I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Very Ruby Christmas by Lavinia Kent Series: Bound and Determined #4.5
Published by Loveswept on October 25th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 96
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: Especially for fans of the series, this novella wraps up Ruby and Derek’s story, gives some hot and spicy moments with beloved characters from the Bound and Determined series and also pushes the series forward into a new era.
THE STORY: This novella takes place before the epilogue of RAVISHING RUBY. In this book, Ruby (who is the owner of a brothel) is trying to organize her life to be able to leave London with Derek, the man she loves. The story takes place at Christmas time and is a bit of a last hurrah to Ruby’s reign as madam.
Ruby’s inability to sell her brothel is causing some problems for her and Derek. Into this difficult time, Ruby’s half sister arrives on her doorstep. Her sister in in desperate straits and Ruby feels that something else may come between her and Derek.
OPINION: I adore Ruby. I’ve followed her story through the entire Bound and Determined series (where she has been a matchmaker for the couples) and especially enjoyed the story of her and Derek. This novella adds some information to their story but doesn’t disturb their happy ending (which occurred in RAVISHING RUBY).
This novella add something significant to Ruby and Derek’s story. Ruby is a woman who has made her own way in the world. Although she loves Derek, she still has not surrendered to their happy ending. She continues to make contingencies after being disappointed by men in her past. She seeks to protect herself when reality insists that she take a chance and rely on the man she loves.
Ruby is such a complicated character. This novella shows many facets of her. She is a woman who has successfully run a brothel. She cares about the women who work for her. She manages difficult men. She is separated from her legitimate half-siblings, but desperately wants family connection.
This novella serves to wrap up Ruby’s story and launch a new story for Ruby’s brothel. Anyone who enjoyed the Bound and Determined series should read this novella. It’s like a Christmas present (if Christmas presents were sweet and hot and sexy and definitely spicy).
WORTH MENTIONING: A foresee a story about Madame Blanche in the future.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A VERY RUBY CHRISTMAS is book 4.5 in the Bound and Determined series. It can should be read after at least RAVISHING RUBY which tells the story of Ruby and her captain’s love story.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.