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Ruby
This is just not my freaking year! Curious? Pull up a chair and let’s talk.
First, I get a call from my baby sister and my whole world is turned upside-down. Now we are on the run from people we don’t have the funds to outwit. We were safe for a quick minute and then the world and everything we’ve ever known took a trip into the unbelievable. You think this is the worst of it? Nope! Apparently, the universe was bored and decided to create something far more interesting for its own amusement. It seems like my story isn’t over yet, even though that might have been easier for me to accept. Finding ourselves displaced in a time and space where we don’t belong, and just as we believe all hope is gone. In stomps, the biggest, snarliest, ugliest thing I’ve ever seen. He reaches down and picks me up like I’m a precious piece of glass. He is a monster, a beast, a growling monstrosity that looks at me like I am a living, breathing, dream. Once in his arms, I realize I am no longer lost or alone. I’ve finally found what I was always searching for … him.

Slavic
It seems like the gods are not done interfering with my life yet. We intercept a bug ship, anticipating a good fight and full cargo hold, only for me to find HER, my beloved. Laying weak, and practically fading away in my arms, she is a creature I never envisioned, but her very existence is a cruel mockery of my failures. I don’t deserve her, but now that I’ve held her in my arms … that is where she will remain.

This storyline ends in a HEA, but continues on throughout the remaining series as each book concentrates on a particular couple. Have questions?? Keep reading, all will be revealed….
Einar
Ruarc
Bikar
Murgul
Falon

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2025

261 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Julie Miller

53 books194 followers
I have a boy job by day... and the world of imagination at night... I believe dragons, unicorns and vampires are real... because what fun would this world be if they were not !!!

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5 stars
255 (43%)
4 stars
171 (29%)
3 stars
114 (19%)
2 stars
29 (4%)
1 star
20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for  ~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~.
1,183 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2025
So this is the first book I've read by either of the two authors that wrote it.. I sometimes have issues with reading one book written by two different people. This book highlights those issues and my reasons behind them, for me..

What I find difficult with two authors and one book, is that often things don't flow organically. You feel like you're literally reading two different stories. Cause, technically you are.. Two different visions merging in one story together. It's tricky. And very few author duos have been able to pull it off where the story reflects just one voice that mirrors each author..

So, that's what you have here.
This book was good. It really was. It had me riveted to what was occurring here.. And I also loved the photo illustrations at the end of certain chapters. Very cool!

But, it felt like I got 2 separate stories. The first 7 chapters of this book has you feeling as though you are reading a domestic abuse story based in our world only. Then BAM! We're in another galaxy 🌌 witnessing even more fear for Ruby and her sister, Rowen as they are thrown into a living nightmare of aliens... We're then thrust into the company of Slavic, his brothers, their culture, and heartbreaking circumstances..

All of this was very interesting and scary.. but, it still felt disjointed. For one thing there was just too much happening and so Slavic and Ruby's story/romance suffered.. Too much set up was spent on her sister, Rowen, as well, which I felt was a bit much and out of place at times, since the 2nd book is to be about Rowen.. We are given too much of Rowen during times when we should have been with Slavic and Ruby.

You add this to the multiple plot points and action, and you miss out on the their (Slavic and Ruby) journey..

And while I love for a story to move on quickly and get to the point, I felt that many of Ruby's rationalized responses and acceptances of their lot, came almost too quickly. Too flippantly, considering what they've been through and are now encountering in this other world.

Ruby also really p^ssed me off at the beginning when she was making the way her sister was trying to cope about what happened to her, all about herself. Just because she's upset that her sister is not responding or engaging her the way she thought she should have been.
As you can see that p^ssed me TF off with Ruby..

So while I was hoping to escape in this world with them, the story, its execution on certain things, and the dialogue would not allow me to completely suspended disbelief, in order to fully get lost here in certain areas of the story.

So this is why I could only give this 4 stars.. Also because Ruby and Slavic don't get to shake some sheets until the 84% mark of the story!

I was like hold up.. this is alien sci-fi romance, right? So where's the naughty at? You can't give me a monster alien high octane story, with a human female, and not give me the erotica you know we perverts want to see! ☹️

Y'all just basically gave me a contemporary romance novel in an alien world. Hell, harlequin romance is more sexy and erotic than this was..😏

So, needless to say I was left wanting.. BIG TIME. And the two tiny payoffs we get at the end of this book, regarding Slavic and Ruby, barely whet my appetite..

But I did enjoy lots in this book. I am in-like with it, overall.. It just needed to be more cohesive, organic if you will, with many things, so the flow was much better.. And it needs ALOT more heat 🔥 with the main characters than was given to us.💯

Would I still recommend? Yes.
Returning for book 2? Yes.
Like the world building? Yes.
Dialogue? C+
Heat 🔥? D+
Plight/Plot? B-
Profile Image for Xiomara.
197 reviews
October 21, 2025
It was a very interesting captivating story. I actually can’t believe I waited so long to start reading it. It was an easy read and I was so invested that I finished before I knew it. I really enjoyed the world building through the story and the different characters. This are interconnected stories and previous characters will be part of the series.
558 reviews16 followers
February 2, 2025
I just couldn't get into it, the first part is all slow burn with the heroine trying to save her sister from an abusive relationship and ends with them getting kidnapped by aliens. She doesn't even meet the male lead until like half way through the book?!

Then there's the romance? (Or lack there of). Ruby is kind of a dick and is constantly calling him ugly, then she finds out they're mates, they give her a translator, he tells his sad backstory and they have sex and suddenly she loves him?? .... Eh. That's it? There is almost no bonding and the smut but fast and just ok. Not my thing.
Profile Image for Hazel Gower.
Author 51 books932 followers
February 12, 2025
Nah

They don’t even meet until a very long 37% of the book. It’s almost 50% of book by the time they even really try and communicate. This was decent if you read from maybe chapter 4.
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
811 reviews347 followers
February 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up

This felt like a prequel. I know it was the first book in this spin off and so was doing some world building, but I felt like the relationship building was very light. Hence it was very insta-love. I really liked the characters, and I wouldn't have minded a longer book giving us more depth and more time with Ruby and Slavic. I've read some really amazing books by JJM and I have really high hopes for Rowan's book next.
Profile Image for mali.
273 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2025
I was really disappointed. The book started with such a detailed quest to safe her sister and then suddenly she is kidnapped, saved, learns earth doesn't exist anymore, hears the mmcs sad backstory and has sex with him again and again and then is in love?
whut
what happened to all the details and the good writing
The first half of the book does not match the second half, aka you could not help but notice that there were two authors.
What I also didn't like in the second half was that there is more telling than showing. The mmc literally tells her his whole back story at length!
I also didn't like the fmc. She felt like the comedic relief, but again, it was more telling than showing. I just didn't like how she expressed herself. Her character did not fit with the mmc's at all.
I also didn't like how she left her abused sister alone with a strange male to have sex with the mmc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
663 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2025
TRIGGER WARNING! Violence, abduction,on and off page torture, on page con and off page forced con.
Ruby has been a wanderer for most of her life but when she realizes that her sister needs her, she drops everything to get her to safety.
Her sister is bruised, withdrawn and a shell of her former self. With the help of a found phone number and her old Civic, they're on their way to what they hope is a safe sanctuary. Just when they get to a place they think is safe, they're taken by, , ,not humans and wake up in, , ,not Texas!
They're forced to parade down a walkway, then thrown into a reject pit. They've gone from one nightmare only to end up in another. Finally, there's hope!
When their ship locates another ship with a full cargo hold that they can raid, Slavic thinks it will be just what he needs. A good fight to get the edge off of what he's been feeling all day. He's the oldest of his brother as well as the Captain. Oh the life of a Pirate.
Once he disposes of the raided ships crew, he searches and finds live females. One of them a friend he thought long dead and among the others, his mate. She's broken, scarred and bloody but she's his and he will do whatever it takes to help her.
Ruby wakes again and after attempting to guard her sister, she's disarmed and taken to a room to talk to the female who was chained beside her. She's told that being with these these males is the safest place to be. She still refers to the humongous one who won't put her down as "Big and Ugly"
When she gets her translator, which the brothers went through a lot of danger to obtain, they can finally understand each other. And that's when the other fireworks begin. That is until he opens up and tells her of his life, who he is and the sacrifices that were made for him and his brothers and by him for his brothers. They realize that they have a lot in common, like sacrificing all for your loved ones.
I cried, a few times. But I also had a chance to laugh as well. Ruby is one tough woman and her sass is just enough. Slavic, well lets just say that it seems males are the same no matter what planet you're on.
The trigger warnings are there for a reason, please take heed.
I love Jennifer's writing because I can always count on opening the pages and loosing myself in the adventure.
Yes, I do recommend this one for your library.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,348 reviews10 followers
March 11, 2025
An interesting new world for sisters Ruby and Rowan

This is book one in the series The Brigands of Ruk. This is such a great story of love, heartbreak, shock, and everything in between. I liked that this story was not rushed, it felt full. Ruby has lost track of her sister due to Rowan’s jerk and powerful husband. Ruby notices bruises on Rowan during a video call. But Rowan will not agree to meet with her. Later, Rowan uses their childhood safe word, and this makes Ruby drop everything to go save her sister. These sisters finally make it to a safe haven, only to be kidnapped by aliens whilst they sleep. Mind your triggers as the authors definitely write realistically about being kidnapped by not nice aliens who are not concerned about female safety. The main couple, Slavic and Ruby, get their happy for now ending. The next book will feature the brother named Einar. Read On!
Profile Image for April Nicole.
158 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2025
Where The Smut, The Spice...

If your looking at this book and wondering just how spicy it is it isn't. In confused your confused we're all confused. I think big ugly alien orc and raunchy detailed smut should to hand in hand. I was really on the fence about how I wanted to rate. The story its self is well written. The plot not bad at all but why would I or anyone read a ROMANCE novel about a giant alien orc if the fmc isn't getting get guts rearranged. Some can't write and I get that to a degree. That's not the case. There's we're TWO, there's only two happy fun times scenes and both were good lord had me damn near clutching my pearls. There's potential with this author but in on the fence about reading anything else.
Profile Image for Livey.
1,437 reviews
February 3, 2025
man creatures from the world Of DaR 👏🏾

I immensely enjoyed this tale of Ruby kidnapped from a dying earth with her sister Rowan after running from her sister’s abusers. It’s unclear how the aliens knew to take them and why they were targeted by the slavers but 30% into the book we are introduced to Slavic and his brothers who have all gone through hell as are trying to survive and stay hidden in their ship. When they encountered the bug ship the human females were sold to a dramatic rescue finds the sister attached to several of their Ruk rescuers. Sensitive alien male Slavic has to bind with Ruby or diminishing color marks an unfavorable end. So glad it worked out for this couple and look forward to the rest in the series. More more please 🙏🏽!
202 reviews
June 8, 2025
Slavic

I really enjoyed this book. It did have some intense elements to the story but I knew it would because having read several books by Jennifer Julie Miller. The Dav Universe is really really intense and horror influenced. But this book, dare I say sweet, because of Slavic, despite his looks was a big teddy bear. Loved the FMC for all Ruby went through she was very strong and sassy. I haven’t read anything by Jewel Shipley who co-authored this book but I will be watching for more of her work. I definitely recommend reading this series.
Profile Image for Marit Prins.
171 reviews
January 29, 2025
amazing start of a new series

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was so captivating I was not able to put it down. It had lots of suspense, plottwists I did not see coming and the worldbuilding was off the charts!
The FMC is strong, sassy and at times hilarious! The MMC is exactly what you want in Alien Romance - hard on the outside, soft on the inside.

Totally recommend and a 5-star read for me!
769 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2025
Nice beginning series

This was a nice beginning to the series. The world building is sparse but hopefully will improve as the series continues. MMC is an interesting orc along with his brothers. The MFC is ok but her constant use of English sayings is annoying especially in dangerous situations. It distracts from the emotions the reader feels. It is not cute or humorous just very annoying. Looking forward to other character's stories.
Profile Image for Carmen.
2,085 reviews11 followers
May 10, 2025
Starshine

Ruby and her sister were abducted from Earth and sold to a alien race of insects who plan on using her as an incubator for their spawn. When she is rescued by a big brutal looking alien she has no idea how much her life will change. Slavic is the oldest of 7 brothers. When he rescues the little human he’s smitten and knows she is his fated mate but she is terrified of him. Follow the space pirate and his Starshine and see how it all works out. I enjoyed it.
316 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2025
Another hit!

At first i didnt think i would like this but i was wrong! The backstory is about Slavic and his family. So different from it being about earth. This series is just getting started! slavic and his brothers are going to be a force to deal with. Im along for this adventure.
695 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2025
Slavic

This is an offshoot of the House of Dar series. It can be confusing but just hang in there and keep reading!
Somehow, the Orcs find and rescue human women and one of there own from slavery or worse.
Ruby, one of the humans, certainly doesn't hold back her thoughts! I love it.
116 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2025
I Liked It!

Better than average alien abduction, auction house, rescue romance. The big grumpy orc guy was so very adorable. After going through hell, he was certainly a safe haven with his stature, muscles, and protective instincts. A girl would be crazy not to fall for such a sweet guy. I'm looking forward to the next book. Thank you for the wonderful story!
510 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2025
Great Read!

I've been reading this author's book and have absolutely loved them. This new book was great. Love the storyline and the characters . I can't wait to read more. Well worth the time.💖💖💖
75 reviews
February 20, 2025
Looks ain't everything

Really enjoyed this story but must admit I was really in a rush to get to the meeting. Glad I didn't rush. Was expecting an appearance from the DaR verse tho.
1,654 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2025
Good read

Ruby and her sister Rowan are on the run from Rowan''s abusive husband. They find a safehouse only to be abducted by Not friendly aliens. On the brink of death they are then rescued by Slavic and his brothers. Yes laughter and tears. Enjoy
1,637 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2025
Good

First time by these authors and I am looking forward to reading more. There is a lot of building in this book, so the main characters felt more like vehicles to move the scenes building along. Not complaining too much, though. Looking forward to read about Einar.
34 reviews
June 12, 2025
Omg this book was Amazing and a great build up for more stories to continue! Who doesn't love a sassy funny heroine and a traumatized over protective grump! I'll take this over some of the other more popular junk any day :) cant wait to read more from these wonderful aurhors!
183 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2025
Slavic

Absolutely hooked on this series and can’t wait to read about the other brothers and human women they rescued.
This story definitely has some triggering things but the payoff at the end to find fated mates is worth the journey.
Profile Image for Rachel Rockwell.
2 reviews
October 22, 2025
ehhh I couldn’t finish it

I DNF’d halfway through and I tried to like this book. There was just so much dialog without breaks. It was like, give me an action break already! Break up the dialogue, add rhythm, give me some subtext/emotion, or something.
27 reviews
November 3, 2025
I love an alien

Look, my favourite kinda story is when an alien and a human woman get together, it makes me so happy, and this filled that niche perfectly

But why were there pictures at the end of every chapter??? It was very unexpected 😂
7 reviews
December 22, 2025
Exciting

Jennifer Julie Miller is a wonderful writer, when I saw her name and that this series has mentioned notes of the DaR series I just had to read it.

Totally enjoyable and a great plot.
Profile Image for DemetraP.
5,927 reviews
January 29, 2025
I didn't feel the romance. They are mates. He tells her his tragic backstory. He manages to buy a translator so they can talk together.
Profile Image for Sarah Kellum.
47 reviews
January 31, 2025
Wonderful first in a new series

I am in love with the brothers. And as a branch off of the Darveris series it has some of the background happenings. Loved it and hope you do too.
84 reviews
February 15, 2025
good book

I’ve read most all of Jennifer’s books and liked them all. I recommend giving her a chance if you haven’t already.
230 reviews
February 25, 2025
Slavic(The Brigade of Ruk Book1

OMG another great book Had to give it 5I can't wait to start reading all the books in this series Thank you so much so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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