keep you warm on a cold winter night, then you should pick up "The Minotaur in the Snowstorm" asap!!
Profile Image for Phish_Monkey.
23 reviews
November 11, 2025
Vanessa and Jean-Luc had me screaming for more! Am I a sucker for a minotaur romance? Yes, I am guilty. But I loved the chemistry between these two. Confident, sultry and motivated Vampire entrepreneur extraordinaire meets larger than life, grumpy, and stubborn minotaur foreman with a heart of gold and an accent that can melt your insides. Do I need to say more?

As the third installment in this series, the world continues to grow as do my love for the characters from past books that continue to make appearances. I loved this one just as much as the last two and am eagerly looking forward to the next!
Profile Image for ABlikesbooks.
34 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2025
So... my brain doesn't have all the words I need to explain to you how much I LOVED this book. These three were so *chef's kiss*.
You want communication? Done
You want everyone to date each other? Done
You want pain rep? Done
You want trans rep? Done
You want mental health rep? DONE
You want a thrupple that is accepting and understanding of each others needs? D.O.N.E!!!!!
Fine I see you in the front there with one final wish...
You want flaming hot schmexy times? Done...like SUPER DONE. *nods*
These three are taking up permanent residence in my head. They live there now, and I don't charge rent. I just make popcorn and enjoy the show.
Profile Image for CurvyGirlBookGuide.
26 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2025
Vanessa is an independent, vampire businesswoman with her own spa in the city. Jean-Luc is the minotaur forman at Maggie’s orchard (from book 2) and has his own maple syrup business. Vanessa is on her way back to the city from the orchard on Christmas Eve when she gets stuck in the snowstorm and stumbles upon Jean-Luc’s cabin. It looks like she’ll be snowed in until the snorm passes. The sexual tension between Vanessa and Jean-Luc is insane. They try to deny their feelings but can’t stay away from each other. I loved this cozy, sexy, low angst love story. The spiciness is paired with so much sweetness. It was a joy to read.
164 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2025
4.5 stars! 🌟
I was so happy to dive back in this series. A vampire and minotaur romance? Yes, please!

I absolutely loved all of the characters. Vanessa was so awesome, she knew what she wanted and went for it and Jean-Luc was so grumpy but when she needed him he was there in an instant 🥰 I adored these two, the chemistry was off the charts and the playful banter was so good. They were so perfect together! I loved this book, couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what's next!
Thank you so much for letting me read an ARC, I really enjoyed it! 🩷
Profile Image for ElleBearBooks.
74 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2025
Vanessa and Luc's story! I've been wondering about this grumpy minotaur since I saw him in Book 2! It was really nice to see more of Viktor's family dynamic, and see how the relationships between everyone has progressed since Book 2! Seeing the boss of a woman that Vanessa is was everything, and it was even sweeter once we learned more about what she truly wanted. These two go through a lot in this story, but each moment brings them closer together. A wonderful holiday read that ends on the sweetest note.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
75 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2025
I mean if you love E.M. Sauber, you will love this. BUT, the fact that it is a supernatural couple is awesome! All other books one of the couple is human so it is a more in depth look at the two of them. Built in the same world as her other Monstrous NY books, this one adds to a couple we briefly meet in the other books. They don't have attractions in that book, or it is not publicized, so this one is a fun, spicy take!
Profile Image for Grace Leonora Griffiths.
158 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2025
I loved this book. 3rd in the series. Jean luc and Vanessa were characters introduced in the last book and were set up to be one steamy couple.
This book did not disappoint. A second chance at love for Jean Luc and Vanessa's first dive into love.
Stuck together after a storm, the pair realised they had chemistry and phew what chemistry 🥵.
Great storyline, brilliant character building. Can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Darktwistybookworm.
397 reviews13 followers
November 12, 2025
Take:
1 Dirty-talking, broken-hearted, grumpy Minotaur.
Add in 1 commitment-phobic, sunshine Vampire.
A pinch of "oh no! We're snowed in!" and a dash of accidental rut.
Mix it all together and bake in the pressure cooker of seggsual chemistry until it starts to boil over.
Then serve with a Golden Drizzle of syrup and dive straight in to this deliciously spicy and sweet treat!

WARNING: Content will be HOT
Profile Image for Kamiye.
247 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2025
I liked the characters individually, but I'm not a fan of the plot and their chemistry. I loved the previous book (Viktor has a place in my heart), but this one didn't do it for me.

However, I know many people will love it, pick it up for:

- Vampire X Minotaur romance
- They are snowed in
- Low-angst
- Spicy (Christmas lights are involved)

Got this one from KU.
Profile Image for RogueMarina.
158 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2025
I feel like from start to finish, this book is my favorite in this series. I felt like I connected with both characters, especially with dealing with heartbreak. The spice was quite entertaining and enjoyable.
3 reviews
December 28, 2025
Loved this

I love a book that sucks you in from the first few chapters, and then keeps you enthralled with all the dirty stuff. This is now one of my favorite books.
Profile Image for Ash.
422 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
If monsters and low-angst is more your vibe then check out these two stuck together in a snowstorm with an accidental mating bond, a Minotaur rut and only “one night” to satisfy the passion. I really enjoyed their chemistry along with the discussions once they decided to make it work about trying to make time for each other. Their lives were separate and they made the effort to adjust to spend time together and really give it a true shot, even when their pasts or life through them obstacles. A cozy and low-angst read that felt like a warm fire on a snowy night.
Profile Image for Candace P..
1,087 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2025
4.5 stars

This was such a fun and cozy monster romance. I love everything EM does, and this is definitely a new favorite.

I'm obsessed with how grumpy Jean Luc was through the story and how quickly he fell for Vanessa and I love that Vanessa came in and shook up Jean Luc's routine! I definitely loved the spice in this one and was totally down for the snowed in trope.

I really enjoyed the twist of Vanessa's illness and the pull Jean-Luc felt after their time spent together. It was the perfect amount of "what will happen" without being too angsty.

This is totally one I want to read over and over and I cant wait to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Rose.
74 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2025
***Alpha/Beta/ARC Review***

When I say I love this book and it has become my comfort read....I've probably read this book now 4 times.
(And each time it just gets better 🤭🫣)

Vanessa and Jean-Luc will forever hold my heart.
I think I said the same thing about Viktor and Maggie from book 2.
But the way that Luc loves his mate.....I just 😭😭❤️❤️❤️

The push and pull we get between these two is really intense but there's just no other way for them to be.

The spice. Is *chefs kiss* perfection.
Ness is such a fiery spirit and really gives Luc a run for his money 😅😅😅

Luc allows himself to love again and Ness finally opens up to settling down.
And through the challenges they face, they do it together.
(CAUSE A CERTAIN CHARACTER WAS GONNA CATCH THESE HANDS FOR HURTING MY BABY LUC)
But Ness had him.

AND THEN WE MEET SOMEONE IN THE ENDING I CAN'T WAIT FOR YALL TO MEET 😅🫣🤭

And don't forget to read the other 2 books in this series first so you can build the storylines and the world building together!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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