When foreclosure threatens my grandmother's bee farm, I have two lose everything, or accept a deal with the devil himself.
And the devil? He comes in the form of Raphael, the eight-foot-tall minotaur who's been buying up half the town.
Everyone thinks I've gone crazy—sweet little Frankie Baker, the town's beekeeper, giving herself over to the monster everyone wants gone…
But what they don't know? This fearsome minotaur needs my gentle touch more than he'll ever admit, and I'm the only one who can uncover the guilt that's eating him alive.
I thought I was just trading domestic services to save my farm. Instead, he wants me to belong to him in every way.
When Raphael's possessive hunger awakens desires I never knew I had, I'm forced to make an impossible protect my reputation, or choose the minotaur everyone fears?
Wrangled by the Minotaur is a spicy standalone monster romance featuring a brooding misunderstood minotaur, a beekeeper hiding scandalous desires, and enough heat to steam up your kindle. Perfect for fans of dangerously hot monsters. Guaranteed HEA!
Ivy Sparks has a passion for romances that feature kick-ass heroines and the dark alpha males who love them. If not for her demanding cat, she'd probably have even more books out.
I'm a little disappointed. It was actually quite good... until the issue this author usually has showed up in the last fourth of the book. What were either of the "bad" guys motivations?! The last one made 0 sense why he would do that. At least show a reason that makes sense. And it's not being against other species or they wouldn't have helped earlier in the book.
When I get to the end of the book and audibly gasp *NO* when there aren't more pages to devour, you know it's a GREAT book.
I absolutely LOVED this book. This book absolutely nails the character exploration of "but what if we make him something other than a "monster"" (because, let's be honest, some Minotaur books lean way too far into the brooding alphahole stereotype where it's up to the FMC to "fix him" and that's boring and predictable!). Some of my favorite tropes, like forced proximity and relationship of convenience, with just enough plot twists to be a new take on one of my favorite tales as old as time premises.
The pacing for the number of pages was perfection. The characters weren't flat, and the drama and conflicts that occur are genuine and not manufactured just for the sake of a trope or space to fill. The world-building was just enough that you can almost feel yourself in the story, but not so much that it overshadows the characters and the plot.
And the spice to plot ratio was well balanced.
I could have easily read 200 more pages of these two doing anything and everything in daily life (not that the book is by any means lacking, but I could read about their daily lives for hours and be blissfully happy immersed in their world).
This is definitely in my permanent rotation. If you're looking for a cozy comfort read, PICK THIS UP LIKE YESTERDAY!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She needed saving, he needed redemption, together they found love
Frankie (h) is drowning in debt, fighting to keep her grandmother’s apiary alive when one reckless choice puts her face to face with Raphael (H), a reclusive minotaur with a dangerous past. His offer could save her farm, but it comes at a price that ties their lives together. What starts as survival unravels into something neither of them expected.
Raphael has spent years alone, burdened by violence he can’t undo and a fearsome reputation. Frankie’s presence breaks through that isolation, revealing the protector beneath the beast. Their nights ignite with heat, their days demand trust, and what began as a bargain starts to feel like devotion. With her courage and his loyalty, they reshape themselves and how their world sees them.
Danger lingers in betrayal, guilt, and the schemes of those who fear change threaten what they’re building. Through every challenge, Frankie won’t let go, and Raphael refuses to be the monster the world expects. They turn fear into belonging and loss into resilience, proving that love forged in fire can’t be broken.
Frankie grows from a desperate woman clinging to her grandmother’s legacy into one who claims her own strength, while Raphael evolves from a recluse into a partner who finally accepts love. Their relationship transforms from a transaction into something lasting, built on trust, vulnerability, and devotion. What begins as a bargain becomes a bond that defines them.
A steamy, minotaur, enemies to lovers, small town monster romance, exploring love, trust, identity, community acceptance, power and vulnerability, tradition, resilience, and belonging. It’s about finding love through trust and vulnerability, building identity within tradition and community, and discovering resilience and belonging in the face of fear and prejudice. It’s intense, proving that even monsters can be worthy of devotion.
A bit more fraught than previous entries into the series, but still a good time! Frankie (Human girlie) took over her grandmother's bee far and is drowning in debt, Raphael (Minotaur dude) was a corporate baddie until he retired to the countryside and has been buying up a bunch of properties much to the suspicion of the locals. After a bee based meet cute the two strike a mutually beneficial deal and immediately head to saucyland. I quite liked much of the plot of this one actually and mostly enjoyed the characters. As always they moves waaaaaaay too fast but that's to be expected. A fun read for sure!
As per usual, spoilers cut for spoilering, grumbling, & general sauciness:
Ivy Sparks has created a little gem of a series in the Monster Mates romances. I've now read them all and have enjoyed each one for their unique characters and storylines. Raphael a minotaur with a corporate past who did something he's not proud of. He moves to a beautiful little town and realizes that some of the same people he escaped in the business world were coming for the town to buy it and strip it of its natural Beauty . He just can't let that happen. Then he meets Frankie. Frankie has grown up is Sunnybrook her grandmother and her bee farm was where she felt safest so one she quit her duty job and returned she felt a sense of peace.until the minute her grandmother passed away. Now she's in charge of the bees , the business and the debt that came with it. She's doesn't know how she's going to pay the dent but she just can't loose the family farm. Then she meets Raphael and he makes her a deal she can't refuse or maybe its a deal she doesn't want to refuse. Thus is a sweet and spicy story about two souls finding a safe harbor in the other. Of two souls finding their other half and the home they never new they needed.! Loved every second of it! I hope she writes another in the series soon! Highly recommend🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🔥
If you're looking for a sweet and spicy romance with cozy vibes, amazing spicy scenes, a bit of conflict and compelling characters then read this book. Frankie (FMC) is kind hearted and curious beekeeper trying to keep her late grandmother's bee farm alive. Raphael (MMC) is a strong masculine minotaur looking for peace and a sense of belonging. They meet and are exactly what each other needs. What starts as a mutually beneficial fake dating scenario quickly blossoms into something more. I love every bit of this book. The spicy scenes were mouth-watering yet done very tastefully 🌶🌶🌶. I can think of a few scenes that will leave you hot and wanting more. The complex yet relatable characters, the cozy & warm town, beautiful scenery, and imagery so vivid you could hear the bees buzzing and smell the wildflower fields. Read this book and you will not be disappointed!!! ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you BookSprout, and Ivy Sparks for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ivy never disappoints! This was another fantastic addition to the Monster Mates series.
I love the cozy small town vibes, and everything that comes along with it good and bad. There was a surprising amount of tension in this one, and even some danger too!
I appreciated how this book tackled racism, classism, and people learning to overcome their views on people who are different than them. It was done really well, and I loved it.
The romance was so cozy and sweet, and the spice was smoking hot. Frankie and Raphael are the cutest couple ever, and the epilogue will make you all warm and fuzzy inside. It is perfection all around!
Frankie has inherited her grandmother's apiary farm. She's lived on it for over a year. But now she is looking at a foreclosure letter. She has to come up with a lot of money to not lose her farm. Raphael is a minotaur who lives on the land next door to Frankie. He catches her on his land and as she is falling off the ladder where she was trying to get her bees, he catches her. Raphael invites her to dinner to discuss a business proposition he has that will benefit the both of them. Thus begins the most complicated but beautiful love story and courtship between a human and monster. It's beautiful to "watch" as the relationship opens like a flower to the sun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raphael is having second thoughts and misgivings about fitting into town. But when he meets his next door neighbor he has an idea to help both of them. Frankie is almost out of time to pay her grandmothers loan before the bank foreclosures happens. So when her neighbor Minotaur Raphael suggests a give and take she decides to take it. She’s done making the goodie to shoes plans and wants to instead do what she wants. And she wants to see where things will go with this handsome Minotaur. They have a coming out of sorts that sets them up for success and just shows them both things are there if they just reach for them. And these two will reach and hold on to each other. The spicy is hot 🥵 between these two. Off the charts chemistry and it comes with dirty talk too😉
I enjoyed this so much. It's cute, fun and deliciously spicy.
I quickly fell in love with both Frankie & Raphael, and their unconventional relationship. The small town drama kept me engaged and I loved meeting the various residents of Sunnybrook.
The spice is fantastic, and I absolutely have a thing for minotaurs now (I can't deny it any longer 🤭). But while Raphael might seem rather bullish and rough, he's actually got a heart of gold and can be so gentle when he wants to be. He's really such a sweetheart.
I received an ARC of this ebook via BookSprout, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
With the threat of foreclosure of her grandmother's farm and her bees hanging over her head, Frankie is made an offer by Raphael, the Minotaur next door and someone her bees approve of, in exchange for helping him with his reputation. When it becomes obvious that the town of Sunnybrook isn't going to change their view of him easily, Frankie comes up with a suggestion that helps but also sets in motion problems they hadn't thought of. Frankie and Raphael's story is beautiful and fascinating, especially all the details about the bees. Steamy and with lots of drama, I had to read this in one sitting, so be prepared.
This is another fab addition to the series and I love the cozy small town vibes in it. Frankie and Raphael are perfect together and I loved watching Frankie go from fairly meek to someone willing to go after her happiness, despite what anyone else thinks. Raphael was so sweet and gentle with her. He may not have felt like he was good enough for her, but he couldn't help his feelings ;) Expect to get caught up in the drama, prejudice, and the sweet and spicy romance as they work their way to a heartwarming HEA. Good fun!
This is a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. Frankie inherited her grandmother's bee farm, and now she is in a tough financial situation. Raphael is a minotaur who has lived next door to her for the past six months. Now he is offering a solution for her, and it will also benefit him. This is a sweetly steamy story with wonderful characters. I love the mix of monsters and humans. This is an excellent book with plenty of spice and a perfect happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book—it had the perfect balance of story and romance. The side characters were a nice addition without ever stealing the spotlight, which I appreciated because I loved getting the viewpoints of Frankie and Raphael. The plot and conflict were well done, keeping me hooked from start to finish. It was a fast-paced, page-turning read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a happily-ever-after monster romance with plenty of spice. Ivy Sparks never disappoints!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Acceptance For All Frankie is desperate - her apiary will be foreclosed upon if she doesn’t come up with same money, fast. So when her Minotaur neighbour (Rafael) catches her and offers her a solution with a catch, she seriously thinks about it. This story was so much more that “rich monster buys poor girl”; themes of loneliness and community, vulnerability and perceptions were threaded through this delightful (and spicy) romance. I loved Frankie for her step outside her comfort zone, and how she fought for Raphael’s acceptance in Sunnybrooke. This story really delivered.
Gleeful Goblin Review: This is a sensational cozy read just like every book in this series has been so far. The overall setup of the plot is similar to Beauty & The Beast in the whole "gentle and sweet girl has to serve the horrible monster who isn't a monster in the end" type of story but definitely the grown up version. Our FMC discovers that our "monster" isn't monstrous....at least not in a bad way! 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content warning I wish I’d known before reading was the virginity trope? Lack of experience doesn’t equal purity. I personally think that trope is gross and it ruined the spice for me.
It’s also low on plot in ways that don’t make sense. Why does she say “you’re not a monster” but then refer to him as a monster over and over? Why is he so scared to be seen in town…when he was a successful businessman?
Did I read the whole thing? Yes. Did I love this series minus this book? Yes. Would I read it again? No.
Always enjoy Ivy Sparks and anything monster. This is book four in the mate's series and features Frankie and Raphael. Frankie's about to lose her grandmothers bee farm and has to make a deal with the Minotaur - Raphael. Each has their reasons, for agreeing to changes in their lives and it was another enjoyable read in this series. :D I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The perfect sweet and spicy, cosy monster romance!
Frankie and Rafael’s story was so sweet. It just pulled me in and wrapped me up like a warm blanket. I enjoyed both character arc as they fell in love with each other. They were well written and engaging. The spice was perfect and super hot! Very well done! Spice 3🌶️. Rating 5 ⭐️. Highly recommend if you love a sweet and spicy, cosy monster romance.
I felt a sense of satisfaction at the end of the story, glad that our main characters finally achieved their happy ending. They faced many troubles, but they overcame them together. I empathized with the male main character and admired his strong resolve. I also applauded the female main character for seeing what others overlooked and for believing in him despite the challenges.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a feel-good story about loyalty, love and doing the right-thing. I love Frankie and especially Raphael. For someone who comes accross as confident and bullish - pardon the pun - he is remarkably sweet. Frankie is a good person who always does the right thing and is always the “good girl”. I love how Frankie gains her confidence and Raphael finds somewhere to belong. This an enjoyable and super steamy read. 5 stars!
The story is well written but for me personally too much emphasis is put on her virginity and her innocence for being untouched, the virginity was mentioned a few times and even during one sex scene. I feel like it’s a big ick for me and really took away from the story. I have enjoyed this series and hope for more stories from some of the secondary characters in each of the books.
For all his outer demeanour cannot hide that he is a somewhat rough, stubborn and bullish (nope can't be avoided) male, it definitely does hide his ability to be surprisingly sweet. He needs a true home which is what he finds in Frankie. She is the epitome of the good girl but that's also mainly because she is genuinely caring and kind, trying to do the right thing. Just the right mix of steam and sweet. I loved it!
Well written, sweet, fake relationship, steamy, and HEA. Raphael is a minotaur that everyone is afraid of. His past was about violence but now he wants the quiet life. Frankie is about to loose her grandmother's farm, but when Raphael purpose a fake relationship to help the local residents to see him differently and hed help her save her farm, she's takes that chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A sweet story of acceptance of those who are different. Frankie is adorable and very innocent. I liked how she adores her bees and the first interaction between her and Raphael. Raphael is a prime example of never judging someone because of how they look. I enjoyed his battles with his emotions and his instincts. They help to make him seem real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'd say opposites attract, but, even though they're 2 different species, they seem to mesh. Their romance causing a stir in the community that has preconceived notions and rumors as to why Raphael is in their town. Frankie and Rapheal have to navigate the trials that come their way. It's a sweet and sassy romance, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the characters and world building.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the plot Miss Ivy always brings interesting stories in her books. Loneliness is a theme that brings her protagonist’s together. Raphael and Frankie were able to fulfill their needs with one another which makes for a good book.
I enjoyed all of the fantasy and magical characters. I wished there would have been more about her relative, Craig Baker. He showed up and disappeared when Raphael became involved.
Really had potential to be great, but settled as just good. It was a sweet story with potential, but nothing was really developed/touched on and everything felt very shallow and almost summarized instead of actual parts of a developed story.
It was a good, quick read.
Open door, spice level 4 for description, probably 3ish for frequency? Overall those parts were well done.
This was a sweet fake dating story, insta-love. The info about the bee keeping was interesting to me. Everything was wayyy simplified, but these books are palate cleansers. Just enough heat and story to be nice and then you move on.
The stakes are usually kind of an issue though. With this one, as others have said, two antagonists appear (different scenes) but at the end there is no real wrap up on those threads.
I was hoping one of the monster antagonists would get an epiphany in the end and redeem himself so he could get a book of his own, but that’s probably not happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Great read and a very enjoyable one with a HEA. I love how sweet Frankie is, and being a beekeeper was a novel career, as I haven't read another book with that included! Raphael and his possessiveness was so 'cute' and I loved the HEA! Defiantly a quick read and very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.