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A Witch's Guide To Freeing A Minotaur
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26Ava is a burnt-out witch. Kal is a self-loathing minotaur. Neither thinks they deserve it, but they just might save each other.
As a child, Ava was a prodigious witch. Now, almost thirty, she barely leaves bed. When her mother sends her to her late great-aunt’s manor with an ultimatum to pass an impossible magic exam (and make her mother rich again) or be disowned, Ava would rather let the void take her. Until a howl rises from the hedge maze.
Kal longs to be the monster everyone expects, not the poetry-loving minotaur he is. Cursed and bound to the grounds after a failed theft, he’s ready to claim his freedom. Even if that means killing the manor’s new resident. When he bursts into the dining room, he doesn’t expect to be offered tea.
Ava doesn’t expect the manor’s minotaur to blush and apologize when he learns only strong magic can dispel his curse. The same type of magic that starts to spark within Ava again. She swears she’ll find a way to free him.
But Kal’s mating season looms, and the last thing he needs is a pretty witch who smiles and compliments his taste in literature. He swears he won’t give into his instincts and claim Ava. Even if she wants him, too.
As a child, Ava was a prodigious witch. Now, almost thirty, she barely leaves bed. When her mother sends her to her late great-aunt’s manor with an ultimatum to pass an impossible magic exam (and make her mother rich again) or be disowned, Ava would rather let the void take her. Until a howl rises from the hedge maze.
Kal longs to be the monster everyone expects, not the poetry-loving minotaur he is. Cursed and bound to the grounds after a failed theft, he’s ready to claim his freedom. Even if that means killing the manor’s new resident. When he bursts into the dining room, he doesn’t expect to be offered tea.
Ava doesn’t expect the manor’s minotaur to blush and apologize when he learns only strong magic can dispel his curse. The same type of magic that starts to spark within Ava again. She swears she’ll find a way to free him.
But Kal’s mating season looms, and the last thing he needs is a pretty witch who smiles and compliments his taste in literature. He swears he won’t give into his instincts and claim Ava. Even if she wants him, too.
- GenresRomance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.
This book had a lot of potential but it missed the mark for me. I liked the concept and idea of a burned out witch and a trapped minotaur and I found the witch's magic interesting. The problem is that it was very lackluster. I felt like I was reading a story that barely went into the intricacies of the magic and the characters. I wanted more aboht Ava's burnout and her feelings about magic. I feel like there was a lot of emotions I was missing from her. I also felt the same way about Kal. I feel like since he has been trapped at the house and maze he would have more emotions like maybe anger or betrayal or even depression to learn that he is stuck. I found myself just overall wishing for more. The foundation was there but a lack of depth was missing.
This book had a lot of potential but it missed the mark for me. I liked the concept and idea of a burned out witch and a trapped minotaur and I found the witch's magic interesting. The problem is that it was very lackluster. I felt like I was reading a story that barely went into the intricacies of the magic and the characters. I wanted more aboht Ava's burnout and her feelings about magic. I feel like there was a lot of emotions I was missing from her. I also felt the same way about Kal. I feel like since he has been trapped at the house and maze he would have more emotions like maybe anger or betrayal or even depression to learn that he is stuck. I found myself just overall wishing for more. The foundation was there but a lack of depth was missing.
October 21, 2026
Thank you to Vivian Quest for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for a completely honest review.
1.5/5🌶️
Idiots-to-lovers? 25+ main characters? Comforting healing? I was sold by the first. And, I can confirm that these two were idiots, but not always in the best of ways.
First, let's get into Sunvale and world setting. A town of oucasts of differing species, Sunvale is set apart from the rest of this fantasy kingdom in the fact that it allows everyone to find a peaceful life. That was okay for me, predictable, but also felt the same as any other 'outcast fantasy town' with a sprinkle of magical-creature hatred thrown in. What I did love though was the myth surrounding the forest of both Sunvale and the home property; a spirit of the woods that protects those harmed within its bounds, seeks revenge and protects those from hurt. The fact that we actually do get to see this spirit, find the source of the myth, was so enjoyable for me. (Plus we get to see some revenge at the same time, so bonus points!)
The magic system in this book was also something I found incredibly interesting. Witches using imagination and that their magic is mostly a destructive based energy. Ava brings it up when talking about the plant and the girl Lily, how to magically help something grow you are bringing it towards destruction and how destruction cannot heal but can temporarily destroy the symptoms. It was fascinating.
Other than that, there were some nice supporting characters in the story as well. Slog, Ignat and Grog were some really awesome guys; kind, confident, protective without being overbearing, and in Slog's case loud and proud. Ignat has this way about him that made him feel like a D&D player character and that rang for me, as someone who loves both playing and DMing campaigns, plus how he tries to make sure people are communicating and safe 👌 Plus, extra points for having the main cast be closer to 30 years of age than 19. They felt more mature to read, for the most part.
Quest's writing style is easy to read and has this whimsy about it that made reading it enjoyable. However. I felt like I kept reading the same descriptors over and over. Using 'grunt', 'growl', 'stomp/stamp' for almost every interaction Kal has with... anyone. There were 82 counted 'grunts'. I get that he is a bull/minotaur but that seems excessive and made reading Kal's dialogue feel so repetitive and one-noted.
Upon saying that, Kal. I kept flipping between liking him and hating him. In some scenes he is so sweet, so caring and attentive, really trying to help her heal as much as she is also helping him. But a lot of the time I was left frustrated in his POV because he gained this 'white-knight, saving her from me/herself' mentality whenever the idea of having VERY CONSENSUAL sex with her is ever mentioned; not to mention his wishy-washy behaviour whenever around her. He spends more than half the book pulling her close to only push her away whenever something actually does happen. Tell her she is amazing, he believes in her, then in the same scene tell her that he is going to run into the forest at the first taste of freedom so he won't have to rut anyone, that she doesn't know her own desire and how could she possibly want him, the monstrous 'no one understands by pain' minotaur. It was tiring. It was boring. It made Kal feel flat and one-note. Like a glutton for punishment, his sweetness kept pulling me back in though.
Ava. Now with her, I just couldn't keep up with her mental gymnastics. One minute she is so apathetic, so desensitised to the desire of death. Next minute she has a fire in her eyes to do better, lust in her loins, and one not great choice makes someone an instant villain. I very much appreciated her straight forwardedness, there are not a lot of FMC's who would openly speak about sex like that or be so chill with a friends with benefits situation. They happen and it was so enjoyable to read about that in a fantasy setting. She was the main driving factor to provide any kind of connection for the romance aspect of the story, since it didn't seem like Kal actually wanted to take steps. Ava was enjoyable to read and her healing journey was super sweet.
There wasn't a lot of good romantic chemistry between them, at least for me, and reading their smut honestly felt like two close friends who happen to sleep with each other. The spice was fine on it's own, nothing really to say other than it was well written. I have TWO main issues, and one is not smut itself but related. Let's start with that one. Around 73% through, Mary mentions to Ava a necklace with the following line:
That'll work for him. That is the exact wording. It comes across as very non-consensual, regardless to Ava's response, and is later CONFIRMED by Kal in the fucking moment with a shrug and blaise over the shoulder words. WHAT THE FUCK. And it relates to my second issue with the smut.
The RUT. It was built up this entire time, from basically the start, that Kal would become a mindless, sex obsessed, monstrous fucking machine that would be so rough and crude with Ava's body and not remove his cock from her for 24 hours. It is the WHOLE FUCKING REASON Kal will not sleep with her for majority of the book. When we actually get to the rut, it is so tame and sweet and caring. The only thing that was rough was him entering her for the first time. THAT IS IT. We don't even get snippets of those 24 hours. Just the first time then brief almost outlines of what they did, or just a 'we fucked again, he got us a meal, we fucked again.' Where was the fire? The urgency? The desperate urge to fuck? Kal feels the exact same so removing the birth control necklace felt like a deliberate choice instead of the mating drive it was painted to be. I was so disappointed.
Overall, I did actually enjoy reading majority of the book. As stated, it was easy to read, had interesting lore and magic system, and quite a few enjoyable moments in it. Kal and Ava did not do it for me, and because of that is why I rated it so low. For main characters, I wanted to enjoy them - as individuals, as a partnership - and I just couldn't half the time. Don't let it stop you from enjoying the book though, because I did find things that intrigued and interested me regardless of what I didn't enjoy as much.
1.5/5🌶️
Idiots-to-lovers? 25+ main characters? Comforting healing? I was sold by the first. And, I can confirm that these two were idiots, but not always in the best of ways.
First, let's get into Sunvale and world setting. A town of oucasts of differing species, Sunvale is set apart from the rest of this fantasy kingdom in the fact that it allows everyone to find a peaceful life. That was okay for me, predictable, but also felt the same as any other 'outcast fantasy town' with a sprinkle of magical-creature hatred thrown in. What I did love though was the myth surrounding the forest of both Sunvale and the home property; a spirit of the woods that protects those harmed within its bounds, seeks revenge and protects those from hurt. The fact that we actually do get to see this spirit, find the source of the myth, was so enjoyable for me. (Plus we get to see some revenge at the same time, so bonus points!)
The magic system in this book was also something I found incredibly interesting. Witches using imagination and that their magic is mostly a destructive based energy. Ava brings it up when talking about the plant and the girl Lily, how to magically help something grow you are bringing it towards destruction and how destruction cannot heal but can temporarily destroy the symptoms. It was fascinating.
Other than that, there were some nice supporting characters in the story as well. Slog, Ignat and Grog were some really awesome guys; kind, confident, protective without being overbearing, and in Slog's case loud and proud. Ignat has this way about him that made him feel like a D&D player character and that rang for me, as someone who loves both playing and DMing campaigns, plus how he tries to make sure people are communicating and safe 👌 Plus, extra points for having the main cast be closer to 30 years of age than 19. They felt more mature to read, for the most part.
Quest's writing style is easy to read and has this whimsy about it that made reading it enjoyable. However. I felt like I kept reading the same descriptors over and over. Using 'grunt', 'growl', 'stomp/stamp' for almost every interaction Kal has with... anyone. There were 82 counted 'grunts'. I get that he is a bull/minotaur but that seems excessive and made reading Kal's dialogue feel so repetitive and one-noted.
Upon saying that, Kal. I kept flipping between liking him and hating him. In some scenes he is so sweet, so caring and attentive, really trying to help her heal as much as she is also helping him. But a lot of the time I was left frustrated in his POV because he gained this 'white-knight, saving her from me/herself' mentality whenever the idea of having VERY CONSENSUAL sex with her is ever mentioned; not to mention his wishy-washy behaviour whenever around her. He spends more than half the book pulling her close to only push her away whenever something actually does happen. Tell her she is amazing, he believes in her, then in the same scene tell her that he is going to run into the forest at the first taste of freedom so he won't have to rut anyone, that she doesn't know her own desire and how could she possibly want him, the monstrous 'no one understands by pain' minotaur. It was tiring. It was boring. It made Kal feel flat and one-note. Like a glutton for punishment, his sweetness kept pulling me back in though.
Ava. Now with her, I just couldn't keep up with her mental gymnastics. One minute she is so apathetic, so desensitised to the desire of death. Next minute she has a fire in her eyes to do better, lust in her loins, and one not great choice makes someone an instant villain. I very much appreciated her straight forwardedness, there are not a lot of FMC's who would openly speak about sex like that or be so chill with a friends with benefits situation. They happen and it was so enjoyable to read about that in a fantasy setting. She was the main driving factor to provide any kind of connection for the romance aspect of the story, since it didn't seem like Kal actually wanted to take steps. Ava was enjoyable to read and her healing journey was super sweet.
There wasn't a lot of good romantic chemistry between them, at least for me, and reading their smut honestly felt like two close friends who happen to sleep with each other. The spice was fine on it's own, nothing really to say other than it was well written. I have TWO main issues, and one is not smut itself but related. Let's start with that one. Around 73% through, Mary mentions to Ava a necklace with the following line:
"I think when minotaurs rut they might actively try to remove birth control methods, so that'll work for him."
That'll work for him. That is the exact wording. It comes across as very non-consensual, regardless to Ava's response, and is later CONFIRMED by Kal in the fucking moment with a shrug and blaise over the shoulder words. WHAT THE FUCK. And it relates to my second issue with the smut.
The RUT. It was built up this entire time, from basically the start, that Kal would become a mindless, sex obsessed, monstrous fucking machine that would be so rough and crude with Ava's body and not remove his cock from her for 24 hours. It is the WHOLE FUCKING REASON Kal will not sleep with her for majority of the book. When we actually get to the rut, it is so tame and sweet and caring. The only thing that was rough was him entering her for the first time. THAT IS IT. We don't even get snippets of those 24 hours. Just the first time then brief almost outlines of what they did, or just a 'we fucked again, he got us a meal, we fucked again.' Where was the fire? The urgency? The desperate urge to fuck? Kal feels the exact same so removing the birth control necklace felt like a deliberate choice instead of the mating drive it was painted to be. I was so disappointed.
Overall, I did actually enjoy reading majority of the book. As stated, it was easy to read, had interesting lore and magic system, and quite a few enjoyable moments in it. Kal and Ava did not do it for me, and because of that is why I rated it so low. For main characters, I wanted to enjoy them - as individuals, as a partnership - and I just couldn't half the time. Don't let it stop you from enjoying the book though, because I did find things that intrigued and interested me regardless of what I didn't enjoy as much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ 3/5 Stars
******Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Vivian Quest, for providing me with an ARC of A Witch's Guide to Freeing a Minotaur in exchange for an honest review.
I genuinely think this story had so much potential. The idea of a burned-out witch and a trapped minotaur immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed the premise. I also found the magic system interesting, and the characters were easy to like.
However, as much as I enjoyed the concept, I couldn't help feeling that the story only scratched the surface of what it could have been.
My biggest issue was the lack of emotional depth, especially considering how much there was to explore. Ava's burnout and her complicated relationship with her mother alone could have added so many layers to her character, but I felt these aspects were brushed over far too quickly. The same goes for her relationship with her great-aunt, which I would have loved to see explored in more detail.
I also thought Ava's developing friendship with Kal was really sweet, and I enjoyed their interactions. Still, I wish we had learned more about Kal's past. His backstory felt a little too simple, which made it harder for me to fully understand his motivations and connect with him on a deeper level.
Another thing I found myself wanting was more world-building. The setting and the magical world seemed genuinely intriguing, but I never felt like I got to explore them as much as I wanted to. There were so many interesting possibilities, and I wish the story had taken more time to develop them.
What makes this a little frustrating is that I actually liked the foundation of the story. The characters, the magic, and the central idea were all there. I just wanted the emotional relationships, character motivations, and world-building to be given more room to breathe.
From what I understand, this appears to be the author's debut novel, and I'm curious to see what she writes next. Despite the aspects that didn't quite work for me, there was still a lot I enjoyed about this story.
For now, though, this is a 3-star read for me. An enjoyable and promising story with a lovely premise, but one that left me wishing for a little more depth.
******Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Vivian Quest, for providing me with an ARC of A Witch's Guide to Freeing a Minotaur in exchange for an honest review.
I genuinely think this story had so much potential. The idea of a burned-out witch and a trapped minotaur immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed the premise. I also found the magic system interesting, and the characters were easy to like.
However, as much as I enjoyed the concept, I couldn't help feeling that the story only scratched the surface of what it could have been.
My biggest issue was the lack of emotional depth, especially considering how much there was to explore. Ava's burnout and her complicated relationship with her mother alone could have added so many layers to her character, but I felt these aspects were brushed over far too quickly. The same goes for her relationship with her great-aunt, which I would have loved to see explored in more detail.
I also thought Ava's developing friendship with Kal was really sweet, and I enjoyed their interactions. Still, I wish we had learned more about Kal's past. His backstory felt a little too simple, which made it harder for me to fully understand his motivations and connect with him on a deeper level.
Another thing I found myself wanting was more world-building. The setting and the magical world seemed genuinely intriguing, but I never felt like I got to explore them as much as I wanted to. There were so many interesting possibilities, and I wish the story had taken more time to develop them.
What makes this a little frustrating is that I actually liked the foundation of the story. The characters, the magic, and the central idea were all there. I just wanted the emotional relationships, character motivations, and world-building to be given more room to breathe.
From what I understand, this appears to be the author's debut novel, and I'm curious to see what she writes next. Despite the aspects that didn't quite work for me, there was still a lot I enjoyed about this story.
For now, though, this is a 3-star read for me. An enjoyable and promising story with a lovely premise, but one that left me wishing for a little more depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I’m writing this review voluntarily.
I just finished this book and I’m speechless. I loved this book so much!!! I couldn’t put it down and when I had to put it down, all I wanted to do was pick it back up again! If you like a cozy monster romantasy, you NEED to read this book! Honestly, I feel like if you like romance or romantsies period, you’ll love this book!
Personally, I could relate to Ava as I too have been burnt out in the past. I felt her pain as I read, and I honestly started tearing up when Kal told her there was always time for poetry (aka, there is always time for something you love, even, and maybe especially, when you don’t feel like you have time for it). I felt for both Ava and Kal, especially with the people pleasing and not feeling like you fit. Both characters had depth and I loved the other characters we see in the story as well. I felt the found family vibes and since this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping we will see them again!
And the romance!! It was so sweet and perfect, I loved Ava and Kal’s interactions and the yearning! It gave me flutters in my chest and had me swooning, I couldn’t have asked for anything more! There was certainly some spice, which I thought it was very well done!
While there wasn’t as much world building, I’m honestly okay with it and don’t feel like this story is missing anything by not having more world building. The story is more of a romance set in a fantasy world, and I feel like this was a gentle introduction into the world that I’m sure we will see more of as the series progresses.
I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel, it was written so well and I felt the emotions of the characters throughout the story. I think Vivian Quest is very talented and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
I just finished this book and I’m speechless. I loved this book so much!!! I couldn’t put it down and when I had to put it down, all I wanted to do was pick it back up again! If you like a cozy monster romantasy, you NEED to read this book! Honestly, I feel like if you like romance or romantsies period, you’ll love this book!
Personally, I could relate to Ava as I too have been burnt out in the past. I felt her pain as I read, and I honestly started tearing up when Kal told her there was always time for poetry (aka, there is always time for something you love, even, and maybe especially, when you don’t feel like you have time for it). I felt for both Ava and Kal, especially with the people pleasing and not feeling like you fit. Both characters had depth and I loved the other characters we see in the story as well. I felt the found family vibes and since this is the first book in the series, I’m hoping we will see them again!
And the romance!! It was so sweet and perfect, I loved Ava and Kal’s interactions and the yearning! It gave me flutters in my chest and had me swooning, I couldn’t have asked for anything more! There was certainly some spice, which I thought it was very well done!
While there wasn’t as much world building, I’m honestly okay with it and don’t feel like this story is missing anything by not having more world building. The story is more of a romance set in a fantasy world, and I feel like this was a gentle introduction into the world that I’m sure we will see more of as the series progresses.
I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel, it was written so well and I felt the emotions of the characters throughout the story. I think Vivian Quest is very talented and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley, and Vivian Quest for the opportunity to ARC read. I really enjoyed this book. This is one of my first monster romances, outside of books with demon, vampire, or werewolves but I typically consider those more paranormal romance. This book follows young witch Ava, on her journey to her Great-Aunts manor, where she meets the Minotaur trapped within the manors hedges, Kal. It is a rather short book at slightly over 200 pages in Ebook format.
Both Kal and her have a lot of baggage and scars. And I appreciate that the author wasn’t afraid to delve into that. The book explores many challenging themes such as family struggles, self love, and self identity/discovery. I love how Kal and Ava were able to help each other come into their true selves and reach a place of acceptance.
The antagonists (obviously and purposefully) were annoying and horrid which made them very easy to root against. I would like to know a bit more about the backstory of Ava’s great aunt and mother. As well as the kingdom that Ava lives within, and its ruler.
With that being said, I absolutely loved Manu is the side characters. Some of the side characters that really added to that “found family” vibe such as Mary, Ignat, Grog, and Slog. Mary was such a sweet woman, and I love the little glimpse into her backstory. I also found the scenes with Ignat and Mary bickering to be amusing. If we get a second book I’d love to see them…
All in all this was a very cute romance. It was quite cozy, and while it was spicy it didn’t feel overwhelming. 4 stars! Would recommend to those looking for a cozy, short monster romance.
Both Kal and her have a lot of baggage and scars. And I appreciate that the author wasn’t afraid to delve into that. The book explores many challenging themes such as family struggles, self love, and self identity/discovery. I love how Kal and Ava were able to help each other come into their true selves and reach a place of acceptance.
The antagonists (obviously and purposefully) were annoying and horrid which made them very easy to root against. I would like to know a bit more about the backstory of Ava’s great aunt and mother. As well as the kingdom that Ava lives within, and its ruler.
With that being said, I absolutely loved Manu is the side characters. Some of the side characters that really added to that “found family” vibe such as Mary, Ignat, Grog, and Slog. Mary was such a sweet woman, and I love the little glimpse into her backstory. I also found the scenes with Ignat and Mary bickering to be amusing. If we get a second book I’d love to see them…
All in all this was a very cute romance. It was quite cozy, and while it was spicy it didn’t feel overwhelming. 4 stars! Would recommend to those looking for a cozy, short monster romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew I would like this story, but I overestimated just how much. I managed to breeze through this story, and while it wasn’t incredibly unique, the relatability is what made it so engaging. For this being the authors first book, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was written. I do think it needed more emotional depth, but I can tell by her writing that this author will go far.
We are introduced to our FMC, Ava, who is sent to stay at her deceased aunt’s home, where she is expected to train for an exam in the hopes of becoming a first witch. Her mother uses her gifts for her own personal gain over the years, and it has had an unsurprising effect on her self-esteem. What she doesn’t expect to find is a trapped Minotaur who she makes her personal mission to free.
I found myself relating to Ava a lot and feeling an overwhelming amount of joy for her as the story unfolded. Seeing her come into her own was very therapeutic for me as someone who is a chronic people pleaser and who often deals with suicide ideation. I know it’s a work of fiction, but reading stories like this gives me the hope. And if found family and romance is your jam, then I’d certainly recommend reading this book.
It appears that this is expected to be a series, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment. My fingers are crossed it’s with Ignat. I loved a lot of characters in this book, but Ignat and Mary I found the most intriguing. I also hope to see more of the characters we didn’t have the pleasure to get to know well in the future.
We are introduced to our FMC, Ava, who is sent to stay at her deceased aunt’s home, where she is expected to train for an exam in the hopes of becoming a first witch. Her mother uses her gifts for her own personal gain over the years, and it has had an unsurprising effect on her self-esteem. What she doesn’t expect to find is a trapped Minotaur who she makes her personal mission to free.
I found myself relating to Ava a lot and feeling an overwhelming amount of joy for her as the story unfolded. Seeing her come into her own was very therapeutic for me as someone who is a chronic people pleaser and who often deals with suicide ideation. I know it’s a work of fiction, but reading stories like this gives me the hope. And if found family and romance is your jam, then I’d certainly recommend reading this book.
It appears that this is expected to be a series, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment. My fingers are crossed it’s with Ignat. I loved a lot of characters in this book, but Ignat and Mary I found the most intriguing. I also hope to see more of the characters we didn’t have the pleasure to get to know well in the future.
October 18, 2026
What happens when a burnt out witch and a trapped Minotaur get stuck into an unlikely friendship due to forced proximity, curses, spells, and magical dysfunction? A 5 STAR READ HAPPENS!!
This book was an absolutely fantastic cosy monster romance!! Ava is so wonderfully written, her personality was very charming and hilarious. I really related to her as a late diagnosed autistic woman myself! I found her very real feeling, and her emotional depth was wonderful and often soul crushing. Kal was also so funny and likeable, even when he was being bullheaded (I’m sorry). Their dynamic was so sweet and heartwarming. Watching them interact had me kicking my feet and giggling!! They were such a cute pair and bounced off of each other so perfectly! The plot was great and the spice was SPICY!
There were so many aspects of this book that made it so enjoyable! Will definitely be recommending from now on!
Thank you so much to Vivian Quest for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review through Booksirens!
This book was an absolutely fantastic cosy monster romance!! Ava is so wonderfully written, her personality was very charming and hilarious. I really related to her as a late diagnosed autistic woman myself! I found her very real feeling, and her emotional depth was wonderful and often soul crushing. Kal was also so funny and likeable, even when he was being bullheaded (I’m sorry). Their dynamic was so sweet and heartwarming. Watching them interact had me kicking my feet and giggling!! They were such a cute pair and bounced off of each other so perfectly! The plot was great and the spice was SPICY!
There were so many aspects of this book that made it so enjoyable! Will definitely be recommending from now on!
Thank you so much to Vivian Quest for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review through Booksirens!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this book, but the writing was quite underdeveloped and felt a bit like a first draft. However, the more I read it, the more it grew on me and I often found myself thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading it.
I did appreciate the storyline, I thought the plot was unique and flowed rather nicely. Of course the romance did feel a little rushed, but that’s usually the case when a story is on the shorter side. Some of the plot points/characters were a little rudimentary, but it is a monster romance after all.
One thing I will add, there’s this occasional negativity around weight and curviness. I get that people don’t like the idea of being fat, and are entitled to dislike their own body, I just wish I didn’t have to read about it in a way that borders on fatphobic.
I’ve given this story 3 stars because I can feel the author’s passion for writing, but I do think there is vast room for improvement. Regardless, I enjoyed myself and will look back at this story fondly.
I did appreciate the storyline, I thought the plot was unique and flowed rather nicely. Of course the romance did feel a little rushed, but that’s usually the case when a story is on the shorter side. Some of the plot points/characters were a little rudimentary, but it is a monster romance after all.
One thing I will add, there’s this occasional negativity around weight and curviness. I get that people don’t like the idea of being fat, and are entitled to dislike their own body, I just wish I didn’t have to read about it in a way that borders on fatphobic.
I’ve given this story 3 stars because I can feel the author’s passion for writing, but I do think there is vast room for improvement. Regardless, I enjoyed myself and will look back at this story fondly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the author.
The debut novel for author Vivian Quest, A Witch’s Guide to Freeing a Minotaur, is a charming romance between a burnt out witch and an unconventional Minotaur. The romance is sweet, the characters have depth, and there’s enough plot mixed in to keep the story engaging. The prose let me sink into the story and I laughed out loud at some of the banter.
Ava, the FMC, is incredibly relatable as a character and I genuinely felt for her headspace at the start of the novel. Kal is our MMC and fantastically compelling. The side characters add to the world building and plot without taking focus from the main couple, and the novel wraps up in a satisfying way.
I would happily read more in this world with these characters (more info on the great aunt? Giving the side characters’ romances room to grow?). This book is an engaging, easy read, and a fantastic debut novel.
The debut novel for author Vivian Quest, A Witch’s Guide to Freeing a Minotaur, is a charming romance between a burnt out witch and an unconventional Minotaur. The romance is sweet, the characters have depth, and there’s enough plot mixed in to keep the story engaging. The prose let me sink into the story and I laughed out loud at some of the banter.
Ava, the FMC, is incredibly relatable as a character and I genuinely felt for her headspace at the start of the novel. Kal is our MMC and fantastically compelling. The side characters add to the world building and plot without taking focus from the main couple, and the novel wraps up in a satisfying way.
I would happily read more in this world with these characters (more info on the great aunt? Giving the side characters’ romances room to grow?). This book is an engaging, easy read, and a fantastic debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very fun, sweet story! If someone likes Bull Moon Rising or Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore, they will enjoy this book. There is an incredible healing journey for both main characters (though I must urge folks to *please* check the content warnings because the suicidal ideation is not a joke) and a fascinating (or maybe too relatable?) storyline about how someone being family doesn't necessarily mean that they have the best intentions. I'm a sucker for found family and it snuck up on me in this book (Ignat was just so unpredictable at the beginning) but I loved the final chapter. There is also some interesting commentary on chronic illness (both from a pacing perspective and a minor character asking for help with their own illness). I really enjoyed this and hope to see more from Vivian Quest in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC opportunity!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC opportunity!
October 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This was a really cozy and quick read.
What I liked:
- FMC reclaiming her power
- Sweetie pie minotaur
- Loved the supporting characters in this! (Mary is a real one 💅🏼)
What I struggled with:
- FMC’s family sucked fr
If you love:
- Found family
- A woman who knows what she wants *romantically*
- Mutually insecure MCs, who help each other overcome their insecurities
Spice: This was the most mild rut/mating season I’ve ever read - literally ends with “that’s it?” lmao
Tropes: found family, fated mates
Thank you to the author for the ARC! ✨
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
This was a really cozy and quick read.
What I liked:
- FMC reclaiming her power
- Sweetie pie minotaur
- Loved the supporting characters in this! (Mary is a real one 💅🏼)
What I struggled with:
- FMC’s family sucked fr
If you love:
- Found family
- A woman who knows what she wants *romantically*
- Mutually insecure MCs, who help each other overcome their insecurities
Spice: This was the most mild rut/mating season I’ve ever read - literally ends with “that’s it?” lmao
Tropes: found family, fated mates
Thank you to the author for the ARC! ✨
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awkward witch meets awkward minotaur and they fall in love.
The book is features cozy romance with some spice. It's a short read and has a very straightforward writing style (which might not be for some folks). Although frankly, it could use some editing as there are a few grammar/wording issues.
It features different creatures and magic but only at the surface level, so it's a nice break if you're just looking for a light read that doesn't delve into complicated magic systems. Ava and Kal are cute and I liked the found family theme especially with side characters like Ignat and Mary.
The book is features cozy romance with some spice. It's a short read and has a very straightforward writing style (which might not be for some folks). Although frankly, it could use some editing as there are a few grammar/wording issues.
It features different creatures and magic but only at the surface level, so it's a nice break if you're just looking for a light read that doesn't delve into complicated magic systems. Ava and Kal are cute and I liked the found family theme especially with side characters like Ignat and Mary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A rasgos generales está bien, pero la verdad que esperaba un poco más del libro. Algunos personajes, (Ignat, Grog y Mary) me parece que tienen poco desarrollo. O sea, sabemos unas cosas muy básicas de cada uno pero nada más. Y todo el tema de la madre me parecía un poco soso. Además, creo que de Kal se podría haber desarrollado de otra forma su historia, sobre todo el tema del cuerno. No entra en mis planes una relectura, por lo menos en un futuro cercano.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Vivian Quest and Net Galley for the advance copy!
I requested this because it looked cute. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was cute, spicy, and I didn’t want to put it down! This was a short, fun novella about a witch getting her magical groove back and the minotaur she falls in love with. I hope there are more coming!
I requested this because it looked cute. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was cute, spicy, and I didn’t want to put it down! This was a short, fun novella about a witch getting her magical groove back and the minotaur she falls in love with. I hope there are more coming!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an amazing book! I love the character growth that Ava takes to trust herself and her magic again! It was such an amazing character growth, while finding love with Kale and becoming who she is meant to be! I need more stories from Sunnyvale ASAP!!! Amazing book and thanking you letting me be an ARC reader! So grateful!!
October 17, 2026
The storyline really kept me interested, and I loved seeing where everything was going. I was especially enjoying the romance as it started to develop. I do wish we’d gotten a little more time with the love interests before everything wrapped up but so much of the storyline took precedence that the relationship building did feel like it got put on the back burner… Still, this was such a fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A lot of the time, it takes me almost half of the book to really get into it. Not this book! By the end of chapter 3, I was HOOKED. The characters are so sweet and build such a good relationship with each other. When I tell you it had me crying, I couldn’t stop. The vulnerability and love that shines through was just…perfect. I cannot wait for more of her books!
October 19, 2026
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book! First thank you so much this book was so lovely. Kal and Ava are perfectly adorable. I really love how the magical system is set up and want to see more of this world!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Good storyline! The aunt was a mastermind in my opinion with her witch skills. Not so much a people person. The slow burn of the story is understandable with the species difference but cute as he falls first.
Did Not Finish
October 20, 2026DNF at 30% - just not hooking me enough
Review of advance copy received from Author
How Ava Got Her Groove Back
or
A burnt-out, former gifted kid and a moody minotaur confront their inner (and outer) demons and heal themselves and each other through the magical power of orgasms
Charming main and secondary characters. An intriguing magical world and raw emotions that I would have loved to dive even deeper into. I will look out for other books set in this universe as there is still much more to explore.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this work. All opinions are honest and voluntary.
or
A burnt-out, former gifted kid and a moody minotaur confront their inner (and outer) demons and heal themselves and each other through the magical power of orgasms
Charming main and secondary characters. An intriguing magical world and raw emotions that I would have loved to dive even deeper into. I will look out for other books set in this universe as there is still much more to explore.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this work. All opinions are honest and voluntary.
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