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The Magic Knot #3
The Ruby Kiss
A POWERFUL NIGHTSTALKER
Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart.
A MORTAL WITH A SECRET
Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS
Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart.
A MORTAL WITH A SECRET
Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Helen Scott Taylor
55 books242 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, had her first book released in 2009. The Magic Knot, won the American Title contest, was a Golden Heart® finalist, and was chosen as one of Booklist's top ten romances of 2009. Since then, she has published other novels, novellas, and short stories in both the UK and USA.
Helen lives in South West England near Exeter in Devon. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a birman cat. She believes that deep within everyone there's a little magic.
Helen lives in South West England near Exeter in Devon. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a birman cat. She believes that deep within everyone there's a little magic.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 2011
Okay, so I spent the majority of the Ruby kiss annoyed ( and that's being kind)
First things first, this is book 3 in a series....which i wish I'd have known before starting. The story was pretty easy to follow, but I think by not reading the first two books, I missed in on some world building...Ruby Kiss jumps right into the story, with no preamble, no background, nothing...you just get pushed right in the middle of the world, so it's a little disorienting.
The world itself, I liked. It was interesting and I'd have liked to learn more about it. And I loved the premise! It just sounded like it could've been such a good story! Now of only said premise had delivered.
What I didn't like is sorta hard to put into words....the story doesn't follow the path I expected....while I usually like surprises, here it just made me mad...Things happened and the characters reactions were so...wrong...so completely opposite what I'd been expecting or hoping,that it all came off as ridiculous.
For example, and I'll attempt not to give anything away, but the heroine gets forced to do something that I thought was pretty major....she's mad for like a second, and then is all understanding smiles...it was sort of sickening, really.
And If that doesn't already make it obvious, I really didn't like the heroine. Right from the start she annoyed me, and never got better...but I don't know how to put the why of it into words...she ( and coincidentally the hero as well as pretty much every other character in the book) were like kids playing make believe...all their actions, and reactions...none of them really rang true for me. And at least half of the things they did/ said didn't make any sense!
And maybe it's just me, but there seemed to be quiet a lot of telling, not showing. We're told certain things about characters but we never see the evidence of those same things, so there were, for me at least, a lot of huh? And WTH moments.
And even for a romance things moved rapidly...one minute our H& h are strangers, the next they're on the verge of bonding...and that was another disappointment,..the bonding that HST created in her story...well it was weak....ESP in comparison to the bonding other PNR authors created..to be honest there bonding didn't even seem to have a point to it! Maybe it's unfair to compare it to the ones from other series, but at this point I'm too aggravated to be fair.
And there are side characters that are gods and other seemingly kick ass beings, but they're just so limited in what they can do and in what they know...That they come off much like the heroine....they sound good at first but turn out to be pretty damn useless. That was probably one of the more frustrating parts of the story, IMO. I mean they're gods! But they kept losing battles...and not cuz the bad guys were just so bad, but because they( the good guys) were just so sucky...or I guess inept would be a better word. when they did win, it wasn't cuz they somehow got more powerful, no it was because the book was ending, so good has to triumph...even if they are a bunch of freaking pansies.
And there was a lot....and I mean a lot of story to this book....which sounds like a good thing. But really it amounts to a lot of action, but very little characterization.... Something would happen , characters would react, but before we can really get a handle on that something else happens, and that patterns flows throughout the book! Sowe never really know the characters and why they do what they do. ( though we sure as hell, get told ( again as opposed to being shown) a bunch of times)
I guess I'm just ticked off because this particular world doesn't operate the way I thought its would ....the way I wanted it to...or he'll, maybe it's because half of what happened was the very opposite of what I was expecting that I'm so aggrieved. More likely though, I'm just seriously disappointed. I mean this sounded like it could have been really good!
Honestly I think at the core, Ms Taylor has talent. I just don't like the way she uses it. Her overall writing style is loads better then a number of other authors I've tried ( and abandoned). But instead of action after action I'd like to see backgrounds, (not just told after the fact either) and more of a concentration on characters motivations for things, rather then a continuous loop of reactions to their surroundings.
Oh and this advanced copy came from net galley ( and while I'm thankful, I have to mention that nowhere is it mentioned that this is book3... Can you say serious oversight?)
2 stars.though I don't know how my view of this book,could have been affected by the first books....for all I know that's where all the background came in. I doubt it, but I had to mention it.
Ooh also, if you've read this and it's bugging you, a pisky is the Cornish way of saying pixie...that about drove me insane!
First things first, this is book 3 in a series....which i wish I'd have known before starting. The story was pretty easy to follow, but I think by not reading the first two books, I missed in on some world building...Ruby Kiss jumps right into the story, with no preamble, no background, nothing...you just get pushed right in the middle of the world, so it's a little disorienting.
The world itself, I liked. It was interesting and I'd have liked to learn more about it. And I loved the premise! It just sounded like it could've been such a good story! Now of only said premise had delivered.
What I didn't like is sorta hard to put into words....the story doesn't follow the path I expected....while I usually like surprises, here it just made me mad...Things happened and the characters reactions were so...wrong...so completely opposite what I'd been expecting or hoping,that it all came off as ridiculous.
For example, and I'll attempt not to give anything away, but the heroine gets forced to do something that I thought was pretty major....she's mad for like a second, and then is all understanding smiles...it was sort of sickening, really.
And If that doesn't already make it obvious, I really didn't like the heroine. Right from the start she annoyed me, and never got better...but I don't know how to put the why of it into words...she ( and coincidentally the hero as well as pretty much every other character in the book) were like kids playing make believe...all their actions, and reactions...none of them really rang true for me. And at least half of the things they did/ said didn't make any sense!
And maybe it's just me, but there seemed to be quiet a lot of telling, not showing. We're told certain things about characters but we never see the evidence of those same things, so there were, for me at least, a lot of huh? And WTH moments.
And even for a romance things moved rapidly...one minute our H& h are strangers, the next they're on the verge of bonding...and that was another disappointment,..the bonding that HST created in her story...well it was weak....ESP in comparison to the bonding other PNR authors created..to be honest there bonding didn't even seem to have a point to it! Maybe it's unfair to compare it to the ones from other series, but at this point I'm too aggravated to be fair.
And there are side characters that are gods and other seemingly kick ass beings, but they're just so limited in what they can do and in what they know...That they come off much like the heroine....they sound good at first but turn out to be pretty damn useless. That was probably one of the more frustrating parts of the story, IMO. I mean they're gods! But they kept losing battles...and not cuz the bad guys were just so bad, but because they( the good guys) were just so sucky...or I guess inept would be a better word. when they did win, it wasn't cuz they somehow got more powerful, no it was because the book was ending, so good has to triumph...even if they are a bunch of freaking pansies.
And there was a lot....and I mean a lot of story to this book....which sounds like a good thing. But really it amounts to a lot of action, but very little characterization.... Something would happen , characters would react, but before we can really get a handle on that something else happens, and that patterns flows throughout the book! Sowe never really know the characters and why they do what they do. ( though we sure as hell, get told ( again as opposed to being shown) a bunch of times)
I guess I'm just ticked off because this particular world doesn't operate the way I thought its would ....the way I wanted it to...or he'll, maybe it's because half of what happened was the very opposite of what I was expecting that I'm so aggrieved. More likely though, I'm just seriously disappointed. I mean this sounded like it could have been really good!
Honestly I think at the core, Ms Taylor has talent. I just don't like the way she uses it. Her overall writing style is loads better then a number of other authors I've tried ( and abandoned). But instead of action after action I'd like to see backgrounds, (not just told after the fact either) and more of a concentration on characters motivations for things, rather then a continuous loop of reactions to their surroundings.
Oh and this advanced copy came from net galley ( and while I'm thankful, I have to mention that nowhere is it mentioned that this is book3... Can you say serious oversight?)
2 stars.though I don't know how my view of this book,could have been affected by the first books....for all I know that's where all the background came in. I doubt it, but I had to mention it.
Ooh also, if you've read this and it's bugging you, a pisky is the Cornish way of saying pixie...that about drove me insane!
September 7, 2012
Aww. Nightshade finally gets his happy ending.
Ruby and Nightshade go through a great deal of drama before the end but it's so worth it. Waay back when I read The Magic Knot I could tell Nightshade was traumatised. His father, Dragon abused him horribly, the Cornish piskies rejected him and he ended up messed up. He helped an evil sorcerer imprison the Cornish piskies, but he changed his mind and helped them.
Then in The Phoenix Charm, we see Nightshade take strides in moving forward and taking care of Rhys, determined to look after him. But still a bit of a knob.
So in The Ruby Kiss, Nightshade crashes into the Ruby's house. He's headed to a big todo in Scotland to try and get his father to give his rights to Rhys up. He and Ruby almost have sex but he assumes that its for conception not anything else, which offends Ruby and rightly so.
And the faerie shindig Devin tells Nightshade that sometimes sex is fun, and Nightshade wonders why, because he's been getting his pleasure through his feedings, and he only feeds from men.
Turns out that Ruby is the new Mistress of the Beasts, a immensely powerful position. If only the Scottish Unseelie king, The Seelie court, Nightshade and her jerk (trust me he's evil) of a father weren't jockeying to control her.
Lovely story, glad for it and, despite the demise of Dorchester, Helen Scott Taylor's books are being re-published electronically by Montlake which she hopes will let her continue the series (YAY!)
Ruby and Nightshade go through a great deal of drama before the end but it's so worth it. Waay back when I read The Magic Knot I could tell Nightshade was traumatised. His father, Dragon abused him horribly, the Cornish piskies rejected him and he ended up messed up. He helped an evil sorcerer imprison the Cornish piskies, but he changed his mind and helped them.
Then in The Phoenix Charm, we see Nightshade take strides in moving forward and taking care of Rhys, determined to look after him. But still a bit of a knob.
So in The Ruby Kiss, Nightshade crashes into the Ruby's house. He's headed to a big todo in Scotland to try and get his father to give his rights to Rhys up. He and Ruby almost have sex but he assumes that its for conception not anything else, which offends Ruby and rightly so.
And the faerie shindig Devin tells Nightshade that sometimes sex is fun, and Nightshade wonders why, because he's been getting his pleasure through his feedings, and he only feeds from men.
Turns out that Ruby is the new Mistress of the Beasts, a immensely powerful position. If only the Scottish Unseelie king, The Seelie court, Nightshade and her jerk (trust me he's evil) of a father weren't jockeying to control her.
Lovely story, glad for it and, despite the demise of Dorchester, Helen Scott Taylor's books are being re-published electronically by Montlake which she hopes will let her continue the series (YAY!)
October 12, 2011
It’s been a long time coming, but worth the wait. The first two books in the series were awesome, and I was intrigued with Nightshade from the first book! His somewhat innocent mind is such a conflict to his deadly nature. Ruby with her fight for independence and understanding of what she is makes a good match for Nightshade.
The story starts fast with Nightshade crashing through Ruby’s roof, on to the Unseelie court and back home to the piskys. From Scotland to Ireland, it’s an exciting and fast read.
Devin (a djinn), who is always entertaining, and Troy the Deathless, who reminds me of a flamboyant pirate, are a good part of the story. You get to revisit with Michael, Niall and the rest of the Cornish pisky troop. I especially adore Ana, Michael & Niall’s leprechaun sister; she has a quiet charisma which is charming.
I love this series and hope to see it continue.
The story starts fast with Nightshade crashing through Ruby’s roof, on to the Unseelie court and back home to the piskys. From Scotland to Ireland, it’s an exciting and fast read.
Devin (a djinn), who is always entertaining, and Troy the Deathless, who reminds me of a flamboyant pirate, are a good part of the story. You get to revisit with Michael, Niall and the rest of the Cornish pisky troop. I especially adore Ana, Michael & Niall’s leprechaun sister; she has a quiet charisma which is charming.
I love this series and hope to see it continue.
July 2, 2017
I blew through all three books over the last couple days and while reading I realize so far the series is really about Nightshade growing and maturing. Sure we get love stories about the other characters but the one constant and front runner is Nightshade.
In the Magic Knot the way he speaks is very gruff in a he-man sorta way. He loses the girl btw. In Phoenix Charm he is learning what to love someone unconditionally really means. It is a hard thing for him to witness and he see's it as a weakness until he is put in a position to make a choice himself. In this one he loses the boy. In the Ruby Kiss he is really put through the paces. This guy is hurt and push, push, pushed. He is double crossed. Manipulated. Hurt emotionally and physically. And we see him really grow. At the end of the book I had warm fuzzies over the guy. This is a nice change of pace because at the beginning of his story in book one I really didn't like him.
When I finished reading this book I realized there is one more character who needs a story told and yet I don't want to know it. I feel like all the other stories were nicely tied up and I don't think I could go into a fourth story and have Nightshade be a secondary character. He has been so vivid in all the other books. So now I fight with myself, wanting another story and yet not wanting another story...
In the Magic Knot the way he speaks is very gruff in a he-man sorta way. He loses the girl btw. In Phoenix Charm he is learning what to love someone unconditionally really means. It is a hard thing for him to witness and he see's it as a weakness until he is put in a position to make a choice himself. In this one he loses the boy. In the Ruby Kiss he is really put through the paces. This guy is hurt and push, push, pushed. He is double crossed. Manipulated. Hurt emotionally and physically. And we see him really grow. At the end of the book I had warm fuzzies over the guy. This is a nice change of pace because at the beginning of his story in book one I really didn't like him.
When I finished reading this book I realized there is one more character who needs a story told and yet I don't want to know it. I feel like all the other stories were nicely tied up and I don't think I could go into a fourth story and have Nightshade be a secondary character. He has been so vivid in all the other books. So now I fight with myself, wanting another story and yet not wanting another story...
May 27, 2017
Better and Better
I began reading "The Ruby Kiss" and found myself deep into the intricacies in this book. As I delved deeper and deeper into the realm of the magical world that surrounded me, I was unable to leave reading it for long. I was intertwined with the characters, fascinated and enthralled with all. Definitely a Good Read! I look forward to the future when I decide it's time to reread "The Ruby Kiss"!
I began reading "The Ruby Kiss" and found myself deep into the intricacies in this book. As I delved deeper and deeper into the realm of the magical world that surrounded me, I was unable to leave reading it for long. I was intertwined with the characters, fascinated and enthralled with all. Definitely a Good Read! I look forward to the future when I decide it's time to reread "The Ruby Kiss"!
November 23, 2011
More like a 2.5
Favorite Lines: “The creature spat white stuff at her. Ruby dove to the floor and grabbed out from under her bed the baseball bat she’d hoped never to have to use. She jumped up, getting a firm two handed grip on its wooden handle.” (p. 12, egalley)
The Ruby Kiss is book three in Helen Scott Taylor’s romantic fantasy Magic Knot Fairies series. I own book one, The Magic Knot, but haven’t read it yet. Book two is called The Phoenix Charm, and yeah, it’s sitting on my bookshelf unread, too. As I read The Ruby Kiss it became clear that other stories had taken place, I just hadn’t read them. It did nothing to impact my enjoyment of The Ruby Kiss.
I started off loving this book. I loved the idea of a creature dropping through a skylight onto the heroine’s bed. It was one of the best openings to a paranormalish, fantasy romance book that I’ve read in a while. Too bad it didn’t last. Why? Because the hero was so “other” that I had a hard time connecting with the idea of liking him. Once I suspended my belief and just went with it, he began to grow on me.
Nightshade is a Nightstalker on a mission to destroy his father. It just so happens that the woman he meets has daddy issues too. Nightshade is obviously a paranormal creature. He is a dark black, winged creature who drinks blood. His heroine, Ruby, doesn’t know that she is a descendant of the paranormal when they meet. She acts human as it’s all she’s ever known, but thanks to her mom who has always chased the supernatural is wildly accepting of unexplainable beings.
The problem is that Nightshade thinks like a paranormal creature. He thinks sex equals mating. Ruby thinks sex equals physical satisfaction. Nightshade ponders forever because his body says “this is your mate.” Nightshade reacts like a beast bordering on a childish or immature style to different situations. I had to remind myself that he was NOT human and could not be held to human standards. But anything can be overcome if the hero has a ginormous cock, right?
I like a well-endowed man just as much (if not more) than the average woman. Lately romance books seem to be filled with heroes with 20 inch penises. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but a nice sized peter is one thing and a monster sized dong is something else. When I read the following, I can’t begin to express the gigglefest that erupted from my mouth.
"He flicked open the button on his jeans. Languorous heat flooded Ruby’s body as he lowered the zipper. Hard, sleek muscles rippled with every movement, and when he pushed his jeans down over his hips, every other thought fled her mind. Little flickers of heat raced through her, making her so hot she thought she might melt.
“Strewth,” she whispered. “That’s one for the record books.” Night shade had a tadger the size of a rolling pin. “Ruby, you’re special,” he whispered."–p. 26
Well, she’d have to be special to fit a rolling pin inside her. It takes the sexy out of the story and insert pain. I personally don’t find the two interchangeable. However, Ruby didn’t feel my imaginary pain…
"“I might be too big to fit,” he whispered, glancing down in consternation. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Her eyelids snapped up, and she stared down at where they were so close to joining. Her voice was breathless. “It’ll fit. Just push harder before I die of anticipation.” She was right, and it was wonderful. The slow deep slide as he filled her left her trembling."–p. 210
Too bad I was still fixated on his rolling pin sized schlong and cringing at how loose she must have been to fit the abnormally large pecker belonging to her swain. But enough about the hero’s phallus. What else stands out about the book in addition to Nightshade’s Kielbasa?
The many, über hot alpha males that populate the fantasy world. One after another makes an appearance and piques my curiosity. From the Norse god Troy to the prince of the djinn to the king of the Beasts, the men are intriguing and ooze sex appeal. I wanted a little piece of each of them. The eye candy, paired with the world building, created an excellent base for the story.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like the heroine. Ruby kept getting pushed into life altering positions. Her control over her situation was stripped from her and she never really reacted in a believable fashion. I like a heroine who can roll with the punches, but when roadblock after roadblock pop up to ensure the hero and heroine have a difficult life together, and the heroine is ho-hum about it–there’s a problem.
In the end I just didn’t like The Ruby Kiss the way I expected to. I didn’t hate it, but I don’t see myself re-reading it or seeking out more books in the series. I had high expectations that just weren’t met. It felt like the same situation kept occurring only with different characters. I liked the virgin hero who had a shaft the size of a light pole (for the most part) and many of the other male characters were diverting. The only emotions the characters seemed capable of feeling were jealousy, lust and anger. The most important emotion–love–was missing. I’m told that there was love, but I never really trusted in love which was supposed to bring the hero and heroine together forever.
Scooper Speaks
Favorite Lines: “The creature spat white stuff at her. Ruby dove to the floor and grabbed out from under her bed the baseball bat she’d hoped never to have to use. She jumped up, getting a firm two handed grip on its wooden handle.” (p. 12, egalley)
The Ruby Kiss is book three in Helen Scott Taylor’s romantic fantasy Magic Knot Fairies series. I own book one, The Magic Knot, but haven’t read it yet. Book two is called The Phoenix Charm, and yeah, it’s sitting on my bookshelf unread, too. As I read The Ruby Kiss it became clear that other stories had taken place, I just hadn’t read them. It did nothing to impact my enjoyment of The Ruby Kiss.
I started off loving this book. I loved the idea of a creature dropping through a skylight onto the heroine’s bed. It was one of the best openings to a paranormalish, fantasy romance book that I’ve read in a while. Too bad it didn’t last. Why? Because the hero was so “other” that I had a hard time connecting with the idea of liking him. Once I suspended my belief and just went with it, he began to grow on me.
Nightshade is a Nightstalker on a mission to destroy his father. It just so happens that the woman he meets has daddy issues too. Nightshade is obviously a paranormal creature. He is a dark black, winged creature who drinks blood. His heroine, Ruby, doesn’t know that she is a descendant of the paranormal when they meet. She acts human as it’s all she’s ever known, but thanks to her mom who has always chased the supernatural is wildly accepting of unexplainable beings.
The problem is that Nightshade thinks like a paranormal creature. He thinks sex equals mating. Ruby thinks sex equals physical satisfaction. Nightshade ponders forever because his body says “this is your mate.” Nightshade reacts like a beast bordering on a childish or immature style to different situations. I had to remind myself that he was NOT human and could not be held to human standards. But anything can be overcome if the hero has a ginormous cock, right?
I like a well-endowed man just as much (if not more) than the average woman. Lately romance books seem to be filled with heroes with 20 inch penises. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but a nice sized peter is one thing and a monster sized dong is something else. When I read the following, I can’t begin to express the gigglefest that erupted from my mouth.
"He flicked open the button on his jeans. Languorous heat flooded Ruby’s body as he lowered the zipper. Hard, sleek muscles rippled with every movement, and when he pushed his jeans down over his hips, every other thought fled her mind. Little flickers of heat raced through her, making her so hot she thought she might melt.
“Strewth,” she whispered. “That’s one for the record books.” Night shade had a tadger the size of a rolling pin. “Ruby, you’re special,” he whispered."–p. 26
Well, she’d have to be special to fit a rolling pin inside her. It takes the sexy out of the story and insert pain. I personally don’t find the two interchangeable. However, Ruby didn’t feel my imaginary pain…
"“I might be too big to fit,” he whispered, glancing down in consternation. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Her eyelids snapped up, and she stared down at where they were so close to joining. Her voice was breathless. “It’ll fit. Just push harder before I die of anticipation.” She was right, and it was wonderful. The slow deep slide as he filled her left her trembling."–p. 210
Too bad I was still fixated on his rolling pin sized schlong and cringing at how loose she must have been to fit the abnormally large pecker belonging to her swain. But enough about the hero’s phallus. What else stands out about the book in addition to Nightshade’s Kielbasa?
The many, über hot alpha males that populate the fantasy world. One after another makes an appearance and piques my curiosity. From the Norse god Troy to the prince of the djinn to the king of the Beasts, the men are intriguing and ooze sex appeal. I wanted a little piece of each of them. The eye candy, paired with the world building, created an excellent base for the story.
Unfortunately, I didn’t like the heroine. Ruby kept getting pushed into life altering positions. Her control over her situation was stripped from her and she never really reacted in a believable fashion. I like a heroine who can roll with the punches, but when roadblock after roadblock pop up to ensure the hero and heroine have a difficult life together, and the heroine is ho-hum about it–there’s a problem.
In the end I just didn’t like The Ruby Kiss the way I expected to. I didn’t hate it, but I don’t see myself re-reading it or seeking out more books in the series. I had high expectations that just weren’t met. It felt like the same situation kept occurring only with different characters. I liked the virgin hero who had a shaft the size of a light pole (for the most part) and many of the other male characters were diverting. The only emotions the characters seemed capable of feeling were jealousy, lust and anger. The most important emotion–love–was missing. I’m told that there was love, but I never really trusted in love which was supposed to bring the hero and heroine together forever.
Scooper Speaks
July 27, 2018
Ruby and the nightstalker
I truly thought this to be a fun, captivating story of the lost, found and misunderstood. Nightshade finally meets his match and it takes both he and Ruby to be whole. Troy is also a new favorite character.
I truly thought this to be a fun, captivating story of the lost, found and misunderstood. Nightshade finally meets his match and it takes both he and Ruby to be whole. Troy is also a new favorite character.
July 11, 2017
Magical
I enjoyed this book immensely. I don't usually read this type of book, but it me back to the mythology I read as a young girl.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I don't usually read this type of book, but it me back to the mythology I read as a young girl.
November 17, 2011
This magical world of Helen Scott Taylor’s only gets better and better with each book. Her characters are full of emotion, and I found myself tearing up a couple of times when it looks as though all hope is lost. The writing is strong and tailor made to pull you in so you can experience each and every nuance of the storyline as the characters do themselves. Outstanding.
We’ve met Nightshade in the previous two books in the series. He’s not always been a stand-up character, but he does go through a turn-around and tries to make amends for the damage and hurt he’s caused. He also discovers he has a younger brother and vows to keep the boy away from their father, a man who never showed anything but evil interest and intent and hate toward Nightshade. He’ll not allow that to happen to Rhys. So now we have a character who we didn’t like very much early on, who has now become a sympathetic character and hero material. Thank goodness Ms. Taylor saw this in Nightshade, because this book is now my favorite of the series. I’m wondering how close it was that he might not have gotten his own book.
Ruby is the typical modern-day Scottish lass, independent, relying on no one but herself. Her mother used Ruby’s “affliction” throughout her childhood to try to locate the father who never showed any interest in his daughter - or her mother. Finally refusing to help her mother any longer led to the woman’s death and Ruby’s freedom. Her “affliction” still hits once a month on the full moon - grass, trees, flowers, vines and the like grow at alarming rates wherever she is, so secluding herself for that time is the only way to keep things under control.
When Nightshade crashes through her skylight onto her bed and after deciding she doesn’t need her trusty bat as a weapon against the tall, dark, and sexy nightstalker, she nearly gives in to his sensual allure. But fearing being controlled again, Ruby pushes Nightshade away despite her want of him. So he takes flight once again to track down his father to force him to cede his rights to Rhys. The next thing he knows Ruby is also at the Gathering of Kith and Kin and not of her own volition. Forced there by creatures she’s never seen before, she discovers the otherworld is looking for her - the new Mistress of the Beasts - all thanks to her father, who is a piece of work just as Nightshade’s is. Now she’ll never be rid of her affliction.
From this point on, things really begin to move. Nightshade has vowed to protect Ruby no matter what comes her way, and a lot comes forth. She has to deal with the King of the Unseelie Court, who wants to use her powers for himself. Ruby still has to learn how to harness and apply those powers. She goes before the Bride of the Light at the Seelie Court, which is one of the best scenes in the book when Devin, Nightshade’s demon friend, sees the love of his life again, the daughter of the Seelie King and Queen, who refuse to allow them to be together. The longing, the regret, the love are entwined between them and it’s a very moving scene, especially because Devin is a character you come to like very quickly.
Another character who turns you completely around is Twister, the Unseelie King. The way he uses and handles Ruby in the beginning makes you despise him, but when you learn why he needs her powers, how long he’s been waiting, you feel so differently then. And even more so when he finally gets what he’s always hoped for and it doesn’t bring back to him what he so desperately wants. Very heart wrenching. Another such scene is later in the book when Troy, Devin’s father, sacrifices all for Nightshade and Ruby to be together. His selfless act surprises both of them and the reader, but it’s the scene when Devin comes to his father afterward that had me in tears. All of this revolves around Ruby’s, and others’, magic knots, which are stones that hold a person’s essence of mind, body, and soul. Though magic knots are a part of the previous two books, of course, they’re much more front and center here, and Ms. Taylor ties her characters and the reader in knots over them.
I think Ms. Taylor has made an admirable hero out of Nightshade. He wants a son, a family, and he learns what love truly means. Ruby is a typical woman, self-conscious about her weight, stubborn, independent, no one’s doormat, and, turns out, more adventurous than she thought she’d be again. Nightshade loves her lushness and extra curves. A man after my own heart. She does have trust issues, which pushes Nightshade away a couple of times, but she eventually does learn to give him her trust in a world where it’s needed at every turn. Ultimately, they are a unique couple and you cheer them on whenever it looks as though things may not work out for them.
I’m hoping Devin gets his book in the future. But with the business Ms. Taylor got caught up in with Dorchester, I have no idea if that will happen. I’m sure that would be another kick-in-the-gut read if it does come to be. Keeping my hopes high for it anyway.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
We’ve met Nightshade in the previous two books in the series. He’s not always been a stand-up character, but he does go through a turn-around and tries to make amends for the damage and hurt he’s caused. He also discovers he has a younger brother and vows to keep the boy away from their father, a man who never showed anything but evil interest and intent and hate toward Nightshade. He’ll not allow that to happen to Rhys. So now we have a character who we didn’t like very much early on, who has now become a sympathetic character and hero material. Thank goodness Ms. Taylor saw this in Nightshade, because this book is now my favorite of the series. I’m wondering how close it was that he might not have gotten his own book.
Ruby is the typical modern-day Scottish lass, independent, relying on no one but herself. Her mother used Ruby’s “affliction” throughout her childhood to try to locate the father who never showed any interest in his daughter - or her mother. Finally refusing to help her mother any longer led to the woman’s death and Ruby’s freedom. Her “affliction” still hits once a month on the full moon - grass, trees, flowers, vines and the like grow at alarming rates wherever she is, so secluding herself for that time is the only way to keep things under control.
When Nightshade crashes through her skylight onto her bed and after deciding she doesn’t need her trusty bat as a weapon against the tall, dark, and sexy nightstalker, she nearly gives in to his sensual allure. But fearing being controlled again, Ruby pushes Nightshade away despite her want of him. So he takes flight once again to track down his father to force him to cede his rights to Rhys. The next thing he knows Ruby is also at the Gathering of Kith and Kin and not of her own volition. Forced there by creatures she’s never seen before, she discovers the otherworld is looking for her - the new Mistress of the Beasts - all thanks to her father, who is a piece of work just as Nightshade’s is. Now she’ll never be rid of her affliction.
From this point on, things really begin to move. Nightshade has vowed to protect Ruby no matter what comes her way, and a lot comes forth. She has to deal with the King of the Unseelie Court, who wants to use her powers for himself. Ruby still has to learn how to harness and apply those powers. She goes before the Bride of the Light at the Seelie Court, which is one of the best scenes in the book when Devin, Nightshade’s demon friend, sees the love of his life again, the daughter of the Seelie King and Queen, who refuse to allow them to be together. The longing, the regret, the love are entwined between them and it’s a very moving scene, especially because Devin is a character you come to like very quickly.
Another character who turns you completely around is Twister, the Unseelie King. The way he uses and handles Ruby in the beginning makes you despise him, but when you learn why he needs her powers, how long he’s been waiting, you feel so differently then. And even more so when he finally gets what he’s always hoped for and it doesn’t bring back to him what he so desperately wants. Very heart wrenching. Another such scene is later in the book when Troy, Devin’s father, sacrifices all for Nightshade and Ruby to be together. His selfless act surprises both of them and the reader, but it’s the scene when Devin comes to his father afterward that had me in tears. All of this revolves around Ruby’s, and others’, magic knots, which are stones that hold a person’s essence of mind, body, and soul. Though magic knots are a part of the previous two books, of course, they’re much more front and center here, and Ms. Taylor ties her characters and the reader in knots over them.
I think Ms. Taylor has made an admirable hero out of Nightshade. He wants a son, a family, and he learns what love truly means. Ruby is a typical woman, self-conscious about her weight, stubborn, independent, no one’s doormat, and, turns out, more adventurous than she thought she’d be again. Nightshade loves her lushness and extra curves. A man after my own heart. She does have trust issues, which pushes Nightshade away a couple of times, but she eventually does learn to give him her trust in a world where it’s needed at every turn. Ultimately, they are a unique couple and you cheer them on whenever it looks as though things may not work out for them.
I’m hoping Devin gets his book in the future. But with the business Ms. Taylor got caught up in with Dorchester, I have no idea if that will happen. I’m sure that would be another kick-in-the-gut read if it does come to be. Keeping my hopes high for it anyway.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
November 2, 2011
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/11/02/...
Publisher: Dorchester
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I can be somewhat picky about my fantasy romance. When it’s done well it’s so amazing, but when I don’t feel it, things tend to unravel quickly. For me, Taylor’s book had great promise, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Ruby has lived her whole life with a magical gift that has inconvenienced her at every turn. She wants nothing more than to get rid of her gift and just live a normal life. But that all changes when a dark winged creature breaks through her roof one night. After that, Ruby’s life takes a turn and she becomes immersed in the world she has been running from.
Nightshade is hunting for his father, looking to get him to swear an oath to stay away from Nightshade’s half brother. When he meets Ruby, he feels the stirrings of lust for the first time ever. When she requires a powerful protector by her side to ensure her safety, he will do anything to keep her that way. But when Ruby realizes her power is more than anyone could have imagined, Nightshade just might have to lay down his life for her.
I really wanted to like this book, and there were aspects of it that I really enjoyed, but for me it had too many places where it just fell apart. I enjoyed the characters themselves. Ruby is strong and despite the horrible history with magic, she takes her own ability in stride. Although she fights her new powers, she is also accepting of the good she can do, and of the advantages of her gift. I liked that about her. Nightshade is tortured and broody and yet sensitive and protective of Ruby, his half-brother and the ones he considers family. As individuals, I really enjoyed them both.
However, as a couple there were so many twists and turns that I had a difficult time believing in their romance. Ruby isn’t freaked out by his wings and power, yet the thought of being bit scares the crap outta her, and has her running into a fake relationship with someone else. Then, while she was forced to bond with another, she was almost selfish in that she didn’t want Nightshade to have a blood bond with anyone else. Their relationship felt very one-sided in love (through Nightshade), and just awkward at best.
Most of the secondary characters were enjoyable to read as well. Taylor set up quite a few characters that could be a great continuation to the series, and I do hope that we get to see more of the unique world. I have to say through, there was one character who really rubbed me the wrong way, Troy, and I could have done without many of the scenes involving him. He just seemed somewhat seedy and a little bit of a creeper. I also didn’t think the story lines regarding Twister were finished, instead we were left in limbo regarding the bond he forced on Ruby.
I did enjoy bits and pieces of the plot. Some things felt convoluted and unnecessary, but for the most part things kept moving along, were action packed and engaging. I really enjoyed the world, and was immersed in the drama between the Seelie and Unseelie courts.
All in all I wanted this to be an awesome fantasy read, but instead it was just an okay read. While it had great characters and a decent plot line, the story started sluggishly, had some slow parts in the middle and a few unsavory secondary characters that dragged down the overall tone and feel of the book.
I give The Ruby Kiss a C-
Publisher: Dorchester
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I can be somewhat picky about my fantasy romance. When it’s done well it’s so amazing, but when I don’t feel it, things tend to unravel quickly. For me, Taylor’s book had great promise, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Ruby has lived her whole life with a magical gift that has inconvenienced her at every turn. She wants nothing more than to get rid of her gift and just live a normal life. But that all changes when a dark winged creature breaks through her roof one night. After that, Ruby’s life takes a turn and she becomes immersed in the world she has been running from.
Nightshade is hunting for his father, looking to get him to swear an oath to stay away from Nightshade’s half brother. When he meets Ruby, he feels the stirrings of lust for the first time ever. When she requires a powerful protector by her side to ensure her safety, he will do anything to keep her that way. But when Ruby realizes her power is more than anyone could have imagined, Nightshade just might have to lay down his life for her.
I really wanted to like this book, and there were aspects of it that I really enjoyed, but for me it had too many places where it just fell apart. I enjoyed the characters themselves. Ruby is strong and despite the horrible history with magic, she takes her own ability in stride. Although she fights her new powers, she is also accepting of the good she can do, and of the advantages of her gift. I liked that about her. Nightshade is tortured and broody and yet sensitive and protective of Ruby, his half-brother and the ones he considers family. As individuals, I really enjoyed them both.
However, as a couple there were so many twists and turns that I had a difficult time believing in their romance. Ruby isn’t freaked out by his wings and power, yet the thought of being bit scares the crap outta her, and has her running into a fake relationship with someone else. Then, while she was forced to bond with another, she was almost selfish in that she didn’t want Nightshade to have a blood bond with anyone else. Their relationship felt very one-sided in love (through Nightshade), and just awkward at best.
Most of the secondary characters were enjoyable to read as well. Taylor set up quite a few characters that could be a great continuation to the series, and I do hope that we get to see more of the unique world. I have to say through, there was one character who really rubbed me the wrong way, Troy, and I could have done without many of the scenes involving him. He just seemed somewhat seedy and a little bit of a creeper. I also didn’t think the story lines regarding Twister were finished, instead we were left in limbo regarding the bond he forced on Ruby.
I did enjoy bits and pieces of the plot. Some things felt convoluted and unnecessary, but for the most part things kept moving along, were action packed and engaging. I really enjoyed the world, and was immersed in the drama between the Seelie and Unseelie courts.
All in all I wanted this to be an awesome fantasy read, but instead it was just an okay read. While it had great characters and a decent plot line, the story started sluggishly, had some slow parts in the middle and a few unsavory secondary characters that dragged down the overall tone and feel of the book.
I give The Ruby Kiss a C-
January 1, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
What a fantastic world full of nightstalkers, fairies, piskies, leprechauns, demons, a dragon, demigods, Norse myth gods, shape-shifters, and elemental hunters—all of whom seem to be able to mate with humans to create even more unique beings. Theirs is a world full of conflict, magic, and malicious mischief.
Ruby, an artist who considers herself a misfit, calls the power she inherited from her supernatural father an affliction and longs to be rid of it. With her spiky hair, well-developed curvy figure, nose stud, and messy, restless ways, she does not feel sexy at all. With her affliction she is sure no man would be interested in her. She blames her father Kade, a Seelie Court supernatural hunter for her miserable childhood and her frustrated adult life. She is certainly in no humor to be visited by another supernatural being. Consequently, when Nightshade, a nightstalker fairy, crash lands in her bedroom, she is royally ticked off.
Nightshade, a savagely beautiful, muscular, silver-eyed man with wings emits a vibrant male energy. Heretofore, he has enjoyed relationships with men especially the splendidly attired, supernatural Troy, the Deathless, but the sight of Ruby in her ridiculous night attire and flushed with a fierce temper, makes Nightsade want to mate—not just blood-bond. The new feeling frustrates him when Ruby proves to be reluctant. In this world, women want to mate to have babies.
What a treacherous trail these two must travel before the tangled struggles for power, wealth, and personal interests of others can be unraveled so they can work through their own differences in order to reach for their happy-ever-after.
Helen Scott Taylor creates a spellbinding world full of amazing characters that impact the lives of Nightshade and Ruby. Devin, a demon friend of Nightshade’s, is the master of Darkling Road and helps them to a place where both can find their fathers. Aila, the Bride of Light, helps Ruby learn the basics about using and controlling her powers. But many of the other characters do everything in their power to thwart them. Twister, king of the Unseelie Court, wants Ruby for his queen, not just for herself but for what he thinks her powers can do for him and his cursed father. Kade, Ruby’s father wants her to come with him and use her powers so the two of them can rule the world. Dragon, Nightshade’s father wants to keep rights to a child he does not care about but knows he can use for his own gain after the child reaches puberty. So many others press in on the hero and heroine. The scary places they much get through on their journey make the heart race. No dull moments in their lives. In Cornwall, where life is very different, Ana and Cordelia help Ruby understand herself better and Nightshade heals with his own people who all live privileged human lives.
Ms. Taylor packs so much more in this captivating novel. The Ruby Kiss is a riveting tale and has an allegorical quality to it that fascinates. It engages all the senses and touches deep emotions, but it also had a delightful humor at times and an undercurrent of unique kinds of love among the supernaturals. Intriguing! Don’t miss The Ruby Kiss—it's not what you would expect.
What a fantastic world full of nightstalkers, fairies, piskies, leprechauns, demons, a dragon, demigods, Norse myth gods, shape-shifters, and elemental hunters—all of whom seem to be able to mate with humans to create even more unique beings. Theirs is a world full of conflict, magic, and malicious mischief.
Ruby, an artist who considers herself a misfit, calls the power she inherited from her supernatural father an affliction and longs to be rid of it. With her spiky hair, well-developed curvy figure, nose stud, and messy, restless ways, she does not feel sexy at all. With her affliction she is sure no man would be interested in her. She blames her father Kade, a Seelie Court supernatural hunter for her miserable childhood and her frustrated adult life. She is certainly in no humor to be visited by another supernatural being. Consequently, when Nightshade, a nightstalker fairy, crash lands in her bedroom, she is royally ticked off.
Nightshade, a savagely beautiful, muscular, silver-eyed man with wings emits a vibrant male energy. Heretofore, he has enjoyed relationships with men especially the splendidly attired, supernatural Troy, the Deathless, but the sight of Ruby in her ridiculous night attire and flushed with a fierce temper, makes Nightsade want to mate—not just blood-bond. The new feeling frustrates him when Ruby proves to be reluctant. In this world, women want to mate to have babies.
What a treacherous trail these two must travel before the tangled struggles for power, wealth, and personal interests of others can be unraveled so they can work through their own differences in order to reach for their happy-ever-after.
Helen Scott Taylor creates a spellbinding world full of amazing characters that impact the lives of Nightshade and Ruby. Devin, a demon friend of Nightshade’s, is the master of Darkling Road and helps them to a place where both can find their fathers. Aila, the Bride of Light, helps Ruby learn the basics about using and controlling her powers. But many of the other characters do everything in their power to thwart them. Twister, king of the Unseelie Court, wants Ruby for his queen, not just for herself but for what he thinks her powers can do for him and his cursed father. Kade, Ruby’s father wants her to come with him and use her powers so the two of them can rule the world. Dragon, Nightshade’s father wants to keep rights to a child he does not care about but knows he can use for his own gain after the child reaches puberty. So many others press in on the hero and heroine. The scary places they much get through on their journey make the heart race. No dull moments in their lives. In Cornwall, where life is very different, Ana and Cordelia help Ruby understand herself better and Nightshade heals with his own people who all live privileged human lives.
Ms. Taylor packs so much more in this captivating novel. The Ruby Kiss is a riveting tale and has an allegorical quality to it that fascinates. It engages all the senses and touches deep emotions, but it also had a delightful humor at times and an undercurrent of unique kinds of love among the supernaturals. Intriguing! Don’t miss The Ruby Kiss—it's not what you would expect.
December 2, 2011
You know how sometimes you see a cover and you think "Hmmm...this aught to be interesting!"? This is one of those cases; also, the title didn't suggest to me it was part of a series. I should have looked on Goodreads too, but hey, I've read books without reading the previous ones in the series before.
It was a cool read. I liked the world, the creatures were interesting, the concept of the world was cool though I was missing some major information about the inner workings of the world so I was just sort of catapulted there in the middle of the party. I got some things, but some were sort of foggy. I just went with it, I mean I didn't feel like I was missing some major info, just some ties and whatnots. Of course, I could have missed a lot by not reading the previous books, but we'll never know.
The characters were intriguing, though I didn't connect with either of them. They were fun, entertaining, but I didn't really connect with them for some reason. I did like the way they were built and a big part of their interaction was cool. Considering I had no clue about who's who and what's what in the world outside this particular book, the fact I got a pretty clear picture of everything going on speaks to the author's clarity of narrative vision and talent in conveying situations and feelings.
Ruby and Nightshade were fun, Ruby especially. Nightshade felt a bit uptight to me, but maybe I just didn't get him well enough, I mean he comes from a culture and world that I have no clue about. Ruby though I felt I got and liked pretty much, she was funny and spunky, always a nice combination. Their chemistry didn't feel overly intense though, I mean I could have seen her hooking up with any of the other characters just as well as with Nightshade. But somewhere beyond the middle of the book their connection felt more real for some reason, they felt like a good match and I got a better sense of real chemistry there.
I liked the plot too. It didn't feel terribly tense or intense though, and I usually respond well to that kind of situation, but it was engaging and I felt good about the end. Of course, I'm not telling how it ended :D You love it when I'm a tease like that, face it, haha - kidding, kidding. Seriously thought, I'll tell it's got a happy ending, that should be enough right? I mean, I like to know I won't get a surprise traumatic ending when I start reading a book, but without having details or anything particular. So read it, it's safe, no eye-popping dramatic end here, it's all sweet. I actually liked the end scene more then others.
So, all in all I say give this a try, it's a nice PNR with a new setting and intriguing characters.
It was a cool read. I liked the world, the creatures were interesting, the concept of the world was cool though I was missing some major information about the inner workings of the world so I was just sort of catapulted there in the middle of the party. I got some things, but some were sort of foggy. I just went with it, I mean I didn't feel like I was missing some major info, just some ties and whatnots. Of course, I could have missed a lot by not reading the previous books, but we'll never know.
The characters were intriguing, though I didn't connect with either of them. They were fun, entertaining, but I didn't really connect with them for some reason. I did like the way they were built and a big part of their interaction was cool. Considering I had no clue about who's who and what's what in the world outside this particular book, the fact I got a pretty clear picture of everything going on speaks to the author's clarity of narrative vision and talent in conveying situations and feelings.
Ruby and Nightshade were fun, Ruby especially. Nightshade felt a bit uptight to me, but maybe I just didn't get him well enough, I mean he comes from a culture and world that I have no clue about. Ruby though I felt I got and liked pretty much, she was funny and spunky, always a nice combination. Their chemistry didn't feel overly intense though, I mean I could have seen her hooking up with any of the other characters just as well as with Nightshade. But somewhere beyond the middle of the book their connection felt more real for some reason, they felt like a good match and I got a better sense of real chemistry there.
I liked the plot too. It didn't feel terribly tense or intense though, and I usually respond well to that kind of situation, but it was engaging and I felt good about the end. Of course, I'm not telling how it ended :D You love it when I'm a tease like that, face it, haha - kidding, kidding. Seriously thought, I'll tell it's got a happy ending, that should be enough right? I mean, I like to know I won't get a surprise traumatic ending when I start reading a book, but without having details or anything particular. So read it, it's safe, no eye-popping dramatic end here, it's all sweet. I actually liked the end scene more then others.
So, all in all I say give this a try, it's a nice PNR with a new setting and intriguing characters.
January 16, 2012
To read this review and more like it check out my site http://www.ufreviews.com
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. I was interested in this book largely because it has to do with fae. I have said time and time again how much I love the Fae. The main reason why I like books that have to do with the Fae is that there is so much subject matter to work with, there are so many different kinds of Fae, it really allows each and every author to put their own spin on it.
With that sentiment in mind I want to first discuss how the author did in regards to their take on the Fae. I appreciate the wide variety of supernatural beings in this book. Ofter times I feel that when writing about the Fae it's best to focus on a couple of types as to not over complicate or confuse the reader. I can honestly say I was not confused by the amount of beings, there were enough to make it interesting but not so much that it made it to confusing to read either. So I appreciate that on the pure level of the construction of the world within this book.
I truly believe the concept behind this book could have been better executed. The idea of a daughter wanting answers, and Nightshade having these answers makes for a decent set up. There was really a lot that could have been done with the two characters in regards to that plot point alone. But It just never got there for me.
I did have some problems with the writing, as much as I hate to use this word, it sometimes very cheesy. One of the big issues I have with paranormal romance books are that either the intimate scenes in the book are either super cheesy or well written, seldom is there a middle ground. For me this book falls squarely into the cheesy category.
Which brings me to my next point. I felt the writing had a cheesy factor to it and therefore it was very hard to really get behind the characters. Ruby was an alright character, but I never really felt connected to her. And Nightshade just seemed so one-dimensional. And worse there were times he came across as just a dominating male, just for the sake of being a dominating male.
Overall, the book did not keep my attention at all. There were many times I considered putting the book down and just not reviewing it (but I'm an OCD type, I hate leaving things unfinished). You are of course more than welcome to read this book and disagree with me, but for me this book did nothing for me.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. I was interested in this book largely because it has to do with fae. I have said time and time again how much I love the Fae. The main reason why I like books that have to do with the Fae is that there is so much subject matter to work with, there are so many different kinds of Fae, it really allows each and every author to put their own spin on it.
With that sentiment in mind I want to first discuss how the author did in regards to their take on the Fae. I appreciate the wide variety of supernatural beings in this book. Ofter times I feel that when writing about the Fae it's best to focus on a couple of types as to not over complicate or confuse the reader. I can honestly say I was not confused by the amount of beings, there were enough to make it interesting but not so much that it made it to confusing to read either. So I appreciate that on the pure level of the construction of the world within this book.
I truly believe the concept behind this book could have been better executed. The idea of a daughter wanting answers, and Nightshade having these answers makes for a decent set up. There was really a lot that could have been done with the two characters in regards to that plot point alone. But It just never got there for me.
I did have some problems with the writing, as much as I hate to use this word, it sometimes very cheesy. One of the big issues I have with paranormal romance books are that either the intimate scenes in the book are either super cheesy or well written, seldom is there a middle ground. For me this book falls squarely into the cheesy category.
Which brings me to my next point. I felt the writing had a cheesy factor to it and therefore it was very hard to really get behind the characters. Ruby was an alright character, but I never really felt connected to her. And Nightshade just seemed so one-dimensional. And worse there were times he came across as just a dominating male, just for the sake of being a dominating male.
Overall, the book did not keep my attention at all. There were many times I considered putting the book down and just not reviewing it (but I'm an OCD type, I hate leaving things unfinished). You are of course more than welcome to read this book and disagree with me, but for me this book did nothing for me.
November 23, 2011
Reviewed at: Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust:
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
So, this guy with wings falls through your bedroom skylight. You may be shocked by the emergency of it but not the wings. Your grandmother dies and all of a sudden your at least one-quarter demi-goddess but it takes some time to sort your stuff out before your virgin vampiric fairy and you can hook up. In the meantime your learn you can call a beast, you bio-dad is an ass and no one is as they seem.
Such is the life of Ruby, our protagonist. She's an artist who makes a living with painting; enough to buy a house in Scotland. Fantasy enough, right? It's not evenattached or semi-detached. She has two yorkies and she has a serious issue every full moon with plants growing wildly wherever she steps.
At the start of the book I though this was crap. And, if you follow you know I don't read a book unless it has that "something." The something is indefinable: a mix of passion, decent writing, originality and characters. One variable can make up for a short coming in another.
At first the story was too expository and a bit too linear. But there was something that kept me reading. I think it was the promise of Ruby and Nightshade (that vampiric fairy) having a relationship. And, it had s some humor too―like the first chapter. Also, Ruby is always concerned for her pets safety and that fed into her compassion. She even had compassion for people who hurt and manipulated her, to a degree. The Ruby kiss is never explained except that it is different. I have seen many writers improve, especially in descriptive depth and dialogue over the course of a few years and, even in a series. This had the feel of an inaugural volume to a series but t is apparently the third in the Magic Knot series.Perhaps the glibness I am experiencing is just a lack of back story. The love scenes were a bit vanilla.
But, the writing felt very superficial, or glossy. There was dialogue but the descriptive text was all past tense and static. It felt glib and static. I was able to put it down but I also had to finish it to see what happened and if there was an HEA. No spoilers. You'll have to read it to find out.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
So, this guy with wings falls through your bedroom skylight. You may be shocked by the emergency of it but not the wings. Your grandmother dies and all of a sudden your at least one-quarter demi-goddess but it takes some time to sort your stuff out before your virgin vampiric fairy and you can hook up. In the meantime your learn you can call a beast, you bio-dad is an ass and no one is as they seem.
Such is the life of Ruby, our protagonist. She's an artist who makes a living with painting; enough to buy a house in Scotland. Fantasy enough, right? It's not evenattached or semi-detached. She has two yorkies and she has a serious issue every full moon with plants growing wildly wherever she steps.
At the start of the book I though this was crap. And, if you follow you know I don't read a book unless it has that "something." The something is indefinable: a mix of passion, decent writing, originality and characters. One variable can make up for a short coming in another.
At first the story was too expository and a bit too linear. But there was something that kept me reading. I think it was the promise of Ruby and Nightshade (that vampiric fairy) having a relationship. And, it had s some humor too―like the first chapter. Also, Ruby is always concerned for her pets safety and that fed into her compassion. She even had compassion for people who hurt and manipulated her, to a degree. The Ruby kiss is never explained except that it is different. I have seen many writers improve, especially in descriptive depth and dialogue over the course of a few years and, even in a series. This had the feel of an inaugural volume to a series but t is apparently the third in the Magic Knot series.Perhaps the glibness I am experiencing is just a lack of back story. The love scenes were a bit vanilla.
But, the writing felt very superficial, or glossy. There was dialogue but the descriptive text was all past tense and static. It felt glib and static. I was able to put it down but I also had to finish it to see what happened and if there was an HEA. No spoilers. You'll have to read it to find out.
October 3, 2018
Awesome Celtic fairytale fantasy
I loved this whole series! Refreshingly unique and well written. I wish there were more books in this series. There are so many characters that I got to know and would love to know their story or see them find happiness. There seems to be huge potential here for more books and I would definitely purchase them. There is romance but it's fought for and hard won. The characters aren't sappy and suddenly in love, the reader gets to watch it evolve over time. Background characters are strong and interesting as well and all the books in the series show the complex human dynamic with elements of good and bad
I loved this whole series! Refreshingly unique and well written. I wish there were more books in this series. There are so many characters that I got to know and would love to know their story or see them find happiness. There seems to be huge potential here for more books and I would definitely purchase them. There is romance but it's fought for and hard won. The characters aren't sappy and suddenly in love, the reader gets to watch it evolve over time. Background characters are strong and interesting as well and all the books in the series show the complex human dynamic with elements of good and bad
January 12, 2012
When Nightshade crashes, literally, into Ruby’s life, nothing will ever be the same. On his way to guarantee his little brother’s safety, Nightshade plummets through Ruby’s skylight, thanks to a bird getting in his way.
At first Ruby is terrified of the huge male crash-landing on her bed. But even as his black as night wings unfurl and she takes in the enormity of his presence…and muscles…she knows both that he is nothing like anything she has ever encountered before…and also that he would never hurt her. Nightshade reveals that he is a fairy, one with bloodlust and the vampire bite. And he would very much like to bite Ruby.
Nightshade has never felt the strong pulls of sexual need, yet Ruby and her curves is stirring up the lust inside him. To Nightshade, mating is merely the means to making a child. To Ruby, it is something she can never have. But she’s more than willing to introduce Nightshade to the pleasures of recreational sex.
As Ruby is drawn into Nightshade’s world, it becomes clear there is more to her than meets the eye. She is more a part of his world than she could ever have imagined…and her dormant power could change her life forever.
As much as I wanted, I just couldn’t get into Ruby’s story. The promise was there, but it wasn’t a story I could sink into. Her romance with Nightshade, whilst often full of heavy pangs and loaded glances, then flat out hotness, it just wasn’t believable, and often felt selfish. Secondary characters and plots tripped the story up and made it feel stilted.
I found my attention wandering whilst reading, which says a lot about what I’m reading. It would be suited for fantasy romance fans, but for me, it fell a little flat.
At first Ruby is terrified of the huge male crash-landing on her bed. But even as his black as night wings unfurl and she takes in the enormity of his presence…and muscles…she knows both that he is nothing like anything she has ever encountered before…and also that he would never hurt her. Nightshade reveals that he is a fairy, one with bloodlust and the vampire bite. And he would very much like to bite Ruby.
Nightshade has never felt the strong pulls of sexual need, yet Ruby and her curves is stirring up the lust inside him. To Nightshade, mating is merely the means to making a child. To Ruby, it is something she can never have. But she’s more than willing to introduce Nightshade to the pleasures of recreational sex.
As Ruby is drawn into Nightshade’s world, it becomes clear there is more to her than meets the eye. She is more a part of his world than she could ever have imagined…and her dormant power could change her life forever.
As much as I wanted, I just couldn’t get into Ruby’s story. The promise was there, but it wasn’t a story I could sink into. Her romance with Nightshade, whilst often full of heavy pangs and loaded glances, then flat out hotness, it just wasn’t believable, and often felt selfish. Secondary characters and plots tripped the story up and made it feel stilted.
I found my attention wandering whilst reading, which says a lot about what I’m reading. It would be suited for fantasy romance fans, but for me, it fell a little flat.
December 6, 2011
Review At: I Read, I Think, I Share
Review Date: 7 Dec 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ruby-kiss-by-helen-scott-taylor.html
Summary:
This is actually book 4 of The Magic Knot series. I actually have never read other books in the same series, but I don't really have much problem picking up this book. It is mostly about Nightshade and Ruby. How they met, and then how their relationship developed from then. There are lots of actions and adventure on this story. At times, I feel a little frustrated with Ruby. She is a goddess, she has power and yet she could not use her power. Each time she has to rely on others to protect her, to help her. And so coincidence, both Nightshade and Ruby have very selfish father, who only care about themselves and not the children. I like Troy and Devin though. Nightshade is so lucky to have them as his friend. As they are willing to do anything to help Nightshade and Ruby, even if require them to sacrifice themselves. The ending is good. If you like fantasy and paranormal, you may like this book.
I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review Date: 7 Dec 2011
Review URL: http://littlemermybooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ruby-kiss-by-helen-scott-taylor.html
Summary:
This is actually book 4 of The Magic Knot series. I actually have never read other books in the same series, but I don't really have much problem picking up this book. It is mostly about Nightshade and Ruby. How they met, and then how their relationship developed from then. There are lots of actions and adventure on this story. At times, I feel a little frustrated with Ruby. She is a goddess, she has power and yet she could not use her power. Each time she has to rely on others to protect her, to help her. And so coincidence, both Nightshade and Ruby have very selfish father, who only care about themselves and not the children. I like Troy and Devin though. Nightshade is so lucky to have them as his friend. As they are willing to do anything to help Nightshade and Ruby, even if require them to sacrifice themselves. The ending is good. If you like fantasy and paranormal, you may like this book.
I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 18, 2013
In a world where magic exists, Ruby is a self-reliant individual with an interesting affliction. Though her father left when she was young, and no amount of searching has led either her or her mother to him, she has grown to be a strong and independent woman. Finally out of the clutches of her overly bossy mother, Ruby has absolutely no intention of belonging to anyone else ever again. Not to mention that her affliction keeps her from getting to close to anyone anyway.
When a mysterious nightstalker, called Nightshade, lands at her home, Ruby finds that the world is indeed full of mysteries that she must solve. She still needs to find her father and find a way to cure her curious affliction. As some of the questions of who she really is become answered, Ruby finds herself the center of attention in a world she's never been involved in. Everyone wants to mate her and supposedly she's to become some sort of queen. Does she really want to give up any of her independence though? Can she come to terms with not only her past but who she is?
I loved this book! The characters are wildly entertaining and the world-building engrossing and entertaining. I found myself invested in their world and lives. The writing is wonderful and at times, poetic and beautiful. A sparkling gem to add to any shelf!
When a mysterious nightstalker, called Nightshade, lands at her home, Ruby finds that the world is indeed full of mysteries that she must solve. She still needs to find her father and find a way to cure her curious affliction. As some of the questions of who she really is become answered, Ruby finds herself the center of attention in a world she's never been involved in. Everyone wants to mate her and supposedly she's to become some sort of queen. Does she really want to give up any of her independence though? Can she come to terms with not only her past but who she is?
I loved this book! The characters are wildly entertaining and the world-building engrossing and entertaining. I found myself invested in their world and lives. The writing is wonderful and at times, poetic and beautiful. A sparkling gem to add to any shelf!
January 10, 2012
THE RUBY'S KISS by Helen Scott Taylor is a wonderful paranormal/fantasy romance set in the world of Cornwall. "Ruby's Kiss" is the third book in the "Magic Knot" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See, "The Magic Knot",and "The Phoenix Charm". "Ruby's Kiss", is the story of Nightshade,a winged vampire and Ruby RcDonald,has magic she inherited from her father. It has celtic mythology,fantasy,romance, faeries,winged vampires,Norse mythology,shifters,dragons,elemental hunters, Demigods,demons,leprechauns,and piskis. "Ruby's Kiss" is an amazing world of magic with strong characters like Ruby and Nightshade with mystery,secrets,love,romance, a touch of sensuality,longing, finding yourself,having the power,and strength within to follow though with your destiny.A must read. "Ruby's Kiss" is my first paranormal romance from this author but will not be my last. A must read for any paranormal,fantasy,vampire,other world,mythology,magic readers who enjoy a mix of all the other world has to offer.Received for an honest review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at Dorchester Publishing and My Book Addiction Reviews.
RATING: 4.5
RATING: 4.5
November 22, 2011
Interesting! I haven't read a romance novel in a while and that's exactly what this book is, with a major fantasy element to it. I liked it for what it was, a quick, guilty pleasure read. I read it in about 5 hour. The story starts a little quickly, answering some questions a before they can even be asked. I like when the the discovery is a little more subtle. The writing was descriptive and clear, but lacked any energy. Even the fights didn't cause feelings of anticipation or anxiety. The intimate moments were clear and palpable, but may have been too many for such a small book. I also felt like there were several ending to the book. Every time there was an obstacle, it seemed easily conquered then there was another, conveniently put into place. A little too formulaic.
I know it sounds like I didn't like it, but that not the case. Basically if you read a lot of thriller, fantasy, ya but still enjoy a romance novel, then this is a good palate cleanser. You will read it quickly and enjoy and be ready for the next masterpiece to read.
I know it sounds like I didn't like it, but that not the case. Basically if you read a lot of thriller, fantasy, ya but still enjoy a romance novel, then this is a good palate cleanser. You will read it quickly and enjoy and be ready for the next masterpiece to read.
October 26, 2011
First off, I didn't realize this as part of a series. So, that being said it just jumped right into the story with very little back story. It wasn't too hard to figure it all out and there were only a couple times I was left scratching my head (what the heck is a pisky?). It seems like a really cool world to read about, but I guess I'm going to have to read the first two books to understand it a little better.
I'm not sure how I feel about the two MCs. Nightshade at times seemed a little child-like then other times he was quite the alpha male. He did have some interesting friends and family though. Ruby was a little annoying. She never really put up a fight about being kidnapped and forced into certain situations. She just went with the flow, said a few smart remarks and that was it. The bonding really threw me since it's suppose to be sacred, but Ruby was bonding with everybody. I guess it all worked out in the end so that's okay.
I'm not sure how I feel about the two MCs. Nightshade at times seemed a little child-like then other times he was quite the alpha male. He did have some interesting friends and family though. Ruby was a little annoying. She never really put up a fight about being kidnapped and forced into certain situations. She just went with the flow, said a few smart remarks and that was it. The bonding really threw me since it's suppose to be sacred, but Ruby was bonding with everybody. I guess it all worked out in the end so that's okay.
Read
October 24, 2011I'm not giving an official rating for this book because I only read one chapter. Actually, I could only STAND to read one chapter. And that one chapter was just so incredibly corny that there was no way I could even make it beyond that. Even with the promise of steamy paranormal romance - I still couldn't make it beyond the one chapter.
So, one unofficial star from me.
And another "shame on you" to netgalley for not mentioning that this is book 3 in a series. It might have made a difference if I'd tried starting with book 1 in the series. But then again, if it's anything like book 3, I probably would not have been able to get into it either.
So, one unofficial star from me.
And another "shame on you" to netgalley for not mentioning that this is book 3 in a series. It might have made a difference if I'd tried starting with book 1 in the series. But then again, if it's anything like book 3, I probably would not have been able to get into it either.
June 21, 2019
"4 out of 5 stars! For being the first in this series for me to read, I'll admit to now being hooked!! This novel has so many twists that..."
Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2011/10/feasted-on-magic-knot-series-book-3.html
Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2011/10/feasted-on-magic-knot-series-book-3.html
May 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The emotion that Nightshade has when he discovers he has a brother had me choked up you can feel his love jumping right off the pages. This is a great series and I was so happy to see Nightshade gets his own story and his own family. He has been mis- mis understood for so many years that's even though it was a very rough ride for him and Ruby it was nice to see him happy
April 28, 2015
Love conquers all
By far the best in the series. Ruby and Nightshade are my favorite couple yet. So glad she brought the characters from her previous books back for cameos in the final book. Wonderful ending but with promises from their enemy that he isn't done, I hope this means Ms. Taylor has more for us as well. Though not quite as explicit as the previous books, I still recommend this for adults only due to sexual content.
By far the best in the series. Ruby and Nightshade are my favorite couple yet. So glad she brought the characters from her previous books back for cameos in the final book. Wonderful ending but with promises from their enemy that he isn't done, I hope this means Ms. Taylor has more for us as well. Though not quite as explicit as the previous books, I still recommend this for adults only due to sexual content.
November 3, 2011
Cute paranormal romance, but I did find the pace a bit sluggish and slow which bogged down the pace of the book at times. I also found some of the decisions that the characters made, were frustrating and didn't make sense to the plot but overall, it was a fun romance.
January 28, 2014
The ruby kiss
a great ending to a wonderful trilogy full of magic, charm and suspense it is a great book. I strongly recommend each and every story. a must for your paranormal book library. can't wait to read more of Ms Taylor's stories.
a great ending to a wonderful trilogy full of magic, charm and suspense it is a great book. I strongly recommend each and every story. a must for your paranormal book library. can't wait to read more of Ms Taylor's stories.
November 18, 2011
I'm torn over this rating. I'll have to think on it a bit.
February 3, 2015
Unexpected meaning to Ruby Kiss
Excitement in every chapter. Intrigue with all the characters. I would recommend this book to a mature person who loves adventures in fantasy.
Excitement in every chapter. Intrigue with all the characters. I would recommend this book to a mature person who loves adventures in fantasy.
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