Ruby Dixon

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions in this voluntary review are my own. Aspeth is a noblewoman whose family and holdings have fallen on hard times, thanks to her spendthrift and careless father. She leaves to join a male-dominated magical guild in order to turn things around and keep everyone safe from marauding noble families (led by her dastardly ex-fiancé). Thwarted by the guild's misogynistic rules, she enters into a transactional show more marriage with Hawk, a "Taurian" (i.e., a minotaur) and the teacher of her guild training group. Will she be able to find what she needs to refill her family's coffers while keeping her heart safe in the process?

I've read this author before and enjoyed her books, the feel of this story reminded me of her "Aspect and Anchor" series, which I really like. There was an engaging plot with a satisfying amount of tension and intrigue, complete with villains and mortal danger. I sped through this enjoyable story, even though normally I'd try to slow myself down to savor it a bit more. There were lots of touches of humor, and what I love most about a book like this is that once you embrace the ridiculousness it's such fun to read. I liked Aspeth ("Sparrow") a lot, she's a great mix of prim and passionate, and she and Hawk together were surprisingly sweet. That said, what I think makes the story more satisfying is the wonderful found family vibe Aspeth discovers in her training group. From her loyal ex-maid Gwenna to Kipp (for whom I have a soft spot), the supporting characters were distinctive and well-written. (I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, especially since it focuses on the practical and loyal Gwenna.) And I admired Aspeth's courage and pluck, she had strong Evie from "The Mummy" vibes, but with a lot more magic. There's a lot of sexually explicit content which, if you've read the description (or anything by this author), won't be a surprise to you. Pay attention to content warnings too, as there are some potentially triggering plot points and events. If you're in the mood for an open-door romantasy story with a hidden identity plot and a marriage of convenience that leads to something more (and a "happy for now" ending), not to mention a great team of endearing and plucky underdogs, then this is the book for you! 4.25 stars. show less

There is nothing I love more than morally grey characters. A well-written villain is a thousand times more interesting than a perfect hero. And that's why I loved Azar since the moment I met him (3 years ago). Since then I wait for his book, and the wait is worth it.

I love villainized heroes, who everyone hates, and I especially enjoy it when their story is told in multiple books (No wonder my favourite characters are Aaron Warner and Damon Torrance). Make me hate his guts, and then make me show more fall in love. This is the best equation.

I always felt Azar was misunderstood, and this book showed exactly that. I loved being in his head. He is probably one of the smartest characters out there, always calculating and analyzing. It was just interesting seeing the world from his POV. But he was also caring and gentle, something I didn't expect him to be. His devotion toward his mate was heartwarming, and his actions spoke volumes. I love him.

Melina was a tolerable heroine. I usually critique the female characters and this one is not an exception. I liked her in the beginning, but there was always this vibe around her that screamed spoiled and brat. It honestly infuriated me how blind she was to Azar's feelings. But her being a format for other people really didn't help it.

The thing about my favourite men in fiction is that I always think they can get so much better, but they settle for the average.

I did like the writing, and Ruby's spicy scenes were HOT as always, but I felt like some things still need a bit of editing (especially in the beginning).

The story was intriguing, and it really developed the MMC. I would totally miss my favourite dragons, but a reread is just a few touches away.

In the end, I did love the book, and the story, but my favourite from the series remains the "Fire in his blood" with Liam and Andrea. show less

I am really entertained by this series, and Gwenna's story continues the wrecking-ball level of improvements that our heroines bring to the Royal Artifactual Guild. The characters are excellent (some from last time, some new), and while I hate the rampant misogyny that they combat, I love the heart and stubbornness that brings them through. Great found family, murder mystery, steamy kink, love story. I also love Raptor as a character, and am hopeful that there are more stories in this world show more to tell.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. show less

Oh my God.
Well, I noticed these books really taking off suddenly because of TikTok, and I decided to humor all the little BookTokkers to see what all the fuss was about.
How do I say this? ...uh, I am not into Blue Alien Beefcake. The idea that it exists is very amusing to me, but not surprising. I Was, however, surprised that it was really good! Engaging characters, I never once sprained a rectus muscle in my eyeballs, enough of a unique take on the "Opposites Attract" troupe that even Paula show more Abdul would be into it.
One thing though.
I'd like to pass Dixon a folded up sheet of paper that lists all the synonyms for the word "utterly," because ya girl had used it in every possible way without actually making one cow pun. Pivot, Diversify! Learn a new word, Jesus Christ! show less