A review by bribreez
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

4.25⭐️/ 4-5🌶️

*Check Trigger warnings before reading 

When one dreams of adventures of discovering magical artifacts in underground tunnels it sounds like a fun time right? For Aspeth it was always her dream to join the Guild, but especially considering her home close to ruin for the loss of financial support and all the magical artifacts no longer working, Aspeth needed to join the Guild to help save her home. For Hawk, he just hoped he would get a group of students who would finally pass and not be the laughing stock of the Guild. As if that’s wasn’t enough to be stressed over, the Conquest Moon was fast approaching which meant things for Hawk were going to be tense…or in his case in need of some serious release. With Aspeth wanting to join the Guild, but needing a chaperone to approve her to go and Hawk needing someone to help him through the Conquest Moon, a marriage of convenience happened, and the two agreed to help each other. A group of misfits put together, a grumpy teacher, a hopeful student, and some magic, Ruby Dixon wrote a fun monster romance that piqued my interest right away. 

There’s just something about Ruby Dixon’s books that are so addicting and enjoyable that I love reading them. Granted, this is only my second book I’ve read by Ruby Dixon, but within the couple of chapters I read, I was already immersed into the world of the book. Ruby Dixon crafted a world that relied on the magic of artifacts to both help and use as a means of rise in power. Not to mention, Ruby also tackled the issue of misogyny that Aspeth constantly found herself faced with. Aspeth wasn’t a woman to go down easy, she put up a fight in order to show everyone she was willing to put in the work to become a full fledged guild member. Aspeth and Hawk were different in every way possible from different upbringings and species they were. Aspeth was a holder’s daughter and came from nobility, whereas Hawk was a working Minotaur trying to make sure he still had his job as an instructor. With Aspeth and Hawk meeting, it set off a whole new direction that neither of them saw coming. 

When I heard about this book, I knew it was going to be a fantasy romance, but add in a marriage of convenience and I was even more excited! I feel like I haven’t necessarily read a fantasy romance with a marriage of convenience especially in the case with Aspeth and Hawk. Both, Aspeth and Hawk needed something from the other so, by marrying each other they provided a means the other needed. Little did Aspeth realize that with the Conquest Moon approaching, the tension between her and her husband would grow hotter each day! Add in the moments when Hawk would say, “my wife” and show her all the ways she could experience pleasure especially with him being a Minotaur, and it was quite the surprise for Aspeth that she enjoyed VERY MUCH! 

If there’s one thing I throughly enjoy about Ruby Dixon’s books is the unique take she brings to her stories, and with Aspeth and Hawk their story was one I was really intrigued by. The more that I read, the more I realized just how much both Aspeth and Hawk had things that were taking a toll on their lives. Aspeth wanted to try to make it into the guild, but also try to find artifacts that could help her family’s hold. With Hawk, trying to ensure his group of Five passed or else he would lose his job and resort to whatever means to support himself. Aside from the occasional obstacles they faced, Aspeth and Hawk little by little started to get more comfortable with each other, and their marriage of convenience became less transactional. 

I wanted a smutty, spicy monster romance and Ruby Dixon once again for me! I was throughly immersed into the world of this story, and I loved the elements of magic from the artifacts and the sense of adventure that Aspeth felt along the way. Granted, not everything was easy as Aspeth originally planned, but she ended up marrying a strong and handsome Minotaur, Hawk. Hawk was grumpy at first, but he grew on me more as the story progressed. I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience trope, and seeing it the way Ruby Dixon wrote it in this story was absolutely perfect! Oh no, a hot, single Minotaur needed someone for his Conquest Moon and help him through all the rutting he was going to go through…Aspeth volunteering for the job! I also liked how the story illustrated the significance behind the artifacts and how Aspeth was so knowledgeable about it. Aspeth and Hawk were a great couple and from their first time meeting to them falling in love, it really became a passionate and loving relationship they formed. By the end of the story, I was sad to be done with their story because I really adored them. I’m happy to see how Aspeth and Hawk’s story ended on a good note, and while things changed originally from how both Aspeth and Hawk initially planned, the way things ended were even better for them both. If you’re looking for a fun, enjoyable monster romance with spice, lovable characters, adventure, and humor, then definitely read this book!