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Bound and Determined #3
Ravishing Ruby
Eloisa James meets E. L. James in Lavinia Kent’s deeply sensual Regency romance! Torn between duty and desire, London’s most infamous madam fights for a future with the love of her life: an insatiable, ruggedly charming American sailor.
Emma Scanton’s grandfather wants her to marry. Though he means well, he has no idea that his sweet, shy granddaughter leads a double life as the proprietress of Madame Rouge’s. “Ruby” doesn’t mean to disappoint her family—in fact, there’s quite a bit about the job she would gladly leave behind—but she cannot bear the thought of losing her most beloved admirer: Captain Derek Price. What would she do without his muscular arms encircling her waist or his rough chin scraping her cheek? No, marriage is out of the question, for Ruby and for Emma.
Beckoned back to England to assume his role as heir to the family fortune, Derek will soon enter into a suitable marriage. But not without one last visit to see Madame Rouge. During the long months away, Derek could only think of Ruby: her luscious lips and cobalt eyes, the swell of her breasts against the bodice of her gown. Derek’s rich, attractive fiancée, selected for him by his family, is perfectly lovely. But Derek wants the ravenous, ravishing Ruby . . . for far more than one night.
Ravishing Ruby is intended for mature audiences.
Emma Scanton’s grandfather wants her to marry. Though he means well, he has no idea that his sweet, shy granddaughter leads a double life as the proprietress of Madame Rouge’s. “Ruby” doesn’t mean to disappoint her family—in fact, there’s quite a bit about the job she would gladly leave behind—but she cannot bear the thought of losing her most beloved admirer: Captain Derek Price. What would she do without his muscular arms encircling her waist or his rough chin scraping her cheek? No, marriage is out of the question, for Ruby and for Emma.
Beckoned back to England to assume his role as heir to the family fortune, Derek will soon enter into a suitable marriage. But not without one last visit to see Madame Rouge. During the long months away, Derek could only think of Ruby: her luscious lips and cobalt eyes, the swell of her breasts against the bodice of her gown. Derek’s rich, attractive fiancée, selected for him by his family, is perfectly lovely. But Derek wants the ravenous, ravishing Ruby . . . for far more than one night.
Ravishing Ruby is intended for mature audiences.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
29 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Lavinia Kent
32 books192 followersI live in Washington, DC with my husband, kids, two cats and a changing menagerie of other small beasts.
I worked in both the arts and in the business world before giving into my love of story telling after the birth of my oldest -- although it wasn't until after the birth of my youngest when I suddenly had full-time childcare that it all came together for me.
I love discussing books -- almost any books at any time.
One of my great joys is having my children get old enough that we can all read the same things and talk. I am so happy that YA is the flourishing world that it is.
And of course I love Romance. I started back with Kathleen Woodiwiss and Johanna Lindsay and have never given them up since -- although there were a few slow spots along the way.
I worked in both the arts and in the business world before giving into my love of story telling after the birth of my oldest -- although it wasn't until after the birth of my youngest when I suddenly had full-time childcare that it all came together for me.
I love discussing books -- almost any books at any time.
One of my great joys is having my children get old enough that we can all read the same things and talk. I am so happy that YA is the flourishing world that it is.
And of course I love Romance. I started back with Kathleen Woodiwiss and Johanna Lindsay and have never given them up since -- although there were a few slow spots along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 8, 2016
Although the book is very sexy, which by the way is a plus for me, there was just something about Derek and Ruby that didn't really click. Ruby's occupation wasn't all that believable to me. At least under the circumstances that it was presented. Derek didn't seem to consider Ruby a serious possibility until the absolute last second and even then it was barely glossed over so I didn't truly buy in. If you don't expect a lot of character growth and just want to read sexy scenes, it's good.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2016
I liked this story which is why it gets 3 stars from me. Derek and Emma are interesting in the way they met, they way they interact and the way they can't stop themselves from desiring one another. Emma is unlike any noble born women I've ever read about and I found that refreshing. Derek was noble born and a captain which I liked.
I found the story was just likable. I didn't fall in love with the story or the characters but the novel was interesting enough to be able to hold my attention. I didn't struggle through the read and I didn't hate any of the characters. I liked the dynamic Derek and Emma gave off where they accepted all sides of one another and the is what ultimately led them to staying together. I suppose I wanted something more from the book.
I found the story was just likable. I didn't fall in love with the story or the characters but the novel was interesting enough to be able to hold my attention. I didn't struggle through the read and I didn't hate any of the characters. I liked the dynamic Derek and Emma gave off where they accepted all sides of one another and the is what ultimately led them to staying together. I suppose I wanted something more from the book.
December 27, 2015
This story is made by the varied forms of sensual experience that Ruby and her leading man share.
Because there is so much time spent building the legend and the lore of the great and worldly Ruby. The reality behind said legend is sadly left without adornment.
This relative mediocrity would prove refreshing in the face of Ruby's exploits, if Emma was more comfortable with Emma.
It seems as though Emma wants to be Ruby, more than she wants to be herself. Even though, given the money that she has made as Ruby. She has the power to live her life on her own terms.
Because she refuses to stand up for herself however, the fact that she must marry her leading man to unite the two halfs of herself under the shelter of the auspices of convention and social respectability, is sadly a foregone conclusion.
Because there is so much time spent building the legend and the lore of the great and worldly Ruby. The reality behind said legend is sadly left without adornment.
This relative mediocrity would prove refreshing in the face of Ruby's exploits, if Emma was more comfortable with Emma.
It seems as though Emma wants to be Ruby, more than she wants to be herself. Even though, given the money that she has made as Ruby. She has the power to live her life on her own terms.
Because she refuses to stand up for herself however, the fact that she must marry her leading man to unite the two halfs of herself under the shelter of the auspices of convention and social respectability, is sadly a foregone conclusion.
January 24, 2016
Okay, so yes on,y three stars, why well because of the other books I have read from this series. This one moved the slowest, I just was not totally sucked in. That is not to say that the story and the characters were not good. I have been looking forward to this book, to Ruby's full story. In previous books we have had a glimpse or two of Ruby as a matchmaker and now it is her turn to fall in love, which she does, but getting to the happy ending was a long road.
We met Capt Derek Price in the last book and Ruby ( Emma Scanton) has broken her own rules as a madam and spent time with her customer on a personal basis and the chemistry between these two is off the charts.
Months pass when Derek finally returns. And can not keep his hands to himself ; not that Ruby is complaining. Night after night Ruby ( Emma) delivers a different fantasy ensnaring. And drawing Derek to her more and more, but Derek is a man with responsibilities and unfortunately those responsibilities have trapped him into an engagement with a women he does not desire. Derek spends much of his time apart from Ruby ( Emma). Thinking of her, wanting to be with her and not even thinking of his soon to be Fiancé , but never considers that maybe the women he should be consider marrying is Emma not Anne.
Emma, has found herself in a postion were running the house and taking care of her working girls is not satisfying anylonger. And her grandparents who she loves to visit on Sunday's are pushing her to marry. Her grandfather especially he has given her two weeks to find a suitable husband or not be allowed to visit any longer.
Faced with loosing her family or giving up her life as a Madame , something she has worked at hard to make successful and enjoys the freedom it affords. The only man e can think of that she would even consider is Derek. Until she finds out. He will be announcing his engagement shortly.
Given Ruby's family backround, she ends her relationship with Derek, another one of her rules , never be the other women, she grew up the child of the other women!
The road to happiness for these two is not easy, and in Derek's case the initial feeling of being set up once again, forced into something he does not want, or does he.
I know u have not been all to clear with this description but story is a bit drawn out and I do not want to give too much away . I will say that the time spent together between Ruby( Emma) and Derek. Is always a pretty spicy read!
Arc supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
We met Capt Derek Price in the last book and Ruby ( Emma Scanton) has broken her own rules as a madam and spent time with her customer on a personal basis and the chemistry between these two is off the charts.
Months pass when Derek finally returns. And can not keep his hands to himself ; not that Ruby is complaining. Night after night Ruby ( Emma) delivers a different fantasy ensnaring. And drawing Derek to her more and more, but Derek is a man with responsibilities and unfortunately those responsibilities have trapped him into an engagement with a women he does not desire. Derek spends much of his time apart from Ruby ( Emma). Thinking of her, wanting to be with her and not even thinking of his soon to be Fiancé , but never considers that maybe the women he should be consider marrying is Emma not Anne.
Emma, has found herself in a postion were running the house and taking care of her working girls is not satisfying anylonger. And her grandparents who she loves to visit on Sunday's are pushing her to marry. Her grandfather especially he has given her two weeks to find a suitable husband or not be allowed to visit any longer.
Faced with loosing her family or giving up her life as a Madame , something she has worked at hard to make successful and enjoys the freedom it affords. The only man e can think of that she would even consider is Derek. Until she finds out. He will be announcing his engagement shortly.
Given Ruby's family backround, she ends her relationship with Derek, another one of her rules , never be the other women, she grew up the child of the other women!
The road to happiness for these two is not easy, and in Derek's case the initial feeling of being set up once again, forced into something he does not want, or does he.
I know u have not been all to clear with this description but story is a bit drawn out and I do not want to give too much away . I will say that the time spent together between Ruby( Emma) and Derek. Is always a pretty spicy read!
Arc supplied via Netgalley for an honest review.
October 26, 2015
I like when a man can admit when he's wrong, Derek was one of those men, “yes.” And then a pause. “I admit my anger got the best of me at first, for reasons that were separate from what happened— a man does not like to feel manipulated —but afterward I remembered your face and it didn’t seem right. You have always been honest with me.” I liked this book I really loved Derek.
February 12, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Ravishing Stars.
Finally a complete novel dedicated to the intriguing madam of the series, after giving readers a small taste in an earlier short novella. After so much buildup, there was a lot to live up to in this novel. Was it a success?
Ravishing? Yes.
Ruby? No.
I will admit, I have a love/hate affair with this series. There are elements I absolutely adore, while there are more I don't. I love historical romance, and prefer one that is more character&story-driven, versus insta-love/lust-driven. So keep that in mind during the following review.
In previous books, I loved the underlying story until it became a between-the-sheets-fest that buried the plot underneath the bed. Ravishing Ruby is lacking any and all development & buildup.
Ravishing Ruby begins 3 months after Revealing Ruby. Emma's pining away for Derek as she counsels one of her clients. I was actually interested in his particular story but knew it was just a lead in. In walks Derek, who throws himself because Ruby is touching the hand of said client.
From this point forward, it was most definitely page after page of Ravishing Ruby. 2 scenes before the 10% mark. Which leaves little time for the reader to connect to the characters, or understand why they're always 'connected' to each other. This is coming from a reader who also read Revealing Ruby. Unless I read it immediately prior, this story felt instantaneous with no build up. So fast that instead of hot, I felt whiplash.
Narration: Ruby/Emma's narration was more enjoyable to read, because she was more serious and developed in the beginning, then more juvenile and wishy-washy. While, at first, Derek had a one-track mind that left me feeling as he is was written one-dimensional. So I had a hard time buying their intense connection past the shallow lust, because Derek showed no interest in anything but Ruby's 'dumplings' & 'rear view'. Derek says several times over how Emma is not the wh*re Ruby portrays, yet all he sees in her is his sexual fantasies playing out and instant gratification.
Frankly, other than playing together, I felt nothing between these characters, even with a previous novella dedicated to them. As a reader, I was disconnected emotionally. As a female reader, my mind and emotions are connected to the heat source the author is trying to spark in me. With my mind not engaged and not connecting to the characters, none of it came together.
The underlying story itself felt drawn-out and bogged down with repetition. All conflict could have been resolved if the characters didn't drag their feet every step of the way except to the bedroom. The story was the passenger with the lust scenes as the driver.
Even with my critical review, I highly recommend Ravishing Ruby to fans of the Bound & Determined series, who love more smexy than story. If this type of read is your thing, guaranteed it will leave you flushed with delight.
Will I continue on with this series: No, it's obviously not to my taste. I need more. I just need... more than sex. More.
3 Ravishing Stars.
Finally a complete novel dedicated to the intriguing madam of the series, after giving readers a small taste in an earlier short novella. After so much buildup, there was a lot to live up to in this novel. Was it a success?
Ravishing? Yes.
Ruby? No.
I will admit, I have a love/hate affair with this series. There are elements I absolutely adore, while there are more I don't. I love historical romance, and prefer one that is more character&story-driven, versus insta-love/lust-driven. So keep that in mind during the following review.
In previous books, I loved the underlying story until it became a between-the-sheets-fest that buried the plot underneath the bed. Ravishing Ruby is lacking any and all development & buildup.
Ravishing Ruby begins 3 months after Revealing Ruby. Emma's pining away for Derek as she counsels one of her clients. I was actually interested in his particular story but knew it was just a lead in. In walks Derek, who throws himself because Ruby is touching the hand of said client.
From this point forward, it was most definitely page after page of Ravishing Ruby. 2 scenes before the 10% mark. Which leaves little time for the reader to connect to the characters, or understand why they're always 'connected' to each other. This is coming from a reader who also read Revealing Ruby. Unless I read it immediately prior, this story felt instantaneous with no build up. So fast that instead of hot, I felt whiplash.
Narration: Ruby/Emma's narration was more enjoyable to read, because she was more serious and developed in the beginning, then more juvenile and wishy-washy. While, at first, Derek had a one-track mind that left me feeling as he is was written one-dimensional. So I had a hard time buying their intense connection past the shallow lust, because Derek showed no interest in anything but Ruby's 'dumplings' & 'rear view'. Derek says several times over how Emma is not the wh*re Ruby portrays, yet all he sees in her is his sexual fantasies playing out and instant gratification.
Frankly, other than playing together, I felt nothing between these characters, even with a previous novella dedicated to them. As a reader, I was disconnected emotionally. As a female reader, my mind and emotions are connected to the heat source the author is trying to spark in me. With my mind not engaged and not connecting to the characters, none of it came together.
The underlying story itself felt drawn-out and bogged down with repetition. All conflict could have been resolved if the characters didn't drag their feet every step of the way except to the bedroom. The story was the passenger with the lust scenes as the driver.
Even with my critical review, I highly recommend Ravishing Ruby to fans of the Bound & Determined series, who love more smexy than story. If this type of read is your thing, guaranteed it will leave you flushed with delight.
Will I continue on with this series: No, it's obviously not to my taste. I need more. I just need... more than sex. More.
February 14, 2017
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The continuation of "Revealing Ruby" that hones the focus on the famous Madam Rouge or rather her ton alter-ego: Emma. So, please, read "Revealing Ruby" first so you can get the full effect and a lot of the backstory.
Ravishing Ruby begins 3 months after Revealing Ruby. The affair with Derek is over and he is gone. She misses him but continues to live her life as we have come to know it...with an added wrinkle...apparently Madam Rogue is an aler-ego...she is really a lady of the ton - Emma Scanlon whose "ton" life is still very much under scrutiny.
Enter hard to please grandparents that demand she maintain respectability (by marrying well) or lose their "affection". With her inside knowledge of the depravities of most of the ton's "eligible" males, she finds that she is longing for her deep connection (though I was skeptical of this as most of Revealing Ruby was lust rather than love) with Derek.
Voila! Derek is back and looking to settle down with a respectable, biddable "ton" wife. Can you see where this is headed now?
So, despite of, or maybe because of the task before both of them, they keep falling into bed together (HOT, HOT, HOT) as a rebellion to what they must do only deepening their connection.
I think the problem for me is that it needed more development & buildup, beyond the bed olympics that seemed to be going on every fourth page. No don't get me wrong...those moments were VERY entertaining and fun to read...
Hot and sexy read.
The continuation of "Revealing Ruby" that hones the focus on the famous Madam Rouge or rather her ton alter-ego: Emma. So, please, read "Revealing Ruby" first so you can get the full effect and a lot of the backstory.
Ravishing Ruby begins 3 months after Revealing Ruby. The affair with Derek is over and he is gone. She misses him but continues to live her life as we have come to know it...with an added wrinkle...apparently Madam Rogue is an aler-ego...she is really a lady of the ton - Emma Scanlon whose "ton" life is still very much under scrutiny.
Enter hard to please grandparents that demand she maintain respectability (by marrying well) or lose their "affection". With her inside knowledge of the depravities of most of the ton's "eligible" males, she finds that she is longing for her deep connection (though I was skeptical of this as most of Revealing Ruby was lust rather than love) with Derek.
Voila! Derek is back and looking to settle down with a respectable, biddable "ton" wife. Can you see where this is headed now?
So, despite of, or maybe because of the task before both of them, they keep falling into bed together (HOT, HOT, HOT) as a rebellion to what they must do only deepening their connection.
I think the problem for me is that it needed more development & buildup, beyond the bed olympics that seemed to be going on every fourth page. No don't get me wrong...those moments were VERY entertaining and fun to read...
Hot and sexy read.
February 15, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This follows on from the novella Revealing Ruby, and it would serve the reader well to read it before this book. It is set many months after the first encounter between Derek Price and Ruby/Emma. I would recommend that you read all the books in order, as they build up the picture of Madame Rouge and her ways.
I really enjoyed this story as the plot developed - the first goodly proportion is hot and steamy, although it failed to move the story forward for me. Once Emma is given an ultimatum by her Grandfather, and with Captain Price also having some pressing issues, it is a fight to get the story turned around before the pages run out ... but Ms Kent knows what she is doing, and even the most cynical of us should enjoy how everything gets tidied up and moved forward. After a number of stories where Ruby is helping solve other people's issues, it was frustrating at times that she took so long to work out her own solution - but at the same time, it did make sense that she wouldn't see the wood for the trees when it came to how to resolve her future plans.
This follows on from the novella Revealing Ruby, and it would serve the reader well to read it before this book. It is set many months after the first encounter between Derek Price and Ruby/Emma. I would recommend that you read all the books in order, as they build up the picture of Madame Rouge and her ways.
I really enjoyed this story as the plot developed - the first goodly proportion is hot and steamy, although it failed to move the story forward for me. Once Emma is given an ultimatum by her Grandfather, and with Captain Price also having some pressing issues, it is a fight to get the story turned around before the pages run out ... but Ms Kent knows what she is doing, and even the most cynical of us should enjoy how everything gets tidied up and moved forward. After a number of stories where Ruby is helping solve other people's issues, it was frustrating at times that she took so long to work out her own solution - but at the same time, it did make sense that she wouldn't see the wood for the trees when it came to how to resolve her future plans.
February 27, 2016
Ruby is Madame Rouge, owner and operator of a famous and, if you will, elegant pleasure house in London. She takes very good care of her girls and creates an atmosphere that ensures all her patrons have a memorable experience with class, comfort, and attention.
But Ruby is also Emma Scanton, the illegitimate daughter of a duke, raised by her tradesman grandparents in the countryside. She visits them whenever she can and they know nothing of her other life in London.
Captain Derek Price is an occasional patron of Madame Rouge’s. The first time he appeared, Ruby broke her own rule and seduced him for herself and now, whenever he’s in town, though rarely, he visits her. In addition to smoking hot sex, they have intense and often personal conversations. They share their pasts, their fears, and their hopes and dreams.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://tinyurl.com/jy9gpno
But Ruby is also Emma Scanton, the illegitimate daughter of a duke, raised by her tradesman grandparents in the countryside. She visits them whenever she can and they know nothing of her other life in London.
Captain Derek Price is an occasional patron of Madame Rouge’s. The first time he appeared, Ruby broke her own rule and seduced him for herself and now, whenever he’s in town, though rarely, he visits her. In addition to smoking hot sex, they have intense and often personal conversations. They share their pasts, their fears, and their hopes and dreams.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://tinyurl.com/jy9gpno
December 12, 2015
This book was absolutely ridiculous. I skimmed about after 30% completed. The premise that a noble old Man's granddaughter runs a whorehouse and no one knows about it Iincluding him.? Really!? The hero what a piece of work liking it when a woman cries it turns him on more than anything? He then comes off all noble and is cheating on his fiancée the whole time. The descriptions of woman parts just made me laugh outloud! Yuk just yuk...Whiny heroine and gross hero...pass on it.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
This is a great read if you are looking for some hot love scene. This is a historical romance but this is the romance of a proprietress of Madame Rouge’..a client she meets at the "house". This not the regular historical virgin heroine, but the story of the Madame. I had to read it in one sitting and found I wanted to know what happened to "Ruby" I hope you enjoy this book too!
May 8, 2017
Oke.. ini cerita lengkapnya Ruby dan Derek, dari salah paham.. salah paham dan salah paham.. untung endingnya si HEA, meski masih blm bener2 final keknya.. masih ada buku 4.5 tu LOL
Setting ceritanya si abis mereka bareng semalem itu.. (jd pengen nyanyi LOL) dan di sini ketauan si masa lalu Ruby dan siapa die XD
Dereknya rada nyebelin di akhir si, untungnya die ngejelasin ke Ruby kenapa die gitu.. salah paham.. salah paham dan salah paham... gw mo baca buku 5 LOL #lompatlompat
Setting ceritanya si abis mereka bareng semalem itu.. (jd pengen nyanyi LOL) dan di sini ketauan si masa lalu Ruby dan siapa die XD
Dereknya rada nyebelin di akhir si, untungnya die ngejelasin ke Ruby kenapa die gitu.. salah paham.. salah paham dan salah paham... gw mo baca buku 5 LOL #lompatlompat
July 10, 2017
Essere figlia illegittima, e poi venire ripudiata per essere stata disonorata , non ha fermato Emma si è riscattata acquistando il bordello di Madame Noir , trasformandosi in settimana nella seducente Madame Rouge, ma solo la domenica ritorna ad essere la mite Emma quando va a trovare i nonni. Lo trasforma in un bordello di lusso dove vige l'ordine e regole ferree chi sgarra è fuori, solo quando alla sua porta entrerà il capitano Prince quelle stesse regole verranno sgarrate di continuo .
August 15, 2018
Incredibly sexy!
‘Ravishing Ruby,’ continues where the novella ‘Revealing Ruby,’ left off. It is a very passionate and sexy read! It continues to reveal sides to Ruby that Captain Derek Price is pleasantly surprised and awed by. The passion and fire that ignites when these two are around one another is absolutely brilliant!
‘Ravishing Ruby,’ continues where the novella ‘Revealing Ruby,’ left off. It is a very passionate and sexy read! It continues to reveal sides to Ruby that Captain Derek Price is pleasantly surprised and awed by. The passion and fire that ignites when these two are around one another is absolutely brilliant!
May 7, 2017
👍 I really enjoyed the fiery relationship between Emma and Derek. It was nice.
November 24, 2017
Great sexy read.
January 13, 2016
This review was originally posted on my blog .
All good things must come to an end, and Lavinia Kent's latest novel, Ravishing Ruby, probably spells the end of her wonderful erotic Bound and Determined series by giving the charming Madame Rouge her own happy ending. Months have passed since the passionate encounter between Ruby and the man who caused her to break her rule about sleeping with clients, Captain Derek Price, but she can't help remembering the night they shared. When circumstances bring the seafaring American back to London he can't stay away from Ruby's high class brothel despite a new fiancee tied to a desperately needed alliance. Can Derek and Ruby find their way to a more lasting bond with one another without breaking the ties to others most important to them?
Ruby has been one of my favourite characters in the Bound and Determined novels from her first appearance in Mastering the Marquess, so seeing a full novel featuring her definitely appealed to me. After reading Kent's first novella in the Bound and Determined series, Revealing Ruby, I wanted more of Ruby and Derek's story, needed to see the forthright, strong madame get her own happily ever after. At the same time I didn't think Kent would actually attempt it because historicals involving non-virginal, unmarried women are extremely uncommon. In fact I'm not sure I've ever read one where that type of character was portrayed sympathetically or allowed to be a protagonist. When I saw the latest ARC for Kent's work featured Ruby again my heart soared. The writing doesn't try to dichotimize Ruby at all; she is neither Madonna nor whore. She is simply a women with limited choices based on the time period and her social status. Instead of allowing herself to become a victim Ruby took agency over her choices and made a path for herself in the sex trade and uses her position as madame to allow other young women to do the same.
One of the strengths of featuring Ruby as a protagonist, in my opinion, is because while she is a product of her time her attitudes and pragmatism translate easily to modern readers. Rather than allowing herself to be married off to a man her grandparents find suitable after she is ruined Ruby decides to never let a man have control over her destiny again. In the Regency era this limits her choices, and her bold choice to purchase the best and most discreet brothel in London to manage would cow a less determined woman. She recognizes how her choice is a lonely one, but not having to bow to a husband's whims or force herself to hide her true self means more to Ruby than companionship. At the same time her weekly visits to her grandparents' home in her less flamboyant guise and under her true identity, Emma , show a desire for connections to family despite the need to avoid mentioning her situation, something that can still resonate with 21st century readers.
I also enjoy Derek as a hero because his flaws center less on sexual proclivities and more on familial expectations and other relatable baggage. He wants a wife to forge an alliance for his family's mills in America, and his young fiancee, Anne, brings necessary connections and the ability to purchase several weaving machines. At the same time he doesn't want a young, biddable sweet young thing; he wants a woman who will challenge him both in and out of the bedroom and can actually help him with business. Emotionally he longs for Ruby, but he can't think of how to bring both sides of his life together to make her the bride the Price family needs.
Now the part everyone actually cares about in an erotica novel: how is the sex? While the various roleplay and other sex scenes between Ruby and Derek are quite explicit they fell a little flat for me simply because there's not very much BDSM. However, instead of a male dominant all of the time Ruby takes control of their sexual encounters on several occasions, which was a nice twist. I personally like a lot of kink in my bondage erotica, so just verbal control and RP doesn't entirely work for me, but I'm sure the varying power dynamic between Derek and Ruby will appeal to readers who prefer a more emotional bondage type of situation in their erotica.
There are a few reveals at the end of the novel that felt a little heavy handed to me, but they did allow the story to tie up well. Overall, I greatly enjoyed Ravishing Ruby, and rather than immediately whipping off a review after finishing the book I let myself take several weeks to work it over in my brain. The ending leads me to believe this will be Kent's last novel in this world, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. If it is the final installment it was an good one to end on with a pair of complex characters who face real life issues to tackle before they can be together.
5 Pirate Swords out of 5
All good things must come to an end, and Lavinia Kent's latest novel, Ravishing Ruby, probably spells the end of her wonderful erotic Bound and Determined series by giving the charming Madame Rouge her own happy ending. Months have passed since the passionate encounter between Ruby and the man who caused her to break her rule about sleeping with clients, Captain Derek Price, but she can't help remembering the night they shared. When circumstances bring the seafaring American back to London he can't stay away from Ruby's high class brothel despite a new fiancee tied to a desperately needed alliance. Can Derek and Ruby find their way to a more lasting bond with one another without breaking the ties to others most important to them?
Ruby has been one of my favourite characters in the Bound and Determined novels from her first appearance in Mastering the Marquess, so seeing a full novel featuring her definitely appealed to me. After reading Kent's first novella in the Bound and Determined series, Revealing Ruby, I wanted more of Ruby and Derek's story, needed to see the forthright, strong madame get her own happily ever after. At the same time I didn't think Kent would actually attempt it because historicals involving non-virginal, unmarried women are extremely uncommon. In fact I'm not sure I've ever read one where that type of character was portrayed sympathetically or allowed to be a protagonist. When I saw the latest ARC for Kent's work featured Ruby again my heart soared. The writing doesn't try to dichotimize Ruby at all; she is neither Madonna nor whore. She is simply a women with limited choices based on the time period and her social status. Instead of allowing herself to become a victim Ruby took agency over her choices and made a path for herself in the sex trade and uses her position as madame to allow other young women to do the same.
One of the strengths of featuring Ruby as a protagonist, in my opinion, is because while she is a product of her time her attitudes and pragmatism translate easily to modern readers. Rather than allowing herself to be married off to a man her grandparents find suitable after she is ruined Ruby decides to never let a man have control over her destiny again. In the Regency era this limits her choices, and her bold choice to purchase the best and most discreet brothel in London to manage would cow a less determined woman. She recognizes how her choice is a lonely one, but not having to bow to a husband's whims or force herself to hide her true self means more to Ruby than companionship. At the same time her weekly visits to her grandparents' home in her less flamboyant guise and under her true identity, Emma , show a desire for connections to family despite the need to avoid mentioning her situation, something that can still resonate with 21st century readers.
I also enjoy Derek as a hero because his flaws center less on sexual proclivities and more on familial expectations and other relatable baggage. He wants a wife to forge an alliance for his family's mills in America, and his young fiancee, Anne, brings necessary connections and the ability to purchase several weaving machines. At the same time he doesn't want a young, biddable sweet young thing; he wants a woman who will challenge him both in and out of the bedroom and can actually help him with business. Emotionally he longs for Ruby, but he can't think of how to bring both sides of his life together to make her the bride the Price family needs.
Now the part everyone actually cares about in an erotica novel: how is the sex? While the various roleplay and other sex scenes between Ruby and Derek are quite explicit they fell a little flat for me simply because there's not very much BDSM. However, instead of a male dominant all of the time Ruby takes control of their sexual encounters on several occasions, which was a nice twist. I personally like a lot of kink in my bondage erotica, so just verbal control and RP doesn't entirely work for me, but I'm sure the varying power dynamic between Derek and Ruby will appeal to readers who prefer a more emotional bondage type of situation in their erotica.
There are a few reveals at the end of the novel that felt a little heavy handed to me, but they did allow the story to tie up well. Overall, I greatly enjoyed Ravishing Ruby, and rather than immediately whipping off a review after finishing the book I let myself take several weeks to work it over in my brain. The ending leads me to believe this will be Kent's last novel in this world, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. If it is the final installment it was an good one to end on with a pair of complex characters who face real life issues to tackle before they can be together.
5 Pirate Swords out of 5
January 18, 2016
Emotional And Steamy
What does sweet Emma Scanton, Ruby and Madame Rouge, have in common? They are one and the same person. Seduced and ruined at the age of seventeen by a young lord, Emma is rejected by her father. She’s forced to make her own way in life, and to her luck, buys the brothel from her mother’s friend, Madame Noir, who wished to finally retire. Now, at twenty-eight, she is Madame Rouge, one of the famous madames in London. Ruby has many rules, one is never to indulge with her patrons. But there’s one irresistibly handsome sea captain she wants as lover. Ruby bent the rules for one night, three months ago, and once again, he appears at her doorstep.
American captain Derek Price is commanding and focused on building his trade in textile between merchants in London and his family in Rhode Island. But he can’t get Ruby out of his thoughts ever since the one night, she came to him to join in his bath as Emma. Emma with her blonde beauty and seeming innocence, not as sultry Ruby with a red wig, wielding lush curves in seductive allure. Only Derek knows her secret. She plays as Emma when she visits her grandparents on Sundays. With Derek she recognizes the same emotions in herself, that of desire, need, pain, and the wanting of more. Except, Ruby has consigned herself to a life that includes an exhausting, yet profitable business, but she’s left feeling lonely and disheartened, deeply wishing for love and family. Derek wants his family’s approval, and that means getting married to Anne whose family would help build the business in America. With the news of Derek’s impending engagement, Ruby’s dream is in danger of being crushed, and her heart along with it.
Ravishing Ruby is deeply emotional, both entertaining and titillating. There is so much desire and sizzling chemistry between Ruby and Derek, you can’t help but feel they belong together. I love the idea of Ruby being portrayed as a strong heroine; intelligent, headstrong, with sturdy determination to make a success of herself. But also sensual and playful with her games of seduction. She refuses to be victim of men’s thoughtlessness; first the young lord who ruined her and then by her father who tossed her away when he found out, and a grandfather who refused to acknowledge her talent with business. Yes, that certainly pulled at my heartstring as to why she had so very little support. Even though her grandparents love Emma, they hadn’t fully accepted her except to say she was a distant cousin because she was illegitimate. And they don’t know she’s Madame Rouge. Thank goodness that didn’t matter to Derek as he came to his senses, admitted he loved and wanted Ruby.
My only complaint is the ending. Though Ruby and Derek declare their love, and voiced their choices of future possibilities, I was left wanting. An epilogue of their future would have rounded the story out very nicely, and put my inner romantic girly to bed with warm feelings. In conclusion, the characters are admirable and likeable, the story is strong with twists and lush descriptive scenes, and the writing is fluid which made for a very enjoyable read. Beware, this is an erotic historical romance, and there is a lot of sizzling hotness coming off the pages. I love my romance plenty steamy, and imaginative, and this story has pages and pages and pages of it. I did get a bit dizzy. But after a pitcher of margarita I was feeling no pain and quite amorous. So, there’s your caution. I recommend Ravishing Ruby to fans of erotic historical romance who love their romance with story and a lot of singe-off-your-eyebrows loving.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4.5
What does sweet Emma Scanton, Ruby and Madame Rouge, have in common? They are one and the same person. Seduced and ruined at the age of seventeen by a young lord, Emma is rejected by her father. She’s forced to make her own way in life, and to her luck, buys the brothel from her mother’s friend, Madame Noir, who wished to finally retire. Now, at twenty-eight, she is Madame Rouge, one of the famous madames in London. Ruby has many rules, one is never to indulge with her patrons. But there’s one irresistibly handsome sea captain she wants as lover. Ruby bent the rules for one night, three months ago, and once again, he appears at her doorstep.
American captain Derek Price is commanding and focused on building his trade in textile between merchants in London and his family in Rhode Island. But he can’t get Ruby out of his thoughts ever since the one night, she came to him to join in his bath as Emma. Emma with her blonde beauty and seeming innocence, not as sultry Ruby with a red wig, wielding lush curves in seductive allure. Only Derek knows her secret. She plays as Emma when she visits her grandparents on Sundays. With Derek she recognizes the same emotions in herself, that of desire, need, pain, and the wanting of more. Except, Ruby has consigned herself to a life that includes an exhausting, yet profitable business, but she’s left feeling lonely and disheartened, deeply wishing for love and family. Derek wants his family’s approval, and that means getting married to Anne whose family would help build the business in America. With the news of Derek’s impending engagement, Ruby’s dream is in danger of being crushed, and her heart along with it.
Ravishing Ruby is deeply emotional, both entertaining and titillating. There is so much desire and sizzling chemistry between Ruby and Derek, you can’t help but feel they belong together. I love the idea of Ruby being portrayed as a strong heroine; intelligent, headstrong, with sturdy determination to make a success of herself. But also sensual and playful with her games of seduction. She refuses to be victim of men’s thoughtlessness; first the young lord who ruined her and then by her father who tossed her away when he found out, and a grandfather who refused to acknowledge her talent with business. Yes, that certainly pulled at my heartstring as to why she had so very little support. Even though her grandparents love Emma, they hadn’t fully accepted her except to say she was a distant cousin because she was illegitimate. And they don’t know she’s Madame Rouge. Thank goodness that didn’t matter to Derek as he came to his senses, admitted he loved and wanted Ruby.
My only complaint is the ending. Though Ruby and Derek declare their love, and voiced their choices of future possibilities, I was left wanting. An epilogue of their future would have rounded the story out very nicely, and put my inner romantic girly to bed with warm feelings. In conclusion, the characters are admirable and likeable, the story is strong with twists and lush descriptive scenes, and the writing is fluid which made for a very enjoyable read. Beware, this is an erotic historical romance, and there is a lot of sizzling hotness coming off the pages. I love my romance plenty steamy, and imaginative, and this story has pages and pages and pages of it. I did get a bit dizzy. But after a pitcher of margarita I was feeling no pain and quite amorous. So, there’s your caution. I recommend Ravishing Ruby to fans of erotic historical romance who love their romance with story and a lot of singe-off-your-eyebrows loving.
Copy provided by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4.5
January 12, 2016
My Favorite Bound and Determined Novel
"It would have been better if he had never returned from Manchester, having him here made her want things she should not, dream things she should not. And it made her careless."
FINAL DECISION: Emotional, sexy, hot, RAVISHING RUBY is the story of a "fallen" woman who lives her own life without many regrets and the man she cannot forget. I love how these two fulfill a need in one another.
THE STORY: Ruby is Madame Rouge, a notorious brothel owner. Several months ago, she had an enounter with Captain Derek Price which was emotional and where she revealed her true self -- Emma, bastard daughter of a duke and granddaughter of a merchant. The two spent one night together and then Derek left on the way to his marriage. Now he has returned to London with his soon to be fiancee in tow and finds himself unable to forget about Ruby or to stay away from her.
OPINION: This was my favorite of this series. Emotional with characters that I cared about, this book -- while sexy and hot -- was definitely more about the characters and their relationship than about the sex. In many ways, because the sex was so easy for these characters, they had to struggle with the other parts of their relationship.
I loved Ruby because she accepts who she is and is unrepentant about her sexual past. As she remarks to herself -- Derek has had more lovers that she has. While society might judge her differently, she refuses to allow herself to be defined by others. What Ruby does struggle with is her love for others. She fears that she will have to submit to her grandfather's vision of her future in order to keep them in her life.
In that way, Ruby and Derek's struggle in this book is similar. They both want to gain the love and affection of their family and thus feel somewhat compelled to force themselves into a role they are not completely comfortable with. Neither likes to be controlled and for that reason they find a kindred spirit in the other and the freedom that their relationship provides.
These two spend a lot of time roleplaying with one another. It allows them to disclose different aspects of themselves that may be hard for them to easy show to another. The scenes are pretty sexy as well.
Because they are so well attuned to one another, the scene when it appears that they are doomed to be parted made me cry (even as I knew there would be a happy ending). Definitely my favorite of the series. In fact, the ending of this book makes me hope that we will learn more about Derek and Ruby in the future.
WORTH MENTIONING: Ruby is a brothel owner and has herself had varied sexual experiences. This book is not for the reader looking for the reluctant prostitute, virgin brothel owner or missish heroine.
CONNECTED BOOKS: RAVISHING RUBY is the third novel in the Bound and Determined series. It can be read as a standalone although I recommend that readers read the novella REVEALING RUBY which is about the same couple and takes place prior to this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
"It would have been better if he had never returned from Manchester, having him here made her want things she should not, dream things she should not. And it made her careless."
FINAL DECISION: Emotional, sexy, hot, RAVISHING RUBY is the story of a "fallen" woman who lives her own life without many regrets and the man she cannot forget. I love how these two fulfill a need in one another.
THE STORY: Ruby is Madame Rouge, a notorious brothel owner. Several months ago, she had an enounter with Captain Derek Price which was emotional and where she revealed her true self -- Emma, bastard daughter of a duke and granddaughter of a merchant. The two spent one night together and then Derek left on the way to his marriage. Now he has returned to London with his soon to be fiancee in tow and finds himself unable to forget about Ruby or to stay away from her.
OPINION: This was my favorite of this series. Emotional with characters that I cared about, this book -- while sexy and hot -- was definitely more about the characters and their relationship than about the sex. In many ways, because the sex was so easy for these characters, they had to struggle with the other parts of their relationship.
I loved Ruby because she accepts who she is and is unrepentant about her sexual past. As she remarks to herself -- Derek has had more lovers that she has. While society might judge her differently, she refuses to allow herself to be defined by others. What Ruby does struggle with is her love for others. She fears that she will have to submit to her grandfather's vision of her future in order to keep them in her life.
In that way, Ruby and Derek's struggle in this book is similar. They both want to gain the love and affection of their family and thus feel somewhat compelled to force themselves into a role they are not completely comfortable with. Neither likes to be controlled and for that reason they find a kindred spirit in the other and the freedom that their relationship provides.
These two spend a lot of time roleplaying with one another. It allows them to disclose different aspects of themselves that may be hard for them to easy show to another. The scenes are pretty sexy as well.
Because they are so well attuned to one another, the scene when it appears that they are doomed to be parted made me cry (even as I knew there would be a happy ending). Definitely my favorite of the series. In fact, the ending of this book makes me hope that we will learn more about Derek and Ruby in the future.
WORTH MENTIONING: Ruby is a brothel owner and has herself had varied sexual experiences. This book is not for the reader looking for the reluctant prostitute, virgin brothel owner or missish heroine.
CONNECTED BOOKS: RAVISHING RUBY is the third novel in the Bound and Determined series. It can be read as a standalone although I recommend that readers read the novella REVEALING RUBY which is about the same couple and takes place prior to this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
April 1, 2016
Ruby, the proprietress of Madame Rouge – a bordello for the well-to-do – has not been sleeping well in the past three months. Ever since Captain Derek Price crossed the threshold of her establishment. Ruby has never been a prostitute, she is a businesswoman, and she makes it a policy to never intimately mingle with her clients, Captain Price has been the sole exception to her rule. Ruby, whose real name is Emma Scanton, has a strained relationship with her grandfather, whom she has not told of her real occupation. As the demure Emma, she meets with her grandparents every Sunday, but on a Saturday evening, her Captain arrives unannounced, for he as well has not stopped thinking of Ruby and that connection they shared.
RAVISHING RUBY, the latest instalment in the historical erotica series Bound and Determined series obviously continues the relationship between Ruby and Derek. Ruby is slowly tiring of her employment, she wishes for more, but she is not precisely welcome in society, which was what had driven her to becoming a Madam in the first place. She’s secretly wishing for something more than sex with Derek, who is American and comes from a wealthy family. However there’s a little hitch when Derek tells Ruby his father wants him to marry and produce an heir; in fact, Derek is almost engaged. The gods seem determined to conspire against the lovers, as Ruby’s grandfather tells her it’s time she got married as well, and suggests a most unsuitable candidate. Ruby will have none of it, and suggests she finds a candidate she finds more acceptable, all the while hoping it could be Derek.
RAVISHING RUBY is as much erotica as it is a reflection on the lack of choices available to women in the Regency era, and the unfairness the societal rules bestowed upon women. In RAVISHING RUBY, there is much manipulation by several characters, for both the right and the wrong reasons. Readers unfamiliar with the previous books will not miss too much story-wise, but I did not enjoy RAVISHING RUBY as much as I had the previous books; I’m not sure if it’s because the tone is more serious, it’s not as playful; I cannot put my finger on it. Although the ending came to a logical conclusion, I was a tad perplexed at how the characters got there, and I would have liked to see more of the story line about Lord Milson and his matchmaking quest, because there had been some occurrences in the previous books, and those were quite entertaining. RAVISHING RUBY is well written, the story unfolds at a rather languid pace, the sex scenes are of course graphic, but tasteful and playful, and the passion between Ruby and Derek is still evident. RAVISHING RUBY was a nice conclusion to an unusual series, and Ruby is a lovely character.
I actually give 3 ½ stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
RAVISHING RUBY, the latest instalment in the historical erotica series Bound and Determined series obviously continues the relationship between Ruby and Derek. Ruby is slowly tiring of her employment, she wishes for more, but she is not precisely welcome in society, which was what had driven her to becoming a Madam in the first place. She’s secretly wishing for something more than sex with Derek, who is American and comes from a wealthy family. However there’s a little hitch when Derek tells Ruby his father wants him to marry and produce an heir; in fact, Derek is almost engaged. The gods seem determined to conspire against the lovers, as Ruby’s grandfather tells her it’s time she got married as well, and suggests a most unsuitable candidate. Ruby will have none of it, and suggests she finds a candidate she finds more acceptable, all the while hoping it could be Derek.
RAVISHING RUBY is as much erotica as it is a reflection on the lack of choices available to women in the Regency era, and the unfairness the societal rules bestowed upon women. In RAVISHING RUBY, there is much manipulation by several characters, for both the right and the wrong reasons. Readers unfamiliar with the previous books will not miss too much story-wise, but I did not enjoy RAVISHING RUBY as much as I had the previous books; I’m not sure if it’s because the tone is more serious, it’s not as playful; I cannot put my finger on it. Although the ending came to a logical conclusion, I was a tad perplexed at how the characters got there, and I would have liked to see more of the story line about Lord Milson and his matchmaking quest, because there had been some occurrences in the previous books, and those were quite entertaining. RAVISHING RUBY is well written, the story unfolds at a rather languid pace, the sex scenes are of course graphic, but tasteful and playful, and the passion between Ruby and Derek is still evident. RAVISHING RUBY was a nice conclusion to an unusual series, and Ruby is a lovely character.
I actually give 3 ½ stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2015
„Ravishing Ruby“ is the 3rd novel in the “Bound and Determined” series by Lavinia Kent. I haven’t read book 1 and 2 but I will, oh yes, I will.
In the beginning I wasn’t sure who Ruby is or what establishment she has but it only took me a couple of pages to get into the story. If I’d known the first two books it eventually wouldn’t have been a problem.
Ruby’s in her late twenties and the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Scarlett. As her mother died the Duke didn’t want to know anything of her anymore and out of the situation she bought the establishment from Madame Noire and changed herself into Madame Rouge. Her house has very strict rules but is one of the best in London, if not the best.
The only family she has left are her grandparents and her grandfather, a famous and rich merchant of exclusive cloths and all kind of textiles and buttons and so on, wants her to marry.
Ruby has many admirers but only one that gets under her skin – Captain Derek Price. A man from the colonies who is in England to buy weaving machines and announce his engagement to Anne, which was picked by his family because she’d be a good connection, an economical one.
One night in her house months before she let him see the woman behind Madame Rouge, behind Ruby – Emma. The blond woman with the luscious breasts, the big eyes and the wild imagination, the one who is the loves the fine drapes of brocade, silk or cotton.
Now Derek can only think of her lips, her breast, her skin. And he finds out that she isn’t a plain courtesan but an educated woman who loves to read. He finds himself in her house nigh by night and he isn’t interested in any other girl – only Emma, Ruby, whoever she was this very night. But this ignoring of her own rules, bringing a suitor of her own into one of the rooms, means breaking the rules because she let every other man know that there is no prize for her. And this breaking of the rules isn’t unseen by other patrons.
From the very beginning a voice in my head screamed “Let him not marry Anne! He cannot marry Anne”. Everybody knows that it will not happen because there will be a happy end but I didn’t think that it would happen like this.
And I really felt with Emma all the time when she was waiting for Derek. Really felt with her. This change in her character, in her way of thinking and planning her future is amazing. I loved it. You’ll love it.
And those love scene. I read a lot (at least I’d say so, this way book 90 for me this year) and Lavinia Kent is amazing with those sex scene, she’s my queen. They are hot, they are unique and not one is like the other. This time Kent plays with fantasies. And oh … those fantasies …
Read it! It’s amazing!
Rating: 5*****
+I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
In the beginning I wasn’t sure who Ruby is or what establishment she has but it only took me a couple of pages to get into the story. If I’d known the first two books it eventually wouldn’t have been a problem.
Ruby’s in her late twenties and the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Scarlett. As her mother died the Duke didn’t want to know anything of her anymore and out of the situation she bought the establishment from Madame Noire and changed herself into Madame Rouge. Her house has very strict rules but is one of the best in London, if not the best.
The only family she has left are her grandparents and her grandfather, a famous and rich merchant of exclusive cloths and all kind of textiles and buttons and so on, wants her to marry.
Ruby has many admirers but only one that gets under her skin – Captain Derek Price. A man from the colonies who is in England to buy weaving machines and announce his engagement to Anne, which was picked by his family because she’d be a good connection, an economical one.
One night in her house months before she let him see the woman behind Madame Rouge, behind Ruby – Emma. The blond woman with the luscious breasts, the big eyes and the wild imagination, the one who is the loves the fine drapes of brocade, silk or cotton.
Now Derek can only think of her lips, her breast, her skin. And he finds out that she isn’t a plain courtesan but an educated woman who loves to read. He finds himself in her house nigh by night and he isn’t interested in any other girl – only Emma, Ruby, whoever she was this very night. But this ignoring of her own rules, bringing a suitor of her own into one of the rooms, means breaking the rules because she let every other man know that there is no prize for her. And this breaking of the rules isn’t unseen by other patrons.
From the very beginning a voice in my head screamed “Let him not marry Anne! He cannot marry Anne”. Everybody knows that it will not happen because there will be a happy end but I didn’t think that it would happen like this.
And I really felt with Emma all the time when she was waiting for Derek. Really felt with her. This change in her character, in her way of thinking and planning her future is amazing. I loved it. You’ll love it.
And those love scene. I read a lot (at least I’d say so, this way book 90 for me this year) and Lavinia Kent is amazing with those sex scene, she’s my queen. They are hot, they are unique and not one is like the other. This time Kent plays with fantasies. And oh … those fantasies …
Read it! It’s amazing!
Rating: 5*****
+I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+
January 4, 2016
Ruby, referred to as Madame Rouge, is the cool, calm manager of the well run, financially successful House for Gentlemen of Taste. There isn't anything she can't handle and nothing seems to faze her, except for one man. Despite her rules of never coupling with her patrons, Captain Derek Price is the exception. Or is he? Derek isn't really a customer, but Ruby's erstwhile lover. They first met for a passionate evening in the novella Revealing Ruby (Book 1.5 in the Bound and Determined series) and now, three months later, the American sailor has returned. How could he keep away when the two are inexplicably drawn to one another. It is only to Derek that Ruby reveals her true identity, Emma Scanton, the girl she becomes every Sunday when she visits her unsuspecting grandparents. Even though the two lovers exchange their inner most secrets while they engage in exquisite, passionate sex, each holds a little something back. Derek is expected to announce his engagement to Anne, the fiancé selected by his difficult-to-please father to further their business connections, while Emma has an equally stubborn grandfather who expects her to marry within a month or less. Her grandfather, a wealthy merchant, engages in the textile trade with the same sorts of cargo Derek's ship, the Dawn's Light, transports back to the family business in Rhode Island. These hidden truths can affect future outcomes, but for seven days the two are only interested in seducing one another through steamy sexual encounters. The plain seaman who wants a simple fuck realizes that the Madame's game playing can be extremely fascinating. He never knows who he will find in his bed - the pure Emma, the world wise Ruby, perhaps the harem slave girl Afya, or even Rebecca from the novel Ivanhoe.
While Revealing Ruby was just a tease, Ravishing Ruby is a complete story sure to please the romantic side of a Regency novel reader as well as provide some extra titillation through the numerous steamy, sexually explicit encounters. In between the plot develops, providing Kent an opportunity to flesh out the two protagonists and disclose their motivations. Various characters from the previous novels in the series make an appearance, but the main focus is on the two lovebirds who grab the moment and ignore their lack of a future until they finally have no choice but to end their relationship. Yet, can they bear to be apart? And what obstacles must they overcome to reach a happy ending?
If this is the conclusion to the Bound and Determined series, it is done in style, satisfying our curiosity without neglecting the erotica we have come to expect in Kent's works. Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Revealing Ruby was just a tease, Ravishing Ruby is a complete story sure to please the romantic side of a Regency novel reader as well as provide some extra titillation through the numerous steamy, sexually explicit encounters. In between the plot develops, providing Kent an opportunity to flesh out the two protagonists and disclose their motivations. Various characters from the previous novels in the series make an appearance, but the main focus is on the two lovebirds who grab the moment and ignore their lack of a future until they finally have no choice but to end their relationship. Yet, can they bear to be apart? And what obstacles must they overcome to reach a happy ending?
If this is the conclusion to the Bound and Determined series, it is done in style, satisfying our curiosity without neglecting the erotica we have come to expect in Kent's works. Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2016
c I received this for an honest review from the author through Net Gallery. This book takes back in a time that we are not use to. Woman were meant to be ladies, rely on men for work and support, no electric, woman could be easily shun, and the main focus was marrying and having a family.
Emma Scanton AKA Madame Ruby Rouge had been through so much in her life. Her mother became a woman that was shun from her family. She was a mistress and Emma was born in sin. Emma’s father had been a father of means but he could never truly claim Emma as his. She makes one mistake. Allows her trust in the wrong man and her father disowns her. Her grandparents didn’t to even want to claim her as their granddaughter. Emma truly wanted to be loved and belong. You know the saying what does not kill you makes you stronger, well that is true in Ruby’s case. She had became a very strong woman. She truly needed no one. The problem with her life she was lonely. Though she had to appear to be this sweet innocent woman on Sunday with her grandparents she longed for the connections with them.
Captain Derek Price was falling for this Lady of the night. He was having feelings he could not explain. He looked forward to their meets. He did not only love the passionate times between them but the talks they shared. He knew there was more to her then met the eye. Captain Derek Price had a problem though, he was getting engaged. He was having a hard time when it comes to thoughts of his soon-to-be fiancee. Every time he tried to picture this life with Anne he thought about Ruby. He wanted the woman he could not have.
Emma was being pressured by her grandfather to marry. She either married or she was no longer welcome in the home. Though it seems cold of the chose her grandfather gave her I think he truly loved her and was trying to do what was best for Emma. Road blocks seems to be coming up left and right with Ruby and Derek. Both have decision to make. Passion seems to be there between the two but do they both want the same thing?
I found this book very interesting. The one thing I would change is to have more detailed steamy parts. I thought Derek and Ruby fit well together.It was interesting to see them find their way to each other and the games they played.
Emma Scanton AKA Madame Ruby Rouge had been through so much in her life. Her mother became a woman that was shun from her family. She was a mistress and Emma was born in sin. Emma’s father had been a father of means but he could never truly claim Emma as his. She makes one mistake. Allows her trust in the wrong man and her father disowns her. Her grandparents didn’t to even want to claim her as their granddaughter. Emma truly wanted to be loved and belong. You know the saying what does not kill you makes you stronger, well that is true in Ruby’s case. She had became a very strong woman. She truly needed no one. The problem with her life she was lonely. Though she had to appear to be this sweet innocent woman on Sunday with her grandparents she longed for the connections with them.
Captain Derek Price was falling for this Lady of the night. He was having feelings he could not explain. He looked forward to their meets. He did not only love the passionate times between them but the talks they shared. He knew there was more to her then met the eye. Captain Derek Price had a problem though, he was getting engaged. He was having a hard time when it comes to thoughts of his soon-to-be fiancee. Every time he tried to picture this life with Anne he thought about Ruby. He wanted the woman he could not have.
Emma was being pressured by her grandfather to marry. She either married or she was no longer welcome in the home. Though it seems cold of the chose her grandfather gave her I think he truly loved her and was trying to do what was best for Emma. Road blocks seems to be coming up left and right with Ruby and Derek. Both have decision to make. Passion seems to be there between the two but do they both want the same thing?
I found this book very interesting. The one thing I would change is to have more detailed steamy parts. I thought Derek and Ruby fit well together.It was interesting to see them find their way to each other and the games they played.
July 5, 2016
I don’t usually read a lot of period pieces but thought I would give this a chance since I read the first Bound and Determined novel by this author. I actually thought this was a little bit better. It was a little slow at times, but I think it is because of the time period it is set in. It is all prim and proper. Women cannot be seen out with a man unless she has an escort. I think the author did a good job explaining how things might have been back then. My how things have changed! When Angela was presented to society looking for a husband, Lord Colton was interested. He thought Angela was different than the usual boring women he encountered. He thought she had a lot of spunk and sass. And while she definitely was bold and was not afraid to challenge Colten and express her opinion, this changed after she witnessed an encounter between Colton and another woman. She became boring and seemed more like the other women he encountered. Therefore, Colton decided to decline to ask for her hand in marriage. Even though Angela was heartbroken he broke things off, she wanted revenge. She went to Madame Rouge’s house of ill repute to learn how to make Colton desire her. Angela puts the advice Madam Ruby gave her. However instead of revenge, she soon finds herself falling more in love with Colton. As Angela became more like herself, Colton also found himself falling in love with her. Colton became her protector. Overall it was a good story, just a little slow at times. Yes there are some sex scenes and cursing but compared to most books it is fairly tame.
July 6, 2025
Ravishing Ruby (Bound and Determined, #3) by Lavinia Kent is an Adult Historical Romance.
It is beautifully well written. The story is very true to the historical timeline. The sensuality and passion is powerful and erotic.
I found no editing errors. Mostly fast paced, although I feel there were a couple of areas that were just a bit redundant. That is why I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars.
Both Captain Derek Price and Madame Rouge, a.k.a. Ruby, a.k.a. Emma Scanton are great characters. They are both strong individuals trying to find a way to make their families happy without losing who they are and what they want out of life.
A quote from this book, "That what one wanted, what one believed in, and what one could have were not the same thing."
This is more true for the timeline of this story then in present times. However, it is one of those truths that endures through time, just in varying degrees. I think it is also the epitome of Ruby and Derek's story.
The way this story ended is very interesting. While you definitely get your HEA, it also leaves their future open. I think this is actually a great ending in that for the first time in both their lives they have options they never had before. A new freedom that they are both hungry to explore.
It is beautifully well written. The story is very true to the historical timeline. The sensuality and passion is powerful and erotic.
I found no editing errors. Mostly fast paced, although I feel there were a couple of areas that were just a bit redundant. That is why I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars.
Both Captain Derek Price and Madame Rouge, a.k.a. Ruby, a.k.a. Emma Scanton are great characters. They are both strong individuals trying to find a way to make their families happy without losing who they are and what they want out of life.
A quote from this book, "That what one wanted, what one believed in, and what one could have were not the same thing."
This is more true for the timeline of this story then in present times. However, it is one of those truths that endures through time, just in varying degrees. I think it is also the epitome of Ruby and Derek's story.
The way this story ended is very interesting. While you definitely get your HEA, it also leaves their future open. I think this is actually a great ending in that for the first time in both their lives they have options they never had before. A new freedom that they are both hungry to explore.
December 31, 2015
A fantastic followup to Revealing Ruby, Ravishing Ruby takes up three months after Derek and Ruby's one night of erotic encounter. They again meet and this time embark on an affair that is all consuming taking them to ask questions they have never asked themselves before. Derek Price, an American Captain is on a mission to secure his cargo and a wife. But what he really wants is Ruby, but what he wants and his familial duty are of two different things. Ruby is confused, ever since Derek has come back, her role as Madame Rouge is starting to get all too complicated. Alas, she has familial pressure on her as well. Can these two ever get there happy endings.
Readers of Lavinia Kent's Bound and Determined series will be very familiar with Ruby aka Madame Rouge aka Emma. The unlikely matchmaker has found her partner in Derek which started with the novella Revealing Ruby. Ravishing Ruby is full length and delves more into the deeply layered characters of these two. The sexual encounters are nevertheless hot or even hotter than the previous book but its also digging deeper into the social circumstances that surrounds them, giving credence to their actions and the confusion they encounter in their romantic journey. Ravishing Ruby is engaging and captivating giving fans of the series a marvelous ending to a secondary character deserving of her own happy ending.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
Readers of Lavinia Kent's Bound and Determined series will be very familiar with Ruby aka Madame Rouge aka Emma. The unlikely matchmaker has found her partner in Derek which started with the novella Revealing Ruby. Ravishing Ruby is full length and delves more into the deeply layered characters of these two. The sexual encounters are nevertheless hot or even hotter than the previous book but its also digging deeper into the social circumstances that surrounds them, giving credence to their actions and the confusion they encounter in their romantic journey. Ravishing Ruby is engaging and captivating giving fans of the series a marvelous ending to a secondary character deserving of her own happy ending.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
December 31, 2015
This is book 3 in the Bound and Determined series.
Emma Scanton's grandfather is determined that she will get married. If she doesn't, he will cut off on contact with her grandmother. Not wanting to give up her family, Emma agrees to his demands on the condition that she has some time to find her own husband. The problem is that Emma is also known as Ruby the owner of Madame Rouge, a high end brothel and the one man that she could see marrying doesn't know about her life as Emma.
Captain Dereck Price is just about to get engaged to an English heiress. But he can't get his one night with Ruby out of his mind. Deciding that he can continue his visits until he is in fact betrothed, he never imagined that he would get so close to the red-headed beauty. Now he must make a decision of following his heart or the wishes of his family.
So after reading Revealing Ruby, I wanted to know what happen to Ruby and her Captain!! Kent did not disappoint. The chemistry between Ruby and the Captain was red hot and not just in the bedroom. You could feel the connection they had just when they are talking and learning about the other. They were able to open up to each other unlike what they have been able to do in the past.
Keep in mind that this is another read that is not for the faint of heart! While it is definitely erotica, he does have a very worthwhile storyline.
Thanks go out to Random House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Emma Scanton's grandfather is determined that she will get married. If she doesn't, he will cut off on contact with her grandmother. Not wanting to give up her family, Emma agrees to his demands on the condition that she has some time to find her own husband. The problem is that Emma is also known as Ruby the owner of Madame Rouge, a high end brothel and the one man that she could see marrying doesn't know about her life as Emma.
Captain Dereck Price is just about to get engaged to an English heiress. But he can't get his one night with Ruby out of his mind. Deciding that he can continue his visits until he is in fact betrothed, he never imagined that he would get so close to the red-headed beauty. Now he must make a decision of following his heart or the wishes of his family.
So after reading Revealing Ruby, I wanted to know what happen to Ruby and her Captain!! Kent did not disappoint. The chemistry between Ruby and the Captain was red hot and not just in the bedroom. You could feel the connection they had just when they are talking and learning about the other. They were able to open up to each other unlike what they have been able to do in the past.
Keep in mind that this is another read that is not for the faint of heart! While it is definitely erotica, he does have a very worthwhile storyline.
Thanks go out to Random House via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
June 20, 2017
#3 in the Bound and Determined series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We start with a hot sexy scene between Ruby, proprietor of a brothel and Derek, a man she has had a one-night stand with. Their chemistry is off the charts, causing her to break her no-sex-with-the-customers rule. Whew, my attention was grabbed immediately. Kent tends to do that in her books, and it is very effective. Then she is skilled at keeping my interest throughout as we explore each of the characters in more depth.
Ruby is believable as the the somewhat jaded owner of a brothel, having no illusions about her life choices. But she tries to maintain the facade with her grandparents, visiting them once a week in her own persona. Both lives are starting to collide. Despite the freedom she has had, the reality of the time period means that she must follow the rules set out by her grandfather. Ruby struggles with this contradiction, and the reader is rooting for her success. As our hero, Derek is strong, attractive, and wildly sexy. His big and commanding personality covers a caring man who tries to do the right thing. But he is also constrained by his responsibilities. I loved getting to know them better. They are strong and independent people with solid cores and good hearts. I was definitely hoping they'd find their happy ending.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We start with a hot sexy scene between Ruby, proprietor of a brothel and Derek, a man she has had a one-night stand with. Their chemistry is off the charts, causing her to break her no-sex-with-the-customers rule. Whew, my attention was grabbed immediately. Kent tends to do that in her books, and it is very effective. Then she is skilled at keeping my interest throughout as we explore each of the characters in more depth.
Ruby is believable as the the somewhat jaded owner of a brothel, having no illusions about her life choices. But she tries to maintain the facade with her grandparents, visiting them once a week in her own persona. Both lives are starting to collide. Despite the freedom she has had, the reality of the time period means that she must follow the rules set out by her grandfather. Ruby struggles with this contradiction, and the reader is rooting for her success. As our hero, Derek is strong, attractive, and wildly sexy. His big and commanding personality covers a caring man who tries to do the right thing. But he is also constrained by his responsibilities. I loved getting to know them better. They are strong and independent people with solid cores and good hearts. I was definitely hoping they'd find their happy ending.
November 7, 2015
** I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
After reading Revealing Ruby, I couldn't wait to read Ravishing Ruby. I imagined all sorts of scenarios that would enable these two to get a happy ending.
The reality was not quite what I had hoped for.
Ruby/ Emma and Derek are without a doubt hot together. The love scenes in this book are smoking hot and very well done.
The story flow pretty well - there were a couple of seemingly random things thrown in there and there that didn't quite fit the story. But since this was an uncorrected copy - I am not sure if they will make the final cut. I hope not.
The main reason I didn't give this book 4 or 5 stars was because I was really disappointed with Derek. I don't honestly feel he would have chosen Ruby over Anne if the decision was his to make. And the ending was a bit vague, I didn't feel like anything was firmly resolved.
I did like the book and I would recommend the series.
I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
After reading Revealing Ruby, I couldn't wait to read Ravishing Ruby. I imagined all sorts of scenarios that would enable these two to get a happy ending.
The reality was not quite what I had hoped for.
Ruby/ Emma and Derek are without a doubt hot together. The love scenes in this book are smoking hot and very well done.
The story flow pretty well - there were a couple of seemingly random things thrown in there and there that didn't quite fit the story. But since this was an uncorrected copy - I am not sure if they will make the final cut. I hope not.
The main reason I didn't give this book 4 or 5 stars was because I was really disappointed with Derek. I don't honestly feel he would have chosen Ruby over Anne if the decision was his to make. And the ending was a bit vague, I didn't feel like anything was firmly resolved.
I did like the book and I would recommend the series.
October 30, 2015
I enjoyed this read.
Emma becomes Ruby after being disowned by her father, the Duke. As a Madame, she takes great care of her girls, operates her business by some strict rules and creates the necessary distance between her personal and work lives. All that changes when she meets Derek. Now she's having hot sex in the parlor and opening up about thinks that she's never told anyone.
There's a lot of sex in this one but a nice story too. We see The main characters together a lot, so the affection and love doesn't feel 'instanta', even though it happens quickly. There was also an interesting twist near the end that I didn't see coming.
If you like your historical romance on the erotic side, this is a nice choice.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Emma becomes Ruby after being disowned by her father, the Duke. As a Madame, she takes great care of her girls, operates her business by some strict rules and creates the necessary distance between her personal and work lives. All that changes when she meets Derek. Now she's having hot sex in the parlor and opening up about thinks that she's never told anyone.
There's a lot of sex in this one but a nice story too. We see The main characters together a lot, so the affection and love doesn't feel 'instanta', even though it happens quickly. There was also an interesting twist near the end that I didn't see coming.
If you like your historical romance on the erotic side, this is a nice choice.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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