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Monster Street #2

Grab the Bull by the Horns

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I’m a total ancient history nerd and I’m about to get up close and personal with creatures I’d assumed were figments of our imagination.
When a strange man gives me a chai latte the like I’ve never tasted before, somehow, I’m stumbling through a rift in reality, straight into the arms of three very big, very muscular minotaurs.
Yeah, you read that right, minotaurs.
Legend says that one minotaur lurks within the labyrinth, but when I find my way to the heart, I discover three. Asterion, Calix and Galen aren’t the savage beasts feasting on human flesh I’d been led to believe. Instead, these warriors are forced to fend off dopey ‘heroes’ wanting to make a name for themselves, when all they really wanted is to find a woman to love.
And I want to be that woman.
They’re ready to give themselves to me, mind, body and spirit, but I’ve got people I love waiting for me at home. Right when I feel torn between two worlds, I discover a family secret that might change everything…

Author This is a stand alone book set in the same world as my Orc-Ward Encounters book, but deals with a NEW female main character and NEW monstrous men. Guaranteed HEA, lower angst fun. RELEASE DATE WILL BE BROUGHT FORWARD.

338 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2022

350 people are currently reading
649 people want to read

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5 stars
685 (48%)
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376 (26%)
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249 (17%)
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76 (5%)
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20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Michelle.
401 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2022
Meh. I was disappointed in this book. I want my romance to be romance. I felt this was all about the heroines family. It’s like the heroes do something sweet or something and all her thoughts are “well… that’s nice, but it’s not my family”. I was almost more excited to read the scenes between the heroines mom and grandma than I was going on with the rest of the original story since it kept talking about the mother-in-law rivalry.

Super slow burn, and by the time I got to the smut (like at 90% finished) I wasn’t really all that interested… like she isn’t a fucking virgin, why is she now making her supposed mates wait til they are married? There was a lot of “telling” instead of showing. I swear I read the sentence “but he was suppose to be the nice one” every time one of the heroes kissed her. This wasn’t for me. Too slow. And the heroine rubbed me the wrong way… I didn’t like her. I could see why none of the dudes she dated in her world were interested….
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,533 reviews308 followers
September 8, 2022
Surprisingly my mother suggested I move this up on my TBR and I gotta hand it to her. For me this was a sweet and enjoyable read. The equivalent of a time traveling My Big Fat Greek Wedding reminiscent family who live in a world where alternate reality’s exist. Heroine Ariadne is a history buff who loves her families heritage. While she may be named after the famed Greek guide of Perseus, the last thing she expects is to walk through a rift bringing both her beloved history smack dab with reality. Luckily between her schooling and her obsessions she's better prepared for the coming trials more than almost anyone else would be. The book lacks drama and was really just a fun and sweet read. The heroines three Minotaur mates are taken with her immediately and it’s only her devotion to fa,,ily and the desire to see them that puts the brakes on their relationship. Not that the guys don’t do everything in their power to prove themselves to her. I enjoyed the slower relationship and thought the insight into their world, especially their home kingdom was pretty awesome!
Profile Image for Galina Sulaiman.
2,359 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2022
What do you get when you have Greek mythology, ideology, traditions and one absolutely brilliant Greek gal? Perfection is what this is! Ari has been raised on Greek history and mythology, an avid student mastering it in university, she can get so lost in it she sometimes forgets when she makes plans like meeting a guy for coffee at her families restaurant/cafenio. This latest time her date asks after her cousin, it's happened enough times before she calls her and puts the idiot on blast! That was hilarious! After that debacle she goes out back and ends up in ancient Greece in the maze and meets 3 minotaurs! I can't explain what happened in that maze without giving away spoilers so you have to read it to understand. Asterion, Galen and Calex will do anything to please and keep Ari absolutely loved that about them!
The world building is so vivid I felt like I was there! Ari meeting people and places she studied, experiencing the awe with her especially considering that I've been fortunate enough to visit some and her detailed description of them in the height of glory made me wish I was Ari!
Sam nailed the Greek family dynamics! Yiayia OMG! Her father and his business and his other work. His friends, her cousins the cooking all added to the authenticity. Her return to modern times and what happened afterwards was spectacular! I can't tell you how much this book has brought me memories and so much joy & nostalgia. I am highly recommending this to everyone!
Profile Image for MarieRose.
8 reviews
December 10, 2022
This book was very disappointing and I would not go into it expecting it to be anything like the first book in the monster series. This is so incredibly slow burn I felt like there was almost no payoff for an 8 hour stand alone romance reverse harem. I kept thinking it would get a little bit spicier the further I went but nope. The main character felt very selfish, the family dynamic honestly seemed a bit toxic. She insisted on waiting for sex until after marriage for some reason but then is like mmm idk about marriage 90% way through the book because she’s so busy not thinking about her mates. By the end of the book I was exhausted and just wanting it to be over. Overall really disappointed in a book I was waiting on edge for.
Profile Image for Kelly (AndKellyReads).
1,002 reviews60 followers
July 4, 2022
this is a history lesson not a romance novel

Look, I pick up monster romance because I find them fun, and silly, and a lil smutty, sure. I did not get that with Grab the Bull by the Horns. If anything, this book was the SLOWEST of slow burns and spent way more time on giving me a history lesson about Ancient Greece than building a relationship between our (dumb) heroine and her three Minotaur mates.

It was a yawn fest and I was so underwhelmed when we did get to the rut that I think I skimmed it. It also happened in the last 10 pages so by then I was just done with this book.

I want to read the Orc one so I’m going to try, but my hopes are not high.
Profile Image for Zen.
2,991 reviews
August 14, 2022
3 stars

Although some parts were really fun, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first. I don't see how they kind of glorify the toxic relationship between the grandmother and mother because that's just what families do.
Profile Image for Kate.
126 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2022
I liked this book. Not as much as the first one, but this one was okay too. I think the reason I liked the first one, is because it was exactly what I wanted. A short, sweet, ooey-gooey spicy fantasy/monster-esque romance. This was a bit different....It's a lengthier novel, and the love story felt secondary to the MC's family. This felt like a family story first, followed by a romance, followed by spiciness. I think if the author had cut the whole storyline with Griff, the story would've been more to my liking. I liked Griff, but it just felt unnecessary, and added to the whole dragging feel I got reading this one. It's obviously up to preference, but this was a plot heavy book, with the MC family featuring heavily (I prefer middle ground, half plot, half romance for these sorts of books) and with very little spice, and that came towards the very end.

It's not what I was looking for, but I can see others loving it.

I hope for the Jotun book for the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,313 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2022
Loved this!

I'm completely in love with Sam Hall's Monster series! This book was full of humor, sweetness and the sexual tension was...phew! Hot! This is more of a slow burn standalone but man does it work. Our FMC is an intelligent, sassy woman who comes from a large Greek family but she's buried in her books instead of living her life. When her dream of living history comes through it's both funny and exciting. Cue the minotaur trio - looking for their mate the 3 Brothers are very different from each other but they're everything Ari needs. I loved the book, enjoyed every page and some of my favorite highlights were Griff (melted my heart) and the cold war between Yiayia and her daughter in law (had me laughing out loud). Highly recommend this read to anyone looking for romance and laughter.
Profile Image for Samantha.
595 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2022
I’m consistently impressed and awed by Sam Hall’s ability to write a novel that is completely varied from her previous ones! She can write characters in the same world in such a way that I am sure I could pick them out in person, without losing the ease of style that makes reading her books feel effortless as well as engaging. I have enjoyed each new book she has written in this series (this being the 2nd) and look forward to more. As always she writes empowered women and takes the role of the feminine and imbues it with strength grace and poise whether it is through submission or defiance. She also spins old legends and mythos into new relatable and highly entertaining tales with perfect amount of sexy!
Profile Image for Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages).
292 reviews66 followers
December 6, 2022
Wholesome and sweet. I like all 4 of them but sadly it was kind of boring.
Ari has clear ideas about this relationship, and while that's perfectly fine, of course, the book drags on because there isn't enough plot to be exciting beyond the romance. Griff is very cute, but this storyline is also very predictable.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,347 reviews132 followers
April 1, 2022
Sam Hall is killing it with the standalones. Her latest standalone Grab the Bull by the Horns was fantastic. A new twist on the Minotaur mythology, multiple realms, handsome minotaurs, and a leading lady that I couldn't help but like.

Ariadne "Ari" is a graduate student that loves history and her Greek heritage, especially a combination of the two. Talk about my spirit animal, Ari is a book nerd who loves her mythology, someone who would love to meet Greek heroes of myth, explore ancient cities, and see mythical creatures with her very own eyes. Ari is kind, considerate with a pinch of sass, smart, and has a passion in life but no passion in her love life.

That's where three gorgeous minotaurs come into play. Asterion, Galen, and Calix are the sweetest guys if a little cocky and they have every right to be with their warrior bodies, charm, charisma, intelligence, and they're resourceful. I loved how persistent they were with Ari, they didn't push her but made sure that she knew they were interested in her. The way these guys respect and care for women has me swooning.

This story spins a little differently than Orc-Ward Encounters. There are multiple realms, time-fluxes, supernatural organizations, and is very family-oriented. Also, there was a lot of mythology, history, and culture. They even had mating games and I wasn't mad about it. I mean parts of this book is set in the same human world as Orc-Ward Encounters (there was a crossover character) but the story felt like its own, it's interesting how they intersect. Another thing I loved was that Ari has this crazy big Greek family. They're a close-knit group and it's so refreshing to see not only a big family but one who supports and loves one another, those family gatherings are amazing with no real drama. One of my favorite characters (outside the four) was Ari's Yiayia, the woman is a force of nature, I wouldn't want to get on her bad side, plus she provided so much entertainment.

Grab the Bull by the Horns was a great standalone with very little angst. The story was rich in culture and had the sweetest relationship between Ari and the guys. Garb the Bull was the adventure Ari didn't know she needed and it was so much fun. I'm loving the standalones in this shared universe. Sam has already announced the next book in this universe, up next is You've Got to be Jotunn.
Profile Image for Rambling Reader.
466 reviews75 followers
April 8, 2022
"We believe that at some point, back before the dawn of time, we were one with the other part of our soul, that we knew a moment of such completeness it was difficult to comprehend. Everything we do from the moment we draw breath is to find that... to find her."

The second book in Hall's Monster Street is sweet and sometimes sultry addition to the series. Laila is very different from Ariadne, though both women have had some difficulty in their love lives. Something else they share is that both had this niche that was theirs- Laila with her art and Ariadne with her love for everything mythology and history. Despite each having a quirk, they're normal girls, which makes them fun to read.

These Monster Street books, more than some of the other RH series out there, are really showing regular girls finding love. They're not those manic pixie dream girls the market is currently flooded with, where you're sort of overloaded on quirk and nonsense. I can enjoy those characters too, but Laila and Ariadne are a nice change of pace.

Calix, Galen, and Asterion are warriors, alphas, but they're also squishy cinnamon rolls. They're the perfect trio if you're in the mood for men who will worship their woman and do anything to earn her favor and show her that they're worthy of her love. Sure, there are some little growing pains, but they're more in the sense of a cultural confusion rather than the big angst that you get elsewhere. The whole point of these books is finding that perfect love that the ladies deserve and want, so when Hall gives us some conflict, it's not really within the harem.

It more so comes from within the women as they acclimate to what's waiting in front of them so that they not only find this perfect love, but embrace it with open arms.
Profile Image for Book Life With Jen.
1,253 reviews21 followers
April 7, 2022
Grab the Bull by the Horns, a Monster Street romance by the fabulous Sam Hall was yet another entertaining and riveting dive into an intriguing world with a fearless portal hoping heroine and the 3 sexy “men” that charm her and claim her as their own—and a definite must read for any monster, mythology loving fan!

Our FMC Ari is an intelligent history buff with a passion for architecture, art, Hercules, Greek history and a strong family connection. When she suddenly finds herself in a unique new realm, she is more than ready to roll with the punches and soak in all the history—and fall into the arms of three very captivating and dedicated Minotaurs.

What ensues next is a fabulous story as they all learn to come together and build on their connections. Totally enthralled with Ari, her men will do anything in their power to help her. Even if it means helping her find a way home…and out if their lives.

I loved how Hall combined fantasy, mythology and Greek culture in creating this unique storyline. The plot was amazing, the characters well developed and I loved how it all came together. The baby gryphon was absolute perfection! And the steam? Holy hotness!

Overall if you’re a fan of mythical creatures, protective alphas, loving heroines all packed into one RH monster romance—this is for you! And while it is a tad on the slow burn side…it’s totally worth the wait!
83 reviews
March 29, 2022
It is an interesting take on the Greek legends we have grown up with. I like the whole trying to win the girl trope. I just want to hug these guys. They are sweet and understanding but can be firm when necessary.

The twist in the middle was unexpected and enjoyable. One minute I was sad and then “Wow! I didn’t see that coming.”

It is a well written book. The story flows nicely. The pace is good. Not as much heat as some of her other books, but that’s okay because the lack of heat throughout the story works with the way the story is written. I thought I would miss the multiple POV’s but there is enough information given from the MMC’s that I didn’t miss them.
Profile Image for ☾⋆⁺ Nurse After Dark.
1,036 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2023
Either a series of straight lines showing the way inside a square, or a brain shaped collection of lines forming an oval, this was a symbol used over and over in European history. "Labyrinth."

Dear readers: This book is so much better if you are a lover of Greek mythology/history. The way Ari moves through the story admiring and noting details in the ancient setting she steps into, I can easily see why a lot of readers got lost. I personally found it really enhanced my read, giving me more substance to the story that I had missed in Orc-Ward Encounters.

"Eat, little warrior," he replied, waving the platters of food around. "You must keep up your strength if you are to right all the wrongs within the tributes."

I enjoyed the way Ari approached being a tribute, helping the other woman understand what the minotaurs were actually after. This book carries a lot of great small details - the first 50% was quite enjoyable! The last half of the book did slow down for me - there seemed to be

It's also good to point out that this is indeed a slow burn, but just because we don't

"You're always going to push me, aren't you, Galen?"
"Undoubtedly. If you had any idea what it takes for me to hold back, bards would sing of my self-restraint."

Overall, I'm glad to have read this book, but it doesn't look like there's another Monster Street story in the works as of yet. The author mentions a possible Mahk story (who really does deserve to find a loving mate), I would consider reading that in the future if it happened!
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,798 reviews30 followers
April 4, 2022
The wizard strikes again. I liked this one, there wasn't really a big bad, so it was more of a straight road ride along. A couple of annoyances with the bitchy tribute and the griffin keeper. But mostly it was focused on the trials and the relationship. Made a change with there being no competition or obstacles. Sweet monster romance with the sex saved until the end, three minotaurs and a traveller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dani.
341 reviews8 followers
April 11, 2022
This is possibly one of my favorite world’s featuring other couples lol.

I’ll admit and say I’m not really a fan of reading books focusing on other couples while still in the same world but this author did it again! This book has got it all and I just love that this was based in Greek history since it’s my favorite. She did an amazing job of blending everything together and this is my favorite book so far in the world.

I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,815 reviews503 followers
February 2, 2023
My Big Fat Greek Wedding + why choose fated mates 🐮

This book wasn’t as spicy as the prequel, but was still a fun read. Ari was obnoxious at times, with her know-it-all superiority, but she was aware of her flaws. It was interesting to explore Greek mythology through a magical version of ancient Crete and to challenge the myth of the Minotaur. Most of the humor was over the top, but it worked as a comfort read.

Spice - 2/10

Triggers: none I can think of
Profile Image for Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha.
1,050 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2022
Such a well written book. The plot is amazing and the FMC, Ari is really good. I absolutly live greek mitology and we have so many references here that Will blow anyone's mind. The monsters, minotaurs in these case are very unique chatecters and we can't help but love them all. Its a slow burn, but that's why it Burns the hottest! Great book.
Profile Image for Melissa H.
122 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2022
A full 5⭐'s for this intriguing new take on Greek mythology and Minotaurs alike. Unlike Sam Hall's usual fast burn reads, this was a slow burn that kept your ears tingling and your fingers flipping through the pages, hungry for more. I loved the world the author created, so much so that I can still vividly picture it in mind. As for the amazing characters...I can't say enough about them. History geek, intensily devoted males, diversity, a new take on Greek mythology, and a touch of mystery all wrapped into one perfectly crafted story. I would definitely recommend this read and can't wait for more from this truly talented writer who brings her words to life.
Profile Image for Aaira.
235 reviews
June 20, 2022
i liked this a little better. it's longer so it didn't feel as rushed and there was more development. liked that we got to see the in-laws and their dynamics. -1 point for yiayia i'm sure that women is lovable as a grandmother but she is also stuck in her ways. also griff!!!!! i adore any books that include an animal companion
Profile Image for Jay Paige .
192 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2022
Sam Hall knows exactly how to write a monster romance. I would say that even if you've never read one before, this would be a great book to jump in with both feet.

I loved the minotaurs as laid out in this book so much, even beyond our main squishy (not that they aren't fit Adonis'), sweet trio. The story is also sweet and endearing in a way I have come to expect from this author. Another thing that is not uncommon to this author is the ability to find that perfect balance of comedic relief that I enjoy so much that this book doesn't disappoint.

I would definitely categorize this as a slow burn but every page of wait is definitely worth it and I had a really hard time putting it down.

Plus, there is a baby gryphon, which might just be the cutest thing I have ever had the pleasure to read about.

I cannot wait to, hopefully (fingers crossed), read more Monster Street Romance books. (On that note if you haven't read Orc Ward Encounters, it is related in world but a standalone from this, go read it.)
Profile Image for Chrissy.
540 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2022
Sooo good

This was a great rh\why choose romance. I would say the spice level is may be a medium with plenty of tension. I love stories where characters and up in alternate realities or dimensions. We get that in this story sprinkled with of course romance, some action and discovery. I loved this take on the minotar. The rh side of this is all focused on our leading lady while still keeping a group dynamic. This story was sweet, and builds on itself to keep you invested. It also feels pure in a way that no actual real world current issues bled into the story which I really appreciated, because I feel like more and more the ugly or controversial parts of reality are creeping into stories. But I read to escape, to enjoy and take a moment. And This book let's you. It's a very good book that ends in a sweet HEA. Good book would recommend.
Profile Image for Uli Houser.
2 reviews
June 7, 2024
I don't even know what to say about this book. It's so good, and Sam Hall is a blessing to us all. Sort of medium burn for the romance pace. It's absolutely filthy and daring in the right places without making it the complete focus. GIVE ME ANOTHER!!!
121 reviews
March 20, 2022
Again another book of Sam's that I devoured.
I love that most of Sam books have a historical backstory to them.
I am not up to date on Greek mythology, ideology or anything related but Sam has done a great job of making me remember some things I'd learnt at school, but alas I was more a geography girl.
Sam uses characters based in Australia which I love. I have nothing against writing books based in the US if the author isn't but I think it opens readers minds up. Hence why her book Fighting Monsters was a bit being UK based too 😉
Ari is a great female character, not bad ass but morally bad ass and relatable. She has an open mind and her personality is spot on.
Asterion, Galen and Calix. 3 different personalities that match and push Ari's to different levels. They are patient, kind and dominant.
Sam did a great job at making the story believable, relatable and a readers fantasy.
Can't wait for what she has lined up next.

I'm hoping for Mahk's book 😁
Profile Image for kaleigh.
463 reviews233 followers
dnf-nope
January 23, 2025
Dnf @ 11%

I don’t think I’m into Minotaurs
Profile Image for Jamie.
12 reviews14 followers
Read
June 30, 2024
This was tough to drag myself through.
Profile Image for Kelly Williams.
62 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this :) I liked the fact there were elements likening it to the first of the Monster Street series, but was totally different in all other aspects.

Really enjoyed the historical references, combining that with an alternate dimension so there wasn't the whole worry of the Butterfly Effect.

The characters are very well written and I especially loved the relationship with little Griff :) D'AWWW!! Ari is a very strong character; the scenes where she stood up to the bully and also toward the start, dealing with Nick The P... all very honest and relatable.

Another 5 stars and a hat-tip to you Sam :) Well done.
Profile Image for Mimi.Reads.Smut.
606 reviews63 followers
March 30, 2022
This kind of monster romance is my favorite - monsterous-looking men who are sweet and devoted to their soulmate. This is the second in a series of standalones, and it is a light and sweet story that touches on some heavier topics. I especially love the way it approaches cultural differences when blending families. Ari’s love and appreciation of history give her a unique perspective when learning about the minotaurs’ world, and it was refreshing to see Asterion, Galen, and Calix so eager to learn about Ari’s culture and background as well. Family is also a big emphasis, on both sides.

As a huge bonus, consent is a big deal on this book. It’s made very clear on several occasions that the women who are chosen as tributes (potential mates) can decide if they want to be courted by the trio of minotaurs who claims them, if they want to meet other trios, and if they want to stay at the end of the trials. If they want to go home, they are given transportation and safe passage, along with any gifts and possessions they’ve acquired during their stay. Consent is sexy; this story acknowledges that and makes it a focal point and it adds a refreshing layer of sweetness to the plot.

I never thought that I’d find spicy scenes involving horns and tails to be hot, but this book proved me wrong! Despite being a slow burn, the spice is 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 when it does happen.

If you haven’t read the first standalone in this series, Orc-ward Encounters, I highly recommend it (reading order doesn’t matter), and I am excited to see what comes next in the Monster Street universe!
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
2,157 reviews12 followers
March 19, 2022
I adored Ari and her minotaurs. The interesting thing about this one for me is that I was completely enthralled by the alternate take on history and loved how it all unfolded. I couldn’t get enough. The guys were each so sweet, and the way they interacted with Ari made me laugh as only a trio of triplets can. Reading this was like walking through history reimagined and flipping the script and I would devour it all over again for the first time if I could. I didn’t know I was going to be a junky for this, but now I just want more!! And the ‘big fat Greek wedding’ moment? Yes, please! And a baby gryphon? Seriously, this was easily a new favorite!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews

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