Book Review: Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (romantasy)
Author: Ruby Dixon
Publication Date: October 15, 2024 by Ace
Genres: Romantasy
Protagonist Gender: Various
What do you get when you cross archaeology adventure with romantic fantasy, toss in a marriage of convenience, and sprinkle it with regency drama? If your dowsing rod is pointing you in the direction of Ruby Dixon, then you’re already on your way to discovering the treasure that is Bull Moon Rising.
There was so much to love about this book, starting with the friendship between Aspeth and Gwenna. They were such a great duo, both very much playing against society’s expectations, and it’s their loyalty to one another that makes the whole story possible. Their training as adventurers is fraught with challenges, undermined by sexism, and overshadowed by practical matters, but that’s what makes it so satisfying to finally see them descend into the tunnels. Only Hawk, frustrated guild trainer and grumpy minotaur about to go into a rut, could possibly make something of them, but he is as swoon-worthy a mentor as he is a lover.
You’d expect a book like this to be, well, dirty – physically and sensually – but it’s actually very sweet. Aspeth and Hawk have a lovely relationship arc, and as much as there are differences in size and experience, they work as a couple because their personalities fit so well. Even when they’re voyeuristically watching orgies in the streets, talking about knotting (while dealing with cat hair), or dealing with the sexual madness of seasonal rutting, they’re still fun and fabulous. There’s compassion and consent at every step, and the feelings that develop are genuine.
I’d hoped we’d get into the tunnels sooner, and was kind of saddened by the way Magpie was portrayed, but that’s more a failure of my wish-fulfillment than the story itself. The tension in the final part of the book is thick, full of danger and double-crossing, and I loved how seamlessly Dixon made the transition from creature-infested tomb to dark-and-dusty love nest. It sounds like there will be more stories in the Royal Artifactual Guild, and I’m up to be a repeater!
Rating: 
My sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
