Lorkin: Minotaur Mates

by Kate Rudolph

I've been returned by two alien husbands — a genuine achievement on a planet where the men outnumber the women a thousand to one.

One more failed match and the Agency ships me back to Earth for good.

I crossed the galaxy for a fairy tale, not Lorkin.

A scarred gladiator turned blacksmith. Seven feet of soot and muscle, with a scowl that could curdle cider. He's decided humans are fragile trouble and the whole bride program is a mistake — the last male in the settlement who'd ever want a wife.

Wanting him would be no issue… if another minotaur hadn’t claimed me.

Now I'm matched to the wrong male, aching for the one who keeps telling me to leave for my own good.

If I can’t make it work with someone, the only place I’ll be is back on Earth.

Genres: Romance

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2026

About the author

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
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Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

Reviews

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

On her last strike to find a spouse and love through the Agency’s galactic matchmating program, human Chloe is becoming disheartened and is fearful of being returned to earth. Despite feeling a pull toward a massive, stoic minotaur who straight up turns her away, handing her over to his friend who he feels will be a better match for her due to his own personal demons.

Minotaur blacksmith Lorkin wants nothing to do with the beautiful, brash human woman who he knows in his heart is his mate because he’s certain he’s been damaged beyond redemption after his years forced to fight in the horr!f!c arenas as a slave while his kind were decimated. So he pushes her toward his friend, denying his own feelings and chance at love.

When a terrifying and regrettable incident occurs, Lorkin rescues Chloe but their subsequent cohabitation and intimacy inadvertently puts Chloe on a fast pass back to earth.

The pair must wrestle with both their growing feelings and the seemingly arbitrary bureaucracy surrounding Chloe’s citizenship status.

This was a steamy and thought provoking romance from the terrific Kate Rudolph. It deals with PTSD, trauma, social masking, and anxiety, just FYI, but it does do with great sensitivity.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and Booksprout, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[Merrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t brain melting chemistry with a side of desperation.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorkin is a heartwarming blend of science fiction, romance, and second chances that proves love doesn't always arrive in the package you expect. Filled with forbidden attraction, fated mates, unforgettable characters, and a richly imagined world, this story had me hooked from the first page and cheering for Chloe and Lorkin until the very end.

Chloe has already endured two failed matches and knows one more disappointment means returning to Earth with her dreams in pieces. Instead of giving up, she keeps moving forward, hoping there's still a place where she truly belongs. Her determination and willingness to believe in love, even after heartbreak, made her journey incredibly rewarding.

Lorkin is exactly the kind of misunderstood romantic lead who steals your heart. A scarred former gladiator turned blacksmith, he's convinced that he's too damaged and too dangerous to deserve happiness. Beneath the intimidating size, permanent scowl, and rough exterior is a man whose greatest instinct is to protect others—even if that means denying himself the one thing he secretly wants most.

The forbidden attraction between Chloe and Lorkin is wonderfully written. Knowing she's matched to someone else while an undeniable bond keeps pulling them together creates the perfect blend of longing, tension, and anticipation. Every stolen glance, every reluctant conversation, and every moment they fight their growing connection only makes their eventual relationship feel even more satisfying.

I also loved how the story explores the idea that sometimes the hardest person to convince of their own worth is the one carrying the deepest scars. Watching Chloe patiently see beyond Lorkin's fears while encouraging him to believe he deserves love made their partnership feel genuine and beautifully earned.

The world-building adds another layer of enjoyment. Even though this book is part of a larger series, it works well as a standalone while offering enough glimpses of the surrounding universe to leave you curious about the other couples and stories. The balance of drama, humor, danger, and romance keeps the pages turning from beginning to end.

If you enjoy fated mates, forbidden romance, alien worlds, scarred but protective heroes, last-chance love stories, and romances where two people discover they're stronger together than apart, Lorkin is one you won't want to miss. Kate Rudolph delivers a captivating story filled with heart, hope, and the wonderful reminder that sometimes the person who believes they're the hardest to love is the very one who deserves it the most.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wrong male claimed her, while the right one fought every instinct to stay.

After two failed matches, Chloe has one last chance to build a life on a distant world. She hides how badly she wants to be chosen behind quick jokes, but one more failure means losing the future she crossed the stars to find.

Lorkin is the last male she should want. A scarred former gladiator turned blacksmith, he keeps everyone at a distance and treats tenderness like another danger. Yet when Chloe is matched with someone else, his resolve begins to crack beneath a bond neither can deny.

Forced into each other's orbit, they move from guarded attraction to secret intimacy, each stolen moment exposing buried fears. She challenges his belief that loving her can only cause pain, while he offers the safety and devotion she's always craved.

But desire can't undo contracts, old loyalties, or deep scars. As the cost of staying together rises, they must decide whether love is worth risking the futures they've barely dared to imagine.

Chloe lets go of her fear of rejection and begins to believe she's worthy of being fully chosen. Lorkin releases the guilt shaping his life, allowing protectiveness to become trust, vulnerability, and devotion instead of distance. Together, they turn forbidden longing into healing intimacy and the courage to face every challenge side by side.

An ultra-steamy alien romance with fated mates, forbidden attraction, forced proximity, and a scarred hero who sees love as the greatest risk. It explores trust, trauma, rejection, vulnerability, healing, resilience, chosen family, and belonging. It's about finding the courage to be seen, releasing the belief that love must be earned through sacrifice, and discovering home in the person who chooses you. Love becomes a choice, not fear.

The Elevator Pitch: A woman with one last chance to build a future on an alien world finds herself drawn to the scarred blacksmith determined to keep her at arm's length. As an impossible bond pulls them closer, fear, duty, and old wounds become far greater obstacles than desire alone. Blending heartfelt romance, emotional healing, and forbidden longing, this story turns survival into a fight for love and a place to belong.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4&1\2 fabulous🌟's for Lorkin🔥🌟💖

This has s book 2 in Minotaur Mates. Chloe is Maisie's best friend. She came out for her wedding and saw so.drying she wanted for herself. A mate that would love and protect her. What she got was 2 failed attempts and a third try . if the third try isn't charmed then she'll have to go back to Earth. Chloe will do whatever she has to but she really wants a place to belong someone who won't give her back but take and cherish her. We get bits and pieces of what her life on Earth was like. Trauma when she was a child , learning to deal with everything with a laugh and a smile because no one stays. They she Glimpses one male and something in her changes. Lorkin , is a grumpy blacksmith stockpiling swords and staying prepared because he feels this new life is too good to be true and someday the very people they defeated for their freedom would be back. He doesn't desire a wife and feels that he's to damaged to treat one the way they deserve until he finally meets Chloe. One whiff and he knows that she's his true mate. Instead of claiming her he denies it and give her to someone else. And from that moment on nothing is right. Everything he hoped to save her from happens and she almost gets hurt. His denial hurts her the most until he finally admits that he can't possibly live without her. There is plenty of laughter within these pages along side the effects of PTSD and more series concerns. The characters are great together and the story remains intriguing I look forward to the next one!💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great quiet, tortured mmc that tries and fails to avoid his mate calling. Author Kate Rudolph wrote an original version in LORKIN. As frustrating as Lorkin’s behaviors are in the beginning, his and Chloe’s story unfolds organically—it feels as real as it can be, considering he’s an alien Minotaur.

This novella manages to fit everything a longer novel fits comfortably, without feeling rushed or contained. It’s: sad in how Chloe sees her own value and how the Minotaurs have ptsd/flashbacks from the fighting arenas; explosively intense and a bit frightening when the Minotaurs disagree; frustrating how Lorkin denies the mate bond, regardless of his reasoning; gloriously sensual when Lorkin and Chloe share intimacy; and soul deep devotion once recognized and courageously spoken. Good Stuff.
*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Lorkin
FMC:
✨Chloe
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 2: Alien Matchmaking Agency
Tropes:
👉sci-fi alien romance
👉Minotaur mmc x human fmc
👉mail order bride
👉grumpy x sunshine
👉size difference
👉fated mates
Triggers:🛑see content warning page/author’s website for full list🛑
💥18+
💥 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, mf, open🚪sex
💥profanity
💥violence.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe is best friends with Maisie the first bride to get married to a Minotaur. Chloe saw how much Maisie and Kazan were in love and she wanted that too.

So far all she has gotten is two strikes with her potential matches and is now looking at strike three and she gets sent back to earth.

Lorkin still has one foot ready for war to come and hasn’t totaled accepted that Minotaurs are free to be something other than be gladiators. Chloe is someone that makes him want things and with him always expecting the good fortune to dissolve he isn’t willing to risk himself. So he points her in the direction of someone else and lies to himself that he doesn’t want her.

Chloe makes herself the butt of jokes and is extra to keep others from seeing how much she wants to be loved and accepted. She wants Lorkin but he says he doesn’t want her verbally his actions say something different.

Watching two beings that make a perfect fit navigate their own insecurities plus the bureaucratic hoopla that comes with agreeing to be a bride with the Alien Matchmaking Agency is both amusing and frustrating.

Lorkin who once looked at human women as fragile and breakable has met his match in Chloe.

I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s No Refusing The Bond
Like his friends Lorkin is still fighting the war in his mind and ready for when it starts again. He has seen Chloe before, but when he gets a whiff of her scent in the Agency’s office, he knows she is his mate. A mate he can’t afford to claim, too afraid he might lose her again. So he pointed her toward his friend Zarcal, not knowing what the risk for Chloe would contain. Because you can take a warrior out of the war, but not the war out of the warrior.
KR writes about this psychological phenomenon with empathy and realistically. It comes in different forms and each person handles it in his or her own way. I really like this aspect of the story, which makes it so much more as ‘just another romance’. It also makes her one of my favorite authors.
I really, really liked this book, with its relatable characters, a world building I can believe in and a love story that is heartwarming. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful combination of alien and human mates, the pressure of rejection a great read
Chloe knows that this is the very last chance she has to match to a mate otherwise she will be returned to earth. She is willing to match with one of the Minotaurs but it seems that they are not matching with her.
Chloe goes to visit her friend and accepts Zarcal as her third and final chance to be accepted as a mate, she has very strong feelings for another a blacksmith by the name of Lorkin and she knows that he is her intended mate but he makes it quite clear that he will no consider being mated to a weak human.
Lorkin knows that they are intended to be mates and as much as he tries to pretend there is no attraction the truth cannot be hidden and soon he has to admit that the beautiful Chloe is his and his alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable alien romance with an interesting premise and a likable cast of characters. The Minotaur community, made up of former gladiators trying to build a new life, created a compelling backdrop for the story and added depth to the world-building.

The romance centers on a human heroine and her fated mate, a Minotaur who believes he's too damaged to deserve a partner. I enjoyed watching him slowly confront his past while their relationship developed. Their emotional journey felt genuine and balanced nicely with the action.

The story also included a few unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages, making it an entertaining and quick read. If you enjoy alien romances with fated mates, emotionally scarred heroes, and a satisfying blend of romance and adventure, this one is definitely worth checking out.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting story. It touches difficult topics, like PTSD, in a respectful manner. The characters’ personalities are well defined, and their motivations are clear. What I didn’t quite like is that there are barely any descriptions of places, and very few details of the characters’ physical appearance. I wouldn’t know what Lorkin looks like if not for the cover. That’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine. There were also some weird choices to describe things that didn’t say much about them. In general, I liked it, especially the way the character with PTSD is portrayed and how the other characters react to him. There are therapists coming to the town in the next book, so I’m looking forward to the next installment of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorkin: Minotaur Mates is the second book of the series and another engaging read that follows a scarred former gladiator who is now a blacksmith on Ceres-9.
Lorkin doesn’t want a mate but fate has other plans when the scent of human female Chloe reaches his nose. She who has one chance left to find a husband before being shipped back to Earth by the match making agency after already failing twice.
A good story begins to play out with drama, complications, humor,
personal vulnerability, emotion, and passion.
Excellent writing and engaging characters keep the pace moving spiritedly along and the reader held captivated by a uniquely crafted world.
I enjoyed this second book and look forward to more matchmaking to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorkin is exactly the kind of grumpy, tortured MMC I can't help but love. I enjoyed watching Chloe break through his tough exterior and permanent scowl, showing him that he deserves love and would never hurt her.

The fact that she’s officially matched to another minotaur adds the perfect amount of forbidden love and slow-burn to their romance. Every reluctant conversation and stolen look raises the anticipation, leading to a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion.

Even though the story is novella length, it never feels rushed. In a short amount of time, the author manages to unpack themes like trauma, anxiety, and social masking with empathy and sensitivity while creating an immersive and emotional world. I can't wait to see more of these minotaurs find their mates and heal their hearts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mates by MeemsAngel82

This is book two and can be read as a standalone, though I love seeing familiar characters. The story is entertaining and emotional, this h hasn't been lucky. She was already rejected twice and this planet has males outnumbering females. He kept to himself and thought he preferred it that way.

They matched and he gave her away. He couldn't stand it, neither could she.

I would have been so hurt and she was. Luckily things changed but things could have gone a different way. Why give away your one chance at happiness. The two are very steamy and I'm happy they resolved their issues. I enjoyed having our previous book couple in this book actively playing a role here. I look forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it is I love monsters theme, is very realistic human components. Chloe is enrolled in a three structure out matchmaking program. They're all men of doors and so far she didn't have a match. Lorkin who has been avoiding the matchmaking scene is up in the lottery. Resistance was definite until he caught her scent in the office. The adventure begins there. Some funny parts. Some not so funny parts especially since they made a connection but didn't follow through. There is banter. There is security that no one felt that they would have. The Mating pull that they experienced toward each other made it worth their while. It is a good read including the conflict and admitting their feelings for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky L Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about forbidden spice with fated mates, past of wrong matches and last chances at finding the one, and it happens to be the one male who keeps thinking he doesn’t deserve it or that he’s t hard to love while she wants him despite that, she’s matched with her third trial period mate who scares her beyond reseason with a ptsd style flash back pushing her straight into the arms of the one who has been fighting so hard to ignore the fated mates pilll, talk about forbidden and fated it makes you feel every tingle and touch, this is a good story with previous books building the world the author creates but still yo can read it as a stand alone story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Chloe and Lorkin.. this is their love story... a fast paced heartbreaking rom/drama... Chloe is best friends with Maisie.. she came for her wedding and is now a twice rejected bride... one more failed one and she's sent back to Earth never to return ever !!! she wants to stay here on Ceres-9.. she wants a love like Maisie has... but, she's been told that she's too much... too loud... and not worth keeping ... and Lorkin well, he believes that he's too broken and doesn't deserve a bride... and yet, he feels a pull towards her... he goes so far as to push her towards his friend Zareal who, is a kind minotaur... there's glowing goats !!! this was so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Alien Matchmaking Agency seriest the story is captivating and well-written, featuring a fantastic premise, excellent characters, and a wonderful happy ending. I especially loved the laugh-out-loud humor of the goat pen scene. The dynamic between Chloe—facing her final chance before being sent back to Earth after two failed matches—and Lorkin, the scarred, skeptical blacksmith who wants nothing to do with the bride program, was incredibly compelling. The conflict of Chloe being matched to the wrong male while aching for Lorkin created a wonderful, engaging tension. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorkin never wanted a woman he couldn’t wrap his mind around all his buddies who were wanting a mate of their own. Chloe was on her last match and if it didn’t work out she would be sent back to earth. She did not want that. She had nothing to go back too. She was drawn to Lorkin but he did everything he could to push her away. How could he want someone with a past like his. These two were so drawn to one another and you just sit on the edge of your seat waiting for them to finally get past themselves and take the leap and get together. I enjoyed every moment of this read!!! I so cannot wait for the next one and to see where this author takes us with this series.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is on her last chance to stay in this alien world with the only friend she has ever had. She is completely willing to match with one of the Minotaurs but it seems they aren’t matching with her.
She goes to her friend’s mating setup for her and accepts Zarcal as her third and final chance even though she has a feeling for the blacksmith in town Lorkin.
Lorkin on the other hand knows they are mates but isn’t willing to risk a happy ending with his past the way it was. But fate has other plans.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lorkin: Minotaur Mates” by Kate Rudolph

-This is a heartwarming sci-fi/alien romance with fated mates, forbidden attraction, and plenty of emotion. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Chloe and Lorkin are easy to root for, and I love watching Lorkin slowly overcome his past and believe he deserves love. The romance was full of chemistry, tension, and sweet moments, while the themes of trauma and healing are handled with care.

This is part of a series but it reads well as a standalone and delivers a satisfying happy ending.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is on her last placement for a marriage match, and if the third one doesn't work, she will be sent to another planet. Lorkin is a minotaur, and he recognizes Chloe as his mate, but he refuses to take her. This is a fantastic book with such great characters. I love the plot; it is very touching. Even though this book is set on another planet, it addresses issues that many soldiers have. Excellent book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting how the hero's refusal of his mate led to dealing with the mess involving the heroine and her contract.
Because the description of how it was with two potential husbands contradicts the heroine's behavior, reasons why she's there, and her being returned like a "bad, broken purchase," that contradiction made me feel irritated with her.
I liked her being nice and understanding toward her third potential husband after his PTSD episode.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful

This series that Kate Rudolph wrote is absolutely wonderful. It is showing what ptsd was like and how it can be felt with in a more loving way but to get there it’s going to be a bit dangerous for the monitors and the humans involved, but the author has solutions coming and that may complicate some things but help other issues the monitors are having it’s good funny and well worth the read pick up the first in the series it will help the story though you don’t have to but it will give you a bit of sense

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story and setting; enjoyed it! Mail order bride type scenario where humans are setup with out of this world non-humans; such as minotaurs in this case. Chloe wants happiness and thinks she’ll find that happiness with a minotaur mate, but things aren’t exactly going as expected when her first 2 matches don’t work out. She only gets 1 more chance before having to go back to Earth. She meets Lorkin, there is definitely a vibe there, but he’s got walls up and pushes (tries to push) her towards another. An entertaining read with spice!

[Andrea Freeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book...but I love monster romance books. It was cute. Just a woman that wanted to experience love..but obviously Earth failed her and she went with her best friend to a new planet with big minotaurs and got set up with a matchmaking agency. She found love with someone that really wasnt looking for it and was scared to want it. Like I said it was a cute little story and I will definitely be looking into reading more from this author.
I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Lorkin, book 2 of Alien Matchmaking Agency, by Kate Rudolph. Chloe is Lorkin's fated mate, but he does not want to claim her or want her to find out. In hopes for escaping the matrimonial noose, Lorkin convinces Chloe and his friend Zarcal that they would suite as a couple. What follows is utterly crazy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and dirty read with humour and likable characters. These characters have dark histories, which they compensate for differently all while desperately wanting to be more than there past. She's looking for someone who can see her for who she is. He's so busy hiding he runs from what he wants until he can't. A sastisfying read with plenty of spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorkin: Minotaur Mates is book 2 in the Alien Matchmaking Agency series by Kate Rudolph is a heartwarming alien romance with Lorkin is a big. scarred, scowly misunderstood grump that I couldn't help but fall for and Chloe who's failed two matches already but doesn't give up. I was rooting for them from the get-go and I absolutely loved how the story played out. Highly recommend!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and the characters Lorkin and Chloe, I felt so bad for Lorkin he believed that he was too damaged from fighting in the arenas but he knew that Chloe was his mate. Chloe needs this last match to work out or she will be returned to earth she just can’t go back so she is matched with someone else and it bothers Lorkin. There is so much more going on in this fantastic and entertaining story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend reading this book.