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Ransomed Jewels #3
Dark Ruby
To escape the memory of a horrific kidnapping that he barely survived, Alexander Linscott, Marquess of Halverston, flees to one of his country estates determined to master his demons. But when Mrs. Daisy Moore arrives on his doorstep applying for the position of housekeeper, he knows his life has taken an unexpected turn. She is clearly not who she pretends to be.
Lady Isobel Culver has no intention of falling in love. She’s on the run and can’t afford to risk giving her heart to anyone, especially a man as tortured as the Marquess of Halverston. But when fate intervenes and brings her to the altar with the murderous villain her father intends for her to marry, Alexander becomes the only man who can save her. If loving her doesn’t cost him his life first.
Lady Isobel Culver has no intention of falling in love. She’s on the run and can’t afford to risk giving her heart to anyone, especially a man as tortured as the Marquess of Halverston. But when fate intervenes and brings her to the altar with the murderous villain her father intends for her to marry, Alexander becomes the only man who can save her. If loving her doesn’t cost him his life first.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2016
336 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Laura Landon
67 books366 followersLaura Landon taught high school for ten years before leaving the classroom to open her own ice-cream shop. As much as she loved serving up sundaes and malts from behind the counter, she closed up shop after penning her first novel. Now she spends nearly every waking minute writing, guiding her heroes and heroines to find their happily ever afters.
She is the author of more than a dozen historical novels, including SILENT REVENGE, INTIMATE DECEPTION, and her newest Montlake Romance release, INTIMATE SURRENDER.
Her books are enjoyed by readers around the world and you can find out more about her by visiting her website at www.lauralandon.com
She is the author of more than a dozen historical novels, including SILENT REVENGE, INTIMATE DECEPTION, and her newest Montlake Romance release, INTIMATE SURRENDER.
Her books are enjoyed by readers around the world and you can find out more about her by visiting her website at www.lauralandon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 12, 2018
3.5 stars.
A slow burn love affair between 2 tormented souls. This was a compelling tale from the beginning to the end and the only reason I rated it as 3.5 stars is because I felt the villains were not punished adequately. In this novel, the heroine Lady Isobel Culver is running away from her father because he has betrothed her to the handsome but evil ( and a 2 time wife killer ! ) Duke of Balsam. Isobel and her maid Daisy Moore have escaped and are on their way to Scotland when the maid becomes ill and dies in the village that's under the patronage of the reclusive H, the Marquess of Halverston. Isobel is forced to adapt her travel plans and take the available job as a housekeeper to the H Alexander. She accepts the job under the guise of her dead maid and presents herself as Mrs. Daisy Moore. Alexander isn't fooled by her disguise, though, because when he sees her he remembers her as the beautiful older daughter of the Earl of Gilchrist:
Isobel is forced to reveal the truth behind her desire to escape from her father and Alexander decides to help her by offering her the job as his housekeeper. Isobel doesn't actually have to do any menial labour in her new post because it's one of a more managerial capacity ( as it usually is in these types of large households that are filled with lesser servants to take orders from the housekeeper and butler ). The heroine agrees to stay and work under the guise of the young widow Mrs. Moore, until the next couple of months have elapsed when she reaches her majority and can no longer be controlled by her father. Alexander is a tormented H because he has been through a torturous kidnapping in which he had been tied up, beaten and raped. The handsome H still experiences PTSD symptoms and nightly dreams as a result of these horrors and he hasn't confided in anyone because he feels ashamed of what had happened to him. I liked Alexander a lot. He was a wonderful H, who was sweet and kind to Isobel and did not use his tortured past as an excuse to treat other people like crap:
The love story between these MC's was slow to unfold, because they're both wary of each other and neither wants to form any attachment to another person at this point in time. This wasn't a romance that's filled with hot burning kisses and passionate embraces. It was more of an old fashioned type of romance where the author builds the couple's chemistry by writing about the intense bond that they build ( inadvertently ) as they get to know each other, converse, share their feelings and their love for similar hobbies such as reading. Alexander was one of the nicest H's I've read about in a romance novel. He's a badass when he has to be yet he's kind and generous when it counts too. His servants at Temple Hall all adore him and he treats them as individuals because he knows all their names and about what's going on in their lives. Isobel soon discovers that Alexander's PTSD causes him to have horrible nightmares and she reaches out to him to try and help him during these episodes. At first he is unaware that she turns up to try and soothe him while he thrashes about in his bed as he relives the horrors of his kidnapping. But, he eventually realizes what's been happening when he sees the bruises around the throat one morning; the bruises were caused when he choked her while in the midst of his nightmares.
This was the turning point for the MC's in the novel. Alexander despises himself when he sees the bruises on the heroine's throat because he thinks he's no better than a beast. He locks himself in his study for 2 days and drinks alcohol to numb his torment and ease his self hatred. The heroine is the one who intervenes when all the other servants are unable to help Alexander. The ensuing scene is one of the most intense and emotionally painful in the story. Alexander is filled with shame and he lashes out at Isobel by telling her that she's fired; he offers her enough money to live on for a year while she hides from her father but the heroine refuses to leave him:
He turned on her. “You will do as I say! You will leave!”
She was on her feet. She looked like an avenging angel ready to wage war to get her way. He couldn’t allow it.
“You can pack your belongings yourself. Or I will send someone to do it for you. But you will leave today.”
“Are you such a coward that you cannot accept my help? Aren’t you willing to at least try to recover from the nightmares that haunt you? Do you have so little faith in my offer that you would reject me without giving me a chance to help you?”
“Yes! Because you can’t help me. No one can help me! What happened to me is too repulsive. Too disgusting.”
“Nothing can be that revolting!”
“This is, my lady! Oh yes! This is! I was held captive and . . . and . . .” Alex swallowed hard and the final word came out in a strangled whisper, “ . . . and violated!”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 1960-1968). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
Alexander thinks that Isobel will be so disgusted with him that she will leave but the heroine's love for him is greater:
“Then what, my lady! If you know you can’t make what happened go away, then why are you here?”
“Because this is where I need to be.” She slowly reached toward him and twined her fingers with his. “This is where your darkness lives. This is where your blood runs black with horrid memory, where ugliness overtakes your veins and threatens to darken your heart. And if there is any hope of banishing it, of shrouding it, of eclipsing it with something of joy or beauty or . . . or peace . . . then my place is here. Maybe for a moment, maybe more. But it’s here. With you.”
He stiffened, then sucked in a breath and cried out in pain.
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 2018-2022). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
These MC's eventually consummate their relationship and Alexander is the first to confess his love but Isobel is afraid of what her evil father will do to Alexander if she stays with the H. Alexander and Isobel suffered a lot in this story. Their relationship is not at a perfect point yet, due to the heroine's fear of her father, when Isobel receives news that her younger sister has been betrothed to the wife killing Duke of Balsam. The selfless heroine is prepared to do anything to save Vanessa - even marry the murderous duke herself but Alexander steps in and devises a plan to save both sisters from their evil father's machinations. The situation is fraught with a lot of intrigue and drama because Isobel is forced to reveal that her father is also a murderer: her father had been responsible for the deaths of an earl and a viscount ( among others ). When the MC's go to Alexander's London townhouse and rescue her sister Vanessa, things seem to be working out fairly well until Isobel's nasty father father turns up and threatens to murder Alexander if the H refuses to stop sheltering his daughters.
Alexander is eventually tricked into a meeting with the villain and he is shot 3 times. He survives but Isobel's father threatens to have him killed unless she marries the Duke of Balsam. The heroine's father has also kidnapped Lord Partmoore - the man with whom her sister is in love. Isobel runs off to do her father's bidding because she can't bear to think of Alexander being murdered. She leaves behind the beautiful diamond and ruby engagement ring that Alexander had given her, with a note that explains everything:
Alex,
You know I love you, and I take your love with me to battle the evils that threaten our happiness. If you care for me even a little, please don’t risk your life to save mine. Do this for me. I could not survive if you died in your attempt to rescue me. Please, I beg of you. Don’t come after me. I will come to you if I can. If not, you will know I have failed, and you will learn to go on without me.
Belle.
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Location 3163-3166). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
I was close to tears at this point because these 2 lovers had been through hell. Do they really need another dose of torture ? To add to the angst and drama, there is the awful and cruel Duke of Balsam who unashamedly boasts of how he had killed his 2 "weak" wives. He even gloats about it to Isobel:
“No! I couldn’t have allowed either of them to be the mother of the Balsam heir. They proved themselves to be pathetically weak. Both of them. If only I would have realized such fatal flaws in their character before I married them.” A smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
“But you, Lady Isobel, are far from weak. And the sons you give me will be a credit to the Balsam dynasty.”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 3231-3233). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
I really wanted to kill this guy ! And, I was hoping that he and Isobel's father would be punished severely for their crimes. But that didn't happen:
Yeah ! Those murdering, raping bastards did not receive the type of punishment that they deserved ! Their punishment was to be banished from England. That's all !
That's so unfair ! It made me reduce the rating to 3.5 stars. I know the author probably thought that banishment was the less scandalous option since criminal proceedings would've drawn the MC's into a shameful horrific limelight within the Ton. However, what about the victims of these 2 guys ? These men are evil and I was left with the feeling that they're going to go to either Europe or the Americas and start doing their evil deeds again. Will more women have to be raped and murdered by the Duke of Balsam ? Will the Earl of Gilchrist kill more men after business deals fail and he needs a scapegoat ? That's the only reason I'm unwilling to rate this novel higher, in spite of how much I adored Alexander and Isobel's love story. The epilogue did help to sweeten me up a bit because it was enchanting. The scene where Alexander meets his newborn son for the first time is beautiful:
“Oh, Belle,” he whispered past the lump in his throat. He leaned over and kissed his wife on the forehead, then he reached out and let his son place his tiny hand over his mammoth finger.
“Oh, Belle, he’s beyond imagining.”
“Of course he is,” she whispered. “We made him.”
Alex leaned down and kissed his wife on the forehead. “I love you, Belle.”
She smiled at him. “I love you, too, Alex. As I always will.”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 3370-3374). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
A slow burn love affair between 2 tormented souls. This was a compelling tale from the beginning to the end and the only reason I rated it as 3.5 stars is because I felt the villains were not punished adequately. In this novel, the heroine Lady Isobel Culver is running away from her father because he has betrothed her to the handsome but evil ( and a 2 time wife killer ! ) Duke of Balsam. Isobel and her maid Daisy Moore have escaped and are on their way to Scotland when the maid becomes ill and dies in the village that's under the patronage of the reclusive H, the Marquess of Halverston. Isobel is forced to adapt her travel plans and take the available job as a housekeeper to the H Alexander. She accepts the job under the guise of her dead maid and presents herself as Mrs. Daisy Moore. Alexander isn't fooled by her disguise, though, because when he sees her he remembers her as the beautiful older daughter of the Earl of Gilchrist:
Isobel is forced to reveal the truth behind her desire to escape from her father and Alexander decides to help her by offering her the job as his housekeeper. Isobel doesn't actually have to do any menial labour in her new post because it's one of a more managerial capacity ( as it usually is in these types of large households that are filled with lesser servants to take orders from the housekeeper and butler ). The heroine agrees to stay and work under the guise of the young widow Mrs. Moore, until the next couple of months have elapsed when she reaches her majority and can no longer be controlled by her father. Alexander is a tormented H because he has been through a torturous kidnapping in which he had been tied up, beaten and raped. The handsome H still experiences PTSD symptoms and nightly dreams as a result of these horrors and he hasn't confided in anyone because he feels ashamed of what had happened to him. I liked Alexander a lot. He was a wonderful H, who was sweet and kind to Isobel and did not use his tortured past as an excuse to treat other people like crap:
The love story between these MC's was slow to unfold, because they're both wary of each other and neither wants to form any attachment to another person at this point in time. This wasn't a romance that's filled with hot burning kisses and passionate embraces. It was more of an old fashioned type of romance where the author builds the couple's chemistry by writing about the intense bond that they build ( inadvertently ) as they get to know each other, converse, share their feelings and their love for similar hobbies such as reading. Alexander was one of the nicest H's I've read about in a romance novel. He's a badass when he has to be yet he's kind and generous when it counts too. His servants at Temple Hall all adore him and he treats them as individuals because he knows all their names and about what's going on in their lives. Isobel soon discovers that Alexander's PTSD causes him to have horrible nightmares and she reaches out to him to try and help him during these episodes. At first he is unaware that she turns up to try and soothe him while he thrashes about in his bed as he relives the horrors of his kidnapping. But, he eventually realizes what's been happening when he sees the bruises around the throat one morning; the bruises were caused when he choked her while in the midst of his nightmares.
This was the turning point for the MC's in the novel. Alexander despises himself when he sees the bruises on the heroine's throat because he thinks he's no better than a beast. He locks himself in his study for 2 days and drinks alcohol to numb his torment and ease his self hatred. The heroine is the one who intervenes when all the other servants are unable to help Alexander. The ensuing scene is one of the most intense and emotionally painful in the story. Alexander is filled with shame and he lashes out at Isobel by telling her that she's fired; he offers her enough money to live on for a year while she hides from her father but the heroine refuses to leave him:
He turned on her. “You will do as I say! You will leave!”
She was on her feet. She looked like an avenging angel ready to wage war to get her way. He couldn’t allow it.
“You can pack your belongings yourself. Or I will send someone to do it for you. But you will leave today.”
“Are you such a coward that you cannot accept my help? Aren’t you willing to at least try to recover from the nightmares that haunt you? Do you have so little faith in my offer that you would reject me without giving me a chance to help you?”
“Yes! Because you can’t help me. No one can help me! What happened to me is too repulsive. Too disgusting.”
“Nothing can be that revolting!”
“This is, my lady! Oh yes! This is! I was held captive and . . . and . . .” Alex swallowed hard and the final word came out in a strangled whisper, “ . . . and violated!”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 1960-1968). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
Alexander thinks that Isobel will be so disgusted with him that she will leave but the heroine's love for him is greater:
“Then what, my lady! If you know you can’t make what happened go away, then why are you here?”
“Because this is where I need to be.” She slowly reached toward him and twined her fingers with his. “This is where your darkness lives. This is where your blood runs black with horrid memory, where ugliness overtakes your veins and threatens to darken your heart. And if there is any hope of banishing it, of shrouding it, of eclipsing it with something of joy or beauty or . . . or peace . . . then my place is here. Maybe for a moment, maybe more. But it’s here. With you.”
He stiffened, then sucked in a breath and cried out in pain.
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 2018-2022). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
These MC's eventually consummate their relationship and Alexander is the first to confess his love but Isobel is afraid of what her evil father will do to Alexander if she stays with the H. Alexander and Isobel suffered a lot in this story. Their relationship is not at a perfect point yet, due to the heroine's fear of her father, when Isobel receives news that her younger sister has been betrothed to the wife killing Duke of Balsam. The selfless heroine is prepared to do anything to save Vanessa - even marry the murderous duke herself but Alexander steps in and devises a plan to save both sisters from their evil father's machinations. The situation is fraught with a lot of intrigue and drama because Isobel is forced to reveal that her father is also a murderer: her father had been responsible for the deaths of an earl and a viscount ( among others ). When the MC's go to Alexander's London townhouse and rescue her sister Vanessa, things seem to be working out fairly well until Isobel's nasty father father turns up and threatens to murder Alexander if the H refuses to stop sheltering his daughters.
Alexander is eventually tricked into a meeting with the villain and he is shot 3 times. He survives but Isobel's father threatens to have him killed unless she marries the Duke of Balsam. The heroine's father has also kidnapped Lord Partmoore - the man with whom her sister is in love. Isobel runs off to do her father's bidding because she can't bear to think of Alexander being murdered. She leaves behind the beautiful diamond and ruby engagement ring that Alexander had given her, with a note that explains everything:
Alex,
You know I love you, and I take your love with me to battle the evils that threaten our happiness. If you care for me even a little, please don’t risk your life to save mine. Do this for me. I could not survive if you died in your attempt to rescue me. Please, I beg of you. Don’t come after me. I will come to you if I can. If not, you will know I have failed, and you will learn to go on without me.
Belle.
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Location 3163-3166). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
I was close to tears at this point because these 2 lovers had been through hell. Do they really need another dose of torture ? To add to the angst and drama, there is the awful and cruel Duke of Balsam who unashamedly boasts of how he had killed his 2 "weak" wives. He even gloats about it to Isobel:
“No! I couldn’t have allowed either of them to be the mother of the Balsam heir. They proved themselves to be pathetically weak. Both of them. If only I would have realized such fatal flaws in their character before I married them.” A smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
“But you, Lady Isobel, are far from weak. And the sons you give me will be a credit to the Balsam dynasty.”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 3231-3233). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
I really wanted to kill this guy ! And, I was hoping that he and Isobel's father would be punished severely for their crimes. But that didn't happen:
Yeah ! Those murdering, raping bastards did not receive the type of punishment that they deserved ! Their punishment was to be banished from England. That's all !
That's so unfair ! It made me reduce the rating to 3.5 stars. I know the author probably thought that banishment was the less scandalous option since criminal proceedings would've drawn the MC's into a shameful horrific limelight within the Ton. However, what about the victims of these 2 guys ? These men are evil and I was left with the feeling that they're going to go to either Europe or the Americas and start doing their evil deeds again. Will more women have to be raped and murdered by the Duke of Balsam ? Will the Earl of Gilchrist kill more men after business deals fail and he needs a scapegoat ? That's the only reason I'm unwilling to rate this novel higher, in spite of how much I adored Alexander and Isobel's love story. The epilogue did help to sweeten me up a bit because it was enchanting. The scene where Alexander meets his newborn son for the first time is beautiful:
“Oh, Belle,” he whispered past the lump in his throat. He leaned over and kissed his wife on the forehead, then he reached out and let his son place his tiny hand over his mammoth finger.
“Oh, Belle, he’s beyond imagining.”
“Of course he is,” she whispered. “We made him.”
Alex leaned down and kissed his wife on the forehead. “I love you, Belle.”
She smiled at him. “I love you, too, Alex. As I always will.”
Laura Landon. Dark Ruby (Ransomed Jewels) (Kindle Locations 3370-3374). Kindle Press. Kindle Edition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2017
Dark Ruby: Ransomed Jewels Book 3 is by Laura Landon. It is a perfect third book in the series. It combines adventure, mystery, and love all in one book. It is easy to read and can be read in a couple of hours. It is fascinating and really keeps your interest.
Lady Isobel Culver had been on her way to Scotland with her maid, Daisy, until Daisy had gotten ill. They stopped at the Thorn and Briar where Daisy died. Isobel had her buried under Isobel’s own name. Isobel took Daisy’s name and accepted a job as housekeeper at nearby Temple Hall. Temple Hall was one of the homes owned by the Marquess of Halverston. Alex was staying here while he recuperated from the horrible captivity he had endured at the hands of a family enemy. When she arrives at the Hall, Alex recognizes her and agrees to keep her identity a secret from her Father. She simply wants to stay alive until her birthday in a month and to be sure her little sister marries the man she loves. Can Alex keep her safe from her father?
Lady Isobel Culver had been on her way to Scotland with her maid, Daisy, until Daisy had gotten ill. They stopped at the Thorn and Briar where Daisy died. Isobel had her buried under Isobel’s own name. Isobel took Daisy’s name and accepted a job as housekeeper at nearby Temple Hall. Temple Hall was one of the homes owned by the Marquess of Halverston. Alex was staying here while he recuperated from the horrible captivity he had endured at the hands of a family enemy. When she arrives at the Hall, Alex recognizes her and agrees to keep her identity a secret from her Father. She simply wants to stay alive until her birthday in a month and to be sure her little sister marries the man she loves. Can Alex keep her safe from her father?
November 18, 2016
What a great book. Dark Ruby held my interest from page one. It is romantic, action packed and suspenseful.
Isobel is a Lady who has escaped her wicked father who plans to marry her off to an evil man to gain entrance into a prestigious club. While she is on the run, her maid dies and she is offered the position of housekeeper to Alexander, the Marquess of Halverston. She is unable to fool him and he recognizes her as Lady Isobel. However when she tells him why she has fled he feels compassion for her and decides to allow her to remain at his estate while she wait until she is eighteen. Alexander is dealing with his own demons. Isobel finds compassion on him as well and begins to help him cope with what plagues him. They fall in love with one another but that is dangerous because of Isobel's father and his murdering ways. They form a plan to return to Isobel's home to rescue her sister who is now lined up to marry the same evil man. Their plan involves action and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat.
This book is well written and very enjoyable to read.
Isobel is a Lady who has escaped her wicked father who plans to marry her off to an evil man to gain entrance into a prestigious club. While she is on the run, her maid dies and she is offered the position of housekeeper to Alexander, the Marquess of Halverston. She is unable to fool him and he recognizes her as Lady Isobel. However when she tells him why she has fled he feels compassion for her and decides to allow her to remain at his estate while she wait until she is eighteen. Alexander is dealing with his own demons. Isobel finds compassion on him as well and begins to help him cope with what plagues him. They fall in love with one another but that is dangerous because of Isobel's father and his murdering ways. They form a plan to return to Isobel's home to rescue her sister who is now lined up to marry the same evil man. Their plan involves action and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat.
This book is well written and very enjoyable to read.
November 21, 2016
Absolutely loved this novel! It is not often that i get totally absorbed into a book from start to finish and would say it is one of the best that i have read this year. I had to reluctantly put this book down once or twice, as having wet eyes on a coach trip would have been a little embarrassing. I rarely write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but I do highly recommend. It's the first time that I have read any novels by Laura Landon and it will not be the last.
I received this novel via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I received this novel via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
November 13, 2016
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to enjoy this book, and mostly, I did. I enjoyed Isobel's logic and reasoning, her clear-headedness through most of the book. She only had two real stupid thoughts, but they were so largely stupid as to over shadow her true intelligence. Firstly, in regards to her father, a man she knows is a murderer and schemer, she is remarkably foolish and continues to think well of him, despite her protests otherwise. If her sister marries Lord P her father gains access to ships and will line his pocket with coin. Should a daughter marry the Duke of B, he gets access to an exclusive club to make him flusher with gold than any monarchy. Clearly a man with desire for power will seek the vaster fortune. Yet Isobel deludes herself into believing her father will allow her sister to marry Lord P for love. What stuff and nonsense!
Than at the end of the book, Isobel, having gained her age of majority, goes running back to her father because he sends her a threatening note. Again, what a stupid twit thing to do! She is holding in her hand evidence that her father will once again commit murder, and has already attempted it on Alex before. Instead of running off to do her father's bidding, she should have gone to the authorities and shown the note and had her father flee the country from murder charges. But no, stupid her goes to her father and agrees to marry the Duke of B.
Forgive me, there is a third stupid course of action Isobel takes. Realizing she is pregnant with Alex's child, she decides to carry a dagger on her to protect herself from the Duke of B. But she keeps the blasted thing in a box, which she conceals in her hands. It must be a tiny blade indeed to hide in a box in her hand, so how does she think that will keep the Duke of B away from her? And more importantly, when he finds her carrying another man's child, how does she expect to protect that child?
I wanted to enjoy this book, and mostly, I did. I enjoyed Isobel's logic and reasoning, her clear-headedness through most of the book. She only had two real stupid thoughts, but they were so largely stupid as to over shadow her true intelligence. Firstly, in regards to her father, a man she knows is a murderer and schemer, she is remarkably foolish and continues to think well of him, despite her protests otherwise. If her sister marries Lord P her father gains access to ships and will line his pocket with coin. Should a daughter marry the Duke of B, he gets access to an exclusive club to make him flusher with gold than any monarchy. Clearly a man with desire for power will seek the vaster fortune. Yet Isobel deludes herself into believing her father will allow her sister to marry Lord P for love. What stuff and nonsense!
Than at the end of the book, Isobel, having gained her age of majority, goes running back to her father because he sends her a threatening note. Again, what a stupid twit thing to do! She is holding in her hand evidence that her father will once again commit murder, and has already attempted it on Alex before. Instead of running off to do her father's bidding, she should have gone to the authorities and shown the note and had her father flee the country from murder charges. But no, stupid her goes to her father and agrees to marry the Duke of B.
Forgive me, there is a third stupid course of action Isobel takes. Realizing she is pregnant with Alex's child, she decides to carry a dagger on her to protect herself from the Duke of B. But she keeps the blasted thing in a box, which she conceals in her hands. It must be a tiny blade indeed to hide in a box in her hand, so how does she think that will keep the Duke of B away from her? And more importantly, when he finds her carrying another man's child, how does she expect to protect that child?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
A very clean romance. Georgette Heyer clean without Heyer's well delineated characters, careful plot, sparkling dialogue. I know this book is free but better to spend some $$ on a better book. Surely your time is worth something.
Dark Ruby starts well enough if a little predictably; tortured hero; heroine running from trouble. They find each other, fall in love and set out to cure the heroine's problems; an abusive father who wants to marry her for his own gain to a man who has beaten two wives to death. The hero and his two brothers begin to unravel Father and Bride Groom's sordid pasts and to acquire evidence against them when our heroine does something that defies logic. The resolution to the plot seems hurried and far to facile as the two villains were described as being too ruthless and clever to be defeated so easily. This book was an easy enough read until the unbelievable, hurried and disappointing denouement.
Dark Ruby starts well enough if a little predictably; tortured hero; heroine running from trouble. They find each other, fall in love and set out to cure the heroine's problems; an abusive father who wants to marry her for his own gain to a man who has beaten two wives to death. The hero and his two brothers begin to unravel Father and Bride Groom's sordid pasts and to acquire evidence against them when our heroine does something that defies logic. The resolution to the plot seems hurried and far to facile as the two villains were described as being too ruthless and clever to be defeated so easily. This book was an easy enough read until the unbelievable, hurried and disappointing denouement.
May 8, 2017
This book was a bit cliche, paint by numbers, formulaic - whatever words you would like used.
It was a nice, mild-mannered story with a little bit of violence and pretty clean bedroom scenes. It could probably have done with a bit more spice but all-in-all it toed the line of Victorian proprietary pretty well (except for one thing but it would have been a terrible book if it didn't break any rules.
Alex and Isobel were likeable enough people, I would perhaps have liked to have seen a bit more of some of the household staff, Holmes and Cook in particular because I think collusion on their part would have added some much needed humour to carry through to the inevitable conclusion.
It was a nice, mild-mannered story with a little bit of violence and pretty clean bedroom scenes. It could probably have done with a bit more spice but all-in-all it toed the line of Victorian proprietary pretty well (except for one thing but it would have been a terrible book if it didn't break any rules.
Alex and Isobel were likeable enough people, I would perhaps have liked to have seen a bit more of some of the household staff, Holmes and Cook in particular because I think collusion on their part would have added some much needed humour to carry through to the inevitable conclusion.
July 22, 2019
This book had a lot of sappy moments, and I think it was also ridiculous. I couldn’t believe that in the end the heroin was going to marry the bad guy while pregnant with the hero’s baby, the man she loves and who loves and wants to marry her. And I also couldn’t believe that she would subject her baby to a lifetime with a horrible man. I also don’t understand why the heroin didn’t just marry the hero so that her father and the bad guy would leave her alone like her sister did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
Review
You never seize to amaze me with your wonderful stories, seems like they get better and better, now I’m going to read the fourth book in this series, I loved this story just as much as the other ones, I recommend this book also to everyone, Laura Landon is an awesome writer, love your imagination!
You never seize to amaze me with your wonderful stories, seems like they get better and better, now I’m going to read the fourth book in this series, I loved this story just as much as the other ones, I recommend this book also to everyone, Laura Landon is an awesome writer, love your imagination!
August 18, 2019
Dark Ruby by Laura Landon is an adventurous mystery and romance set in the Regency Period in London. This story intrigued me from the beginning because of the strong lead female character, Lady Isobel Culver. As in all romance novels, if you have a dynamic female lead then you need an equally dashing male lead. The two protagonists are likable, even if they were flawed. I liked that that the supporting characters were also likable, especially their household staff. I was surprised that Ms. Landon used two antagonists in her plot line. Both were sinister. I thought the ending seemed a bit rushed. They got off to easily. I would have preferred that they were handled a bit more severely as their acts were horrendous. Ms. Landon’s descriptions and dialog definitely added to the plot line and helped moved the action along while building suspense.
June 22, 2017
Loved
the other two in the series but this storyline was exceptional. It is now half an hour past midnight. Could not go to sleep until I had finished it. As work beckons in the morning I dare not start book 4 until tomorrow. Highly recommend as you can gather.
the other two in the series but this storyline was exceptional. It is now half an hour past midnight. Could not go to sleep until I had finished it. As work beckons in the morning I dare not start book 4 until tomorrow. Highly recommend as you can gather.
December 15, 2018
What else is needed?
A suffering hero and supportive heroine. A cast of supporting servants who work for the happiness of their employer. Two very bad men who need to be vanquished. Another great read from Ms. Landon
A suffering hero and supportive heroine. A cast of supporting servants who work for the happiness of their employer. Two very bad men who need to be vanquished. Another great read from Ms. Landon
July 19, 2019
Monsters in the daylight
A woman fleeing from a monstrous future set in motion by a monster father and a chance encounter with a man who suffers from a past encounter with monsters somehow they protect and heal each other and face their monsters
A woman fleeing from a monstrous future set in motion by a monster father and a chance encounter with a man who suffers from a past encounter with monsters somehow they protect and heal each other and face their monsters
July 20, 2019
DARK RUBY: is a page turner. There is a lot going on in this book, a few parts that needed a little more development. Although the ending seemed rushed it’s definitely a good read ! Who captured Halverston ? Turning the murderers of 4 people loose ? Not likely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
Alex and Belle
Her dark ruby engagement ring was the
symbol of Alex's love. It shows his appreciation for her willingness to guide him into a life with a better future.
Her dark ruby engagement ring was the
symbol of Alex's love. It shows his appreciation for her willingness to guide him into a life with a better future.
February 9, 2018
Dark Ruby
I love the theme and the characters within these stories. As I read each one, that seems to be my favorite. I can't wait for the next one!
I love the theme and the characters within these stories. As I read each one, that seems to be my favorite. I can't wait for the next one!
February 11, 2018
Entertaining
Only one of the original cast of characters remains unmarried. No doubt a Book 4 is envisioned for Alex!s brother, Barnaby.
Only one of the original cast of characters remains unmarried. No doubt a Book 4 is envisioned for Alex!s brother, Barnaby.
April 16, 2018
This is a brilliant instalment in this series. The story of Alex and Isobel is lovely and very moving! The plot of this novel is good too. Highly recommended!
May 19, 2018
Captivating
A good read that keeps one engaged until the last page. A story that gives company along with a hot cup of coffee.
A good read that keeps one engaged until the last page. A story that gives company along with a hot cup of coffee.
September 4, 2018
Romance
I can't wait to read the last book in this romance series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books.
I can't wait to read the last book in this romance series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books.
September 18, 2018
Wonderful!
Another beautiful story with twists and turns and a truly ugly major hurdle to overcome before we can reach the HEA!
Another beautiful story with twists and turns and a truly ugly major hurdle to overcome before we can reach the HEA!
January 10, 2019
Love unexpected
Great story. Exciting plot and meaningful journey of a woman and her strength to love passionately usher m an and sister r.
Great story. Exciting plot and meaningful journey of a woman and her strength to love passionately usher m an and sister r.
August 23, 2019
5 stars!!!
Everyone will love this book! Laura Landon has a wonderful writing style. Storyline was absolutely amazing. Have a box of tissues ready, you will need them.
Everyone will love this book! Laura Landon has a wonderful writing style. Storyline was absolutely amazing. Have a box of tissues ready, you will need them.
July 11, 2020
Victorian romance
This is a exciting, and suspenseful romance. Love scenes were behind closed doors, I don't remember any cussing. Great writing.
This is a exciting, and suspenseful romance. Love scenes were behind closed doors, I don't remember any cussing. Great writing.
July 25, 2020
Story was OK but a bit overly dramatic.
November 7, 2018
Kept On Reading
Enjoyed the story line, but felt it was a bit drawn out. Glad to know that the characters will continue in another series!
Enjoyed the story line, but felt it was a bit drawn out. Glad to know that the characters will continue in another series!
March 1, 2017
Wonderful!!
I lo bcc e this story. Alex is still dealing with the horror of his captivity and nightmares (probably PTSD). He meets Isobel as she pretends to be Mrs. Moore and interviews for the position of housekeeper. Isobel is hiding from her father because he is forcing her to marry. As the story progresses more is revealed. I don't want to give any spoilers. The author builds a rich story with well developed characters and a more than simple plot of romance. I highly recommend this book!!
I lo bcc e this story. Alex is still dealing with the horror of his captivity and nightmares (probably PTSD). He meets Isobel as she pretends to be Mrs. Moore and interviews for the position of housekeeper. Isobel is hiding from her father because he is forcing her to marry. As the story progresses more is revealed. I don't want to give any spoilers. The author builds a rich story with well developed characters and a more than simple plot of romance. I highly recommend this book!!
November 15, 2016
Lady Isobel Culver of Gilchrist Manor is mourning the death of her maid, Daisy, who has always been like a friend and a mother to her. They had been fleeing to Scotland to avoid a forced marriage for Isobel. Daisy suddenly became ill and died. Isobel arranges to have Daisy buried in the local churchyard and gives her own name as the name of the deceased. She does this so her father, the Earl of Gilchrist, cannot find her. She now assumes her maid’s name: Mrs. Daisy Moore.
After the funeral, Mr. James Holmes, who works for Alexander (Alex) Linscott, the Marques of Halverston, approaches Isobel about a position. The owner of the inn where she is staying suggested her to him. It appears that Temple Hall, home of the Marquess, is in need of a housekeeper and offers her the job. Even though she has never been a housekeeper, she has overseen the running of her father’s homes, so she accepts the position. Mr. Holmes assured her that this is one of the Marquess’s smaller estates with a small staff.
Alex is a man who had been held captive and tortured at one time by a blackguard named Rosenau and left to die. He was deeply affected by this and he needs time to heal and to hopefully stop having nightmares.
When Alex meets and interviews Isobel, he knows she looks familiar and then recognizes her. Alex is shocked that a lady of quality is applying for a housekeeper’s position in his home and demands that she explain why she has run away.
Her father wants her to marry a man she does not love so he can invest in the man’s shipping business. When Isobel told her father that the man he wished to match her with loved her sister instead, he then decided to match Isobel with the Duke of Balsam, a member of the membership-coveted Fortune Club. The man has a vile temper and his first two wives died mysterious deaths.
Isobel further explains to Alex that she wants to stay from from her father for the next three months at which time she will reach her majority and can then be on her own.
Alex agrees and allows her to stay on as his housekeeper and doing a wonderful job. She is very efficient and quickly earns the staff’s admiration. But after being awakened in the middle of the night, she learns about Alex's nightmares from his valet.
Alex and Isobel enjoy getting to know one another, sharing books and walks on the grounds. But his nightmares continue to plague him. Isobel lives in fear that her father may find her before she reaches her 21st birthday.
This is a delightful story. I liked Alex and Isobel and the other members of the household. There is a lot of suspense in the book that adds to the story. I hope other readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
After the funeral, Mr. James Holmes, who works for Alexander (Alex) Linscott, the Marques of Halverston, approaches Isobel about a position. The owner of the inn where she is staying suggested her to him. It appears that Temple Hall, home of the Marquess, is in need of a housekeeper and offers her the job. Even though she has never been a housekeeper, she has overseen the running of her father’s homes, so she accepts the position. Mr. Holmes assured her that this is one of the Marquess’s smaller estates with a small staff.
Alex is a man who had been held captive and tortured at one time by a blackguard named Rosenau and left to die. He was deeply affected by this and he needs time to heal and to hopefully stop having nightmares.
When Alex meets and interviews Isobel, he knows she looks familiar and then recognizes her. Alex is shocked that a lady of quality is applying for a housekeeper’s position in his home and demands that she explain why she has run away.
Her father wants her to marry a man she does not love so he can invest in the man’s shipping business. When Isobel told her father that the man he wished to match her with loved her sister instead, he then decided to match Isobel with the Duke of Balsam, a member of the membership-coveted Fortune Club. The man has a vile temper and his first two wives died mysterious deaths.
Isobel further explains to Alex that she wants to stay from from her father for the next three months at which time she will reach her majority and can then be on her own.
Alex agrees and allows her to stay on as his housekeeper and doing a wonderful job. She is very efficient and quickly earns the staff’s admiration. But after being awakened in the middle of the night, she learns about Alex's nightmares from his valet.
Alex and Isobel enjoy getting to know one another, sharing books and walks on the grounds. But his nightmares continue to plague him. Isobel lives in fear that her father may find her before she reaches her 21st birthday.
This is a delightful story. I liked Alex and Isobel and the other members of the household. There is a lot of suspense in the book that adds to the story. I hope other readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2016
Chronologically speaking, this story happens after Ransomed Jewels #1 but before Jaded Moon #2.
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