


Series: Royal Artifactual Guild #1
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also by this author: Ice Planet Barbarians, Barbarian Alien, Lauren's Barbarian, Barbarian Lover, Bound to the Shadow Prince



Goodreads
In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner in this captivating special hardcover edition of USA Today bestselling Ruby Dixon’s new steamy romantasy.
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 of theirs away. Now 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 needs 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 will want nothing to do with her if he finds out the truth.
Now Aspeth just needs to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold. Oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, who she might be falling in love with. It's time to dig deep. Literally.
Ruby Dixon welcomes us to a new world in Bull Moon Rising. The book starts a bit slow because there is a lot of world building. Like her Ice Planet Barbarian series, this has a non-human male lead. In this case, a Minotaur!
I liked the plot and the characters! The romance feels a bit more like side plot, and oddly, I was okay with that. The story was interesting and kept me turning pages. I adored Aspeth! She is so endearing. I enjoyed the archeology vibe as well (it reminded me of Indiana Jones, but with monsters).
Bull Moon Rising could have been shorter. It felt like it dragged in places and it took away from what was a good plotline! On a personal note, I hate the term “rut” or “rutting”. Its just not attractive at all. So, that kind of turned me off. This book had good bones-interesting characters, exciting plot-and if a few things were changed, I would have absolutely adored it! It was still a solid read for me!
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: marriage of convenience, monster romance, secret identity
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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Authors like Katee Robert, Grace Goodwin, …then you will probably like Bull Moon Rising!

I’ve enjoyed this author. Great review!