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Taken
Ruby
It wasn’t in Jacob’s plan to have a wild, foul-mouthed little girl at his side. He had always pictured his “girl” as someone sweet and sensible. Then Ruby shows up and steals his heart at first glance. From her bohemian get up to the wild hair that matches her fiery personality, the pint-sized princess is everything he hadn’t imagined, and the only one he wants.
Though Ruby is smitten with the handsome young gentleman, she can’t stop herself from sabotaging their happiness. Her insecurities cause her to test Jacob as she questions her worth. And Ruby is terrified that Jacob will leave her when he finds out the secrets that she has kept hidden for years.
Managing the bumpy road of young love is difficult enough, but Ruby’s strange behavior leads Jacob to seek his family’s advice. It just so happens that their enviable marriages have one thing in common – the women are 'taken in hand.' The idea of taking Ruby over his knee comes naturally to Jacob, but what will his girl have to say about the matter? And what will become of their love when Ruby reveals her secrets?
Publisher’s Note: While this story includes characters from the Taken series, it can be read as a standalone. This sweet romance contains elements of power exchange. If this theme offends you, please do not purchase.
Though Ruby is smitten with the handsome young gentleman, she can’t stop herself from sabotaging their happiness. Her insecurities cause her to test Jacob as she questions her worth. And Ruby is terrified that Jacob will leave her when he finds out the secrets that she has kept hidden for years.
Managing the bumpy road of young love is difficult enough, but Ruby’s strange behavior leads Jacob to seek his family’s advice. It just so happens that their enviable marriages have one thing in common – the women are 'taken in hand.' The idea of taking Ruby over his knee comes naturally to Jacob, but what will his girl have to say about the matter? And what will become of their love when Ruby reveals her secrets?
Publisher’s Note: While this story includes characters from the Taken series, it can be read as a standalone. This sweet romance contains elements of power exchange. If this theme offends you, please do not purchase.
- GenresNew Adult
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
44 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Handel
81 books847 followersShanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2020
This book is about the relationship progression of a young couple. It’s really cute. Look, the whole spanking thing isn’t for me but I don’t mind reading about it in romance books because there’s tons and tons of book you’ll miss out on if you skip one just because of a spanking scene. Some women like it so who am I to judge? Anyway .. the story is cute too. He’s not a jerk and he treats her with love and respect.
May 10, 2017
YOU HAVE MADE ME FOREVER GRATEFUL
The book is a spinoff from the Taken Trilogy, and this will be the story of Jacob and Ruby. Jacob was the son of Heather, given up for adoption and recently reunited with his birth mother, and her husband, David, (not his biological father.) Jacob’s adoptive parents were older and had passed away, so he has relocated and now lives near Heather, who he calls Mom. David is grooming Jacob in the real estate business and allowing him to live in the cottage that belonged to Grace.
Ruby is a sprite, free spirit, kind-hearted soul. She has an air about her that is full of joy and laughter. Under that façade are secrets that she keeps locked away. She is extremely intelligent, has OCD, and is somewhat reckless in her life. Her mind does not shut down, and she uses numbers to cope and sometimes that, and stressful situations overwhelm her. From the time Jacob met Ruby at a ball game, he was drawn to her, but he does become frustrated with many things she does carelessly.
The plot of the story is the relationship, romance, and acceptance between these two young people forging a relationship. Jacob knows he wants to be Head of his Household, and he knows what kind of relationships his Uncles and their wives have, and even his mother and her husband. After open and honest discussions, he lets Ruby know that is what he wants with her in their marriage. Will she be able to submit to Jacob and accept his dominance and guidance in a marriage? “The women in this family are loved, cherished, protected, and—spanked.” “I am going to spank you when you need it because you are so darn unsafe and sassy at times.”
Jacob and Ruby’s relationship becomes stronger, and he proposes marriage, and she accepts, but why is she refusing him to meet her mother, and set a date? The story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster of the damage a brilliant mind can suffer by constant verbal and emotional abuse from a parent. “This was the direct result of a lifetime of emotional abuse. Jacob couldn’t help not only see the hurt in her now but also picture her as a little girl living with a monster.” With the love, acceptance, and support of a good man and his loving family, Ruby has a new lease on life and happiness. The story has several spanking scenes and intimacy is implied and not detailed.
The book is a spinoff from the Taken Trilogy, and this will be the story of Jacob and Ruby. Jacob was the son of Heather, given up for adoption and recently reunited with his birth mother, and her husband, David, (not his biological father.) Jacob’s adoptive parents were older and had passed away, so he has relocated and now lives near Heather, who he calls Mom. David is grooming Jacob in the real estate business and allowing him to live in the cottage that belonged to Grace.
Ruby is a sprite, free spirit, kind-hearted soul. She has an air about her that is full of joy and laughter. Under that façade are secrets that she keeps locked away. She is extremely intelligent, has OCD, and is somewhat reckless in her life. Her mind does not shut down, and she uses numbers to cope and sometimes that, and stressful situations overwhelm her. From the time Jacob met Ruby at a ball game, he was drawn to her, but he does become frustrated with many things she does carelessly.
The plot of the story is the relationship, romance, and acceptance between these two young people forging a relationship. Jacob knows he wants to be Head of his Household, and he knows what kind of relationships his Uncles and their wives have, and even his mother and her husband. After open and honest discussions, he lets Ruby know that is what he wants with her in their marriage. Will she be able to submit to Jacob and accept his dominance and guidance in a marriage? “The women in this family are loved, cherished, protected, and—spanked.” “I am going to spank you when you need it because you are so darn unsafe and sassy at times.”
Jacob and Ruby’s relationship becomes stronger, and he proposes marriage, and she accepts, but why is she refusing him to meet her mother, and set a date? The story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster of the damage a brilliant mind can suffer by constant verbal and emotional abuse from a parent. “This was the direct result of a lifetime of emotional abuse. Jacob couldn’t help not only see the hurt in her now but also picture her as a little girl living with a monster.” With the love, acceptance, and support of a good man and his loving family, Ruby has a new lease on life and happiness. The story has several spanking scenes and intimacy is implied and not detailed.
May 12, 2017
I adored this sweet, domestic discipline romance. Jacob comes from a family that loves each other and takes care of their women. He is a planner and knows what he wants for his future. He wants to save himself for his wife and be the HoH in his household that he will share with the wife he will cherish and protect. Ruby has grown up being emotionally abused by her mother. This abuse leaves her with many insecurities and living an undisciplined life. When she meets Jacob she does not know what to think. He is not like other guys trying to push for sex so she takes it as a rejection and begins to act out. However, that is ok because Jacob knows just how to take care of this problem and leave her understanding what it means to be loved and taken care of. Come join this wonderful couple as they explore their feelings and see if they can blend their beliefs to form a lasting love.
I recommend this well written spanking romance. I enjoyed not only these characters but the way they took things slowly and worked through their problems. Watching Ruby grow and experience how Jacob loved and protected her was a fun. Come join this couple for a easy read with a sweet tone through out the story. Enjoy! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I recommend this well written spanking romance. I enjoyed not only these characters but the way they took things slowly and worked through their problems. Watching Ruby grow and experience how Jacob loved and protected her was a fun. Come join this couple for a easy read with a sweet tone through out the story. Enjoy! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 10, 2017
By Donna L
Edit Review
Delete Review
This review is from: Ruby (Kindle Edition)
This is about the budding relationship between
Jacob and Ruby.It is a simple storyline but with
great characters.There are so many things
about this book that I liked.It made me laugh,
made me cry and sigh with pleasure.Ruby is
a free spirit,quirky and wild at times.Jacob is
the opposite,he is reliable,steady and a planer.
Jacob is determined to teach Ruby to stop
taking so many risks with her safety.If this
means she learns this lesson over his knees,
so be it.Jacob family practice domestic discipline,
but he is unsure how Ruby will react when he
tells her that this is the relationship he wants
for them.He is surprised by her reaction and it
was interesting to read of their journey.Ruby
has been hiding her true self from Jacob,
will he still accept and want her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
Edit Review
Delete Review
This review is from: Ruby (Kindle Edition)
This is about the budding relationship between
Jacob and Ruby.It is a simple storyline but with
great characters.There are so many things
about this book that I liked.It made me laugh,
made me cry and sigh with pleasure.Ruby is
a free spirit,quirky and wild at times.Jacob is
the opposite,he is reliable,steady and a planer.
Jacob is determined to teach Ruby to stop
taking so many risks with her safety.If this
means she learns this lesson over his knees,
so be it.Jacob family practice domestic discipline,
but he is unsure how Ruby will react when he
tells her that this is the relationship he wants
for them.He is surprised by her reaction and it
was interesting to read of their journey.Ruby
has been hiding her true self from Jacob,
will he still accept and want her.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book
July 3, 2020
***Initially Read May 2017***
A quick easy read. A sweet domestic discipline romance. Jacob and Ruby's story was contemporary, but almost made you feel as though you were in a different time.
For those people worried about graphic sex, no worries. I think you will really appreciate This book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
***Update 03 July 20***
I honestly had no memory of reading this book. I listened to the audiobook this time. If I had listened to it first, I would have dropped at least one star. The narrator was so over the top, over dramatic, that it took away from the book.
I will admit that I did not finish listening, especially when I discovered I had already read this book. I just could not bring myself to continue listening to the dramatic rendering.
A quick easy read. A sweet domestic discipline romance. Jacob and Ruby's story was contemporary, but almost made you feel as though you were in a different time.
For those people worried about graphic sex, no worries. I think you will really appreciate This book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
***Update 03 July 20***
I honestly had no memory of reading this book. I listened to the audiobook this time. If I had listened to it first, I would have dropped at least one star. The narrator was so over the top, over dramatic, that it took away from the book.
I will admit that I did not finish listening, especially when I discovered I had already read this book. I just could not bring myself to continue listening to the dramatic rendering.
July 3, 2017
This is the first book I've read in the series, and it worked well as a standalone. Justin is in love with Ruby, but her propensity for acting without thinking left him questioning if she was the girl for him. Justin's family firmly believes in domestic discipline, and are quuxknto offer Justin advice on how to help Ruby help herself.
This is a very sweet, very innocent story. Ruby and Justin are very likeable characters. Ruby is a bit on the wild side, but in a fun way. Justin is perhaps a bit too serious, and needs someone like Ruby. They work very well together as a couple. This was my first book from the series, and the introduction of characters from previous books left me wanting to read more from the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is a very sweet, very innocent story. Ruby and Justin are very likeable characters. Ruby is a bit on the wild side, but in a fun way. Justin is perhaps a bit too serious, and needs someone like Ruby. They work very well together as a couple. This was my first book from the series, and the introduction of characters from previous books left me wanting to read more from the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 11, 2017
When I started this book I didn't realize that this book was related to several others. It is standalone, and I read it that way, but I loved it and the characters so much that I'm definitely going back to read about the rest of the family. What I loved about this book was how sweet and old fashioned Jacob was. He never expected to fall for a wild child like Ruby, but sweet and stable Jacob is just what she needs. Unfortunately, their ability to communicate gets them into trouble and pulls them apart. It's a really well written book. It's my first Ms. Handel book, but definitely not my last! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 15, 2017
I can't describe just how much I enjoyed this book. I had previously read Taken By Surprise but having not read Book 2 I probably wouldn't have read this third book in the series. I'm glad that I didn't know because missing book 2 had absolutely no impact on my enjoyment. It's just a lovely story & while it has a strong moral backbone it isn't preachy at all. The characters are charming & while the story moves along at a nice pace I could easily have read more. The understanding of the flaws within the personalities was handled with sensitivity. I just loved it.
May 9, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Ruby is pretty and sweet. Sometimes a little too loud and mischievous. Ruby is more than these things and Jacob comes to love them all. They are young, but he already knows that this is his girl. Jacob practices domestic discipline like his mother and stepfather and Ruby likes the melty feelings that come from Jacob taking her in hand. A sweet spanking romance.
May 12, 2017
I received an ARC copy for an honest review. I had no idea this book was a part of a series but it was easy to read and follow. You don’t need to read the previous books in order to understand the story. Jacob is an old-fashioned gentleman and wants to save himself for his wife. Ruby is high spirited and keeps Jacob on his toes during their engagement. This is a sweet romance story with lots of feelings and emotions. I enjoyed reading about Ruby and Jacob and them finding their HEA.
June 13, 2017
This is sweet love story between a man who believes in domestic discipline and a woman who learns she needs that discipline in her life. This book has little to no heat factor but is truly an old fashioned love story. If you want to take a break from today's erotic style stories and want sweet and pure romance than this book is for you. I recommend you read it as characterization and a true love story rather than sex and more sex move this plot along.
May 18, 2017
Shanna Handel does a good job combining two worlds in this romantic love story where lives are turned upside down as a calm and reserved Jacob falls in love with a fun and flighty dog walker. An enjoyable read.
August 30, 2019
Thank you
Thank you for writing a book about someone who suffer from anxiety. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I was grateful. Millions of people suffer from anxiety and unfortunately a lot of people don’t understand it.
Thank you for writing a book about someone who suffer from anxiety. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I was grateful. Millions of people suffer from anxiety and unfortunately a lot of people don’t understand it.
July 19, 2020
The book is really good. I found myself reading certain chapters over and over like the scene where they play trivia or when the Hero met the Heroine's mother. The author has a unique style and she excelled here. Highly recommend.
March 16, 2020
Loved It
Great book! I loved reading this book! I would love to read more about what happens in their marriage! Thanks!
Great book! I loved reading this book! I would love to read more about what happens in their marriage! Thanks!
April 25, 2020
Taken in hand
Loved this book.
Clean romance with domestic discipline.
Ok reading this author's books.
Hope you enjoy it as as much as I have.
Loved this book.
Clean romance with domestic discipline.
Ok reading this author's books.
Hope you enjoy it as as much as I have.
March 22, 2021
YOU HAVE MADE ME FOREVER GRATEFUL
The book is a spinoff from the Taken Trilogy, and this will be the story of Jacob and Ruby. Jacob was the son of Heather, given up for adoption, and recently reunited with his birth mother and her husband, David (not his biological father.) Jacob’s adoptive parents were older and had passed away, so he has relocated and now lives near Heather, who he calls Mom. David is grooming Jacob in the real estate business and allowing him to live in the cottage that belonged to Grace.
Ruby is a sprite, free spirit, kind-hearted soul. She has an air about her that is full of joy and laughter. Under that façade are secrets that she keeps locked away. She is extremely intelligent, has OCD, and is somewhat reckless in her life. Her mind does not shut down, and she uses numbers to cope, and sometimes that and stressful situations overwhelm her. From the time Jacob met Ruby at a ball game, he was drawn to her, but he does become frustrated with many things she does carelessly.
The story's plot is the relationship, romance, and acceptance between these two young people forging a relationship. Jacob knows he wants to be Head of his Household, and he knows what kind of relationships his Uncles and their wives have, and even his mother and her husband. After open and honest discussions, he lets Ruby know that is what he wants with her in their marriage. Will she be able to submit to Jacob and accept his dominance and guidance in a marriage?
“The women in this family are loved, cherished, protected, and—spanked.”
“I am going to spank you when you need it because you are so darn unsafe and sassy at times.”
Jacob and Ruby’s relationship becomes stronger, and he proposes marriage, and she accepts, but why is she refusing him to meet her mother and set a date? The story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster of the damage a brilliant mind can suffer by constant verbal and emotional abuse from a parent.
“This was the direct result of a lifetime of emotional abuse. Jacob couldn’t help not only see the hurt in her now but also picture her as a little girl living with a monster.”
Ruby has a new lease on life and happiness with the love, acceptance, and support of a good man and his loving family. The story has several spanking scenes, and intimacy is implied and not detailed.
The book is a spinoff from the Taken Trilogy, and this will be the story of Jacob and Ruby. Jacob was the son of Heather, given up for adoption, and recently reunited with his birth mother and her husband, David (not his biological father.) Jacob’s adoptive parents were older and had passed away, so he has relocated and now lives near Heather, who he calls Mom. David is grooming Jacob in the real estate business and allowing him to live in the cottage that belonged to Grace.
Ruby is a sprite, free spirit, kind-hearted soul. She has an air about her that is full of joy and laughter. Under that façade are secrets that she keeps locked away. She is extremely intelligent, has OCD, and is somewhat reckless in her life. Her mind does not shut down, and she uses numbers to cope, and sometimes that and stressful situations overwhelm her. From the time Jacob met Ruby at a ball game, he was drawn to her, but he does become frustrated with many things she does carelessly.
The story's plot is the relationship, romance, and acceptance between these two young people forging a relationship. Jacob knows he wants to be Head of his Household, and he knows what kind of relationships his Uncles and their wives have, and even his mother and her husband. After open and honest discussions, he lets Ruby know that is what he wants with her in their marriage. Will she be able to submit to Jacob and accept his dominance and guidance in a marriage?
“The women in this family are loved, cherished, protected, and—spanked.”
“I am going to spank you when you need it because you are so darn unsafe and sassy at times.”
Jacob and Ruby’s relationship becomes stronger, and he proposes marriage, and she accepts, but why is she refusing him to meet her mother and set a date? The story takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster of the damage a brilliant mind can suffer by constant verbal and emotional abuse from a parent.
“This was the direct result of a lifetime of emotional abuse. Jacob couldn’t help not only see the hurt in her now but also picture her as a little girl living with a monster.”
Ruby has a new lease on life and happiness with the love, acceptance, and support of a good man and his loving family. The story has several spanking scenes, and intimacy is implied and not detailed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews