Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon ~ Review & Blog Tour

In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner, in this steamy romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Ruby Dixon.

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts . . . which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all theirs away. Now that her family is in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items.

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who requires a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine) . . . and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops), and he’ll want nothing to do with her if he discovers her real identity.

Now Aspeth just has to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold—oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, whom she might be falling in love with.

It’s time to dig deep. Literally.

I felt that this book was a little slow starting but then boy did it pick up pace! I really enjoyed it and thought the storyline was very intriguing and different.

I really liked our main character Aspeth, it was like she knew what she was doing, but didn’t fully realised what would be expected and what the customs were at the guild. I felt really quite sorry for her as she was definitely a loner as an unmarried holders daughter.

I loved how her maid Gwenna went with her to join the guild even though she didn’t really have a clue as to what they would be doing there. I loved that her motivation was that she wanted to be more than a made.

Hawk was a great character and he was a really caring character too. The fact that he was a Taurian and the conquest moon was on its way made for spicy reading scenes but as it formed a main part of the storyline it became so intriguing to see what would actually happen on the night of the moon. I liked the fact that he did try to prepare Aspeth.

I must say that I did love the 5 fledglings and I really liked Kipp, they just seemed such a great character and despite not talking actually came across and having a great presence and key part of the team.

As we were getting towards the end the drama was increasing and I must admit there were times where I was worried for all of the characters. I’m really pleased with how it ended though and I do hope we get to hear more from the guild.

I loved the writing style of the book and seemed to fly through the chapters. The hardback book is STUNNING 🤩 such a pretty cover and spray and a beautiful illustration inside.

You can grab a copy here #Aff (If you buy a copy through this link I get a teeny commission of the sale from Amazon)

Huge Thanks to Love Books Tours, Ruby Dixon, Ace Pub Books and Penguin Random House for my place on the blog tour.