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The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux
From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London – via 1950's New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam – Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a life: parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she's distilled everything into her work. Or has she?
Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.
Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?
Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.
Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
92 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 22, 2023
Ruby Devereaux is ninety, her publisher Grantham & Harris wants her to write one last book and Ruby isn't the type of person to walk slowly away from a challenge. Ruby employees an assistant, the person needs to be able to type, make a decent cup tea, cook and most of all have an open mind and not be easily shocked. Ruby last literary endeavour will be a biography, about herself and she's going to go out with a big bang.
Ruby had a dull childhood, her father was always working and her mum didn’t really like being a mother and burnt everything she cooked. Ruby was sent to the country during the Second World War, here Ruby feels free, and she dreams about her future and has her first crush.
Ruby grows up and starts working at a literary agency in Bloomsbury, her boss mistakenly reads her scribbled manuscript, publishes it and she's officially an author. Ruby travels to New York, Venice, Vietnam, Berlin during the Cold War, back to London and twelve people play an important part in Ruby's life and are a major influence.
Ruby uses what happens in her existence and conversations with people as inspiration for her books, like all authors she suffers from writers block, she’s always searching for something and has no idea what it is. Ruby D. likes to have a good time, attend parties, drink too much, fall in love and sometimes it works out and others times it ends in disaster and it wasn’t always Ruby’s fault.
I received a digital copy of The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux by Mandy Robotham from Aria & Aries and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is brilliant, so different to other novels I have read by Ms. Robotham, it made me laugh and Ruby is a unique character, cry, I rode all of Ruby’s highs pardon the pun, her lows and everything in between.
A narrative about friendship, love, messy break ups, heart break, scandal, adventure, war and loss. Five stars from me, I'm sure Ruby rocked her Mary Quant miniskirt, she had great taste in music as well, and when I think of Ruby, one quote comes to mind "it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all".
Ruby had a dull childhood, her father was always working and her mum didn’t really like being a mother and burnt everything she cooked. Ruby was sent to the country during the Second World War, here Ruby feels free, and she dreams about her future and has her first crush.
Ruby grows up and starts working at a literary agency in Bloomsbury, her boss mistakenly reads her scribbled manuscript, publishes it and she's officially an author. Ruby travels to New York, Venice, Vietnam, Berlin during the Cold War, back to London and twelve people play an important part in Ruby's life and are a major influence.
Ruby uses what happens in her existence and conversations with people as inspiration for her books, like all authors she suffers from writers block, she’s always searching for something and has no idea what it is. Ruby D. likes to have a good time, attend parties, drink too much, fall in love and sometimes it works out and others times it ends in disaster and it wasn’t always Ruby’s fault.
I received a digital copy of The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux by Mandy Robotham from Aria & Aries and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is brilliant, so different to other novels I have read by Ms. Robotham, it made me laugh and Ruby is a unique character, cry, I rode all of Ruby’s highs pardon the pun, her lows and everything in between.
A narrative about friendship, love, messy break ups, heart break, scandal, adventure, war and loss. Five stars from me, I'm sure Ruby rocked her Mary Quant miniskirt, she had great taste in music as well, and when I think of Ruby, one quote comes to mind "it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all".
February 12, 2024
Her publishing house wants to squeeze one more book out of 90 year old author Ruby Devereaux. She has led a colorful life and her memoir might be just the thing. A Boy Friday is hired to assist her in recording her memories and also in providing her tea and refreshments. She has traveled the world and had adventures few women of her time have experienced and chooses to recount her history by focusing on her interaction with twelve men in her life. Thus we learn of her history from the days of World War II through the present.
I have read and enjoyed a number of Mandy Robotham’s historical fiction books, particularly those set during the World War II and Cold War eras. This book is quite different and yet it is a chronicle of the times spanning the days from the 1940s onward. While alternating chapters between a book within a book style and interactions with Ruby’s present publisher and staff, Robotham captures well the culture of the various time frames…including the post war peace, the machinations of the Cold War, the haze of the 60s, the hell of Vietnam…while also revealing the personal loves and pains of Ruby’s experiences, as well as a bit of the writing process
Ruby is an indomitable character, and I enjoyed this romp through life with her. I also loved the different international settings, from London to New York, Venice, Budapest, Vietnam.
Thanks to @netgalley and @ariafiction for the DRC.
I have read and enjoyed a number of Mandy Robotham’s historical fiction books, particularly those set during the World War II and Cold War eras. This book is quite different and yet it is a chronicle of the times spanning the days from the 1940s onward. While alternating chapters between a book within a book style and interactions with Ruby’s present publisher and staff, Robotham captures well the culture of the various time frames…including the post war peace, the machinations of the Cold War, the haze of the 60s, the hell of Vietnam…while also revealing the personal loves and pains of Ruby’s experiences, as well as a bit of the writing process
Ruby is an indomitable character, and I enjoyed this romp through life with her. I also loved the different international settings, from London to New York, Venice, Budapest, Vietnam.
Thanks to @netgalley and @ariafiction for the DRC.
April 26, 2024
Mandy Robotham is a new author for me. I picked this book up because the description grabbed me and I was excited to read it.
Description:
Everyone knows Ruby Devereaux's books. But no one knows her story… until now.
From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London – via 1950's New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam – Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she's distilled everything into her work. Or has she?
Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby.M Devereux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.
Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?
Taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the latter half of the 20th Century, The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux is a mesmerising story of one unforgettable woman's place in an ever-changing world.
My Thoughts:
This book is about an aging author writing her autobiogrphy. It's not told like any autobiography I've ever read. Instead of talking about her life in general, it is told in a series of memories about the men in Ruby Devereaux's life - one chapter for each man. Ruby led a varied and exciting life and these chapters were filled with love and experiences with each of her relationships. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. Ruby is portrayed as a somewhat grumpy and cantankerous author which just adds flavor to tbe book. She also hired only men to help her with typing up her book. I think anyone who enjoys reading about quirky characters would enjoy the book.
Thanks to Aria & Aries through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Everyone knows Ruby Devereaux's books. But no one knows her story… until now.
From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London – via 1950's New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam – Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she's distilled everything into her work. Or has she?
Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book – “warts and all”, as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby.M Devereux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.
Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?
Taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the latter half of the 20th Century, The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux is a mesmerising story of one unforgettable woman's place in an ever-changing world.
My Thoughts:
This book is about an aging author writing her autobiogrphy. It's not told like any autobiography I've ever read. Instead of talking about her life in general, it is told in a series of memories about the men in Ruby Devereaux's life - one chapter for each man. Ruby led a varied and exciting life and these chapters were filled with love and experiences with each of her relationships. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. Ruby is portrayed as a somewhat grumpy and cantankerous author which just adds flavor to tbe book. She also hired only men to help her with typing up her book. I think anyone who enjoys reading about quirky characters would enjoy the book.
Thanks to Aria & Aries through Netgalley for an advance copy.
February 23, 2024
Excellent premise but the book itself is very disappointing. There is so little character development that it is impossible to really care about Ruby or anyone else in the book.
October 30, 2024
I wanted a book similar to „The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo“ and that’s what I got. Doesn‘t compare to the original though. Didn‘t feel a connection to Ruby or her liaisons and was frankly appalled by the unnecessary body shaming.
November 11, 2024
Ruby is a 90 year old author who has just 1 more title to write and publish to meet her publishing contract
You can’t help but love Ruby,she is in a word a ‘character’and so she decides to make her last ever book about her life……..a truth bombshell about her times in many Countries,the men she met and the books therein she wrote….and she certainly has many a tale to tell…..but will she tell them all and will she give the full unadulterated truth
As she always has done Ruby does it her way,her rules and her stories the way she wants to tell them
I liked her and was often laughing at what she had got up to and the situations she found herself in
A really interesting book,unusual and quirky and a great premise that the author took on fully and created a gem of a read,you wont forget Ruby and her life……
You can’t help but love Ruby,she is in a word a ‘character’and so she decides to make her last ever book about her life……..a truth bombshell about her times in many Countries,the men she met and the books therein she wrote….and she certainly has many a tale to tell…..but will she tell them all and will she give the full unadulterated truth
As she always has done Ruby does it her way,her rules and her stories the way she wants to tell them
I liked her and was often laughing at what she had got up to and the situations she found herself in
A really interesting book,unusual and quirky and a great premise that the author took on fully and created a gem of a read,you wont forget Ruby and her life……
April 23, 2024
Beautifully written, this poignant tale follows the life of Ruby Devereaux, a 90 year old best selling author, under pressure to meet her contractual obligations by supplying one last manuscript to her publisher. We are taken on a journey of the loves of her life, laughter, fear, and sadness of her different exploits with lovers in exotic places like Venice and Vietnam. She is assisted by a young man, Jude, in producing this final script for her agent, Marina.
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole, and was in awe of the author's penmanship that painted Ruby as larger than life. Definitely not for everyone, this will appeal to the more discerning reader with a respect and fondness for talented writing. I'm sorry the author didn't show up, as this story touched me profoundly. The last stave in particular tied things up in unexpected ways. A full 5 stars.
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole, and was in awe of the author's penmanship that painted Ruby as larger than life. Definitely not for everyone, this will appeal to the more discerning reader with a respect and fondness for talented writing. I'm sorry the author didn't show up, as this story touched me profoundly. The last stave in particular tied things up in unexpected ways. A full 5 stars.
May 5, 2024
I thought I was going to enjoy this book but unfortunately it fell flat. It was all just surface level with no depth to the characters so I didn’t care about any of them 🤷🏼♀️ also, it was way to long, should maybe have culled a few of the men
Overall, very disappointing, borrow it, don’t buy it.
Overall, very disappointing, borrow it, don’t buy it.
October 28, 2023
When 90-year old Ruby Devereaux is told by her publisher she must write one more book to fulfill her contract obligation or potentially face the legal consequences, Ruby sets out to tell the long-awaited memoir of her mostly illustrious, sometimes sketchy, always entertaining life. As her arthritic fingers are beyond their capacity to type such a long manuscript, Jude, a young student, is hired for the job. As Jude and Ruby begin to form an unlikely, if not unusual bond, Ruby pours out the story of the twelve men who have shaped her life. From the cousin she shouldn’t have known ‘in that way,’ to the loss of the love her life, to the spy, and her son, Ruby divulges all while secretly hoping to save her young scribe from himself. When the last chapter is all that is left, Ruby is dumbstruck by her publisher’s revelation that no one (including this reader) saw coming.
This book is one of those I feel I need to break my comments into two parts: The book and the writing.
The book is good, beyond good, very good, better than most good. Ruby is a hoot. She’s fresh, feisty, independent, witty, carefree (read doesn’t give a *bleep* about what anyone things), and is looked at as much more of a writer than she gives herself credit for. As for it being scandalous, the only thing truly scandalous is that some may think her 12 men are nearly a dozen too many. I for one, thought it refreshing to see someone write about a woman’s escapades rather than keeping the female boxed into a moral one or two lovers.
As for the writing - have your dictionary or your Google close at hand while reading this one. I absolutely LOVE that Mandy Robotham did not dumb down her prose for the reader. I guaranty, there will be more than one word or turn of phrase you will learn from this one; why don’t more authors write this way? The flow of the sentences, the clever descriptions, again, the broad usage of language took what may otherwise have been a more average book to another level. Well done, Mandy Robotham. I will look for more of your work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Aria & Aries for this advanced reader copy. All views are my own and unpaid.
This book is one of those I feel I need to break my comments into two parts: The book and the writing.
The book is good, beyond good, very good, better than most good. Ruby is a hoot. She’s fresh, feisty, independent, witty, carefree (read doesn’t give a *bleep* about what anyone things), and is looked at as much more of a writer than she gives herself credit for. As for it being scandalous, the only thing truly scandalous is that some may think her 12 men are nearly a dozen too many. I for one, thought it refreshing to see someone write about a woman’s escapades rather than keeping the female boxed into a moral one or two lovers.
As for the writing - have your dictionary or your Google close at hand while reading this one. I absolutely LOVE that Mandy Robotham did not dumb down her prose for the reader. I guaranty, there will be more than one word or turn of phrase you will learn from this one; why don’t more authors write this way? The flow of the sentences, the clever descriptions, again, the broad usage of language took what may otherwise have been a more average book to another level. Well done, Mandy Robotham. I will look for more of your work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Aria & Aries for this advanced reader copy. All views are my own and unpaid.
August 1, 2024
This book is fine and utterly forgettable. It is what you might think of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo if you’d only heard the title. There are parts that are charming and heartbreaking, but ultimately there is no reason to care about Ruby Devereaux and her exploits.
December 6, 2023
This book. I read it over the course of a day when I absolutely didnt mean to. No regrets.
A compelling, globetrotting novel about love at its best and its worst. Spanning almost a century, we learn of the escapades and all the loves of 90-year-old author Ruby Devereaux.
If you’re a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this one is for you.
A compelling, globetrotting novel about love at its best and its worst. Spanning almost a century, we learn of the escapades and all the loves of 90-year-old author Ruby Devereaux.
If you’re a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this one is for you.
September 13, 2024
Trying her hand at a slightly different genre mixed with her trademark historical fiction author Mandy Robotham going by MJ Robotham pens a story about a writer who is asks to write her life story.
The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux is a middling read with a few interesting moments.
A successful lady’s story.
Twelve relationships.
One scandalous life.
Ruby Devereaux has lived an extraordinary life and career.
A successful lifestyle that has inspired her work.
Men, adventure, family, bonds, love and romance.
Now as her publisher demands one last book, a memoir is on the cards.
Has Ruby any secrets left to tell, only time will tell……..
For me, this starts off strong, sags a little in the middle and finishes off satisfactory.
I found it was a little unnecessarily complex and there was too many tales of the men in her life.
I was very keen to read this book as it gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes but for my reading brain it under performed.
Hopefully it gives the next reader more of a buzz.
The Scandalous Life Of Ruby Devereaux is a middling read with a few interesting moments.
A successful lady’s story.
Twelve relationships.
One scandalous life.
Ruby Devereaux has lived an extraordinary life and career.
A successful lifestyle that has inspired her work.
Men, adventure, family, bonds, love and romance.
Now as her publisher demands one last book, a memoir is on the cards.
Has Ruby any secrets left to tell, only time will tell……..
For me, this starts off strong, sags a little in the middle and finishes off satisfactory.
I found it was a little unnecessarily complex and there was too many tales of the men in her life.
I was very keen to read this book as it gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes but for my reading brain it under performed.
Hopefully it gives the next reader more of a buzz.
February 21, 2025
People 👏🏻 are 👏🏻 sleeping 👏🏻 on 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 book. The depth to Miss Ruby D is just insane and I am convinced she is a real person. This book is now a personality trait and that is alls I need to say x
May 16, 2025
An easy read, yet a story about love, loss, adventure, and grief- A woman’s life, as exciting and mundane as it usually is. I was pleasantly surprised, although a bit disappointed by the last few chapters - I had hoped Ruby’s Life would end on a high. But alas, that’s life..
August 30, 2025
Ich hatte auf etwas wie "Die Sieben Ehemänner der Evelyn Hugo" gehofft.
Leider kam es aber nicht ganz daran heran.
Leider kam es aber nicht ganz daran heran.
April 30, 2024
This was a book I breezed through in a day because the life of Ruby, the now 90 year old author protagonist, was just so fascinating and the stories of her long life really interesting.
Ruby has led a long and colourful life with many successful books to her credit. When her publisher puts pressure on her agent to get her to write just one more book, Ruby agrees to pen down her memoir. In keeping with her unique spirit, she decides to tell the story of her life through the lens of 12 men who played important roles in it, these being her first lover, her father, her assistant and other men who she thinks shaped her life.
And so Ruby, with the help of an assistant to type, takes us on an incredible journey spanning from London just after WW2 to New York in the 1950s to Venice, Vietnam and even Cold war Berlin in the 1970s. Throughout we see her grow from a bored teenager with a secret dream of being a writer to a successful woman who realises that very dream. She's sassy, independent and unapologetic and retains her spark for life always.
She's refreshingly free spirited especially for the age she grew up in and her choices reflect that. Ruby shares her thoughts on being a professional woman when it wasn't that common, her ideas of love, companionship, motherhood and of course men. Though she seems to have led a life full of adventure, there are also the many moments of sadness and vulnerability.
Despite a story featuring Ruby's interactions with so many men, she is the most important character in her own life and that comes out very well in the book. Also, she has such varied relationships with each of them and the way the history of the time has been woven into each one is wonderful.
This will definitely draw comparisons with Evelyn Hugo and I have to say that I liked Ruby much more than I did Evelyn!
There is a lot happening in the story all the time and so there is never a dull moment for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the book which I read via the Pigeonhole app.
Ruby has led a long and colourful life with many successful books to her credit. When her publisher puts pressure on her agent to get her to write just one more book, Ruby agrees to pen down her memoir. In keeping with her unique spirit, she decides to tell the story of her life through the lens of 12 men who played important roles in it, these being her first lover, her father, her assistant and other men who she thinks shaped her life.
And so Ruby, with the help of an assistant to type, takes us on an incredible journey spanning from London just after WW2 to New York in the 1950s to Venice, Vietnam and even Cold war Berlin in the 1970s. Throughout we see her grow from a bored teenager with a secret dream of being a writer to a successful woman who realises that very dream. She's sassy, independent and unapologetic and retains her spark for life always.
She's refreshingly free spirited especially for the age she grew up in and her choices reflect that. Ruby shares her thoughts on being a professional woman when it wasn't that common, her ideas of love, companionship, motherhood and of course men. Though she seems to have led a life full of adventure, there are also the many moments of sadness and vulnerability.
Despite a story featuring Ruby's interactions with so many men, she is the most important character in her own life and that comes out very well in the book. Also, she has such varied relationships with each of them and the way the history of the time has been woven into each one is wonderful.
This will definitely draw comparisons with Evelyn Hugo and I have to say that I liked Ruby much more than I did Evelyn!
There is a lot happening in the story all the time and so there is never a dull moment for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the book which I read via the Pigeonhole app.
July 6, 2024
I really wanted to love this one but it just didn’t hit for me. Maybe because the obvious comparison is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and this just didn’t compare. I don’t like writing bad reviews but… I felt no connection to one single character and the twist at the end was boring. I know I am in the minority with my opinion so maybe it’s just me lol
February 22, 2025
everything about this lacked depth so i couldn’t get on board with any of the characters. it was basically a fictional autobiography, with even the more “interesting” parts of her life feeling SO mundane and the small plot twists didn’t resonate at all
also i’ve never fallen asleep so much reading a book !!
also i’ve never fallen asleep so much reading a book !!
June 14, 2025
the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but then with 12 men and no character development
November 10, 2024
Ruby Devereaux is a firecracker of a woman in her 90s, she has lived the kind of life most of us can only dream about. She's climbed mountains, crossed oceans, broken hearts, and probably a few rules along the way. Now her publisher is knocking at her door, begging for one last literary hurrah – and trust me, what she delivers is pure gold.
The premise? Ruby's looking back at the twelve men who shaped her incredible journey. But don't roll your eyes thinking this is just another dry memoir! Robotham has worked some serious magic here, turning what could have been a simple life story into something that reads like the most gripping novel you've ever picked up.
The story sweeps us through the chaos and courage of World War II, right up to the present day. We're talking romance, heartbreak, and enough plot twists to give you whiplash (in the best possible way). Ruby's adventures span continents and decades, but somehow, she makes you feel like you're sitting right beside her, sharing a cup of tea while she spills the most fascinating secrets of her life.
And oh boy, Ruby herself? She's the kind of character you wish you could pull right out of the pages and befriend in real life. Witty, rebellious, and unapologetically herself, she's got the kind of magnetic personality that makes every page turn itself. Her voice is so authentic and engaging that by the end, you'll feel like you've gained a wise, slightly mischievous grandmother who's seen it all and isn't afraid to tell you about it.
What really sets this book apart is how Robotham manages to build this rich, textured world that feels completely real. The historical details are woven in so naturally that you forget you're getting a history lesson along with your entertainment. Every setting comes alive with vivid detail that never feels forced or overwhelming.
If you were captivated by "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," then buckle up, because “The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux” hits all those same sweet spots – the glamour, the secrets, the complex relationships – but with its own unique flavour.
This isn't just a story about twelve men – it's about one extraordinary woman who refused to let anyone else write her story for her. It's about love, yes, but also about adventure, courage, and living life on your own terms, no matter what decade you're in.
The premise? Ruby's looking back at the twelve men who shaped her incredible journey. But don't roll your eyes thinking this is just another dry memoir! Robotham has worked some serious magic here, turning what could have been a simple life story into something that reads like the most gripping novel you've ever picked up.
The story sweeps us through the chaos and courage of World War II, right up to the present day. We're talking romance, heartbreak, and enough plot twists to give you whiplash (in the best possible way). Ruby's adventures span continents and decades, but somehow, she makes you feel like you're sitting right beside her, sharing a cup of tea while she spills the most fascinating secrets of her life.
And oh boy, Ruby herself? She's the kind of character you wish you could pull right out of the pages and befriend in real life. Witty, rebellious, and unapologetically herself, she's got the kind of magnetic personality that makes every page turn itself. Her voice is so authentic and engaging that by the end, you'll feel like you've gained a wise, slightly mischievous grandmother who's seen it all and isn't afraid to tell you about it.
What really sets this book apart is how Robotham manages to build this rich, textured world that feels completely real. The historical details are woven in so naturally that you forget you're getting a history lesson along with your entertainment. Every setting comes alive with vivid detail that never feels forced or overwhelming.
If you were captivated by "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," then buckle up, because “The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux” hits all those same sweet spots – the glamour, the secrets, the complex relationships – but with its own unique flavour.
This isn't just a story about twelve men – it's about one extraordinary woman who refused to let anyone else write her story for her. It's about love, yes, but also about adventure, courage, and living life on your own terms, no matter what decade you're in.
February 2, 2025
3 ⭐️
“They may read like fantasy, but Ruby D lived every second of every minute.”
I saw this book and instantly thought of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. That book was one of my favourites of 2022 and I desperately wanted something that made me feel the same way as that five star book did.
This book follows Ruby, an author who has been commissioned to write a tell-all memoir about her life: scandals, relationships, sex and all. The story shows us her life through twelve different relationships she had with men throughout her life and we watch her go from being a teenager to ninety years old when she is writing this memoir.
I will say I was enjoying this book. I did like a lot of it and did read it quickly considering I’m coming out the end of a reading slump. It’s not bad, but there are aspects of this that seem too similar to TSHOEH. I was writing notes while I was reading it and felt it just had plot points that made it feel the same as that book. I don’t know if it was too close, but I think this author would likely have gotten inspiration from that book as it was released quite a few years before this one.
I did like how there was different types of relationships that she explored, rather than just romantic relationships. I don’t know how much I can get connected to these characters besides her when I have 40 pages max with them, but I did like the way this was done. And I did like Ruby and felt more understanding for her by the end.
While I did like this, it wasn’t my favourite. Not bad, not the best, but fairly middle of the road for me. I’m glad that I got out of my usual comfort zone with books for this one though with the genre switch up, and best believe I will be reading another Lit-fic soon because this has gotten me more in the mood for that.
“They may read like fantasy, but Ruby D lived every second of every minute.”
I saw this book and instantly thought of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. That book was one of my favourites of 2022 and I desperately wanted something that made me feel the same way as that five star book did.
This book follows Ruby, an author who has been commissioned to write a tell-all memoir about her life: scandals, relationships, sex and all. The story shows us her life through twelve different relationships she had with men throughout her life and we watch her go from being a teenager to ninety years old when she is writing this memoir.
I will say I was enjoying this book. I did like a lot of it and did read it quickly considering I’m coming out the end of a reading slump. It’s not bad, but there are aspects of this that seem too similar to TSHOEH. I was writing notes while I was reading it and felt it just had plot points that made it feel the same as that book. I don’t know if it was too close, but I think this author would likely have gotten inspiration from that book as it was released quite a few years before this one.
I did like how there was different types of relationships that she explored, rather than just romantic relationships. I don’t know how much I can get connected to these characters besides her when I have 40 pages max with them, but I did like the way this was done. And I did like Ruby and felt more understanding for her by the end.
While I did like this, it wasn’t my favourite. Not bad, not the best, but fairly middle of the road for me. I’m glad that I got out of my usual comfort zone with books for this one though with the genre switch up, and best believe I will be reading another Lit-fic soon because this has gotten me more in the mood for that.
January 6, 2025
Ruby is a celebrated and successful author who needs to put out another book. She is also 90 years old and has lived a long and interesting life.
Pressured by her publisher to write one final book to fulfill her contract she sits down to write a memoir. She splits her life into 12 men she loved and lost, how they influenced her life and her writing and what she learned about herself and life because of these experiences.
I was intrigued because it sounded similar to “The seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” - a book I could not put down and love in all it’s different aspects. At it was similar and also not. It is an inspiring story about love and loss and growth. It is also a story of strength. It is told with depth and lightness. I enjoyed following Ruby’s life.
Pressured by her publisher to write one final book to fulfill her contract she sits down to write a memoir. She splits her life into 12 men she loved and lost, how they influenced her life and her writing and what she learned about herself and life because of these experiences.
I was intrigued because it sounded similar to “The seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” - a book I could not put down and love in all it’s different aspects. At it was similar and also not. It is an inspiring story about love and loss and growth. It is also a story of strength. It is told with depth and lightness. I enjoyed following Ruby’s life.
April 26, 2024
This is a very enjoyable read, taking the reader on a journey through author Ruby’s life through the lens of the men she has loved. Ruby is 90 and her publisher wants one more book from her, so they employ a young man, Jude, to be her scribe and she recounts her fascinating life to him, one love at a time.
A tour of nearly a century of excitement and adventure, from the swinging 60’s to lido adventures in Ruby’s 70s, via some international espionage, Ruby has led a very interesting life indeed. Very sad in places, and with an ending which caught me off guard, this is a delight of a book.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
A tour of nearly a century of excitement and adventure, from the swinging 60’s to lido adventures in Ruby’s 70s, via some international espionage, Ruby has led a very interesting life indeed. Very sad in places, and with an ending which caught me off guard, this is a delight of a book.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
September 18, 2024
This was an entertaining read. The format is like a series of vignettes, or a novel in stories. The title and description suggest similarities to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but while Evelyn Hugo is about love, Ruby Deveraux is about living. We should all aim to have such colorful lives!
February 10, 2025
3.75 stars
This was quite nice! I really enjoyed how the story was told and I really liked the characters. Still, it was a bit hard to get through bc each men got one big “chapter”, I think it would’ve been nicer if the story got told in smaller sections. Also I think some parts of the story were rather odd and a bit weird🤨
But all in all this book was quite decent and interesting.
This was quite nice! I really enjoyed how the story was told and I really liked the characters. Still, it was a bit hard to get through bc each men got one big “chapter”, I think it would’ve been nicer if the story got told in smaller sections. Also I think some parts of the story were rather odd and a bit weird🤨
But all in all this book was quite decent and interesting.
July 9, 2024
Fell in love with Ruby as I watched her fall in & out of love with different men throughout her adulthood.
The premise of this story felt so fresh & unique. Friendship, breakups, scandal - all told with the wisdom Ruby learned throughout her life.
The premise of this story felt so fresh & unique. Friendship, breakups, scandal - all told with the wisdom Ruby learned throughout her life.
August 21, 2024
I genuinely had such a great time reading this Ryby made me laugh a lot. Being a reader I loved the book within a book and I enjoyed reading Ruby's story, framed in an unusual way as by the 12 main men in her life. Ruby felt so real she leaped of the page and demanded attention
July 30, 2024
Audiobook. Good narration. I could only wish to have lived such an exciting life!
March 6, 2025
It never quite came together for me. We never got to know any character well enough, even Ruby, and I never got invested in her. The book chapters mixed in with the present day timeline also just never really worked.
January 5, 2025
I enjoyed the book overall—it gave me strong The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes, which initially excited me. However, it ultimately felt like a watered-down version. Similar concept, but just not as well-executed.
The narrative was overly repetitive, with way too many relationships—at some point, I thought, how many more can there be? While it had some good moments and interesting elements, it lacked the “wow” factor to make it truly memorable.
The narrative was overly repetitive, with way too many relationships—at some point, I thought, how many more can there be? While it had some good moments and interesting elements, it lacked the “wow” factor to make it truly memorable.
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