Actual Rating: 4.5 ⭐

When the weather starts to cool and I’m looking for something warm and comforting, cozy fantasy romances are my go-to—and Emberly Wyndham’s A Witch and Her Minotaur delivered exactly that.

This is the second book in the Coven Crest Academy series, and it follows Lyra Wilder, a fire witch whose magic is as unpredictable as her trust in others. Facing expulsion, she’s assigned to community service, where she meets Carin, the academy’s gentle, solitary groundskeeper. What begins as a reluctant arrangement slowly grows into something tender and meaningful.

What I loved most about this book is how it goes beyond romance. It’s a story about trust, vulnerability, and stepping into the unknown even when it’s scary. Lyra’s growth—learning to work with her emotions rather than suppress them—felt authentic and deeply human. Carin’s quiet kindness and his love for tending the grounds and fungi brought such a soothing energy to the narrative.

“It’s not much,” I say, still holding the little box. “When I saw them, I thought of you.”

Compared to the first book, this installment has a cozier, slower pace with less action, but it shines in emotional depth and character development. I’d recommend reading book one first to avoid small spoilers, but this story easily stands on its own merits.

“I learned long ago that finding my joy was much more important than holding on to my hurt.“

If you’re looking for a heartwarming fantasy romance to curl up with this season, A Witch and Her Minotaur is a wonderful choice.

Perfect for fans of witchy romance, gentle male leads, and autumn reads. 🍁✨

Read if you like…

• Cozy, low-stakes fantasy settings
• Autumnal, atmospheric reads 🍂
• Character-driven stories with emotional growth
• Quiet, kind love interests
• Magic that mirrors personal struggles

Tropes

• Grumpy x Sunshine (with a twist — she’s fiery, he’s soft)
• Forced proximity / working together
• Found family vibes
• Emotional healing and trust-building
• Magical school setting
• Slow burn romance