This was outrageously fun, deliriously hot, and emotionally sharper than I expected. In other words, everything I want from a Ruby Dixon sci-fi and fantasy romance.

Tropes:
— monster romance
— human & minotaur
— curvy heroine
— knotting
— dual POV

This book reminded me of a Cinderella story—but the adult version, where instead of a prince we have a minotaur, and instead of a glass slipper, we get some spicy memories.

In this part, we learn what happened after the first book. The story is told from Gwenna and Raptor’s POVs. I won’t go into details to avoid spoiling either the first book or what’s to come in the second. But I will say this—this story is just as good as the tale of Sparrow and Hawk.

I wouldn’t recommend reading both books back-to-back or out of order—this one includes callbacks to the first, which is great if you need a refresher, but might spoil things if you haven’t read it yet.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is funny, sweet and mysterious. Trying to uncover the secrets is half the fun. I enjoyed the continuation of stories from characters from the first book.

This book had a little bit of everything, including action, suspense, and, of course, romance. I like the characters and I know that our patrons will, too. It's a definite purchase for the collection and I've already got a list of patrons started that will want to read this one.

This was amazing like an action fantasy game blended with romance, adored it! World building was unique and well done and the chemistry between characters was sizzling!

Ruby Dixon has done it again. She's made me like a creature feature situation that I didn't think I could ever get behind. Again, I had no idea I could ever read a minotaur romance and actually like it? But I did! A fun read.

This book is so fun and gives such an adventure vibe while also being incidibly emotional and impactful. The world is so unique and the magic makes me cheer and also gives me anxiety for Gwenna. I love the romance and Raptor - woah! The tension and yearning and steamy interactions are so hot!

By the Horns by Ruby Dixon was everything I wanted and more. Gwenna has easily become one of my favorite FMCs in a long time—she’s determined, caring, and just trying to make a life for herself, all while dealing with a very deadly secret. I loved seeing more of the Royal Artifactual Guild and getting deeper into the worldbuilding, which continues to be so rich and fascinating. The mix of magical artifacts, politics, and forbidden abilities made for such a compelling read.

And Raptor? Oh, I knew he was going to be great from the first book. I was really hoping he and Gwenna would end up together—even if I don’t think they had any interaction in Bull Moon Rising (lol), I just had a feeling. Friends on both sides dating is one of my favorite tropes, and their chemistry was everything I wanted. The tension, the banter, and the way Raptor relentlessly pursues her while Gwenna tries to keep her distance (for very valid, life-threatening reasons) had me hooked.

I also really appreciated how, despite her own struggles, Gwenna was always looking out for the people around her. She’s dealing with the terrifying reality of her necromancer abilities, but that doesn’t stop her from caring deeply for others. The balance of emotional depth, humor, and action was perfect, and I loved every second of it.

I am absolutely obsessed with this world, and I really hope we get another book! Ruby Dixon is creating something special here, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

Another great Ruby Dixon read. I liked the first one in this series so I requested this one. It does not disappoint. It has the right mix of characters, story and spicy scenes.

A great second book for this series. I loved the new main couple and seeing all of the reoccurring characters again.

First, thank you for the early reading copy. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this second one did NOT disappoint at all. I might have enjoyed this one a little MORE, it's that good. I hope there are more books in the series. Looking forward if there are.