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The Minotaur's Claim
“I haven't decided yet what to do with you. But push me, and I'll show you exactly how monsters fuck their prey.”
When Lysandra's village offers her to the legendary Minotaur King, they dress her in white and call it honor. But she knows the truth—she's payment for their prosperity, a virgin bride for a monster who rules an impossible maze between worlds.
She expects death.
She doesn't expect him.
Asterion has guarded the labyrinth for years, watching sacrifices come with their fear and their resignation. But this one enters his domain with fire in her eyes and defiance in her spine. This one looks at his monstrous form and asks questions instead of screaming.
This one might just be his undoing.
Welcome to a world where shadows have opinions, monsters have hearts, and the only thing more dangerous than entering the labyrinth... is wanting to stay.
When Lysandra's village offers her to the legendary Minotaur King, they dress her in white and call it honor. But she knows the truth—she's payment for their prosperity, a virgin bride for a monster who rules an impossible maze between worlds.
She expects death.
She doesn't expect him.
Asterion has guarded the labyrinth for years, watching sacrifices come with their fear and their resignation. But this one enters his domain with fire in her eyes and defiance in her spine. This one looks at his monstrous form and asks questions instead of screaming.
This one might just be his undoing.
Welcome to a world where shadows have opinions, monsters have hearts, and the only thing more dangerous than entering the labyrinth... is wanting to stay.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2025
12 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette Clarke
51 books20 followersWelcome to the Wild & Wondrous World of Jeanette Clarke!
Bestselling Indie Author, where dragons soar overhead, zombies serve your coffee (yes, in maid outfits), and grumpy Draxonian warriors question why humans are so weird.
Here, you’ll dive into epic tales of love, redemption, hope, faith, and survival—because life’s better with a little adventure (and maybe an alien soulmate or two). Whether you crave one lover or five, zombies or werewolves, aliens or dragons, or even a good, clean romantic comedy, Jeanette’s got you covered.
From slow burns that make you swoon to spicy reads hotter than her husband’s idea of “too much hot sauce”, your next book obsession is waiting. Grab a seat, buckle up, and prepare to be whisked away—with a little humor and a whole lot of heart!
Bestselling Indie Author, where dragons soar overhead, zombies serve your coffee (yes, in maid outfits), and grumpy Draxonian warriors question why humans are so weird.
Here, you’ll dive into epic tales of love, redemption, hope, faith, and survival—because life’s better with a little adventure (and maybe an alien soulmate or two). Whether you crave one lover or five, zombies or werewolves, aliens or dragons, or even a good, clean romantic comedy, Jeanette’s got you covered.
From slow burns that make you swoon to spicy reads hotter than her husband’s idea of “too much hot sauce”, your next book obsession is waiting. Grab a seat, buckle up, and prepare to be whisked away—with a little humor and a whole lot of heart!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice
Thank you to the author and BookSprout for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this book — I had pretty low expectations, and wow, I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
From the start, the book was smoothly written, with a fantastic setup. Lysandra’s sass and bold personality made diving into the story effortless and fun.
Given how short the book is, I wasn’t expecting much — but wow, it’s packed with far more than I anticipated. The pacing is fast, but there’s a real, fleshed-out storyline underneath all the heat.
I especially loved how the plot gave me hints of Labyrinth, Beauty and the Beast, and classic mythology — but still felt fresh and unique.
While I would’ve loved a longer book with a slightly slower pace, the author did an amazing job weaving a twisty, sexy, satisfying story in such a short amount of time.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely 💯
Would I read it again?
Yes — the reread value is high.
How would I sum it up?
A sizzling, fast-paced fantasy that blends sass, spice, and story into one addicting read.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice
Thank you to the author and BookSprout for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this book — I had pretty low expectations, and wow, I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
From the start, the book was smoothly written, with a fantastic setup. Lysandra’s sass and bold personality made diving into the story effortless and fun.
Given how short the book is, I wasn’t expecting much — but wow, it’s packed with far more than I anticipated. The pacing is fast, but there’s a real, fleshed-out storyline underneath all the heat.
I especially loved how the plot gave me hints of Labyrinth, Beauty and the Beast, and classic mythology — but still felt fresh and unique.
While I would’ve loved a longer book with a slightly slower pace, the author did an amazing job weaving a twisty, sexy, satisfying story in such a short amount of time.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely 💯
Would I read it again?
Yes — the reread value is high.
How would I sum it up?
A sizzling, fast-paced fantasy that blends sass, spice, and story into one addicting read.
November 12, 2025
Honest ARC Review ✨️
This was my first time reading anything by Jeanette Clarke, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never heard of her or this book before, but I decided to give it a try—and I’m glad I did!
Let me tell you, this book is sizzling hot 💦🔥. There are definitely a lot of adult scenes, so if you enjoy steamy fantasy romance, this one delivers. At the same time, I found myself wishing for a little more depth in the fantasy worldbuilding. The mix of fantasy and romance worked well, but I felt like there was room for more, and I’m really hoping the author continues this story in a second book.
The pacing is fast, the writing flows easily, and the romance has that Beauty and the Beast vibe—but with its own unique twist that makes it stand out.
Overall, I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to other readers who love fantasy romance with plenty of spice.
✨ Thank you to Booksprout for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first time reading anything by Jeanette Clarke, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never heard of her or this book before, but I decided to give it a try—and I’m glad I did!
Let me tell you, this book is sizzling hot 💦🔥. There are definitely a lot of adult scenes, so if you enjoy steamy fantasy romance, this one delivers. At the same time, I found myself wishing for a little more depth in the fantasy worldbuilding. The mix of fantasy and romance worked well, but I felt like there was room for more, and I’m really hoping the author continues this story in a second book.
The pacing is fast, the writing flows easily, and the romance has that Beauty and the Beast vibe—but with its own unique twist that makes it stand out.
Overall, I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to other readers who love fantasy romance with plenty of spice.
✨ Thank you to Booksprout for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2025
I went into this after reading The Ogre’s Bride thinking it would be just as good. I was surprised to find it wasn’t.
It was less about a storyline and more about the smutty plot.
It was less about a storyline and more about the smutty plot.
September 27, 2025
4.5⭐
For centuries a deal has been in place: One sacrifice to the labyrinth in exchange for peace and protection. Multiple times throughout her 22 years of life Lysandra has witnessed the lottery but everything is different this time when her name is called, marking her as the sacrifice. With pure spite in her soul she faces her future head on, refusing to kneel to fear. When the labyrinth opens up for her and let's her inside she has no idea what to expect. She only enters with the horror stories that have been told, the whispers that warned of the Minotaur King, the protector of the labyrinth, and the atrocities that awaited in the shadows within the stone walls. All myth and legend, since no one has ever come back.
Asterion has been alone for centuries. Cursed to exist in a state of other, not truly man nor truly monster. With every day that passes he slips more into his curse, succumbing to the beast all while bound to his duty as guardian of the labyrinth. That is until she enters the maze. When they come face to face she stands to him and stares him down with determination and vigor. She is the first mortal to make it past the first chamber in 300 years and with that she gives him a very pleasant "go fck yourself." With a new found fire burning deep within him Asterion finds the desire to do more than survive, he intends to rule again with a queen by his side. "You're the first to make me feel anything but duty and hunger in so long I'd forgotten what it's like."
This story had so many things that were really awesome. It was fast paced and fluid. There wasn't a single chapter where something wasn't happening but nothing really got drowned out in the mix. When Lysandra meets Asterion she has no idea what is in store for her. The unexpected connection, the longing, the desire, the need, the trials, the magic, the transformation, the shattering of reality itself. Nothing could have prepared her (or me honestly) for what was going to happen simply because she entered the labyrinth with no fear in her heart.
Magic, trials, transformation, sacrifice, virgin FMC, Cat & mouse, Brat, consent king (when it matters), edging, training/stretching, public performance, voyeurism, beast form, sensitive horns, knotting, rutting, heat, (attempted) breeding, lots of 💦
For centuries a deal has been in place: One sacrifice to the labyrinth in exchange for peace and protection. Multiple times throughout her 22 years of life Lysandra has witnessed the lottery but everything is different this time when her name is called, marking her as the sacrifice. With pure spite in her soul she faces her future head on, refusing to kneel to fear. When the labyrinth opens up for her and let's her inside she has no idea what to expect. She only enters with the horror stories that have been told, the whispers that warned of the Minotaur King, the protector of the labyrinth, and the atrocities that awaited in the shadows within the stone walls. All myth and legend, since no one has ever come back.
Asterion has been alone for centuries. Cursed to exist in a state of other, not truly man nor truly monster. With every day that passes he slips more into his curse, succumbing to the beast all while bound to his duty as guardian of the labyrinth. That is until she enters the maze. When they come face to face she stands to him and stares him down with determination and vigor. She is the first mortal to make it past the first chamber in 300 years and with that she gives him a very pleasant "go fck yourself." With a new found fire burning deep within him Asterion finds the desire to do more than survive, he intends to rule again with a queen by his side. "You're the first to make me feel anything but duty and hunger in so long I'd forgotten what it's like."
This story had so many things that were really awesome. It was fast paced and fluid. There wasn't a single chapter where something wasn't happening but nothing really got drowned out in the mix. When Lysandra meets Asterion she has no idea what is in store for her. The unexpected connection, the longing, the desire, the need, the trials, the magic, the transformation, the shattering of reality itself. Nothing could have prepared her (or me honestly) for what was going to happen simply because she entered the labyrinth with no fear in her heart.
Magic, trials, transformation, sacrifice, virgin FMC, Cat & mouse, Brat, consent king (when it matters), edging, training/stretching, public performance, voyeurism, beast form, sensitive horns, knotting, rutting, heat, (attempted) breeding, lots of 💦
September 26, 2025
So, I do have some mixed feelings for this book.
On the whole, I enjoyed it. The spice was good, but the book is not smut heavy by any means. The dialogue is fun between the fmc and mmc. What kind of throws me somewhat out of the fantasy is its not super clear when this takes place. Like, the fmc is a virginal sacrifice to the Minotaur, to ensure her village's prosperity and safety, and was training as a healer. But sometimes the language she uses is very contemporary, referencing a fortune cookie at one point. The initial set up gives like rural, maybe medieval-esque vibes, so the juxtaposition to how she speaks is jarring, at times. Also, regarding the minotaur, I would have liked the effects of the "curse" to be more spelled out. I was struggling to ascertain if he was always a Minotaur, and it was the perception he was a monster that made him monstrous/beastial, or did he look human and the curse changed him into the Minotaur? Overall, I enjoyed the story, love a good strong fmc and love always wins-type story.
If you enjoy minotaurs, size difference to the extreme, magic, a girl finally being seen for her worth as a person instead of a maidenhead, give it ago!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the whole, I enjoyed it. The spice was good, but the book is not smut heavy by any means. The dialogue is fun between the fmc and mmc. What kind of throws me somewhat out of the fantasy is its not super clear when this takes place. Like, the fmc is a virginal sacrifice to the Minotaur, to ensure her village's prosperity and safety, and was training as a healer. But sometimes the language she uses is very contemporary, referencing a fortune cookie at one point. The initial set up gives like rural, maybe medieval-esque vibes, so the juxtaposition to how she speaks is jarring, at times. Also, regarding the minotaur, I would have liked the effects of the "curse" to be more spelled out. I was struggling to ascertain if he was always a Minotaur, and it was the perception he was a monster that made him monstrous/beastial, or did he look human and the curse changed him into the Minotaur? Overall, I enjoyed the story, love a good strong fmc and love always wins-type story.
If you enjoy minotaurs, size difference to the extreme, magic, a girl finally being seen for her worth as a person instead of a maidenhead, give it ago!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
I'm loving discovering new authors through this site. As a prolific reader and retired, it is sheer joy to be able to read and review for these talented authors. As a result, my library is constantly growing.
In this book we meet Lysandra who is given as an offering to the Minotaur in favour for the village to prosper. She has been one of many over time and Asterion finds her character one of worth. This is their story and their eventual HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this book we meet Lysandra who is given as an offering to the Minotaur in favour for the village to prosper. She has been one of many over time and Asterion finds her character one of worth. This is their story and their eventual HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
The Minotaur’s Claim was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t fully wow me. I am the opposite of some other reviewers… I would have liked a little more smut and a little less world/story building. I am not a huge fantasy reader, so the mythical story line was a bit much for me.
That said, I really liked the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Their dynamic was the highlight of the book for me. And I’m always a sucker for a HEA, which definitely helped leave me on a positive note.
Overall, a solid read with some strong moments, but not one that completely stuck with me.
That said, I really liked the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Their dynamic was the highlight of the book for me. And I’m always a sucker for a HEA, which definitely helped leave me on a positive note.
Overall, a solid read with some strong moments, but not one that completely stuck with me.
October 3, 2025
Non spoiler review: I really enjoyed this arc! It was my first minotaur romance, so I wasn't sure to expect, but I throughly enjoyed myself. The situation the fmc was in had just enough stakes and I enjoyed the MMCs character. I can be kind of picky with my monster romance, but i liked this one a lot. Anyway, I highly recommend this book to people who like monster romance!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2025
The story moved quickly without being overly fast. Just quick enough to keep my attention. It never slowed down enough to get boring and moved from one excitement to the next with ease. The plot gave an interesting twist on the Minotaur mythos. Definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2025
🌶4/5. It wasn't what I expected. By the cover it seemed like another monster romance but as I read the story it felt more adventure fantasy. I still enjoyed it overall. This is a story you have to pay attention to though, lots of stuff happening in just a couple hundred pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
I love a badass FMC.. I want them to be feisty and make the MMC work for it a little bit. So this was really enjoyable.
I was a little nervous at the start, I don't like the bully romance trope were the MMC is an asshole for 95% of the book, but ended up really liking them both.
The concept was good, as was the world building with a decent amount of spice.
Hoping there will be more to come.
I was a little nervous at the start, I don't like the bully romance trope were the MMC is an asshole for 95% of the book, but ended up really liking them both.
The concept was good, as was the world building with a decent amount of spice.
Hoping there will be more to come.
September 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The FMC is a strong willed character with a sharp wit. The MMC proves to have many layers. And the spice! Chef’s kiss!! Loved the banter between all the players, and the combination of science and mythology and poetry.
October 2, 2025
This was a quick read, but good. The characters were interesting and the Plot was good. As a fan of monster romance I really enjoyed this one. Overall this was a quick spicy dip into the world of monsters.
October 2, 2025
Like a FMC with a back bone? This is it. Shes bratty and funny and I just loved the banter! Very original storyline too!
Our MMC is just as dreamy, expect size difference galore with a consent king!
M/F - but voyeurism
Minotaur x human
Size difference
Consent w/ heat
Knotting
Magic/Trials! ✨
Our MMC is just as dreamy, expect size difference galore with a consent king!
M/F - but voyeurism
Minotaur x human
Size difference
Consent w/ heat
Knotting
Magic/Trials! ✨
September 24, 2025
Really interesting— a very intense love story— most intriguing ideas about the labyrinth & Minotaur that I’ve yet read— couldn’t put it down! —well written-!
September 30, 2025
Really enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews