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Ruby Hill
From her earliest memories, Ashley Pearce has been drawn to Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum, and she's not the only one. Decades after the abandoned hospital ended its institutional reign of torture and neglect, something lurks in the shadows. Since she's a paranormal investigator, it's Ashley's job to find out what. Crime scene expert Corbin Malone doesn't believe in ghosts. A born skeptic, he has no interest in entertaining the hype surrounding the mysterious deaths at Ruby Hill, but he won't turn his back while more women die. He agrees to an overnight investigation, never expecting his first encounter would be with the woman he pushed away a year ago. But when he discovers Ashley is a target, he learns his greatest fear isn't living with his own demons, but losing her for good. Contains mature themes.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2013
1 person is currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ballance
33 books693 followersSarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 31, 2013
Book review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Novellas are usually a hit or miss. Ruby Hill was a definite miss. It’s the first story I read from the Entangled Ever After line, and I’d kind of expected it to be better.
The story is all over the place. Ashley Pearce has been drawn to Ruby Hill Asylum for as long as she can remember. It’s an abandoned institute, once home of cruel experiments, torture and doctors who prefered hurting their patients over helping them. She works in a ghost hunting show, and as a gifted medium, has let tons of cases and ghost hunts.
She’s not prepared to meet Corbin Malone however. Corbin is a cop, a born skeptic, and he’s reluctant about letting ghost hunters on the scene, even though the rest of the force thinks it’s their only chance, given how many people have died in Ruby Hill Asylum over the last few years, including Corbin’s own brother.
Corbin and Ashley used to date, and that brings forth more complications than either of them can handle on the most stressful night of their lives.
From the plot, you can probably gather that this book set up to be a complicated, intriguing read, and that it’s almost impossible to cover so much subject matter in a novella. You’d be right. It doesn’t work. Too much is thrown in, too many subplots are never investigated, and the story goes nowhere. The characters are as one-dimensional as they can get. Ashley is just there. If we get any emotions from here, than they’re told, not shown. Corbin has a little more emotional reaction, but even he remains dull and boring.
It’s never explained why the asylum is haunted, or why these ghosts suddenly have the ability to actually kill people. There’s no atmosphere because the story is rushed, which makes this book about as scary as watching a Disney movie. The romance is unbelievable, and it’s incredibly rushed as well.
I felt no connection to the story or characters, which was double dissapointing. First, because the story had a lot of potential – insane asylum, murders, ghost hunters, what could possibly go wrong? – and because this sounded like it would be right up my alley. I love gothic horror, and from the description, that’s what it would be.
It ended up being a dull and boring read, and it was way too rushed to be intriguing. If they’d made this into a full-length novel, it probably would’ve been a lot better. As it stands now, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Novellas are usually a hit or miss. Ruby Hill was a definite miss. It’s the first story I read from the Entangled Ever After line, and I’d kind of expected it to be better.
The story is all over the place. Ashley Pearce has been drawn to Ruby Hill Asylum for as long as she can remember. It’s an abandoned institute, once home of cruel experiments, torture and doctors who prefered hurting their patients over helping them. She works in a ghost hunting show, and as a gifted medium, has let tons of cases and ghost hunts.
She’s not prepared to meet Corbin Malone however. Corbin is a cop, a born skeptic, and he’s reluctant about letting ghost hunters on the scene, even though the rest of the force thinks it’s their only chance, given how many people have died in Ruby Hill Asylum over the last few years, including Corbin’s own brother.
Corbin and Ashley used to date, and that brings forth more complications than either of them can handle on the most stressful night of their lives.
From the plot, you can probably gather that this book set up to be a complicated, intriguing read, and that it’s almost impossible to cover so much subject matter in a novella. You’d be right. It doesn’t work. Too much is thrown in, too many subplots are never investigated, and the story goes nowhere. The characters are as one-dimensional as they can get. Ashley is just there. If we get any emotions from here, than they’re told, not shown. Corbin has a little more emotional reaction, but even he remains dull and boring.
It’s never explained why the asylum is haunted, or why these ghosts suddenly have the ability to actually kill people. There’s no atmosphere because the story is rushed, which makes this book about as scary as watching a Disney movie. The romance is unbelievable, and it’s incredibly rushed as well.
I felt no connection to the story or characters, which was double dissapointing. First, because the story had a lot of potential – insane asylum, murders, ghost hunters, what could possibly go wrong? – and because this sounded like it would be right up my alley. I love gothic horror, and from the description, that’s what it would be.
It ended up being a dull and boring read, and it was way too rushed to be intriguing. If they’d made this into a full-length novel, it probably would’ve been a lot better. As it stands now, I wouldn’t recommend it.
October 4, 2013
3.5 stars Why cant we get a half star here??
Ruby Hill. "In a hundred years of operation, tens of thousands of residents called the asylum home. Most never left alive. Hundreds, dumped anonymously in unmarked graves never left at all."
I love a good thriller and this was a thriller with some paranormal and some horror. I was scared, but I liked it. It was a little short and the story moved fast, so I can't complain. I liked Corbin and Ashley Corbin being a cop is called to investigate two murders at Ruby Hill, which has been closed for years. Scary, hiding under the covers reading!
Ashley is investigating on behalf of a paranormal team. When they get together it is difficult because they have a past. One that was painful and it needs to be dealt with. So now, yikes they have to work together to solve the mystery in the asylum. I liked the book although it was short and I will say it was very descriptive and had the elements of a great thriller/mystery.
Ruby Hill. "In a hundred years of operation, tens of thousands of residents called the asylum home. Most never left alive. Hundreds, dumped anonymously in unmarked graves never left at all."
I love a good thriller and this was a thriller with some paranormal and some horror. I was scared, but I liked it. It was a little short and the story moved fast, so I can't complain. I liked Corbin and Ashley Corbin being a cop is called to investigate two murders at Ruby Hill, which has been closed for years. Scary, hiding under the covers reading!
Ashley is investigating on behalf of a paranormal team. When they get together it is difficult because they have a past. One that was painful and it needs to be dealt with. So now, yikes they have to work together to solve the mystery in the asylum. I liked the book although it was short and I will say it was very descriptive and had the elements of a great thriller/mystery.
October 23, 2016
Corbin Malone is in the middle of an investigation into the murders of women in the long abandoned Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum when he's thrust back into the life of Ashley Pearce, paranormal investigator. Blaming Ashley for the death of his brother, Corbin had pushed her out of his life several months prior. When Corbin and Ashley are reunited in the same asylum that his brother died in, Corbin must push his disbelief in ghosts and blame toward Ashley aside and get to the bottom of the serial killer using the asylum as his backdrop for murder.
Corbin's beliefs (regarding ghosts and the death of brother) are seriously tested, forcing him to realize things about himself that he never wanted to admit. Finding proof of ghosts and watching Ashley interact with an evil entity put a lot of his life into perspective. And when he finds out who the former administrators and employees were, he soon realizes that people aren't drawn randomly to the asylum ~ they are linked to it through history. A skeptic is transformed into a believer on this night.
Ruby Hill is a truly chilling account of ghost hunting at an asylum after dark. The entire story has fantastic descriptions and is told in a way that brings the reader right into the asylum with Corbin and Ashley. The creep factor was great but the romance angle lacked a bit of true character spark.
This short story is a quick read laced with a bit of horror.
Review Copy Courtesy of Entangled Publishing, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Corbin's beliefs (regarding ghosts and the death of brother) are seriously tested, forcing him to realize things about himself that he never wanted to admit. Finding proof of ghosts and watching Ashley interact with an evil entity put a lot of his life into perspective. And when he finds out who the former administrators and employees were, he soon realizes that people aren't drawn randomly to the asylum ~ they are linked to it through history. A skeptic is transformed into a believer on this night.
Ruby Hill is a truly chilling account of ghost hunting at an asylum after dark. The entire story has fantastic descriptions and is told in a way that brings the reader right into the asylum with Corbin and Ashley. The creep factor was great but the romance angle lacked a bit of true character spark.
This short story is a quick read laced with a bit of horror.
Review Copy Courtesy of Entangled Publishing, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2013
Quite a frustrating read. First of all, this is a novella, and I have a love-hate relationship with this story style. They can be done right, but most of the time they are done horribly wrong.
In the case of Ruby Hill the writing was good, but it never should have been written in short story format. I never felt a connection to the H/H, especially not Ashley who was the most "blah" of the two. Their relationship had almost no back-story, therefore I wasn't interested in their problems working themselves out. The atmosphere and scares could have worked, but like I said, lack of back-story killed the potential there.
All-in-all, quite disappointing and frustrating. If it had been written in novel form, with more work on character and plot development I think I would have liked it.
ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing, LLC, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the case of Ruby Hill the writing was good, but it never should have been written in short story format. I never felt a connection to the H/H, especially not Ashley who was the most "blah" of the two. Their relationship had almost no back-story, therefore I wasn't interested in their problems working themselves out. The atmosphere and scares could have worked, but like I said, lack of back-story killed the potential there.
All-in-all, quite disappointing and frustrating. If it had been written in novel form, with more work on character and plot development I think I would have liked it.
ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing, LLC, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2013
This is a short story with romance, suspense, ghosts and a spooky insane asylum.
Ashley is a paranormal investigator and she is asked to investigate the Ruby Hill Asylum. Corbin is a detective investigating two murders that occurred at the asylum. The two have a painful past that they have to put aside, if they want to stay alive.
This story has plenty of spine chilling spooky events and intrigue to keep the reader entertained throughout this story. But I felt that it lacked some details that could have made it better.
I liked the romantic conclusion to the story. I really wish the author had made this a longer story, because I love the plot and characters. It is still a great ghost story that could be shared with friends around a camp fire, especially on Halloween.
Ashley is a paranormal investigator and she is asked to investigate the Ruby Hill Asylum. Corbin is a detective investigating two murders that occurred at the asylum. The two have a painful past that they have to put aside, if they want to stay alive.
This story has plenty of spine chilling spooky events and intrigue to keep the reader entertained throughout this story. But I felt that it lacked some details that could have made it better.
I liked the romantic conclusion to the story. I really wish the author had made this a longer story, because I love the plot and characters. It is still a great ghost story that could be shared with friends around a camp fire, especially on Halloween.
November 26, 2013
What a thrilling ghost story!
The book is about an abandoned hospital thru years of speculation of being haunted and mysterious disappearances/death. Ashley is head of a hunting ghost team and is asked to check it out. The suspense totally captivated me left me in shock. With an ex blaming her for his brothers death and having to be part of the search of Ruby Hill another mix is added to the story plot. I really don't think any reader will be disappointed.
The book is about an abandoned hospital thru years of speculation of being haunted and mysterious disappearances/death. Ashley is head of a hunting ghost team and is asked to check it out. The suspense totally captivated me left me in shock. With an ex blaming her for his brothers death and having to be part of the search of Ruby Hill another mix is added to the story plot. I really don't think any reader will be disappointed.
June 23, 2025
Ghosts? An asylum? Even romance? I'm intrigued.
Found this on Libby on a whim. Decided to listen to the audiobook for a quick listen.
This one left a bit to be desired, I guess. Though I could have guessed that from the ratings. But I found it to be decent enough, really. I don't know, especially for a novella. I liked the narrator, thought she did a good job. There wasn't much of a chance for character development, again, being a novella. But I thought the plot was interesting, ghosts intrigue me for whatever reason. Don't know that I would necessarily recommend, maybe if someone wanted a quick listen like I did.
Found this on Libby on a whim. Decided to listen to the audiobook for a quick listen.
This one left a bit to be desired, I guess. Though I could have guessed that from the ratings. But I found it to be decent enough, really. I don't know, especially for a novella. I liked the narrator, thought she did a good job. There wasn't much of a chance for character development, again, being a novella. But I thought the plot was interesting, ghosts intrigue me for whatever reason. Don't know that I would necessarily recommend, maybe if someone wanted a quick listen like I did.
December 19, 2013
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
After reading the blurb, I thought this book sounded really interesting. However, it was a bit disappointing. While it is listed as being in the horror genre, I felt that there wasn't much horror in it except for one quick scene. Luckily, it was just a short read.
The title is a little bit intriguing although it sounds more like a woman's name than a paranormal book. I think it would've sounded better if it had the word asylum in it.
The cover looks a bit spooky, but the romantic couple on the cover make it feel like it's going to be an erotica (which it's not). I should've judged this book by its cover, and not bothered with reading it as it's painfully obvious there will be romance in it.
The world building seemed okay although I was wondering what kind of police department would waste their time trying to prove or disprove supernatural theories. The romance between Ashley and Corbin did seem a bit forced. Although it is explained a little bit how Corbin's brother died, I never really did get Corbin's reasoning for blaming Ashley. At first, I though Ashley was Corbin's brother's girlfriend. Then, I thought Ashley and Corbin's brother were having an affair, but both were wrong. Apparently, Corbin blames Ashley because she encouraged him to explore the asylum. Perhaps I'm just being dense, but it seemed like a crazy reason to end a relationship.
The pacing started out slow, but then it went the opposite way. It became too fast, and I was left wondering what had happened. There's not really a decent pace in this book.
The plot line was a good idea, but I just felt like it was poorly executed. The awkward romance overshadows what is supposed to be the spooky factor. Everything just felt rushed and predictable. I believe if this book was a little bit longer, it could've been a better read. There's not any plot twists either.
I couldn't really connect with either Corbin or Ashley. I think this was because the book just felt rushed. A little bit more back story on the characters (as well as the asylum) would've been much appreciated.
I thought the dialogue was actually alright. Although the book felt rushed, the dialogue actually flowed smoothly.
Overall, Ruby Hill sounds like an interesting book but just falls flat. I felt, after reading the book, like the author just rushed to put a story together quickly. While it wasn't a horrible read, it's not a great read either. I probably won't be recommending this book to anyone. However, if the author decides to add more detail to the book, I'd consider reading it again.
(I received a free ecopy of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is being posted after the tour due to being under 3 stars).
After reading the blurb, I thought this book sounded really interesting. However, it was a bit disappointing. While it is listed as being in the horror genre, I felt that there wasn't much horror in it except for one quick scene. Luckily, it was just a short read.
The title is a little bit intriguing although it sounds more like a woman's name than a paranormal book. I think it would've sounded better if it had the word asylum in it.
The cover looks a bit spooky, but the romantic couple on the cover make it feel like it's going to be an erotica (which it's not). I should've judged this book by its cover, and not bothered with reading it as it's painfully obvious there will be romance in it.
The world building seemed okay although I was wondering what kind of police department would waste their time trying to prove or disprove supernatural theories. The romance between Ashley and Corbin did seem a bit forced. Although it is explained a little bit how Corbin's brother died, I never really did get Corbin's reasoning for blaming Ashley. At first, I though Ashley was Corbin's brother's girlfriend. Then, I thought Ashley and Corbin's brother were having an affair, but both were wrong. Apparently, Corbin blames Ashley because she encouraged him to explore the asylum. Perhaps I'm just being dense, but it seemed like a crazy reason to end a relationship.
The pacing started out slow, but then it went the opposite way. It became too fast, and I was left wondering what had happened. There's not really a decent pace in this book.
The plot line was a good idea, but I just felt like it was poorly executed. The awkward romance overshadows what is supposed to be the spooky factor. Everything just felt rushed and predictable. I believe if this book was a little bit longer, it could've been a better read. There's not any plot twists either.
I couldn't really connect with either Corbin or Ashley. I think this was because the book just felt rushed. A little bit more back story on the characters (as well as the asylum) would've been much appreciated.
I thought the dialogue was actually alright. Although the book felt rushed, the dialogue actually flowed smoothly.
Overall, Ruby Hill sounds like an interesting book but just falls flat. I felt, after reading the book, like the author just rushed to put a story together quickly. While it wasn't a horrible read, it's not a great read either. I probably won't be recommending this book to anyone. However, if the author decides to add more detail to the book, I'd consider reading it again.
(I received a free ecopy of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is being posted after the tour due to being under 3 stars).
October 5, 2013
Originally reviewed on These Pretty Words.
This book was creepy with a capital C. You could pretty much tell from the start that it would be – not every book opens with something like “Death had a flavor.” Yep, that right there set the tone for the rest of the book.
Corbin, jaded cop and cranky non-believer, is forced to work with his paranormal researcher ex-girlfriend Ashley as they spend the night in the abandoned institution where people seem to end up dead. A lot. Not necessarily the best place to try to repair a broken relationship, but I’m not complaining.
Usually I like to talk characters and plot in my reviews – and Ruby Hill has no issues on either front – but to truly understand what was so absolutely creeptastic about this story, you have to read the descriptions of the building itself. Because that is where the true fear is built.
Not creepy enough? How about this.
Seriously, the building almost seemed alive and aggressive.
I gave this book four stars. Perfectly scary and mysterious with a little second-chance romance thrown in for good measure. I loved it.
This book was creepy with a capital C. You could pretty much tell from the start that it would be – not every book opens with something like “Death had a flavor.” Yep, that right there set the tone for the rest of the book.
She hadn’t finished the thought, much less the sentence, when his lips were on hers. Hard and soft, gentle and fierce, the man packed every thrilling emotion she’d ever known into that kiss.
Corbin, jaded cop and cranky non-believer, is forced to work with his paranormal researcher ex-girlfriend Ashley as they spend the night in the abandoned institution where people seem to end up dead. A lot. Not necessarily the best place to try to repair a broken relationship, but I’m not complaining.
Usually I like to talk characters and plot in my reviews – and Ruby Hill has no issues on either front – but to truly understand what was so absolutely creeptastic about this story, you have to read the descriptions of the building itself. Because that is where the true fear is built.
One last bend in the road, and Ruby Hill Asylum loomed. It had a way of doing that – looming – even washed in the fading sunlight. With a thick overgrowth of vines on the walls and an army of saplings standing at attention on the neglected lawn, nature had long marched to reclaim the facility. But despite the greenery, a sense of evil seethed.
Not creepy enough? How about this.
Though the air boiled, inexplicable cold sluiced Corbin’s spine. He glanced toward a window. Dusty and broken, it had a morbid effect on the sunshine attempting to filter through from outside where the world blazed deep orange. When he turned to shut the front door, he realized the darkness on the inside was far worse.
Seriously, the building almost seemed alive and aggressive.
I gave this book four stars. Perfectly scary and mysterious with a little second-chance romance thrown in for good measure. I loved it.
October 3, 2013
Review also posted on my blog, Becky on Books.
Crime scene investigator and skeptic Corbin Mallone resents the fact that his boss has tricked him into spending the night babysitting a group of paranormal investigators at Ruby Hill asylum, the scene of his own brother's death six months earlier. Real murders have been committed there of late, and in his opinion the ghost hunters are only going to pollute the crime scene. Then he finds out that his ex-girlfriend is leading the paranormal team, and his day gets infinitely worse.
Ruby Hill is in Ashley Pearce's blood. Her grandmother served as a nurse there, and even died of a heart attack on the premises. Her great-grandfather was its founder and first head administrator. She's not afraid of the old asylum's ghosts, but its human history has long been a source of unease. Though she and Corbin were polar opposites on the paranormal front, it had never mattered where their relationship was concerned. Their connection had been deep and lasting--at least it hsd been, up until Corbin's brother's untimely death within its walls.
Now they're both back at the place where their relationship ended. And they're definitely not alone....
Ruby Hill by Sarah Ballance was deliciously creepy. I loved every spooky minute of it, and was darn glad to be reading it during the glaring light of day. I might, however, re-read it some night in the not-so distant future, in honor of the season. It's the perfect length for a late night impulse read.
The romance was nicely done here. Somehow, even though it was less than sixty pages long, Ruby Hill felt like a complete story in a way that many novellas fail to achieve. Just enough of Ashley and Corbin's past relationship is revealed to inform the reader without it turning into an info dump. Their return to each other is handled well, and the story has just the right amount of steam in it.
All in all, this was a satisfying read. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. B+ rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Crime scene investigator and skeptic Corbin Mallone resents the fact that his boss has tricked him into spending the night babysitting a group of paranormal investigators at Ruby Hill asylum, the scene of his own brother's death six months earlier. Real murders have been committed there of late, and in his opinion the ghost hunters are only going to pollute the crime scene. Then he finds out that his ex-girlfriend is leading the paranormal team, and his day gets infinitely worse.
Ruby Hill is in Ashley Pearce's blood. Her grandmother served as a nurse there, and even died of a heart attack on the premises. Her great-grandfather was its founder and first head administrator. She's not afraid of the old asylum's ghosts, but its human history has long been a source of unease. Though she and Corbin were polar opposites on the paranormal front, it had never mattered where their relationship was concerned. Their connection had been deep and lasting--at least it hsd been, up until Corbin's brother's untimely death within its walls.
Now they're both back at the place where their relationship ended. And they're definitely not alone....
Ruby Hill by Sarah Ballance was deliciously creepy. I loved every spooky minute of it, and was darn glad to be reading it during the glaring light of day. I might, however, re-read it some night in the not-so distant future, in honor of the season. It's the perfect length for a late night impulse read.
The romance was nicely done here. Somehow, even though it was less than sixty pages long, Ruby Hill felt like a complete story in a way that many novellas fail to achieve. Just enough of Ashley and Corbin's past relationship is revealed to inform the reader without it turning into an info dump. Their return to each other is handled well, and the story has just the right amount of steam in it.
All in all, this was a satisfying read. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. B+ rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2013
Ruby Hill is a long-deserted, crumbling insane asylum with a dark history of abuse and neglect. Ashley Pearce has always felt drawn to it, and as a paranormal investigator is thrilled to get a chance for her team to spend the night there investigating paranormal activity. The asylum is currently included in an investigation due to the mysterious deaths of several women found there. It is also the place where Cobin Malone's brother died as well.
Corbin is a crime scene expert who has been sent to Ruby Hill to oversee the ghost-hunting team's investigation. He does not believe in anything to do with ghosts or paranormal activity, so he is not thrilled with this task, and even less so due to the fact that he and Ashley used to be a couple. He walked out of their relationship after his brother died - he could not let go of the fact that even though he knows it was not her fault, he still holds her somewhat responsible due to the fact that she got his brother interested in the paranormal and the asylum. This will be the first time they have seen each other since he left her behind.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I felt that it had great potential to be a seriously creepy book. Unfortunately, I did not find that level of macabre that I was expecting. I found that I was disappointed that although the beginning of the story held much promise, it pretty much lost steam in the middle. And although I understand that this was a short novella, I felt that the ending was rushed. I think that the book should be expanded to include some of the background story regarding the women's deaths as well as his brother's. I also feel like the actual overnight investigation should be drawn out a little more to give us more time to absorb the story.
In all fairness, I didn't hate this story, I just felt it needed a little more substance. I think with some added content and a lot more lurid details this could be an awesome book.
I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Corbin is a crime scene expert who has been sent to Ruby Hill to oversee the ghost-hunting team's investigation. He does not believe in anything to do with ghosts or paranormal activity, so he is not thrilled with this task, and even less so due to the fact that he and Ashley used to be a couple. He walked out of their relationship after his brother died - he could not let go of the fact that even though he knows it was not her fault, he still holds her somewhat responsible due to the fact that she got his brother interested in the paranormal and the asylum. This will be the first time they have seen each other since he left her behind.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I felt that it had great potential to be a seriously creepy book. Unfortunately, I did not find that level of macabre that I was expecting. I found that I was disappointed that although the beginning of the story held much promise, it pretty much lost steam in the middle. And although I understand that this was a short novella, I felt that the ending was rushed. I think that the book should be expanded to include some of the background story regarding the women's deaths as well as his brother's. I also feel like the actual overnight investigation should be drawn out a little more to give us more time to absorb the story.
In all fairness, I didn't hate this story, I just felt it needed a little more substance. I think with some added content and a lot more lurid details this could be an awesome book.
I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2013
Great characters & plot but too short.
A year ago, Corbin pushed Ashley away, blaming her for his brother's death. He doesn't believe in ghosts and refuses to believe they're behind the mysterious murders at Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum. Called in with her team of paranormal investigators to hopefully dispel the murmurings of a spectral serial killer, Ashley, has her own reasons for being incapable of escaping the legacy of Ruby Hill. Corbin is just there to keep her team from getting hurt in the dilapidated asylum but being around the woman he once loved and scorned is harder than he thought it would be. Especially when Ruby Hill proves to be far more alive than either of them anticipated, threatening to take more lives before the pair can unravel the asylum's mystery.
I have a bit of a secret fascination with asylums so I was really excited to see what RUBY HILL would bring to the table. Alas, Ballance establishes an interesting setting with a dark history and great characters, but then drops us right in the middle of it without any real ground for the romance. I felt like there was zero chemistry between them and the rift that started it all was absolutely stupid. It made me think Corbin is the most immature hero I have ever read. Meanwhile, Ashley manages to have never told him about why she's attracted to the asylum, something that seems impossible considering that they were in love once.
If you can get past the unexplained circumstances of Corbin's brother's death—it really might have helped to get a stronger reason for Corbin's pushing Ashley away—it's a good story. I enjoyed it as much as I could with that annoying issue hanging over it. Individually these are great characters but there's not quite enough backstory detail to make the romance palpable. I'd recommend it more as a short and chilling asylum mystery than for the romance fan.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
A year ago, Corbin pushed Ashley away, blaming her for his brother's death. He doesn't believe in ghosts and refuses to believe they're behind the mysterious murders at Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum. Called in with her team of paranormal investigators to hopefully dispel the murmurings of a spectral serial killer, Ashley, has her own reasons for being incapable of escaping the legacy of Ruby Hill. Corbin is just there to keep her team from getting hurt in the dilapidated asylum but being around the woman he once loved and scorned is harder than he thought it would be. Especially when Ruby Hill proves to be far more alive than either of them anticipated, threatening to take more lives before the pair can unravel the asylum's mystery.
I have a bit of a secret fascination with asylums so I was really excited to see what RUBY HILL would bring to the table. Alas, Ballance establishes an interesting setting with a dark history and great characters, but then drops us right in the middle of it without any real ground for the romance. I felt like there was zero chemistry between them and the rift that started it all was absolutely stupid. It made me think Corbin is the most immature hero I have ever read. Meanwhile, Ashley manages to have never told him about why she's attracted to the asylum, something that seems impossible considering that they were in love once.
If you can get past the unexplained circumstances of Corbin's brother's death—it really might have helped to get a stronger reason for Corbin's pushing Ashley away—it's a good story. I enjoyed it as much as I could with that annoying issue hanging over it. Individually these are great characters but there's not quite enough backstory detail to make the romance palpable. I'd recommend it more as a short and chilling asylum mystery than for the romance fan.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
October 9, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was surprised and somewhat disappointed by this book. It had an excellent blurb and I was interested in and looking forward to reading it.
Ashley Pearce and Corbin Malone are long-time friends and former lovers. They are brought together again to investigate the bodies that were found at Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum since he is a cop and "crime scene expert" and she is a "paranormal investigator". This is the first time they have been together since he walked out. Ashley and her team are being allowed to spend one night, supervised by Corbin, in the asylum to document proof of paranormal activity and/ or find anything related to the deaths to help solve the case.
Personally, I am intrigued by the idea that a building can absorb the energy, emotions or intentions of the people within it, especially those who had "lived" or worked there. The idea that a place like Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum could harbor ghosts or other types of paranormal entities or that the asylum had a serial killer using it as a base brings up all kinds of questions. These questions also make it the perfect place to base a paranormal tale.
Unfortunately, after meeting the characters I found the book went rather flat. It was meant to be creepy and scary but I felt neither. I also felt that the back story gave me more questions than answers, especially once we find out why/how this place is tied to both of them and their breakup. I do like the imagery and characters that the author was able to create within this novella but all in all I think it was simply too short to do the story properly.
I am still interested in reading more from this author.
I was surprised and somewhat disappointed by this book. It had an excellent blurb and I was interested in and looking forward to reading it.
Ashley Pearce and Corbin Malone are long-time friends and former lovers. They are brought together again to investigate the bodies that were found at Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum since he is a cop and "crime scene expert" and she is a "paranormal investigator". This is the first time they have been together since he walked out. Ashley and her team are being allowed to spend one night, supervised by Corbin, in the asylum to document proof of paranormal activity and/ or find anything related to the deaths to help solve the case.
Personally, I am intrigued by the idea that a building can absorb the energy, emotions or intentions of the people within it, especially those who had "lived" or worked there. The idea that a place like Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum could harbor ghosts or other types of paranormal entities or that the asylum had a serial killer using it as a base brings up all kinds of questions. These questions also make it the perfect place to base a paranormal tale.
Unfortunately, after meeting the characters I found the book went rather flat. It was meant to be creepy and scary but I felt neither. I also felt that the back story gave me more questions than answers, especially once we find out why/how this place is tied to both of them and their breakup. I do like the imagery and characters that the author was able to create within this novella but all in all I think it was simply too short to do the story properly.
I am still interested in reading more from this author.
November 23, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Hill is a short novella featuring a spooky ghost story along with two characters reconnecting after a traumatic death tore them apart. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a quick read, no long term commitments, no waiting for book two, no cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed the fact that I could read this story in under an hour without stopping.
Main characters Corbin and Ashley had a major falling out after Corbin blamed her for his brother's mysterious death in the Ruby Hill asylum. It's one of those old asylums that shut down in the eighties and is now frequented by ghost hunters and kids looking for a thrill. Corbin's brother Cash died there during a ghost hunt with Ashley's paranormal team.
Six months later, there have been two murders within the crumbling building. The media is labeling a ghost as the killer, so Ashley's paranormal team agrees to set up equipment and investigate. Corbin is a cop saddled with the job to babysit the paranormal researchers. While exploring the dark asylum, Corbin and Ashley realize they still have feelings for each other. Corbin, a non-believer in the paranormal also learns that there might be more than logic can explain within the creepy walls.
It's an interesting plot line. My main complaint is that the story is just too short. I'm dying for more information on the history and the haunting. Basically the murders are solved, along with the motive behind the murders...but it's kind of left hanging. It's nice that Corbin and Ashley found each other again, but I think Ms. Balance could either add to this story or write a sequel that handles the ghost aspect. There's more story to be told at the Ruby Hill asylum.
Ruby Hill is a short novella featuring a spooky ghost story along with two characters reconnecting after a traumatic death tore them apart. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a quick read, no long term commitments, no waiting for book two, no cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed the fact that I could read this story in under an hour without stopping.
Main characters Corbin and Ashley had a major falling out after Corbin blamed her for his brother's mysterious death in the Ruby Hill asylum. It's one of those old asylums that shut down in the eighties and is now frequented by ghost hunters and kids looking for a thrill. Corbin's brother Cash died there during a ghost hunt with Ashley's paranormal team.
Six months later, there have been two murders within the crumbling building. The media is labeling a ghost as the killer, so Ashley's paranormal team agrees to set up equipment and investigate. Corbin is a cop saddled with the job to babysit the paranormal researchers. While exploring the dark asylum, Corbin and Ashley realize they still have feelings for each other. Corbin, a non-believer in the paranormal also learns that there might be more than logic can explain within the creepy walls.
It's an interesting plot line. My main complaint is that the story is just too short. I'm dying for more information on the history and the haunting. Basically the murders are solved, along with the motive behind the murders...but it's kind of left hanging. It's nice that Corbin and Ashley found each other again, but I think Ms. Balance could either add to this story or write a sequel that handles the ghost aspect. There's more story to be told at the Ruby Hill asylum.
September 19, 2013
"Ruby Hill Deaths Attributed to Phantom Killer"
Unexplained deaths "inside the dismal, abandoned halls" of the Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum have the police baffled and the paranormal investigators flocking. The public wants answers. The police department decided to let a paranormal investigating team into the asylum to "discredit the ghost theory... People are more likely to listen to them say it isn't true."
Police officer Corbin Malone is assigned to watch over the team the department asked to investigate. What no one told him is the leader of the team is his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Pearce. Corbin blames Ashley for his brother's death just six months earlier. Unlike his brother, Corbin does not believe in ghosts.
In the last two weeks, two women have died inside the closed down asylum. Both died from sudden cardiac arrest. No one knows why the women were there or what caused the sudden heart attacks. The police have no evidence and no leads. Maybe the paranormal investigating team can find something.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 3 Stars
This novella is all about connections, but I did not feel a connection to the story.
While the plot of the story is very simple, the writing was as confusing as the descriptions of the maze of hallways in the asylum. As opposed to a full story, I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the story. I think that if this book was turned into a novel and more time was spent on the content, this could have been a very frightening read.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
Unexplained deaths "inside the dismal, abandoned halls" of the Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum have the police baffled and the paranormal investigators flocking. The public wants answers. The police department decided to let a paranormal investigating team into the asylum to "discredit the ghost theory... People are more likely to listen to them say it isn't true."
Police officer Corbin Malone is assigned to watch over the team the department asked to investigate. What no one told him is the leader of the team is his ex-girlfriend, Ashley Pearce. Corbin blames Ashley for his brother's death just six months earlier. Unlike his brother, Corbin does not believe in ghosts.
In the last two weeks, two women have died inside the closed down asylum. Both died from sudden cardiac arrest. No one knows why the women were there or what caused the sudden heart attacks. The police have no evidence and no leads. Maybe the paranormal investigating team can find something.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 3 Stars
This novella is all about connections, but I did not feel a connection to the story.
While the plot of the story is very simple, the writing was as confusing as the descriptions of the maze of hallways in the asylum. As opposed to a full story, I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the story. I think that if this book was turned into a novel and more time was spent on the content, this could have been a very frightening read.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
October 7, 2013
From her earliest memories, Ashley Pearce has been drawn to Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum, and she's not the only one. Decades after the abandoned hospital ended its institutional reign of torture and neglect, something lurks in the shadows. Since she’s a paranormal investigator, it's Ashley's job to find out what.
Crime scene expert Corbin Malone doesn't believe in ghosts. A born skeptic, he has no interest in entertaining the hype surrounding the mysterious deaths at Ruby Hill, but he won't turn his back while more women die. He agrees to an overnight investigation, never expecting his first encounter would be with the woman he pushed away a year ago. But when he discovers Ashley is a target, he learns his greatest fear isn't living with his own demons, but losing her for good.
Review:
This was a quick read with two of my favorite things, scary stories and romance.
I enjoyed this story one day on my lunch hour. For me I think it is hard to convey a story in so few words, but the author did a good job of setting the feel of the story. I liked the back story and anything set in an abandoned asylum automatically gets me on edge. I liked the two main characters and would have liked to get to know them better...again short story you cannot have everything you want.
Not American Horror Story, but if you want a quick shot to get your blood pumping; then take a break and enjoy this story!
3.5 stars
Crime scene expert Corbin Malone doesn't believe in ghosts. A born skeptic, he has no interest in entertaining the hype surrounding the mysterious deaths at Ruby Hill, but he won't turn his back while more women die. He agrees to an overnight investigation, never expecting his first encounter would be with the woman he pushed away a year ago. But when he discovers Ashley is a target, he learns his greatest fear isn't living with his own demons, but losing her for good.
Review:
This was a quick read with two of my favorite things, scary stories and romance.
I enjoyed this story one day on my lunch hour. For me I think it is hard to convey a story in so few words, but the author did a good job of setting the feel of the story. I liked the back story and anything set in an abandoned asylum automatically gets me on edge. I liked the two main characters and would have liked to get to know them better...again short story you cannot have everything you want.
Not American Horror Story, but if you want a quick shot to get your blood pumping; then take a break and enjoy this story!
3.5 stars
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
Ruby Hill is like the romantic, condensed, nonscary version of House on Haunted Hill. This novella didn't even read like a short story, but more like a scene from a longer novel. It's all about a cop named Corbin who's set to investigate the recent murders at the local abandoned asylum. There's also some paranormal investigators there, just in case it was ghost. This group is of course led by Corbin's estranged girlfriend, Ashley. Nothing really happens for most of the novella, except for Corbin whining about how he pushed Ashley away by blaming her for his brother's death, and Ashley wishing Corbin believed in ghosts. Boring. Then the ghost shows up and tries to kill Ashley, but she doesn't die, and apparently she and Corbin go home to have some make up sex. No, we don't get to read about the sex. Lame.
Ruby Hill does have the makings of a probably pretty creepy horror novel, but as it is, it's just nothing of importance. Plus I did mean it when I said it felt like a condensed version of House on Haunted Hill, complete with a ghost murdering relatives of past staff members, but that movie gave me nightmares for a week. Ruby Hill just bored me, and I'll probably forget about it in a week.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Ruby Hill is like the romantic, condensed, nonscary version of House on Haunted Hill. This novella didn't even read like a short story, but more like a scene from a longer novel. It's all about a cop named Corbin who's set to investigate the recent murders at the local abandoned asylum. There's also some paranormal investigators there, just in case it was ghost. This group is of course led by Corbin's estranged girlfriend, Ashley. Nothing really happens for most of the novella, except for Corbin whining about how he pushed Ashley away by blaming her for his brother's death, and Ashley wishing Corbin believed in ghosts. Boring. Then the ghost shows up and tries to kill Ashley, but she doesn't die, and apparently she and Corbin go home to have some make up sex. No, we don't get to read about the sex. Lame.
Ruby Hill does have the makings of a probably pretty creepy horror novel, but as it is, it's just nothing of importance. Plus I did mean it when I said it felt like a condensed version of House on Haunted Hill, complete with a ghost murdering relatives of past staff members, but that movie gave me nightmares for a week. Ruby Hill just bored me, and I'll probably forget about it in a week.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
October 2, 2013
This is the first time I have read an entangled short story and was disappointed in how it went. Normally I feel very satisfied with the short stories, but I just felt this one didn't go anywhere.
Ashley has always been drawn to Ruby Hill because she has relatives who worked there. She is also a ghost hunter so that side of her is also drawn to this Asylum.
Corbin Malone is a skeptic and doesn't believe in ghost. His brother died at Ruby Hill and he blames Ashley. So he is not real excited to see that Ashley is the ghost hunter he is suppose to be babysitting. There has been two women murdered in Ruby Hill and the ghost hunters are there to prove it was not a ghost but a human behind the attacks. Corbin is there to make sure nothing happens to them but soon finds out that Ashley is the next target.
I didn't feel a lot for either character as I just didn't feel there was much information about either character. There was no romance really at all. Yes, you know that the characters are still in love with each other but at the same time there was just nothing.
Best part about this book was the creep factor. It really did feel very creepy when reading about the Asylum and the weird demon/ghost that is in Ruby Hill.
Ashley has always been drawn to Ruby Hill because she has relatives who worked there. She is also a ghost hunter so that side of her is also drawn to this Asylum.
Corbin Malone is a skeptic and doesn't believe in ghost. His brother died at Ruby Hill and he blames Ashley. So he is not real excited to see that Ashley is the ghost hunter he is suppose to be babysitting. There has been two women murdered in Ruby Hill and the ghost hunters are there to prove it was not a ghost but a human behind the attacks. Corbin is there to make sure nothing happens to them but soon finds out that Ashley is the next target.
I didn't feel a lot for either character as I just didn't feel there was much information about either character. There was no romance really at all. Yes, you know that the characters are still in love with each other but at the same time there was just nothing.
Best part about this book was the creep factor. It really did feel very creepy when reading about the Asylum and the weird demon/ghost that is in Ruby Hill.
December 3, 2013
See my review directly on the blog here .
ARC provided by Publisher for honest review.
I didn't realize this was a short story until I was about half way through. Why!!!!!? I have lady blue balls right now. Never have I read something I enjoyed so much and was left hanging so badly.
Let me start off by saying that I loved the writing and the story! I was hooked from the beginning and it played out like a movie in my head which was really neat. It was intriguing, original, creepy, and suspenseful but it was way too short. In my opinion, it had too much content for a short story. I want more. More background, more romance, more action...
It was minimal in details and plot and I feel like that could have definitely been expanded and milked. I felt a tiny connection to the characters but nothing that grabbed at me full force. And when it ended I almost died.
With that being said, I do recommend it to those looking for a quick (and I mean microscopic) read full of creepiness and suspense. I'll be keeping an eye out for books by this author.
ARC provided by Publisher for honest review.
I didn't realize this was a short story until I was about half way through. Why!!!!!? I have lady blue balls right now. Never have I read something I enjoyed so much and was left hanging so badly.
Let me start off by saying that I loved the writing and the story! I was hooked from the beginning and it played out like a movie in my head which was really neat. It was intriguing, original, creepy, and suspenseful but it was way too short. In my opinion, it had too much content for a short story. I want more. More background, more romance, more action...
It was minimal in details and plot and I feel like that could have definitely been expanded and milked. I felt a tiny connection to the characters but nothing that grabbed at me full force. And when it ended I almost died.
With that being said, I do recommend it to those looking for a quick (and I mean microscopic) read full of creepiness and suspense. I'll be keeping an eye out for books by this author.
October 11, 2013
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
(This is a short story/novella. This review is not based on story length but story content as length has very little to do with how much I enjoy a book.)
I'm all for a good ghost story, but I'm 100% sold on an awesome ghost story. This was that kind of story.
The demonic/poltergeist aspect of this story is what sets this apart from other ghostly tales I've read. It's rare that I come across a piece of fiction that includes this facet of the spiritual world. I love that Ms. Ballance included this and did so in amazing, chilling detail.
While I enjoyed every heart-stopping ghostly moment in the asylum, I fell in absolute love with Corbin and Ashley. Their different beliefs regarding ghosts/spirits and their existence had always been a part of their relationship, but it was the death of Corbin's brother and his own harsh words to Ashley that ended their relationship. It was heartwarming to read how they reconcile their relationship, how Corbin comes to terms with Ashley's beliefs, and how he in turn ends up believing.
A terrifically written paranormal that I will, for sure, read again.
(This is a short story/novella. This review is not based on story length but story content as length has very little to do with how much I enjoy a book.)
I'm all for a good ghost story, but I'm 100% sold on an awesome ghost story. This was that kind of story.
The demonic/poltergeist aspect of this story is what sets this apart from other ghostly tales I've read. It's rare that I come across a piece of fiction that includes this facet of the spiritual world. I love that Ms. Ballance included this and did so in amazing, chilling detail.
While I enjoyed every heart-stopping ghostly moment in the asylum, I fell in absolute love with Corbin and Ashley. Their different beliefs regarding ghosts/spirits and their existence had always been a part of their relationship, but it was the death of Corbin's brother and his own harsh words to Ashley that ended their relationship. It was heartwarming to read how they reconcile their relationship, how Corbin comes to terms with Ashley's beliefs, and how he in turn ends up believing.
A terrifically written paranormal that I will, for sure, read again.
September 8, 2016
If you are a fan of the ghost hunting shows on television, then you will enjoy reading this short romance story.
The hospital has been abandoned for decades, but there is something that has always drawn Ashley Pearce to Ruby Hill. When the local police department asks her to bring in her ghost hunting team to prove that the Lunatic Asylum is not haunted, she readily agrees. She did not expect to find out that her ex-boyfriend was the crime scene expert who was going to oversee their night locked in the building.
Corbin Malone blamed Ashley for the death of his brother, but he has not stopped loving her. Deep down he knows it was not her fault that his brother went to Ruby Hill alone. He does not want to be in the place where is brother died, especially with her. He knows she’ll never forgive him for blaming her and walking away while they were both grieving. When he learns that Ashley is the next target in a series of murders, he realizes there are more things to be afraid of than his own demons.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The hospital has been abandoned for decades, but there is something that has always drawn Ashley Pearce to Ruby Hill. When the local police department asks her to bring in her ghost hunting team to prove that the Lunatic Asylum is not haunted, she readily agrees. She did not expect to find out that her ex-boyfriend was the crime scene expert who was going to oversee their night locked in the building.
Corbin Malone blamed Ashley for the death of his brother, but he has not stopped loving her. Deep down he knows it was not her fault that his brother went to Ruby Hill alone. He does not want to be in the place where is brother died, especially with her. He knows she’ll never forgive him for blaming her and walking away while they were both grieving. When he learns that Ashley is the next target in a series of murders, he realizes there are more things to be afraid of than his own demons.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2014
Ruby Hill by Sarah Ballance
Ruby Hill. "In a hundred years of operation, tens of thousands of residents called the asylum home. Most never left alive. Hundreds, dumped anonymously in unmarked graves never left at all."
Corbin Malone is on assignment as a cop at Ruby Hill because there have been two recent murders in the long closed building. The press is calling it ghosts. "The media grabbed the story like rabid dogs, shredding and tearing the meat of the so-called facts until nothing was left but gristle and hyped-up gore." Ashely Pearce is part of an assigned paranormal team set up to debunk the myth of a ghost murdering people.
Corbin and Ashley had a history together that fell apart when his brother died. Now they have to work together to solve the mystery in the asylum.
Terrifying. Intense. Brilliant descriptive writing as quoted above. This short story grabbed me and had me turning on extra lights and turning on some music just for company. I hope I don't have nightmares tonight!
I received a copy of this novella from the publisher.
Ruby Hill. "In a hundred years of operation, tens of thousands of residents called the asylum home. Most never left alive. Hundreds, dumped anonymously in unmarked graves never left at all."
Corbin Malone is on assignment as a cop at Ruby Hill because there have been two recent murders in the long closed building. The press is calling it ghosts. "The media grabbed the story like rabid dogs, shredding and tearing the meat of the so-called facts until nothing was left but gristle and hyped-up gore." Ashely Pearce is part of an assigned paranormal team set up to debunk the myth of a ghost murdering people.
Corbin and Ashley had a history together that fell apart when his brother died. Now they have to work together to solve the mystery in the asylum.
Terrifying. Intense. Brilliant descriptive writing as quoted above. This short story grabbed me and had me turning on extra lights and turning on some music just for company. I hope I don't have nightmares tonight!
I received a copy of this novella from the publisher.
October 7, 2013
Ruby Hill is an asylum that has recently been the site of “mysterious deaths”. Ashley and Corbin appear to have distant ties to the asylum and more recent romantic ties to each other. Something happened to end their relationship. Will they have a chance to re-build it or will Ruby Hill claim another victim?
This is a novella (approximately 57 pages), so the characters and back story aren’t as fleshed out as they would be in a novel. I thought Ms. Ballance did a great job at letting us see the relationship between Ashley and Corbin and in explaining Ruby Hill. There were some scenes, well crafted, that created some unnerving visuals, but having said that, I didn’t find it to be too scary – just a really good ‘ghostly’ story!
For this reader, there was the right blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural spookiness. I liked it and would recommend it; makes a nice addition to the Halloween list of favorites for me.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: None
Reviewed by: Karen C
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
This is a novella (approximately 57 pages), so the characters and back story aren’t as fleshed out as they would be in a novel. I thought Ms. Ballance did a great job at letting us see the relationship between Ashley and Corbin and in explaining Ruby Hill. There were some scenes, well crafted, that created some unnerving visuals, but having said that, I didn’t find it to be too scary – just a really good ‘ghostly’ story!
For this reader, there was the right blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural spookiness. I liked it and would recommend it; makes a nice addition to the Halloween list of favorites for me.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: None
Reviewed by: Karen C
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
September 29, 2013
Ruby Hill is about the reunion of Corbin Malone and Ashley Pearce in trying to find a serial killer in the abandoned Ruby Hill Asylum. Corbin has pushed Ashley away after his brother Cash has die mysteriously in her paranormal investigation of Ruby Hills. Corbin, in his grief and anger blamed Ashley for Cash's death.
After a few bodies of women killed in Ruby Hill, the police decided to disspell the theory of a ghost. Corbin and Ashley still have feelings for one another. When Ashley's life is put into danger, it is a question if Corbin could live without her.
Ruby Hills is mainly about Corbin and Ashley. The asylum just allowed Corbin to figure out about his relationship with Ashley. Ashley has decided she wasn't going to run after Corbin anymore. He would need to figure if they are worth fighting for. The story's background is great but there is no ending to the story or resolution to the problem at hand. The story has left me disappointed.
After a few bodies of women killed in Ruby Hill, the police decided to disspell the theory of a ghost. Corbin and Ashley still have feelings for one another. When Ashley's life is put into danger, it is a question if Corbin could live without her.
Ruby Hills is mainly about Corbin and Ashley. The asylum just allowed Corbin to figure out about his relationship with Ashley. Ashley has decided she wasn't going to run after Corbin anymore. He would need to figure if they are worth fighting for. The story's background is great but there is no ending to the story or resolution to the problem at hand. The story has left me disappointed.
November 2, 2013
I receive this book for a honest review in exchange.Like most of the books i`ve read by now I dint`t read the description of this book.But by the cover i`ve figured that is about ghosts.I like scary storys,but this book I dint`t like it at all.It`s hard to…I don’t know…to read a book and have great expectations about it.I dint`t say that it is so bad,but it is not good.
Even that it is a short staory,the action it`s so push it.The actions are so short and you don`t understand much of that.This book needs more details,more action that have some meaning,to be bound.That make a book great.Tha idea of this book was super ok,but the content, essence was by far good.My sorry,this is my opinion,maybe,somebody else will love this book.
And do not forgot about the end.When I need it more,to give more chances for this book,the end was in flames, fog.But it is a short book so you have to give it a chance.Maybe,like a sad,you will love it.
Even that it is a short staory,the action it`s so push it.The actions are so short and you don`t understand much of that.This book needs more details,more action that have some meaning,to be bound.That make a book great.Tha idea of this book was super ok,but the content, essence was by far good.My sorry,this is my opinion,maybe,somebody else will love this book.
And do not forgot about the end.When I need it more,to give more chances for this book,the end was in flames, fog.But it is a short book so you have to give it a chance.Maybe,like a sad,you will love it.
October 8, 2013
Ruby Hill got off to a fantastic start. Mysterious deaths at an old derelict lunatic asylum - the perfect start for a ghost story. It gets better from there as Ashley, a paranormal expert, and Corbin, a crime scene expert, show up to try and find answers - each in their own way. With lots of mysterious bumps and very disturbing spirits lurking around, I was just settling into the story when ... it suddenly ended. Yes, it ended far too soon and without a clear resolution to the ghost story. Now the secondary story line, the romance between Ashley and Corbin, really never takes center stage. It lingers in the background waiting for its turn, which never seems to quite get here. I really hate saying that I wish a novella was longer (I know they are short) but this one really did need more to flesh out the story and give it a little more closure. - See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
October 13, 2013
I was pulled into this story right away just for the fact that it was set at an asylum. Just the word asylum evokes thoughts of despair, horror, torture, general creep factor. Corbin was there to "babysit" some ghost chasers. They thought that a ghost had been killing women at the asylum. Skeptical Corbin doesn't believe that for a minute. His night just keeps getting better when he discovers the paranormal investigator is his ex, Ashley. When his brother died in the very same asylum months earlier, it drove a wedge between him and Ashley.
During the next few hours he encounters the unexpected and at times questions his own eyes. He discovers the victims all had ties to the asylum in some way, including his brother. But Ashley also had ties to the asylum. As it dawns on him that she may be the next victim, his skepticism starts to fade.
This was a good little horror story, just right to start off October's readings.
During the next few hours he encounters the unexpected and at times questions his own eyes. He discovers the victims all had ties to the asylum in some way, including his brother. But Ashley also had ties to the asylum. As it dawns on him that she may be the next victim, his skepticism starts to fade.
This was a good little horror story, just right to start off October's readings.
February 24, 2016
Well that was a scary book. I would say this: Don't read it when it is night/dark. :)
Most of the book is either about the asylum or Ashley/Corbin's relationship and how it ended. Luckily both parts are just equally balanced so you don't feel annoyed (like so many books that say something happens in the blurb and turn out to be something else or only focus on one thing).
The horror was really great, some parts gave me goosebumps or made me almost scream out. I love books about asylums and this one will be on that list.
I also loved the romance, it was cute and fluffy and made me happy. And it provided some light-heartedness in all the horror and scary ghosts.
Sadly, the ending wasn't that good. So all the questions are answered, things have been solved, but what happens now? Did the team get out? What about the ghosts?
In overall, a good book and I would recommend it to everyone who is seeking a horror book with some romance elements.
Most of the book is either about the asylum or Ashley/Corbin's relationship and how it ended. Luckily both parts are just equally balanced so you don't feel annoyed (like so many books that say something happens in the blurb and turn out to be something else or only focus on one thing).
The horror was really great, some parts gave me goosebumps or made me almost scream out. I love books about asylums and this one will be on that list.
I also loved the romance, it was cute and fluffy and made me happy. And it provided some light-heartedness in all the horror and scary ghosts.
Sadly, the ending wasn't that good. So all the questions are answered, things have been solved, but what happens now? Did the team get out? What about the ghosts?
In overall, a good book and I would recommend it to everyone who is seeking a horror book with some romance elements.
September 30, 2013
Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum stands abandoned, desolate and deadly. The inmates lived in terrible conditions and most died alone and in pain. Now there is a new terror at Ruby Hill. Corbin Malone doesn't want to go there. This is where his brother was killed. Ashley Pearce, his former lover, is here with her ghost hunters to see if a paranormal entity is the cause. Corbin is a non-believer but he is at the asylum to provide security during this investigation. Will a night at Ruby Hill change his mind? Sarah Balance has written a very scary novel which is perfect for this spooky season. The characters are smart, intelligent people who have known pain and loss but won't give up until they know the truth. Sarah Balance is a very talented author who scared me with this suspenseful novella. I enjoyed Ruby Hill but it's not a place I want to visit.
September 30, 2013
This book is a short but cute story. Corbin is a cop and since his brother Cash has been murdered at Ruby Hill Asylum, he hasn't been the same. Cash was with Ashley a paranormal investigator and Corbin's girlfriend at the time of Cash's death. Corbin blames Ashley for Cash's death even though it wasn't her fault, he wanted to blame anyone at the time. It's been months since they have seen each other but there has been more murders since Cash's and their both investigating Ruby Hill. When Corbin finds Ashley with her lips blue, Corbin starts CPR and calls for paramedics. Corbin gets Ashley to start breathing again. Corbin is bound and determined to never let Ashley out of his sight ever again.
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