Ruby from Rawlins

by Nora Nolan

Get married or go to prison? Ruby Rankin is fuming. The judge has given her a go to Big Rock and find a husband within a month, or spend a year in the Wyoming Territorial Prison. All those times she's been caught, she was only stealing food for survival. She doesn't want to get married; she is barely eighteen! Jake Jernigan is a rancher. A handsome, hot, single, successful rancher who knows what he wants. And he wants Ruby. But someone else wants her too. Can Jake save her in time to make her his? Ruby from Rawlins is book three in the Operation Big Rock Brides series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Publisher's This historical romance contains a theme of light power exchange.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2021

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU HAVE TO EAT AN ELEPHANT ONE BITE AT A TIME

As a fan of Ms. Nora Nolan’s Big Rock Romance series, I was so excited to see this spinoff series and be back in Big Rock in the Wyoming Territory. The area is growing, but with the number of single men, the Ladies’ Aid Society of Big Rock has called a meeting to discuss what needs to happen. It is decided that several of the newer brides will send letters to their friends and see how many would be willing to become mail-order brides. But this story will take on a different twist; this time, Judge Wilson will contact Harriett Smithers and find out if she believes she can find a groom for one of his citizens.

Once again, Ruby Rankin will find herself before Judge Wilson, the charge of theft, even if what she stole was food because she was hungry. She will be given one of two choices, a sentence to the women’s prison in Laramie or to go to Big Rock and marry within one month.

"I’ll marry,” she said. “But I’m not happy about it.”

The story will have the bailiff and his wife, Mrs. Mitchell, traveling with her by stagecoach to Big Rock. Before they leave Rawlins, Mrs. Mitchell will help clean Ruby up and dress in her female clothing, and during the journey, they will have plenty to talk about.

“I can’t imagine being married. I’m still scared, you know. I keep thinking I’m not good enough. Who would want to marry me? I can’t do anything useful.”

The Big Rock Ladies’ Aid Society will agree and start making plans for a social with select single men in town and a few miners. Evie and Aaron Glover will allow her to stay with them, and the rest of the ladies will help provide food for the social. Evie will patiently start teaching Ruby about housekeeping, cooking, and mending to prepare her for her future.
“Several of the women of the Ladies’ Aid Society were eager to meet Ruby. They wanted to see this young woman who had been sentenced to marriage.”

The plot will have Harriett asking several eligible men, like Jake Jernigan, if they would be interested in a wife, if they had any issues with her petty crimes, and would they attend a social. Knowing that this is a get-to-know-you without commitment, Jake and several other men will agree, including Caine McKelvey and some of the single miners. But Jake will literally run into Ruby in town and is smitten with her immediately. At the social, he will come to her rescue and ask her to marry him.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Ruby is not a bad person; she was left to fend for herself, no one would hire her, and she was hungry, and Judge Wilson believes that marriage is just the thing to help her. Jake is so busy trying to run his ranch that he doesn’t have time to consider romance, but is willing to meet Ruby and see if they are a match. Then trouble comes, and Ruby is in danger days before the wedding. Will the men of town be able to find and rescue her before it is too late?

I loved the different twist on this story, and while Ruby is naïve in many things, thanks to not having a mother, raised by a father who didn’t do his best for her, she is like a flounder fish out of water. But with the right people, like Evie, she finds friendship and life lessons. With Jake, she has a man who proves he cares, and she respects his dominance and willingly submits to him. The story does have some mildly explicit sex scenes between a married couple and one punishment scene.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read that moved along at a good pace. Poor Ruby hadn’t had much of a home life and had been offered the choice of marriage or jail. There was a real sense of community in the new town she went to live. Ruby had so much to learn about keeping a home and about relationships. In one way she was worldly wise but in other ways she was very naive. Luckily, she had new friends to help her out. Unfortunately, when she found someone to marry, things did not run smoothly and Ruby had a few dangerous moments. I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of reading this book. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I loved it.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby’s story book three of the Operation Big Rock Brides Series the scene starts right out in the court room with Ruby being arrested and brought before the judge for stealing for the fourth time. The judge is aware of Ruby’s sad background, her mother died when Ruby was a small child she was raised by her father that really wasn’t worth a lick! Ruby is now 18 her dad has died and Ruby is left to fend for herself with no means and no knowledge of what to do or even how to do it. Now, standing in front of the judge for stealing food to survive. The judge has decided to let Ruby choose her sentencing she can either go to Big Rock and find a husband or she can go directly to prison! The choice is hers! With one stipulation. She has to be married in one months time from the day she arrives in Big Rock or she WILL go to prison. Ruby is only in town for a matter of a few days and local rancher Jake meets Ruby at the General Store and he proceeds to tell her that she will be marrying him no if’s ands or buts about it. A couple of days later at the local “get to know” her dance a rough and mean mine worker Caine McKelvey gets a little frisky with Ruby while on the dance floor with her in his arms and Jake steps in and rescues her which did not set well with Caine and he yells to Jake it usn’t over yet. The story is a fast paced cannot put down read with a large dose of drama, action, suspense, fear, kidnapping, shooting, self defense, laughter, romance and unbelievable chemistry. All in a knockdown drag out wild western scenario. Very good story. Good flow. Characters were believable. If this is a genre of your liking you would not be disappointed. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

👣👣ONE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE👣👣
Scorching skiddles scooby! Nora comes in like a wrecking ball knocking the block off this fantastical thrilling tilt-her-world, stuck between a rock and a hard place is an understatement with this tantalizing whirlwind, holding you prisoner from start to finish, propelling this tough little gem to new heights. Thrown into unfamiliar territory chocked full of ruthless tactics, hidden duplicity, enthralling drama, turbulent intrigue, terrifying abuction, climbing danger, increasing suspense and nailbiting situations escalate as the deadly twists and stunning turns unfold, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined, meshing this beauty sleek, smooth and thrilling. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity, exposing boundless emotions and infinite affection, drawing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Incredible job Nora, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.

[Donna Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the other books in this series, Ruby From Rawlins
was a joy to read.Big Rock is a wonderful town to live in
with It's caring citizens. Overall it was a less challenging
and a gentle read. The beauty lies within every subtle
moment of the story. It stole my heart. It has everything
you expect in a good romance.

Ruby Rankin was a lost soul, a wild child who was all alone
in the world with no one to guide or hold her accountable
for her actions. When she was brought before the town
judge once again, he offers her a unique solution. Ruby can
move to Rig Rock as mail order bride or go to prison.

The ladies of the Big Rock Ladies Society were more than
happy to help find a groom for Ruby. They have prospective
grooms lined up and arrange a get-together for Ruby to meet
the single eligible men..Fate steps in, and Ruby runs into Jake
Jernigan, who makes his intentions known and begs for the
first dance at the social. True love does not run smoothly when
Ruby’s life is put into danger from another prospective groom.

I enjoyed the inclusion of the characters from the previous books.
The tradition of the Pounding ceremony was very interesting.
Ruby progression from a wild child to a loving wife took time and
a firm hand. The unique gift from Harriet and Arthur was also put
to good use.Ruby’s transformation and submission under Jake
care was the jewel in this the story for me.

[Pico1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and reviewed the two previous books in this series and I liked all of them. The story lines are interesting, and so are the characters. In this story, Ruby is an 18 year old girl who has been orphaned, and left with nothing so she steals to get food. She is sent to Big Rock by the judge, with instructions to get married in a month or go to jail. The women in Big Rock are trying to find wives for the single men in town so they welcome her and she soon falls for Jake, a rancher. However, another man wants her and kidnaps her, creating all sorts of havoc. How she is saved, reunited and married with Jake, and then the beginnings of their life as a married couple make up the bulk of the story. I liked both characters’ honesty and willingness to adjust to one another, and also like some of the other characters from Big Rock who appeared in previous stories. Despite the reference to characters from previous stories, this book is a stand-alone and one does not have to have read the other stories. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book in this series, totally engrossing
Ruby’s in a very difficult situation and she has to make a major decision after the death of her father as a single woman she has no family, no means of support and so she decides to travel as a tomboy, taking food to eat when she was hungry and sleeping in barns.
When is caught helping herself to food and is then shown to be female and not a boy the judge gives her a decision either to become a bride or to go to jail? She decides to become a mail order bride and finds herself with Jake a ranch owner that wants a wife nut hasn’t the time to woo a female.
As it happens it soon becomes apparent that he is not the only male interested in Ruby there is also another man that is more than just a little interested and now it appears that Ruby may have more interest than she actually wants.
This has been a wonderful read and I am sure that you will thoroughly enjoy every moment of this book as well as myself.
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.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is eighteen, and on the fast track to trouble if she does not straighten up. The judge, frustrated, and not wanting her to go to prison, tells her she has thirty days to get married. Luckily, in Big Rock, Wyoming Territory, the Ladies' Aid Society has a mail order bride program. When the ladies put the word out that Ruby is coming to town, they make it clear that her arrests have been for stealing food, because she was hungry and had no means to support herself after her pa died. Several men are interested, but one in particular has his eye on her,
When he bumps into her, Jake tells Ruby he will be the one to marry her. After the town social, where she is introduced to many of the townsfolk, she agrees to marry him. When a jealous and unstable man decides that she will be his instead, she has to be quick on her feet, and keep a cool head.
Jake and their friends find her, and he and Ruby marry. They get their happily ever after, and Ruby has not only a loving husband, but her first friends.

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

[Edward Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby finds true love a happy marriage in place of prison.

This is the 3rd book in Nora Nolan’s “Operation Big Rock Brides” series and is another great story about the success of the Big Rock Ladies Aid Society with their mail order brides operation. As with the first two stories, this tale is well written with and entertaining and engaging plot, and characters that grab the reader’s interest. You can’t go wrong with this story.
Ruby Rankin, an homeless 18 year old with no family is given a choice by the judge in Rawlins. She is to either get married within a month or face prison for multiple petty thefts. With the aid of the Big Rock Ladies’ Aid Society, she finds her love, Jake Jerrigan, a handsome successful rancher. They schedule their wedding within a week and as she prepares she is kidnapped by an unhinged rival of Jake. With the aid her own cleverness, she is found, rescued and marries Jake. The story of their happy marriage continues with a surprising twist. I highly recommend this story and you won’t want to miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I read and enjoyed the first series of books set in Big Rock (Big Rock Romance) from this author, this is the first I've read from the Operation Big Rock Brides series. I had no problem reading it is a standalone with it's own HEA. There was a lovely inclusion of familiar characters along with the new. Ruby has had a hard start to life and a marriage is seen as a way to get her on the straight and narrow. Luckily, Jake is more than happy to step up. I really enjoyed these 2 characters. They were fun, their interactions were easy to read with the light-hearted flirting you would expect from a couple commencing a relationship. I liked that time was taken to explain that because of Ruby's upbringing, she was missing various talents and abilities that would normally be expected in a new bride, and the story took time to work that through. So I would have liked to read how Ruby was getting on with those things after her marriage. I was disappointed that it just seemed to fade from the story. There was also a lovely bit of drama thrown in with another character, just to make the road to happiness just a little bumpier.

[Ally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby’s in a hard place. Her father died, leaving the young woman with no means of support. No one in town will hire the tomboyish girl, so she sleeps in barns at night and steals food to survive. When she’s brought before the judge for theft yet again, he hands down a novel sentence – Ruby either heads to Big Rock as a mail order bride or she goes to prison.

Jake owns a ranch that takes everything he’s got to keep it going. He doesn’t have the time to court a woman, but when force-of-nature Harriet, of the Big Rock Ladies’ Aid Society, approaches him about considering Ruby as a bride, he’s intrigued. After he runs into Ruby (literally) in town, he’s more than intrigued – he’s committed. Unfortunately, another man, one not so honorable, wants her too.

Another wonderful entry in Nora Nolan’s Operation Big Rock Brides series, with romance, a touch of danger, characters who delight and a perfect HEA.

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her latest appearance in court for stealing, a kind-hearted judge in Rawlins decides not to send Ruby to prison. He has a different type of sentence in mind for her. The Ladies' Aid Society in Big Rock is going to help find a groom for her. Jake runs into her at the general story (literally), and knows immediately that she's going to be his bride. The first chapter gives us a good look at the tough life that Ruby has had, especially since her Pa's death. Once in Big Rock, she considers running a few times. But overall, she adapts well to her new life. She and Jake make the perfect couple, as he teaches her how to be a good wife. She's funny - not able to say the "bad" words he'd like to hear, instead making up her own version (fuckle, cockle, spankle). He's a good guy, too - so protective of her, loving and caring. But when she disappears... The town pulls together to find her. I loved watching her transformation from thief to happy wife, finding love and family along the way.

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

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. If you’re familiar with the previous books, it’s fun to once again meet up with characters from Big Rock who appeared in those stories.

Ruby is an 18-year-old young woman who has been left orphaned and completely penniless, unable to even afford food. She has been caught several times stealing to get food. The compassionate judge gives her the option of going to Big Rock.to get married fast as an alternative to going to jail, and he reaches out to the leader of a matchmaking group of women there

Enter the hero of the story, local rancher Jake. Ruby and Jake have great chemistry and make a very nice couple. But there’s a villain in the story too, and a lot of resulting chaos on the way to a good HEA. I thought the story was nicely paced, and well-written with enough descriptive details to bring it to life.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation Big Rock Brides is a wonderful series. Ruby has arrived because she has been left alone by the death of her father and, because she has never been taught to be a lady, she cannot find a job. so, she steals. She has been arrested several times, but this time, the judge decides that he will send her to Big Rock to find a groom, or she will go to jail. Ruby is both resentful and thankful. She doesn't want to be a burden, but she does want a chance. She is taken in hand by the wife of the bailiff and is dressed as a lady. They escort her to Big Rock and when she gets there she meets Jake, who wants her for his wife the first time he sees her. But, there is another who wants her. Is Jake able to keep her safe and marry her? Great book, although I had questions as I read the story. I definitely recommend the story and look forward to the next book.

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

[Scarlet Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is a wild 18 year old who has been surviving on her own since her father’s death. No home and left to steal food. Her hair is a tangled mess and her male clothing needs washing. The judge thinks what she needs is a husband, so he sends her to Big Rock or the Ladies Aid Society.

Mrs. Mitchell escorts her to Big Rock, but first helps her bathe, shampoo and wear new underwear and dresses. Ruby sees a beautiful woman in the mirror and becomes hopeful of finding a husband.

Ruby runs into Jake at the mercantile. It is love at first sight. Jake tells Ruby she will marry him and she agrees. But first there is the dance to meet the men looking for wives. One is aggressive, and Jake punches him to release Ruby.

Ruby is kidnap by that crazy man. But Jake finds her and they marry before going to Jake’s ranch.

There is a lot of humor in this novel as the young couple explore in sex. Plus Harriet and Arthur provide an education in sex toys and discipline plans.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby never had it easy when her father was alive but when he died things got worse. Having been left alone with nothing, she was caught several times stealing food just to survive and finally the judge gave her a choice, go to prison for one year or get married within one month. She agreed to marry and then she met Jake who claimed he intended to marry her. The story deals a lot with their getting to know each other and the relationship that develops along with an unexpected danger that threatens to separate them. I enjoyed the story as it is well written and entertaining with two strong main characters. It is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby From Rawlins by Nora Nolan is an intriguing,exciting,entertaining,steamy with a bit of action and supence..a romance story sir/mam Ruby and Jakeof two friends who felt apart because Ruby From Rawlins.Asend Jake and Ruby..Jake is a ranch owner,single and gorgeous..Ruby is a young woman,alone and she was caught for stealing because she was starvingbut instead of jail the judge told her to fined a man and marry him if not the, jaij is waiting.when she arrive at big rock she found friends and this goes smoothly not untill some intoxicated mam threat her and the night before her wedding she was being kidnap but rescued by her fiance the one she tought died and the people living in there small town

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

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
I am really loving this series all the tales have both the naughty and nice vibe. The story is really good, as a matter of fact, if certain parts were changed the author could also market this book and in fact the whole series to a more conservative audience. I read the spicy and the tame when it comes to western historical and Ms. Nolan’s tales would fit into both styles. I loved the characters in the book Ruby was awesome and Jack right from the start was great. I am happy to recommend this charmer in fact pick up the whole series! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Cathy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it sound odd but it is what Ruby is sentenced to. She goes to Big Rock and gets married or goes to jail. She is a tomboy her father raised her and then she is left on her own. She was stealing food because she was hungry and no one would hire her. So she goes to Big Rock and runs into Jake and Jake is smitten. There is the social where she meets other men but Jake proposes. There is some drama a little steam and a punishment. I really enjoyed this series and hope there is another spin off. Great story with wonderful characters, and a little drama. Great book.

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

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I am just not quite sure how I feel about this story. I think I have read most of the previous ones in this series but for some reason this story is not flying high with me. Perhaps it is too similar to earlier stories? This story is still written quite well and so are most of the characters. Overall a fine story so it gets fine three stars this time.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ms. Nolan's books. She writes and her readers get sucked in. Ruby has had a bad start in life and when her choice is prison or getting married, she's given 30 days to decide. Jake has seen Ruby and decides she is going to marry him but they will have to keep their heads about them as another unstable man is wanting to claim her as his! Will they get married? Will Ruby change her ways? Great story!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby from Rawlins is book three in the Operation Big Rock Brides series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Ruby Rankin and rancher Jake Jernigan's story there is spankings, kidnapping, a surprise, and a lot of love. I enjoyed reading, and want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eva Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was full of action and adventure. From the beginning we learn that Ruby has a choice go to jail for a year or marry a man in Big Rock. Easy enough choice right, although part of a series this is a standalone with a HEA

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

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the well developed and engaging characters throughout the pages. The storyline is well written and developed making it an entertaining read.

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

[L.A. Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read anything from this author but I wasn't disappointed. Great naughty read.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an entertaining read that had a great flow. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.