... Read moreOkay, bookworms, let's dive into my honest thoughts on Ruby Dixon's *Bull Moon Rising*. As a huge fan of her Ice Planet Barbarians series, I went into this with pretty high expectations, looking for that same blend of alien romance, unique world-building, and, let's be real, a good serving of spice. But sometimes, a book just doesn't hit right, and for me, Bull Moon Rising ended up being a DNF (Did Not Finish).
From the moment I saw the book cover – with its intriguing line art of a woman holding a crescent moon and a bull-headed figure holding a sun against a starry, gradient background – I was totally hooked. It promised something epic and mystical, and I was ready for it. Ruby Dixon is known for her steamy alien romances, so I naturally assumed I'd get a similar vibe here. Unfortunately, my ruby dixon expectations for a smut book with that signature bull moon rising spice level weren't quite met.
So, why the DNF? For me, the pacing felt a bit off from the start. I found it hard to connect with the characters, and the plot didn't grab me in the way her other books usually do. While Ice Planet Barbarians throws you right into the thick of things with thrilling survival and instant chemistry, Bull Moon Rising felt a little slower burn, and not in a way that kept me engaged. I was hoping for that immediate, undeniable pull between the main characters that makes her other stories so addictive, but it just wasn't there for me.
Let's talk about the bull moon rising spice level specifically, because I know that's a key question for many Ruby Dixon readers. Compared to *Ice Planet Barbarians*, where the explicit scenes are plentiful and integral to the story, Bull Moon Rising felt noticeably tamer, or at least, the buildup to any 'spice' was so slow that I didn't get there. If you're picking up a ruby dixon book specifically for the high-heat romance, this might not be the smut book you're expecting. It felt like a different kind of romance, perhaps leaning more into fantasy than pure sci-fi, and with a less immediate focus on physical intimacy.
It's important to remember that not every book by an author will appeal to every reader, even if you love their other work. My experience with bull moon rising by ruby dixon really highlighted how much I appreciate the specific tropes and pacing of her Ice Planet Barbarians series. If you're looking for something that mirrors that high-stakes, instant-attraction, and very spicy alien encounter, Bull Moon Rising might feel like a departure.
However, this isn't to say it's a bad book for everyone! If you're a reader who enjoys a slower-paced fantasy romance, perhaps with less explicit content than her other works, or if you're curious to see a different side of ruby dixon author's writing, then it might be worth checking out. The book cover itself is stunning, and perhaps the story just wasn't aligned with my personal preferences at the time.
While this one wasn't for me, I'm still a huge ruby dixon fan and will definitely be checking out her other releases. Maybe this Bull Moon Rising book review can help you decide if it's the right fit for your next read! And hey, if you do decide to grab a copy, I've heard some places offer 30% OFF COVER PRICE plus 5% with Target RedCard – worth looking into if you're curious!