Matched to the Minotaur

Matchmaker Monster Romance #1

by Luna Joya

A human, a minotaur, and the contract that binds them.

The Unsuspecting Woman

My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects.

Except magic is real.

So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.

Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.

The Minotaur King

My labyrinth is dying.

For my kingdom to survive, I must convince my fated mate to invoke the most ancient of magics—the carnal kind.

Too bad my mate’s a human who didn’t know monsters existed until she saw me.

Will their match lead to happily ever after? Or will this beauty reject her beast?

With cow shifters, a flying demon kitten, and a dicey love of tabletop games, Matched to the Minotaur is the steamy slow burn start to the Matchmaker Monster Romance series. The books promise a happily ever after for each of the four friends who walk into a haunted house, not knowing that monsters are real. Or that they’ve been matched to the monsters inside.

Genres: Monster Romance, Romance, Monsters, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Luna Joya writes steamy romances that are "wickedly delightful" (Publishers Weekly).

The "delightfully devious" Luna writes "action-packed paranormal romantic thrillers, singing with magical power and humming with sensuality that will leave readers breathless." (InD'Tale Magazine). A survivor of traumatic brain injury with steel body parts, Luna lives in SoCal with her combat veteran husband and their two-pound terror of a rescue pup.

Reviews

[Kayleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf... I couldn't finish this book it was so freaking boring!!!

[ladybreww · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a saucy female gamer - a deliciously large and pierced male Minotaur and a sex contract.

Boink the Minotaur, save the kingdom. Easy choice right?


Sigh. I love monster romance. This book was exactly what I was expecting- a fated mates love story between a human and a monster (in this case a minotaur). There was a creative spin on a love (sex) contract and a handful of magic tossed in. This story even had world building! It felt a lot like ice planet barbarians (in a good way) in terms of the human and the monster needing to learn about each others cultures and the human needing to make a choice between returning to her world and staying with the monster she has grown to love.

I normally don’t love fated mates in fantasy books- but in monster smut I’ll allow it.

Surprisingly sweet, nice and spicy, and a well developed plot. I will absolutely recommend this book and read the rest in the series when they are released.

Thank you to netgalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth]

DNF.

I'm really tired of heroines who are insecure about their bodies only to meet a man (or monster) who thinks they are beautiful. 🤦🏼‍♀️🥱🙄

Also, I'm tired of opening a book with "I walked in on my boyfriend having sex with another woman and then he yelled at me, telling me I was fat".

It's so overdone. Get a little more creative. Please.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy!

I really enjoyed this book. When I started I did not want to put it down. I needed more monster romance in my life and this gave me what I was craving.

Meg is such a fun, fierce and badass character. I loved her a lot. Leander is such a cinnamon roll and the way he loves and cares for Meg was just awesome. I liked the portal magic and how sex is the way that will save the Magic.

Fat rep- Meg is described as fat, rolls, lush and soft which I loved to see. She has some insecurities with her body at times due to a previous ex fat shaming her. My big issue is the cover! There was an opportunity to show a plus sized body and this cover didn’t do that so I was frustrated. I picked this book up not even knowing it was had fat rep and to see the cover have a skinny character just made me sad.

CW- author has a great and compressive listing of tags and CW.

[Dino Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

FMC: Meg- a board game designer who is taken to a haunted house where she has to sign a waiver in order to enter only to be transported to an alternate realm to meet her mate and use sex to save his dimension. Meg is a curvy FMC with realistic responses to learning about magic, realms, etc. but has the unique qualifier of loving all things mythical and mystical including Minotaurs.
MMC: Leander- a Minotaur who is King of a dimension that is slowly dying. The only thing that can fix his kingdom and everyone who lives there is to find his mate, convince her to have sex, and create enough magic to sustain his kingdom. Now that he has found his mate how will he convince her to have sex, restore the magic, and stay forever? … also has a pierced 🍆 (which I wish was used a little more but I won’t complain)
POV: 1st person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: there are a few open-door spicy scenes in the book
TWs: body shaming, mental manipulation from ex-partner, parental neglect (off-page), cancer (remission, not MC), violence, house fire, sex in a temple- is that a TW?
standalone: this is book 1 in the Matchmaker Monster Romance series- The Kraken’s Prize comes out Fall 2023 and I can’t wait to devour it Luna Joya
final thoughts: WOW I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Such a quick read with a decent amount of steam/spice for a short book. I LOVED the side characters and can’t wait to see who crosses over to the next books.

read this book if you love
🔮 supernatural creatures
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
🌍 world building
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🏝️ forced proximity (alternate realm)
♟️ game references, game creation
🫡 big MMC
🤩 curvy FMC
📖 retelling (Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes)
🌀 plot twists

[Uyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely prefer the last 50% a lot more. I feel like that’s when it got super exciting and we get to see Brigid being her true self 👀

I wanna know more about that backstory.

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this!
The FMC drove me nuts throughout most of the book and the middle of the book really slowed down. I am excited to read the next in the series though!

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and cozy

Meg is a curvy FMC tricked into a mate matching contract by a demon with a Minotaur. I thought the FMC had some good qualities and I liked her hobby. The MMC was a sweetie and had some self destructive tendencies.
This universe has some potential, but I felt like the world building, or at least the description of the world building, was lacking. I also got a bit annoyed with the repetitive references to the FMC’s past bad relationship. It had relevance, but it felt like it became the FMCs entire personality several times throughout the book.
While I appreciate the unique hobby/career aspiration, the way the author integrated it into the main plot line was a bit much for me. Having it be the FMCs passion/ongoing career would have been sufficient in my opinion.

Spice: 3ish scenes

Triggers: author lists triggers

[Joanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

**1.5**

Matched with the minotaur wasn't bad but it was just a bit lacklustre for me. It feels a bit like a mashup between Katee Roberts Demon Bargain series and the Cambric Creek series but didn't really have the charm those did. It's decently written and perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if I didn't have those other two series to compare to. All in all, it has a good premise and it's executed decently but It just didn't manage to hook me in - by the time I was 50% though it felt like not much had happened and it would be comparable to being on a third chapter of another book. I might give future books in the series a go but it wouldn't be something I'm desperately awaiting.

Thank you to Netgally and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an arc in return for an honest review!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book! I am a huge fan of tabletop gaming and Meg was right up my alley, a curvy sassy protagonist who has had her share of loser boyfriends that took advantage of her. She is so smart in everything but unlucky in love!
Enter the haunted house where Meg and friends meet Theo… who is nothing like what he seems.
Meg takes her journey through the house and finds her “haunting” at the hands of Leander… who is anything but scary.
Y’all… I am not here to ruin anything for you but this is one Minotaur you’re going to be hot to trot for. Trust me on this. You’re gonna love him. You’re gonna want to read this one with the fan on.
I laughed and I blushed and I giggled and I swooned. Leander is a perfect gentlemonster. (With a perfectly wicked side.)

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matched to the Minotaur by Luna Joya.
Matchmaker Monster Romance, Book One.
The Unsuspecting Woman 
My friends surprise me with a haunted house tour to get over the ghost of my last relationship. Bring on the eerie sounds and special effects. 
Except magic is real. 
So is the labyrinth realm below the haunted house. And the demon who tricked me into a match with a minotaur.  
Now, I’m stuck in another dimension until I can find a way out of this supernatural deal.   
Really enjoyable read. Loved the story and characters. 5*.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alternative world with fated mates, deals with demons, a minotaur who worships his girl, and a demon cat who is literally the sweet little fluff.

This was a fun story to read and I really enjoyed it!

[Sydnie Nova · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was a bit boring and it was a slog to get through. I wasn't invested in the story and characters.

[Inna]

DNF @ 15%. Not really enjoying the writing style at all.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fast paced portal fantasy with hunky monsters, demon kitties, and an fmc who designs board games then this is the perfect book for you.

I’ve been interested in this book since the first time I saw it, so when the author reached out and asked if I wanted to be an arc reader I instantly said yes. I have absolutely no regrets. The characters are lovable, the world building is fantastic (Leander’s realm sounds like it would be so fun to visit), and I would sell my soul to have a cute little demon kitty to follow me around.

There is some mild fatphobia in this book that comes from Meg’s ex boyfriend, which is sadly really relatable, but Leander absolutely worships Meg and her body which warms my heart.

Overall this is a fantastic read full of little twists, action, and some delicious spice.

[Kassybetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Match making Demons, monsters, and haunted houses! Count me in!

The cover and premise for this book is what really caught my attention. As always check your tw, that author does a great job at posting them in the front of the book. I know it has gas lighting, fat shaming, emotional abuse and possibly a few others.

I will say that I was a little Leary when I first started it and fat/body shaming was involved. I’m not a fan of the my ex-boyfriend called me fat and hated my body trope, because I’m assuming he knew “said” characters size when they started dating unless stated otherwise in the book. there’s a million other reasons why a man can be a douche to his partner besides them being fat, But I digress🤷🏽‍♀️.

However that aside our fmc never falls into that category of I was ashamed of my body until a man told me not to be. So I was able to put that trope to the side and just enjoy the book as is and man oh man am I glad for it!

I loved the plot and the fact that the author really incorporated table top gaming/games into this book. I love table top games and so does our fmc Meg🥰. She finds herself in a binding contract with a Minotaur named Leander. Leanders world is falling apart and he has one last chance to save it with the help of Meg.

I loved the way they courted each other and omfgahhhh the way I would beg Leander to let me worship at his altar😏. That altar scene though😛. I also appreciated that this book had consent.

I was not expecting the plot twist that came with the whodunnit part of the story…in fact the whole entire book i very vocally kept saying “ it’s obvious ****** who is the traitor!!” 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️. Anyway I can’t wait to read more in the matchmaker monster series!!!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Meg agrees to go to a haunted mansion with her friends she soon regrets it but since everyone else is all in she goes along. When Theo “the tour guide” tells her she must go on her quest alone she is a bit taken aback but cannot resist a quest. She carves game pieces for the fun of it and takes courage from the female gremlin warrior she has clutched in her hand he showed her the basement stairs and tells her to descend and that Lender will be her guide. After mistaken a cute little great kitten for lender she finds out he is the deep rumbling voice coming from the shadows what she will eventually find out is the kitten is a demon in serves more as her sentinel as opposed to something she fears. She also finds out Linder is is the king of a dying kingdom NSE doesn’t find his faded mate him and all that he loves will vanish. He is losing his magic but not this new urge and want for this mortal. Despite his body that looks like it was built by the Greeks he has the face of a bull and no one would be attracted to that… So why does she keep feeling these things of desire for this bovine man. I am not going to lie I really ate this book up I do not like detailed sex scenes but they were few and far between that’s for the story I was so surprised at how good the dialogue was how interested I became in these people and I cannot wait for the next one. I hope it’s with her friends and I hope there’s a vampire in the mix. This is really a clever Shapeshifting match to the Minotaur romance. It’s one I highly recommend to those who love Shapeshifting fairytales and beauty and the beast remakes. You will not be disappointed. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Llynnya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Monster Erotica types of books are supposed to be for enjoyment and an escape. 'Matched to the Minotaur' by Luna Joya delivers both.

In this first of at least a four book series we find four girlfriends heading for a sneak-peek tour of a haunted house. What they find is wholly different. Their guide, Theo, is a matchmaker to monsters and the haunted house is a portal to their realms.

I thought I knew how this would turn out with certain characters given the hints through the story
but by the time I came to the end of the book I found a couple unexpected surprises and secrets.

This is an a imaginative start to a promising series and I’m looking forward to reading more.


Thank-you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#MatchedtotheMinotaurMonsterRomance #NetGalley

A Note From the Publisher - possible trigger warnings: sexually explicit scenes, neglect (historical, father to child, off-page), body shaming/emotional abuse/gaslighting (historical), maternal cancer in remission with a healthy ending (historical, off-page), and violence. Irreverent altar use for sexy times. No pets/familiars injured. Magical delay in having children.Sexy times are consensual.

[s.h. Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Matched To The Minotaur by Luna Joya

This was a great quick read! I went in having only glanced at the blurb.
Meg and her friends take a trip to a haunted house for a private tour. The girls get separated and while Meg follows a cute kitten down a dark set of stairs, she soon finds herself transported into another realm. The king of the realm is a Minotaur, ruling over his labyrinth and Meg learns that the release contract she thought was for a haunted house was really a mating contract to the king.

This was a fun read with great spice and dual POVs. I wish more was explained about the warlock and other magic however it’s clear more books are to come. I’m already excited to read the next book!

Thank you for this ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

This book comes out March 14th!!🥳

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC!

I literally only learned about and requested this book yesterday and read the whole thing today, so I feel like that should tell you something! I'm still relatively new to reading monster romances, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. We appreciate spicy monster books with consent and disdain for toxicity in relationships as main features, even when dealing with sketchy demon deals! Also while I like the cover, it does not do our main character justice at all. She is canonically curvy! And it's one of the things Leander loves about her!! Anyway, this was just a lot of fun and I had a great time! I will definitely continue with the series as they come out as well!

Edit: Editing because I forgot the CWs! My bad, y'all!

CWs (from the book): sexually explicit scenes, neglect (historical, father to child, off page), body shaming/emotional abuse/gaslighting (historical), maternal cancer in remission with a happy ending (historical), and violence

[Mierfie Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Monster romance and wow i can see the hype. I never see the bull same again (lol!) I love author writing style, love the storyline, jealous of Lander longing and worship to his mate Meg, love the magic in this book. Now i curious about Meg mother and her book club. I cant wait for next book in this series. Tentacle next!

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#MatchedtotheMinotaur #MatchmakerMonsterRomance #MonsterRomance #LunaJoya #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC

[Melanie Horner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute read that was surprisingly spicy. Leander was such a cinnamon roll, I love him. He was so sweet but also 🫠🥵
Meg was so relatable, fighting off insecurities from a previous breakup and just everyday life struggles and worries.

“I’m no savior. I create board games and worry about paying the minimum on my credit card bill.”

What you’ll find:
⚔️Plus size FMC whose a RED head
🔮Dungeons and Dragons/Gaming speak
⚔️A cinnamon roll Minotaur
🔮”Touch her and ☠️” vibes
☠️Relatable FMC
🔮MMC who wants to give her the world…or should I say realm

“What makes you question the truth of your worth? You are a warrior.” She has a deep wound, one that bleeds her confidence like a scourge. Yet I can’t see it to heal it. “It’s the same as whenever I speak the obvious about you. Your beauty, your strength, your brilliance—those are facts, realities plain for everyone to see.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🫑

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

[Kathreadsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This monster romance was cute!

Matched to the Minotaur features a sarcastic, pluz-size herione and her burly and protective minotaur.

I liked the magic system, and the different dimensions, and the chemistry and smut was great! The lack of communication between the two leads was really frustrating though, as he basically avoids her twice. The first time was explained, and he did much better, but then he ignored her again?? Instead of just telling her what was going on? That was too much for me.

But I liked the happy ending and would still pick up the other books in the series.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I did not review it right after finishing it, so I no longer remember all the small details, but I really enjoyed this book. I thought the world building was good and liked the characters. The small amount of mystery that was mixed in was nice too. I did think that the main female was a bit quick to accept her circumstances and just go with the flow but it was still fine. This is book 1 in the series and I think I am interested enough in continuing the series to see what more will come.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of Meg and Leander! And I want a little demon kitty of my own. Oggie is the best kitty-protector. The only thing I had trouble with was envisioning the labyrinth for some reason; I think it was the whole no-sky thing that gave me the wiggins. Other than that the story flowed, Meg and Leander flirted and more, and there was an HEA; monsters deserve love, too! I look forward to more in this series and can't wait to see what's happening with Meg's friends!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy!

[Cheyenne Tice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but I feel like this literally took Katee Roberts Bargain with a demon and switched the characters. It was a good book but I was kinda shocked at the similarities

[kase]

DNF 73% my hearts not in it, I see the end coming a mile away and I’m bored

[Khalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a thing for minotaur romances.

[berrythebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little kick your feet monster romance. Once I picked this up I couldn’t put it down.

A sassy gamer FMC + a cinnamon roll Minotaur king? Count me in.

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this author.
Another amazing book, filled with a fantastic tale about a tale older than time. The characters were funny, strong and sexy. Still sizzling after all the hot scenes.
Can’t wait for the next book