Books, Boots and Bakeries

I Didn’t Expect to Like It, But Here We Are…

Look, sometimes you pick up a book just to shake things up. I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut lately, so I figured, why not? Ruby Dixon is basically the queen of sci-fi romance, and Bull Moon Rising sounded weird enough to be entertaining. What I didn’t expect? A full-on Indiana Jones moment featuring a massive, minotaur-esque hero. But really, I should have.

The setup is classic Dixon—alien world, a tough heroine who isn’t here for nonsense, and a hero who’s more brawn than brains but is also an absolute sweetheart. Except this time, there’s a treasure hunt, ancient ruins, and an adventure that felt more like a pulp serial than a standard alien romance. And it worked. It was fast, fun, and exactly what I needed.

The story follows Callie, a no-nonsense treasure hunter stranded on an alien planet, and Torran, a massive, horned warrior with a mysterious past. When Callie gets caught up in a quest to uncover a lost relic, she realizes she’ll need Torran’s help—mostly because the ruins are filled with deadly traps, and he’s built like a battering ram. What starts as an uneasy partnership turns into something deeper as they fight off ancient security systems, rival scavengers, and their growing attraction. There’s tension, banter, and just the right amount of slow-burn before the inevitable “we might die, so let’s kiss” moment.

Did I think I’d be this invested in a bull-like alien searching for answers about his people? No. Did I immediately check if there were more books in this series when I finished? Absolutely.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, with adventure, romance, and a hero who’s equal parts formidable and adorable, Bull Moon Rising delivers.