Ruby

Dangerous Gems #3

by Lesley Clark

I wanted to see the view from outside of my gilded cage, but I only traded one prison for another.

Mia
Growing up in one of the most hated families in Sicily, I never knew what it was like to be free. I was only looking for one night, then he found me.

Salvatore
She thought she could sneak in, and I wouldn’t see her for who she was. She was wrong. Now that I’ve caught her, I’m never letting her go.

Her family won’t give her up so easily, but Mia is mine and they will never get her back.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2021

About the author

Lesley Clark is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.

When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.

Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Mia survived is a miracle in itself, with a cruel father and uncaring mother she existed and planned her escape. Salvatore, Matteo’s brother and number two, meets Mia at a party that Mia snuck away to thanks to her best friend Theresa. The connection between them was immediate and the sex off the charts. Mika’s mother betrays her and gives her to a horrible man, but they underestimate Mia. The vengeance is swift and Mia and Salvatore get their happy ending. A cute story with some very hot scenes.

[Wolf (Alpha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love that Mia was so determined to escape her prison and I love that her best friend tried to help her. I loved Salvatore and I loved that he helped her escape and how he was there to protect her through everything. I loved that he even went against her father in order to save her. I love that they end up marrying and how she joins the family.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia grew up as a prisoner in one of the most hated families in Sicily. Her father planned on marrying her off to one of his friends which would only be another prison. She decides to take an opportunity to escape. She meets Salvatore and sparks fly, but will her family let her go? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and emotion. Great characters with intense chemistry. I liked this mafia read.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

They may be from rival families but he will make her his Queen to keep her safe

Ruby is the third book in the Dangerous Gems series and is the story of Mia and Salvatore. This quick novella packs a punch of drama, OTT insta-lust/love, suspense, action and sizzling hot passion. Mia is the daughter of a very powerful and feared Mafia family. But she does not live in a gilded cage, loved and protected. Nope her father is on the opposite end of that he only has one use for her....sell her off to broker an alliance to someone who is way older than her. But Mia is able to escape for one night and with a friend goes to a masked ball. There she crosses paths with Salvatore, another powerful man from a rival Mafia family. Once Salvatore finds her he is not about to let her go, as she awakens all of his possessive and protective Alpha instincts., The only way to keep her by his side is to marry her and make her his Queen, to be worshiped for the rest of their lives.
I liked this book. The story-line is nicely plotted and the characters are interesting.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia Russo grew up as the daughter of a Mafioso, but was no princess. Her abusive father has every intention of selling her to one of his cronies, twice her age. She has every intention of escaping before he gets a chance. She bumps into Salvatore at his brother's party, and is entranced. When he discovers she has been beaten, he is incensed. When he finds out she is his enemy's daughter, he vows to avenge her. As his bride, she is no longer unwanted trash, but a Queen.
This story is really well written. Mia is underestimated, and she is more than strong, she is powerful. What can't she do? Salvatore is smitten, and his stony persona slips just a little, but he is perfect for her. Willing to go to any lengths for her, he also is willing to stand beside her. I've enjoyed the first three books in the series now, and they just keep getting better. This is a five star book well worth the one click.

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read by an author I thoroughly enjoy reading
Mia Russo is unaware of the life and the threats involved when you grow up as the daughter of one of the top Sicilian Mafia families, she has had a terrible life and has known beating and cruelty by her own father and the knowing but total disinterest of her mother that has allowed all of this brutality to happen.
She has done nothing but dream of the time and the one single chance when she can escape from these horrors however as is so often the case the dream is seemingly more attainable than reality, all in all this has been a wonderful read.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is the mafia romance between Mia Russo, the abused daughter of the brother of the head of the Russo Mafia, and Salvatore, one of the brothers of the DeStefano Mafia. They meet when Mia crashes a masked party at the DeStefano estate and are immediately attracted to each other before Mia flees for home. Sal decides after meeting Mia that he will be her protector and she will be his. He act upon it by abducting her but other characters plan to take her from Sal. This Mafia romance has strong characters and a storyline with mafia violence, physical abuse, and steamy chemistry. The next book in the series is Emerald.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonya Male · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the daughter of a Sicilian Mafia family, you would expect Mia Russo to have a life of luxury – but the reality could not be further from the truth. Beaten regularly by her father and disregarded by her apathetic mother, Mia dreams of escaping from the cage her parents have created. A chance meeting with Salvatore DiStefano gives Mia the opportunity to escape – but is she simply trading one bad situation for another? Well defined characters and easy dialogue makes this a quick and fun read. A successful continuation of the Dangerous Gems series!

(The author kindly provided a copy of this novel for review – with thanks).

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is another short mafia romance in the Dangerous Gems series. Mia is an abused and mistreated mafia princess. She wants out but has not found a way. The night she and Salvatore meet changes everything. They have an instant connection that cannot be denied. He is going to be her strength and sword. This was another great addition to Dangerous Gems. These two were just what the other needed. I really enjoyed their story and the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fated, steamy, suspenseful read that you can’t put down!
I immediately feel for Mia’s life with her father and her need to escape with her friend to a masked ball where she has the pleasure or is it misfortune of running in to Salvatore. Yet Mia’s resourcefulness will only get her so far when it comes to Salvatore. Hanging over Mia’s head is her father’s decree of her being married off to a horrible man. You have to read to find out if these two can find their happily ever after and will be rooting for this incredibly strong female protagonist!

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Mia and Salvatore's love story and just like the previous jewels in the series this one is scorching hot. Mia isn't a pampered mafia princess as her dad's abusive. Even though her family is hated Salvatore is captivated by her and waste no time in claiming her as his own.

Emerald comes out in January and I'm so looking forward to it. I just adore Lesley's writing. I just wish these jewels were a little bit longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic fast-paced mafia dark romance with very passionate characters and a clever plot about Mia, a mafia princess who is struggling to escape her father's beatings and abuse when she escapes to attend a party and meets Salvatore DiStefano, her family's enemy high hanker boss, he decides she has to be his, the book has hot scenes and a dash of action, I loved it.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An abundance of endless intrigue that will have you frantically turning the pages! An exciting storyline that makes you feel as if you are there watching the story as it unfolds! Fun, enjoyable, intense, and emotionally moving! Amazing hot chemistry you just want to sink your teeth into! One heck of an amazing must read!

[Maria G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Mia and felt for her because of her upbringing and father. I liked that Salvatore wasn't going to let Mia be hurt and is going to make her his queen. I thought this story flowed really well and I enjoyed reading about Mia and Salvatore getting together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, these stories just keep getting better and better. Ruby is a little grittier than the previous stories in this series. But oh so good. The characters are well developed and the ending is great. Can't wait for the next book.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time getting to know Mia and Salvatore. The storyline is well developed and flowed easily throughout the pages and the chemistry between was great.


I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 3.5⭐️ This is the definition of instalove! Cute but I really wanted to know more about Salvatore. I feel like we know a lot about Mia’s character. Overall, it was good! Reminded me of Cinderella but steamy and in a mafia setting.

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia and Sal

What an amazingly strong woman Mia is! I absolutely adore this story. Rarely do we get to see a h who can take care of herself like this but to have such an amazing alpha who not only wanted to protect her but he allowed her to be herself.

[Jami Birney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mia and Sal are my favorite couple. They are both nerdy techy guros that mesh well together. Mia even has a take no crap attitude and can hold her own when standing up for herself. She doesn't mind get her hands wet.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

another excellent story from Lesley Clark. I love peering into the lives of these criminal bad boys to see how they live and love!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Salvatore & Mia’s book. It was an exciting & suspenseful read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novelinhas, só passo raiva

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so good. Mia doesn't have a good life at home but when she has a chance meeting with Salvatore, she gets the chance to escape an abusive home life. Very well written and easy to follow, the story pulled me in from the first page! I can't wait for the next book now!!!