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The Ruby Heart
"I DO SCORN THOSE PEACOCKS, THOSE POPINJAYS!"
Lovely Lesley Dalrymple had quite convinced herself that she detested all men. It was not that she lacked for suitors, but she was sure that most were only after her fortune.
When she discovered to her horror that her six-year-old nephew and godchild was being abused and exploited by a greedy relative, she was determined to take action. Then another godparent, the dashing Burke Penhallow, agreed to help her.
The only solution, however, was for her to marry Burke so that they could legally rescue Sandy from his dreadful caretakers.
Lesley had not counted on falling in love with Burke -- nor did she ever dream that hers might become a marriage in more than name only....
Lovely Lesley Dalrymple had quite convinced herself that she detested all men. It was not that she lacked for suitors, but she was sure that most were only after her fortune.
When she discovered to her horror that her six-year-old nephew and godchild was being abused and exploited by a greedy relative, she was determined to take action. Then another godparent, the dashing Burke Penhallow, agreed to help her.
The only solution, however, was for her to marry Burke so that they could legally rescue Sandy from his dreadful caretakers.
Lesley had not counted on falling in love with Burke -- nor did she ever dream that hers might become a marriage in more than name only....
- GenresHistorical Romance
223 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 12, 1980
35 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Janet Louise Roberts
72 books34 followersSee pseudonyms Louisa Bronte, Rebecca Danton & Janette Radcliffe. Some of the listed titles are more straight romance than romantic suspense.
Janet Louise Roberts was born on January 20, 1925, in New Britain Connecticut, the daughter of a missionary in a conservative church. She wrote contemporary, historical, and gothic romances, as well as occult horror romances such as The Devil’s Own, Isle of the Dolphins, Lord Satan, and Her Demon Lover. She used pseudonyms for several of her works.
Roberts died on June 11, 1982 in Dayton, Ohio.
Janet Louise Roberts was born on January 20, 1925, in New Britain Connecticut, the daughter of a missionary in a conservative church. She wrote contemporary, historical, and gothic romances, as well as occult horror romances such as The Devil’s Own, Isle of the Dolphins, Lord Satan, and Her Demon Lover. She used pseudonyms for several of her works.
Roberts died on June 11, 1982 in Dayton, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 21, 2021
Firstly, may I say how much I appreciate a socially conscious heroine who actually does things with it? Lesley advocates for children's rights and practices what she preaches! So many historical heroines are presented as opposing society's restrictions but really do very little.
As for the actual story - there is a proper plot to follow regarding the nephew and his custody, which is nice. The heroine is likable, the hero passable, and both of them can be rather silly. The love story itself was nothing much to write home about but pleasant all the same. Ultimately this book felt like standard fare Regency romance, but the kind that gives your brain a proper rest and doesn't abuse your emotions horribly. Such books are really very restful.
As for the actual story - there is a proper plot to follow regarding the nephew and his custody, which is nice. The heroine is likable, the hero passable, and both of them can be rather silly. The love story itself was nothing much to write home about but pleasant all the same. Ultimately this book felt like standard fare Regency romance, but the kind that gives your brain a proper rest and doesn't abuse your emotions horribly. Such books are really very restful.
January 18, 2022
One of my favorite authors from the 70's and 80's. Kindle
January 14, 2021
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with this egalley in exchange for an honest review.
In The Ruby Heart by Janet Louise Roberts, when Lesley Dalrymple hears about her six-year old nephew being abused under the guardianship of her uncle and aunt, she seeks the help of fellow god-parent and London's well-known rake- Burke Penhallow. Although, she despises men and refuses to marry, the only way of saving her nephew is through marriage with Burke Penhallow. I like the plot and themes, but I did not like the narration.
The plot was good Regency romance, especially with villainous relatives, gossiping Londoners, and good protagonists like Lesley and Burke. First of all, I like the villains that are so overbearing, so the protagonists are always confronting them, instead of just falling in love. Second of all, this story highlights a lot of social issues of the Regency era such as poverty, child labor, and child abuse. It focuses the light on the lower class of London society, instead of solely focusing on the gentry. Third of all, the protagonists are likable Lesley with her disdain for men and feminism and Burke with his caring nature and handsome looks. I like how theirs is not an instant love, especially with hurdles along the way, but Lesley remains the greatest hurdle. I know jealousy is an important step in realizing love, but it does not fit with her character.
Nonetheless, the narration rushes a lot. First, some important moments require a detailed confrontation, but the author breezes past them. On the other hand, some things are just happening too fast, which does not enhance the development of characters or relations. Second, this kind of narration does not help me connect with the romance of the story; when Lesley and Burke had their moments, they felt out of place. Maybe, if their romance developed at a slower pace, it would feel more right. If you like short Regency romances, then you should check out The Ruby Heart by Janet Louise Roberts.
In The Ruby Heart by Janet Louise Roberts, when Lesley Dalrymple hears about her six-year old nephew being abused under the guardianship of her uncle and aunt, she seeks the help of fellow god-parent and London's well-known rake- Burke Penhallow. Although, she despises men and refuses to marry, the only way of saving her nephew is through marriage with Burke Penhallow. I like the plot and themes, but I did not like the narration.
The plot was good Regency romance, especially with villainous relatives, gossiping Londoners, and good protagonists like Lesley and Burke. First of all, I like the villains that are so overbearing, so the protagonists are always confronting them, instead of just falling in love. Second of all, this story highlights a lot of social issues of the Regency era such as poverty, child labor, and child abuse. It focuses the light on the lower class of London society, instead of solely focusing on the gentry. Third of all, the protagonists are likable Lesley with her disdain for men and feminism and Burke with his caring nature and handsome looks. I like how theirs is not an instant love, especially with hurdles along the way, but Lesley remains the greatest hurdle. I know jealousy is an important step in realizing love, but it does not fit with her character.
Nonetheless, the narration rushes a lot. First, some important moments require a detailed confrontation, but the author breezes past them. On the other hand, some things are just happening too fast, which does not enhance the development of characters or relations. Second, this kind of narration does not help me connect with the romance of the story; when Lesley and Burke had their moments, they felt out of place. Maybe, if their romance developed at a slower pace, it would feel more right. If you like short Regency romances, then you should check out The Ruby Heart by Janet Louise Roberts.
January 13, 2021
"The Ruby Heart" was penned some forty years ago by Janet Louise Roberts; I do not know if she used the pen name Rebecca Danton back then. Apparently her novels are just now available in e-book format.
Embarking on a marriage of convenience to rescue 6-year-old Sandy Dalrymple from his physically abusive uncle and his unpleasant wife, his Aunt Lesley and godfather Burke Penhallow quickly hit predictable snags. Bluestocking Lesley and rake Burke are supremely ill-suited.
Now I believe people can change. Without giving spoilers, Burke has a few *duh* moments, one in particular, and afterwards he says he should have seen this coming. Oh really, do you think so?! Let's not forget Lesley, who near the end of the book, has a massive TSTL moment. Bluestockings are supposed to be smarter than that. The very real problems of child abuse, orphanages and child labor are addressed. The ruby heart of the title plays a pivotal role in the book.
Sadly, the characters didn't resonate with me. While there are no graphic sex scenes, I cannot classify this novel as completely clean. 2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
Embarking on a marriage of convenience to rescue 6-year-old Sandy Dalrymple from his physically abusive uncle and his unpleasant wife, his Aunt Lesley and godfather Burke Penhallow quickly hit predictable snags. Bluestocking Lesley and rake Burke are supremely ill-suited.
Now I believe people can change. Without giving spoilers, Burke has a few *duh* moments, one in particular, and afterwards he says he should have seen this coming. Oh really, do you think so?! Let's not forget Lesley, who near the end of the book, has a massive TSTL moment. Bluestockings are supposed to be smarter than that. The very real problems of child abuse, orphanages and child labor are addressed. The ruby heart of the title plays a pivotal role in the book.
Sadly, the characters didn't resonate with me. While there are no graphic sex scenes, I cannot classify this novel as completely clean. 2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
January 15, 2021
I enjoyed this story—it was full of intrigue and unexpected twists. I especially liked the focus on righting the wrongs of child abuse and child labor.
I wish there had been more substance to the romance. For a Bluestocking, Lesley wasn't very smart in how she handled Burke. If she had wanted to keep control of her own money, she should have negotiated for that in her marriage contract. Instead, she blamed Burke for her situation. Instead of fighting for what she wanted, she mostly sulked for the middle 50% of the novel.
Burke, for his part, was high-handed at times while also hiding his affection for her. Of course she was cold and distant. He didn't give her reason to be otherwise. But in the end, they both showed their true colors and came together to fight for their future. Ultimately, I found the book worth reading.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
I wish there had been more substance to the romance. For a Bluestocking, Lesley wasn't very smart in how she handled Burke. If she had wanted to keep control of her own money, she should have negotiated for that in her marriage contract. Instead, she blamed Burke for her situation. Instead of fighting for what she wanted, she mostly sulked for the middle 50% of the novel.
Burke, for his part, was high-handed at times while also hiding his affection for her. Of course she was cold and distant. He didn't give her reason to be otherwise. But in the end, they both showed their true colors and came together to fight for their future. Ultimately, I found the book worth reading.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
November 29, 2023
A classic....
..... as in, written some time ago. Silly woman, strong man turned milquetoast because of love, and a storyline you could drive a truck through. Decent premise for a novel, lousy character development, as well as presentation. The author needed a bit more education in the reality of Regency upstairs/downtrodden for this novel to move beyond boring and childish.
..... as in, written some time ago. Silly woman, strong man turned milquetoast because of love, and a storyline you could drive a truck through. Decent premise for a novel, lousy character development, as well as presentation. The author needed a bit more education in the reality of Regency upstairs/downtrodden for this novel to move beyond boring and childish.
January 21, 2021
The book was ok.. the heroines ideas were good but she was the most annoying person in the book.She never gave the H a chance. Extremely flaky and irritating.would not read another book by this author if the characters are so annoying.
March 31, 2021
Refreshing recency romance
Its nice to be able to read something that is a little different from the ordinary. I liked the characters and the way they were portrayed. The theme of the story was a little modern but will done anyway
Its nice to be able to read something that is a little different from the ordinary. I liked the characters and the way they were portrayed. The theme of the story was a little modern but will done anyway
November 18, 2021
I just didn’t like the characters in this book. Not even the hero and heroine. Totally inept, which ended with a amazingly improbable conclusion. I remember reading her books, I think I liked them better 30 years ago.
September 6, 2020
Fast paced, the hero needed to do some more groveling though, or at least be more open with his wife... 😑
February 26, 2021
Very good
This is an easily recommended book. It is a little slow, but ,is clean, well written, has strong characters and keeps you reading into the night
This is an easily recommended book. It is a little slow, but ,is clean, well written, has strong characters and keeps you reading into the night
February 27, 2021
Exciting Romance book
Written like a storyteller was in the room. Reading out loud with emotions high and low. Cast of characters fantastic
Written like a storyteller was in the room. Reading out loud with emotions high and low. Cast of characters fantastic
May 30, 2024
Heroine was not an intelligent woman, she was an idiot actually.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews