What do you think?
Rate this book
Jewels of Desire #2
Ruby Ransom
Romancing the ruby…
Red Callaghan climbs into bed after a wild night of clubbing… and wakes up with a gun to her head. Fortunately, she knows more about weapons than her would-be kidnapper, and she manages to disarm him then turn the tables by seducing him.
When shy chemist Will gets roped into settling his father’s gambling debt, he thinks the ruby he’s tasked to steal is a precious stone. He soon finds out it’s actually the daughter of a rival crime lord.
After striking a compromise, Red and Will collide in one explosive sexual encounter after another while executing their plan to teach both sides a lesson.
Red Callaghan climbs into bed after a wild night of clubbing… and wakes up with a gun to her head. Fortunately, she knows more about weapons than her would-be kidnapper, and she manages to disarm him then turn the tables by seducing him.
When shy chemist Will gets roped into settling his father’s gambling debt, he thinks the ruby he’s tasked to steal is a precious stone. He soon finds out it’s actually the daughter of a rival crime lord.
After striking a compromise, Red and Will collide in one explosive sexual encounter after another while executing their plan to teach both sides a lesson.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Erica Lucke Dean
19 books204 followersAfter walking away from her career as a business banker to pursue writing full-time, Erica Lucke Dean moved from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small tourist town in the North Georgia Mountains where she lived in a 90-year-old haunted farmhouse.
Tired of being woken up in the middle of the night by a pesky poltergeist, the author of contemporary young adult, romantic comedy, and paranormal romance moved into a cute little cabin in the woods, where she lives with her husband, her dogs, and the occasional bear. Much like the characters in her books, Ms. Dean is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces.
How she’s managed to survive this long is one of life’s great mysteries.
You can find out more about Erica, in addition to her humorous blog posts and disasters, on her website.
Represented by: Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Follow me on Bookbub to get notified when my books go on sale. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erica...
Tired of being woken up in the middle of the night by a pesky poltergeist, the author of contemporary young adult, romantic comedy, and paranormal romance moved into a cute little cabin in the woods, where she lives with her husband, her dogs, and the occasional bear. Much like the characters in her books, Ms. Dean is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces.
How she’s managed to survive this long is one of life’s great mysteries.
You can find out more about Erica, in addition to her humorous blog posts and disasters, on her website.
Represented by: Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Follow me on Bookbub to get notified when my books go on sale. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erica...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 17, 2015
4.5
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby “Red” Callaghan wakes up to a guy holding a gun to her head. Fortunately for Ruby and not so much for Will, her would be assailant, she knows a lot of self-defense. Turning the tables on cute clueless Will she discovers the plot against her family and decides to do something about it with Will as her reluctant partner in crime. Hijinks and steaminess ensue.
Hang on to your panties because this is a fast-paced steamy treat. I love Will. He’s just so adorable! There’s something about sexy geeks that just does it for me. I’m not so enamored of Ruby. She seems ok most of the time, but then she comes across as a spoiled brat. I had a really hard time picturing her as a serious student. It didn’t jive with her actions in the book. However, this is a fun fast read with a bit of mystery and a whole lot of yummy.
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby “Red” Callaghan wakes up to a guy holding a gun to her head. Fortunately for Ruby and not so much for Will, her would be assailant, she knows a lot of self-defense. Turning the tables on cute clueless Will she discovers the plot against her family and decides to do something about it with Will as her reluctant partner in crime. Hijinks and steaminess ensue.
Hang on to your panties because this is a fast-paced steamy treat. I love Will. He’s just so adorable! There’s something about sexy geeks that just does it for me. I’m not so enamored of Ruby. She seems ok most of the time, but then she comes across as a spoiled brat. I had a really hard time picturing her as a serious student. It didn’t jive with her actions in the book. However, this is a fun fast read with a bit of mystery and a whole lot of yummy.
July 28, 2014
In book two of Jewels of Desire, Ruby Callaghan was as much fun as I was hoping she would be. She was gutsy, gorgeous, and genuine. She is also an MBA student at Harvard who was out at a local club for an evening of cutting loose after year-end finals, although Keegan, her bodyguard, was not willing to cut her much slack. Ruby has always had a thing for Keegan, however since he had known her since grade school he is not willing to see her as anything other than a younger sister. As a result all of Ruby’s advances are shot down and she revels in tormenting Keegan by constantly flirting with him. Ms. Dean has a way with dialogue, which reveal her character’s souls, and that sets her books apart from others for me.
When Ruby is awakened with a gun to her head, she quickly turns the table on poor Will who thinks he is there to steal a ruby gemstone, not kidnap a girl named Ruby. As she ties him to a chair with Ziplocs (Because everyone keeps Ziplocs in their bedroom since reading Fifty Shades of Grey, right?) he explains he was just trying to erase a bad debt of his father’s to help his mother out of a bad situation with the local crime boss, Big Al. So, Ruby concocts a plan…
Sparks fly as these two try to keep ahead of Ruby’s bodyguards and run around the city looking for a safe haven to carry out Ruby’s plan. Ms. Dean’s secondary characters are always well developed, although there aren't too many in this story, you do get a good sense of who they are. I loved learning more about Ruby, she was introduced briefly in Diamond Duplicity. She is a strong, outspoken character who doesn't take criticism from anyone. However, she has a soft core that she protects vehemently. And Will, oh my… what a swoon worthy science geek! Yeah, he was hot! I loved the way he was able to get under and around the defenses Ruby had built to protect her heart. To say these two had chemistry is an understatement.
The ending was tense as Ruby tries to protect Will from Big Al and his crew as well as her bodyguards. I also loved the small part Max had in the end. I can’t wait to get up-close and personal with more of Ms. Dean’s characters in this series. As it continues, something is still amiss in the Callaghan organization.
FYI: Adult language and strong sexual situations. While this could be read as a standalone this is the second book in the Jewels of Desire series and I would advise reading Diamond Duplicity first to know the whole story.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no issues with editing or formatting.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** July 19, 2014
When Ruby is awakened with a gun to her head, she quickly turns the table on poor Will who thinks he is there to steal a ruby gemstone, not kidnap a girl named Ruby. As she ties him to a chair with Ziplocs (Because everyone keeps Ziplocs in their bedroom since reading Fifty Shades of Grey, right?) he explains he was just trying to erase a bad debt of his father’s to help his mother out of a bad situation with the local crime boss, Big Al. So, Ruby concocts a plan…
Sparks fly as these two try to keep ahead of Ruby’s bodyguards and run around the city looking for a safe haven to carry out Ruby’s plan. Ms. Dean’s secondary characters are always well developed, although there aren't too many in this story, you do get a good sense of who they are. I loved learning more about Ruby, she was introduced briefly in Diamond Duplicity. She is a strong, outspoken character who doesn't take criticism from anyone. However, she has a soft core that she protects vehemently. And Will, oh my… what a swoon worthy science geek! Yeah, he was hot! I loved the way he was able to get under and around the defenses Ruby had built to protect her heart. To say these two had chemistry is an understatement.
The ending was tense as Ruby tries to protect Will from Big Al and his crew as well as her bodyguards. I also loved the small part Max had in the end. I can’t wait to get up-close and personal with more of Ms. Dean’s characters in this series. As it continues, something is still amiss in the Callaghan organization.
FYI: Adult language and strong sexual situations. While this could be read as a standalone this is the second book in the Jewels of Desire series and I would advise reading Diamond Duplicity first to know the whole story.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no issues with editing or formatting.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** July 19, 2014
November 2, 2015
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This novella was much better than the first Jewels of Desire, Diamond Duplicity. There is a real plot here and the two main characters actually seem to be people, rather than just sex addicts. In this case, the summary provided on Goodreads and on NetGalley was perfect.
"Romancing the ruby…
Red Callaghan climbs into bed after a wild night of clubbing… and wakes up with a gun to her head. Fortunately, she knows more about weapons than her would-be kidnapper, and she manages to disarm him then turn the tables by seducing him.
When shy chemist Will gets roped into settling his father’s gambling debt, he thinks the ruby he’s tasked to steal is a precious stone. He soon finds out it’s actually the daughter of a rival crime lord.
After striking a compromise, Red and Will collide in one explosive sexual encounter after another while executing their plan to teach both sides a lesson."
Sure, it's a smut novella, but in this case the summary was very clear about what you're getting into with this book. On top of that, the characters are actually really awesome. Ruby Callaghan is beautiful, strong-willed, and tired of this diamond heist game her family is involved in. Will is apparently a ridiculously good looking chemist, really good at sex, and watching out for his mom. This book was not just sex, thank goodness. There's a real story here and the characters fit their roles perfectly, even the sex scenes make sense for who the characters are. I didn't feel like I was reading about a virginal girl on a chance meeting, no these are two adults who were thrust into a not so great situation and took advantage of their time together having fun and formulating a master plan to put a stop to the ridiculous heist they've been roped into. Their personalities fit the actions they take in the book and they come out on top.
If erotic novellas are your cup of tea, this is a fairly good one. I think Erica Lucke Dean writes very well and if instalove is not for you skip the first Jewels of Desire, as this book could easily be read as a standalone.
3.5 stars
This novella was much better than the first Jewels of Desire, Diamond Duplicity. There is a real plot here and the two main characters actually seem to be people, rather than just sex addicts. In this case, the summary provided on Goodreads and on NetGalley was perfect.
"Romancing the ruby…
Red Callaghan climbs into bed after a wild night of clubbing… and wakes up with a gun to her head. Fortunately, she knows more about weapons than her would-be kidnapper, and she manages to disarm him then turn the tables by seducing him.
When shy chemist Will gets roped into settling his father’s gambling debt, he thinks the ruby he’s tasked to steal is a precious stone. He soon finds out it’s actually the daughter of a rival crime lord.
After striking a compromise, Red and Will collide in one explosive sexual encounter after another while executing their plan to teach both sides a lesson."
Sure, it's a smut novella, but in this case the summary was very clear about what you're getting into with this book. On top of that, the characters are actually really awesome. Ruby Callaghan is beautiful, strong-willed, and tired of this diamond heist game her family is involved in. Will is apparently a ridiculously good looking chemist, really good at sex, and watching out for his mom. This book was not just sex, thank goodness. There's a real story here and the characters fit their roles perfectly, even the sex scenes make sense for who the characters are. I didn't feel like I was reading about a virginal girl on a chance meeting, no these are two adults who were thrust into a not so great situation and took advantage of their time together having fun and formulating a master plan to put a stop to the ridiculous heist they've been roped into. Their personalities fit the actions they take in the book and they come out on top.
If erotic novellas are your cup of tea, this is a fairly good one. I think Erica Lucke Dean writes very well and if instalove is not for you skip the first Jewels of Desire, as this book could easily be read as a standalone.
July 9, 2014
I loved the first installment and this second book to the Jewels of Desire Series was even better.
I love how they turned the tables and made the woman a Sassy, In your face, intelligent yet quirky, sexy fighter. Rambunctous to the core even her guards think she is a handful. Definitely a good twist of a plot Red finds herself in a tricky situation and takes full advantage of it. She certainly does the same with Will.
Why I love it
The title alone is a play on words and it gives light to the story. The playful yet tough banter that is in this story kept me turning the page. Most of the characters from the first book pop in and out of this story and I love it. The start, the meat and potatoes of it and the ending. OH yes, I loved the ending.
Who?
Red Callaghan is tough, smart and pining for the wrong one that is until she meets the young man that will turn her night and nightie inside out.
Will Alexander is not so tough, super smart and just trying to right a wrong, so what if that entails a little illegal entry. Only it goes wrong and some more wrong. About the only thing that goes right is the steamy sex and the fact that he may not be tough but he's no wimp either.
Plenty more characters but who cares? These two just keep you focused.
What happened?
Well now you have to read the book but let me ramble a bit. It has sex, burglary, sex, explosion, sex, bantering, sex, not so fast getting to know you, sex, run in the night and changes of plans and did I mention sex? Let's not forget crime boss Daddy!
I may love my history, paranormal, thriller and suspense reading but sometimes I like that quirky and quick read that just takes my mind out of the woes. This book is a quick read but not too quick. Enjoyable, erotic and a pace that picks up from book 1 without beating the same plot to death. Gotta love how these 2 authors just keep this series going.
I love how they turned the tables and made the woman a Sassy, In your face, intelligent yet quirky, sexy fighter. Rambunctous to the core even her guards think she is a handful. Definitely a good twist of a plot Red finds herself in a tricky situation and takes full advantage of it. She certainly does the same with Will.
Why I love it
The title alone is a play on words and it gives light to the story. The playful yet tough banter that is in this story kept me turning the page. Most of the characters from the first book pop in and out of this story and I love it. The start, the meat and potatoes of it and the ending. OH yes, I loved the ending.
Who?
Red Callaghan is tough, smart and pining for the wrong one that is until she meets the young man that will turn her night and nightie inside out.
Will Alexander is not so tough, super smart and just trying to right a wrong, so what if that entails a little illegal entry. Only it goes wrong and some more wrong. About the only thing that goes right is the steamy sex and the fact that he may not be tough but he's no wimp either.
Plenty more characters but who cares? These two just keep you focused.
What happened?
Well now you have to read the book but let me ramble a bit. It has sex, burglary, sex, explosion, sex, bantering, sex, not so fast getting to know you, sex, run in the night and changes of plans and did I mention sex? Let's not forget crime boss Daddy!
I may love my history, paranormal, thriller and suspense reading but sometimes I like that quirky and quick read that just takes my mind out of the woes. This book is a quick read but not too quick. Enjoyable, erotic and a pace that picks up from book 1 without beating the same plot to death. Gotta love how these 2 authors just keep this series going.
July 24, 2014
Wow, I am still cooling myself off from the heat that this book gives off. Hot,Hot,Hot.
I devoured this book in one sitting. This has a bit of mystery, suspense and lots and lots of good love scenes.
Ruby Ransom is the continuation of The Jewels of Desire series. The first book was great but honestly I really liked this book better. I felt like there was tons of chemistry between the two main characters and the storyline moved really fast and kept you interested through out.
Red is the heroine and she is feisty, confident and in control in this novel. She exudes sexy and all the men around her swoon, except for the one she has pined for since she was little.
This is a great read for a road trip, the beach or a steamy late night read.
I devoured this book in one sitting. This has a bit of mystery, suspense and lots and lots of good love scenes.
Ruby Ransom is the continuation of The Jewels of Desire series. The first book was great but honestly I really liked this book better. I felt like there was tons of chemistry between the two main characters and the storyline moved really fast and kept you interested through out.
Red is the heroine and she is feisty, confident and in control in this novel. She exudes sexy and all the men around her swoon, except for the one she has pined for since she was little.
This is a great read for a road trip, the beach or a steamy late night read.
May 31, 2016
what a good book, this is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book. the characters are well written and the story has many twists and turns. this book contains adult language and very steamy scenes but they are well written into the story. defiantly a must read book
highly recommended
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress...
https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbook...
highly recommended
https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress...
https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbook...
October 9, 2015
This story picks up the night after the first book with Red (Ruby). She wakes up to someone in her room looking to steal a ruby. Only he doesn't realize she is Ruby. This story, like the first, was fast paced. It really could have been a full length novel. Loved Will. He was nerdy but also had a bit of a hidden alpha side to him.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 16, 2016
Erica and Elise are at it again with the second Jewels of Desire book "Ruby Ransom." Ruby doesn't want to be in a relationship, but her mind may change when Al sends a kidnapper (Will) to take her away. This is a must read if you've read "Diamond Duplicity," and I hope to see more books in this series soon!
October 15, 2014
(88 pages)
This was a fast paced short story - entertaining from start to finish! Ruby is one saucy young woman, and both her and Will have their share of the upper hand - very cleverly done with lots of lol moments:)
This was a fast paced short story - entertaining from start to finish! Ruby is one saucy young woman, and both her and Will have their share of the upper hand - very cleverly done with lots of lol moments:)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews