My Boss is a Minotaur!

by Ivy Sparks

My new boss is a monster! No, I mean literally.

When I finally land my first assignment in the field, I’m surprised to find myself working for an actual minotaur. And not just any minotaur, but Ruhkus, the most successful Urk'Kek CEO on his planet.

I could maybe handle that, but then I discover that there are some major cultural differences. Like, for example, pants? Optional for minotaurs. And as if that wasn’t hard enough to swallow, there’s something else monster-sized hidden underneath Ruhkus’s fur that I simply can’t unsee—or stop fantasizing about…

Still, I'm not one to back down from a challenge. My mission is to help Ruhkus close a galaxy-changing deal all while keeping his temper in check. And my libido as well.

Should be easy for a trained monster tamer like myself, right?

But as I get to know Ruhkus better, I find myself drawn to him in ways I never expected. He's rough around the edges, but there's a softness behind those primal eyes, and I can't help but feel my heart race when he's near.

Letting my attraction get in the way of my work is unprofessional, not to mention strictly forbidden between a human and a monster.

But Ruhkus doesn't care about the rules. And what he wants, he always gets.

Genres: Monster Romance, Science Fiction, Romance, Monsters, Paranormal, Fantasy

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2023

About the author

Click '+Follow' to get updates on new releases!

Ivy Sparks has a passion for romances that feature kick-ass heroines and the dark alpha males who love them. If not for her demanding cat, she'd probably have even more books out.

Sign up to Ivy Sparks's newsletter for updates and a FREE book! https://ivysparks.eo.page/freebook

Reviews

[Amy Imogene Reads]

DNF at 40%.

The pacing of the romance didn’t work me and I didn’t care for the smexy times. No big deal! Good writing though for anyone interested in the concept.

[V.P. Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Ruhkus!

I really loved the relationship between Ruhkus and Violet. Both characters developed so much over the course of the story, each helping the other overcome shortcomings in their personalities. I liked that the steam was fast but the love wasn't instant. Their relationship was more realistic because of this. The physical attraction was instant, but the emotional aspects took time to develop and getting to know and respect each other for who they were. This was an excellent story and I highly recommend it!

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet (h) is hired to help prepare somewhat volatile Urk'Kek CEO Ruhkus (H) on cultural relations with humans after he has a disastrous trade deal meeting – a deal critical to his company and planet. At first Ruhkus seems to be the bull-like minotaur he resembles, but as Violet gets to know him she finds that there’s much greater depths to him. Ultra-hot and steamy minotaur-human romance.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this book! Violet was one smart cookie and stood her ground with Ruhkus. She's sent on an assignment to supposedly 'tame' a minotaur - Ruhkus. A savy and wealthy businessman. He needs help in dealing with humans and learn to control his temper. He has a superstar of a sister, who arranges for Violet's role. I loved the humour in this book and how the characters grew together. I also guessed the movie, having it in my collection. So the tears were both touching and humourous. For a big guy, he was soft inside and more so as he grew to love Violet. They became a great team.
I did not like G'Nuvas and felt he was behind their angst, long before it came to light. I actually wanted Ruhkus to inflict more pain and then felt for Quentin, as he told them of his past.
I received a copy of this book and have freely read and now review this lovely story.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute

This was an adorable story between a human and an alien species similar to a minotaur. The story is light hearted, fast paced and without major drama. The spice level was about a 2-3, pretty tame but enough that you know it is there! The author has a fun writing style with plenty of descriptions to help the world building, which helps seeing this story is completed off Earth! There is some minor growth with the MFC and a bit more with the MMC which is always nice to see. This is a quick read and took me under 3 hours total. If you are looking for a light hearted read with a HEA and no cliffhangers you may enjoy this book. I consider it a curl up on the couch on a cold day kind of story!.

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

[TaylorReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this. It was cute and met most of my expectations, although there were a couple of plot holes and loose-ends that need tied with some proper editing. Overall a cute one but not on my favorites list.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s cute but title doesn’t match exactly

He is a giant cinnamon roll and not really that grumpy. Personally I found violet far more grumpy than the supposed grumpy boss. However, the very poor description of the goods…knocked it down a star

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud and it was hot and steamy as well and the characters had to learn to work together but the closer they get there feelings start to change but not everyone is happy about them or the deal. Violet is a human that’s been gotten a job on planet Muliuq to keep calm the successful Urk’kek CEO Runkus a Minotaur who has a temper and if she can help then the deal will go through but he knows nothing about her coming because his sister organized it all. Ruhkus is a Minotaur and the most successful Urk’kek and CEO and the deal he is trying to make will help everyone and not just only his planet but when a human female comes to help he is not happy but his sister finally gets him to agree for Violent to help keep things from going off the rails with his temper but the closer he gets they more his feelings change and the way she looks at him she wants him too. Violet is shocked when meeting Ruhkus because for one he is a grumpy Minotaur who doesn’t wear pants and what he has hiding behind his fur has her fantasizing about him and would love to get together but she has a job to do and must stay focused but the closer they get the harder it becomes to keep there hands to themselves and when they cross that line and it was amazing and now they both want more but there are some that don’t want them together or the deal to go through. How does it all turn out and does the deal go through and do they get there HEA or not.

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

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 fabulous🌟's for My Minotaur Boss💖🔥🌟

I loved this! It had a beauty and the beast vibe but wasn't a retelling of the story. The characters had tons of chemistry and the storyline was well done and kept me reading well into the night! Violet was stuck in the basement of her company after not doing well on her first Job. She gets an impossible assignment one she's not sure she can make happen, but she's going to give it all she has. Ruhkus is a Urk'Kek a minotaur alien like race. He's CEO of his own company but his first venture in to big business with other alien cultures did not gone as planned. The varying differences and the lack of understanding almost ruined his business. That's when his sister Brought in Violet. At first he wants nothing to do with any help, but after getting to know Violet he sees her value. And beyond that he sees the woman she truly is. Together they forge a partnership that blossoms into something so much more. But outside forces want them to fail! Can these to build something stronger and long lasting or will those who want to see them fail win?! You need to read and find out! I've fallen in love with Ivy Sparks recently her stories make me feel good bring a smile to my face and make me root for a strong couple! The perfect way to end a long work day!! Highly recommend🌟💖🔥🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥🌟💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖🌟🔥

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so many moments where this book made me laugh at the antics, feel sorry for very confused Urk'Keks and discover the wonders of the differences between the species. I really enjoyed the story immensely.
Violet has always wanted to work with other species. Part of the drawback is that the only information on other species has been gathered by humans and they don't really seem to have done a great job of it. Nothing of enough depth to help when in a tricky situation which is precisely why she was landed in the basement. It seems now though that the company is short a bod to send to the Urk'Kek who requested a representative, so Violet it is. She's been dropped in it from a great height by both her company and the one who hired her as the Minotaur, sorry Urk'Kek, who needs help is very much against it all. Ruhkus has got himself to where he is today but hard work, brains and a instinct. He was trying to broker a deal with the humans, a very lucrative deal for both himself, his planet and the galaxy but somehow it just all fell apart. Cultural differences are to be expected but he just cannot, will not accept it. So when a small, albeit pretty human, is dragged in to "tame" him, he sees red.. again.. He doesn't need a tiny female human to tell him what to do!

[Amanda B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of this book is ridiculous, though to be fair, I got halfway through and stopped reading so maybe it picks up in the second half. To summarize the set-up, the FMC went to school to be an interspecies diplomat, was sent on a softball of a first assignment and failed, and was relegated to data entry for months afterward. Then, inexplicably, with even she herself acknowledging that there are numerous more qualified candidates, she is selected by the head human diplomat to single-handedly and with zero support or preparation solve a massive diplomatic snafu with the Minotaur race. This goes about as well as you’d expect, except that she and the Minotaur businessman she’s been assigned to liaise with immediately have the hots for each other and start bumping uglies immediately. Oh, and their biggest challenge is to get another meeting with the head human diplomat, the same exact one who just sent the FMC on this mission. Why would he send her to fix things diplomatically with the Minotaur guy and then refuse to meet with them? Additionally, the FMC is so unskilled and unprofessional at every turn that I think they need to send her back to doing data entry again. I am so incredibly tired of romance heroines who are completely incompetent in the name of being “cute”.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed My Boss is a Minotaur! Book 1 of Monster CEOs. Violet has been sent to try and get Ruhkus and Mr. Ashburn to put their deal back on the board, it was called off after Ruhkus’s temper got the best of him. What neither was expecting was their attraction to each other. Her bing human and him being a Minotaur. They both learn a lot from each other but someone is out to ruin Ruhkus and take down Violet in the process. Will they be able to save the deal that will benefit the whole galaxy? Will they have any kind of future after he business deal is done? This was a sweet storyline and I liked the characters. I would def recommend this book.

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

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet knows that this assignment is her las chance after a failed assignment got her relegated to the bowels of her organization. So when she meets him and sparks begin to fly, she doesn’t know how there going to work together. Ruhkus doesn’t want a human to help him, but he can’t deny the connection that he feels, something he’s never felt before. Can they learn to work together while the explore this attraction between them? Monstrous fun and sexy time to explore in this funny and romantic story. Awesome characters and worldbuilding add in with some danger and adventure that had me reading this in one sitting. Wonderful!.

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

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!

This is definitely one of the better written, short monster books I’ve read. Not all monster novellas are created equal, I am sad to report.

I always go into these sort of books hopeful and always left unfulfilled. Not with this one!

The writing was well done, the story made sense and was thought out. I enjoyed the personality of the main and side characters and I loved the lack of the third act breakup bologna that’s in many romance books.

The length was perfect, I didn’t get bored and there was the perfect amount of info and detail. I will say, there was not enough steam (length or description wise) that I look for in monster romances. These scenes were pretty bland and forgettable tbh, but I did enjoy the rest.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

MFC Violet has been given an assignment to tame MMC Ruhkus an alien Urk’kek and big CEO on his planet Muliuq, the mission to get him to close on a very BIG deal.
The story was an excellent Sci-Fi Romance that was expertly written and I enjoyed the quick to flash over Ruhkus and feisty Violet who was the balm to soothe the savage beast.
Humor, corporate intrigue, and spicy romance lead the way with engaging side characters and Ruhkus’ sister, Khesara was my favorite.
A great entertaining read!.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. Good world building. I liked both Violet and Ruhkus. Violet was sent on an assignment to help a minotaur CEO businessman secure a trade deal by "taming him." I really loved the dynamic between the two of them. It was pretty funny moments. Ruhkus was stubborn and confident, but he was also tender and sweet at times. Violet may be tiny next to him, but she is feisty. The quest to complete the all-important trade deal was suspenseful and exciting. 5 stars

[Krissie Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this story is amazing

5 stars for sure. I'm a sucker for FMC who is strong and isn't fighting to return to her bleak existence. I love that she knew she deserved better work wise.
And that she took their cultural differences in stride once she understood them, but worked to help the MC understand how to work with humans outside of that without giving up his values.
I love that she didn't make some crazy choice running away over a misunderstanding or thinking he didn't love her.
This story is amazing start to finish.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story that takes human gal, Violet, and sends her off planet to 'tame' a Urk'Kek (Minotaur alien), Ruhkus so he can successfully broker a deal that will bring prosperity to just about everyone. Of course, he has a famously bad temperament and isn't really open to being 'tamed'. Lol! Expect fab character growth, betrayal, cranky vs feisty banter, cultural learnings and sizzling chemistry to go with their hot romance ;D

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cant imagine a minotaur pulling on a suit and going to the office for work, but it happened in this story. The MMC, our minotaur, happens to be the CEO of his own company and, what’s more, there happened to be a planetful of minotaurs.

It was a delightful read how our FMC tamed our minotaur in every sense of the world.

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

[LunaLibro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall thought it was an “ok” book. Very simple and sweet monster romance. Spice rating for me will probably be between a 1 and a 2 out of 5 on the spice meter. There were parts in this book that felt dragging but honestly I might be getting into a small reading slump so that could be on me. For this type of story, I did think it was a touch longer than it needed to be. Liked Rhukus and Violet’s relationship though it was pretty insta-lust/lovey.

[Karuru · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad... a little slow in some parts.

I liked the chemistry the characters had, but the truth is that the whole reunion thing and it being their only hope has been a little... meh.

An entire planet depending on a meeting and a sale? and only he can carry it out? OK

There were boring parts where I had to force myself to keep reading, and then there were others where I ate the pages without realizing it.

3 stars, not bad.

[Amy Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it!

Honestly the only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is because I feel like the Main female character wasted half the book being a whiny self doubter. She got way better and I loved the interactions between her and the other characters.
The romance was so cute! The ending was so swoony! But let’s be honest, it’s all about the side characters- they were awesome! Will definitely look into more by this author.

[Maki Karnivorous · Rating 4 out of 5]

satisfying

Not very spicy at all but it was honestly such a satisfyingly good story that it’s easy to look past it. (I like smut leave me alone guys) They were just so grown up and real throughout the story. The way she adapted and got more aggressive for him and he got less aggressive for her. And they did everything they needed to so well. It just felt perfectly completed. So satisfyingly beautiful.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how Violet teaches Ruhkus about the human culture while learning about his. Violet and Ruhkus are attracted to each other which turns to love. They do have to deal with a slimy board member and I really liked how the dealt with it.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ this was ok, I didn’t love the outline of the story I guess? There was just something about it that I found clunky. I found her character kinda hard to follow, started out as meek and quiet then out of no where she’s bossy? Idk it was odd. And minotaur spice usually has far more size issues and far more “release” lol.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was cute

It was a cute read. Was very fast paced and a short read. I would have gave it 4 ⭐️ but the book moved really fast and sometimes it felt like they weren’t really in a relationship just screwing. And I read these books for the love story not just the steamy bits. They had the steamy bits but not much anything else.

[Ciru · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the introduction chapter. Got until chapter 8.

The cover is not good. Like a mix of a cocky ceo cover, alien planet and then the Minotaur with the bad hair.

I just couldn't go forward with the ridiculousness. And the fact that he doesn't wear pants. Diaper winnie the poo-ing it.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet & Rukhus’s story is fun, sexy, and wonderfully written! This story, while having OTT elements, is one I devoured in one go. The world building is well done, and the characters are eclectic. There’s a great deal of humor and playfulness, all in all, a good time.

[Brin Shayhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly fun

I found this book and immediately had to try it, Minotaur!? Yes please! I love a grumpy male, sweet female romance and this did not disappoint. This was a super cute story that had me smiling.

[zaire wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book! It was a romance through and through with a bit of drama we all need to thoroughly enjoy a good read. Not a lot of spice to it but it was enough to compliment the relationship between Violet and Rhukus. Which I felt played out really well.