Ruby in July

by Vanessa Zian

He believed his true love was meant for things bigger than him.

Joey Conti Jr. has no problem getting girls into his bedroom. It’s keeping them there that’s the issue. With easy charm and a magnetic personality, he’s convinced he’s the man that helps women find their confidence—only to then outgrow him. But Ruby Francesca was the one that got away.

Ruby, a singer-songwriter with a voice that settles into your soul and never leaves, knew she was meant for more than small gigs in local dive bars. Sure, Joey briefly made his way into Ruby’s heart. But when she got the unexpected Big Break she always hoped for, she ran full steam ahead.

Three years later, Joey’s grandmother lies on her deathbed—requesting the presence of none other than the now famous Ruby Francesca herself. The gorgeous Mama Z and Ruby had formed an unlikely friendship, much to the surprise of Joey. Sure that there’s more to the story than he knows, Joey sets out to find answers.

When hard truths are revealed, Joey realizes one thing—he’s done taking the back seat. Ready to reclaim the love he deserves, he’ll do whatever it takes to ensure wrongs are righted and Ruby is his once and for all.

394 pages, Hardcover

Published February 5, 2025

About the author

Vanessa Zian is a therapist by day and a romance author by night. Her passion is writing psychological romance focused on journeys of self-discovery, the messiness of being human, healing, and of course, aallll the passion! Vanessa lives in Delaware with her childhood crush-turned-husband, their four kids, and their rescue pup Mikka. And lots of high heels.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series but this book has surpassed that. This book captured my interest from the first sentence and kept it the entire time. If you love a spicy romance this one is for you. I’m a huge fan of multiple POVs and this not only does that but does an amazing job of really capturing each persons voice and personality.

[meena · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Joey & Ruby~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

~Second chance romance
~Suspenseful subplot*
~Musician FMC x Chef MMC
~Black Cat x Golden Retriever
~Dual timelines
~Mini age gap (7 years)
~Multiple POV's
~Family secrets

When Joey and Ruby met, their spark was immediate. They spend a blissful summer together before Ruby gets her big break in the music industry and gets a once in a lifetime opportunity. They tried to maintain their relationship while Joey stayed in their hometown, running his two restaurants, while Ruby lived her dream. After a crushing heartbreak, they part ways. When Joey's dying grandmother requests Ruby to visit. they obviously can't stay away from each other. But what happens when they find out family secrets and how those secrest lead to their break up?

This is the second book in the series and definitely my favorite so far! Joey is such a sweetie and Ruby is a downright bad ass. I loved how much he supported her dreams, even when it meant living without her. His thoughts and reactions to some of the secrets throughout the book were so funny, I was right there with him. Ruby was just so cool, I loved seeing her grow through the story. Clearly, I just loved this couple!

I loved that there were multiple points of view, especially Mama Z's. I personally struggle reading in third person (only Ruby's chapters are in third person), but other than that, this was a wonderful read! I noticed the hints for book three and can't wait ◡̈

*Please be sure to check the trigger warnings and read with care 🫶🏻

Major thanks to BookSirens for the advanced copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby In July is the second book in the Dog Tags & Lace series, I would definitely recommend reading them in order to truly understand the characters. Once more I am speechless. This was beautifully written, with a style that just grips you, makes you feel every single emotion, it ensnares you in a completely magical way that I can't even begin to explain. She truly has an original way of delivering these stories, every single word, sentence, interaction has a purpose and needs to be savored. It's beautifully captivating and Vanessa you own my heart.

The storyline has so much depth, it is much more than just a romance. Think you are getting an easy, conflict free story, look elsewhere as with Zian's stories you are getting realistic, chaotic, messy stories that are reflective of everyday life. Everything is not roses and butterflies. Love, life is complicated and the realness of how she delivered this was flawless. There were so many beautiful moments, raw emotions that just took my breath away.

Vanessa's writing is truly a force to be reckoned with. The way she weaves her stories expertly, interconnects all the characters, creates a deeply unforgettable story that brings a beautiful HEA. I am in awe and absolutely obsessed with these characters, they will once again live rent free in my head!

✨️Thank you to @vanessazian for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is a famous songwriter and performer but the moment she heard Mama Z was on her deathbed and since she was performing in the same city she rushed right over to see her. Joey knew Ruby would come, he needed to see her. He knew he’d never gotten over her and it was time to get her back. The problem is he’s the one who broke up with her, told her he didn’t love her, never had. I love that we’re getting the story from both Ruby & Joey and what’s really funny, we’re getting it from the dying Mama Z too. This family is definitely Italian, talks with their hands, and I can almost hear the Brooklyn accent. I love the connection to each other, they’re a nice family. The story is awesome, a smooth, well written rollercoaster ride. At the heart of it all is a great love story. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it.

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book-just as much as the first book in the series. The story of Joey, Ruby, Mama Z… how they connect, what they hide, who they love. It made me think with the women’s fiction prose and a suspense/mystery plot which I LOVE. But then it also had the right amount of cozy romance where one can just enjoy, which I also LOVE. MIX in women’s As with Midnight to December, this book is told in a now and then format to show the connections of past and the present interwoven with first person PoV from the MMC and and third person PoV from the two MFC. There are so many top-notch quotes. All of this together…it’s just so good. I was honored to receive an electronic version of this book from the author, but thoughts are my own.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rising star, a restaurant owner and a dying grandmother all tied together and hiding their own secrets. Ruby and Joey have a past but go separate ways while rising to the top. Mama Z may be on her deathbed but still has an agenda before her time is up.

I loved following Joey and Ruby’s love story. She has a past but doesn’t let it define her. Joey is a charmer and would do anything to protect and love Ruby with all his heart. Mama Z has a special place for both Ruby and Joey, her grandson, and longs for them to be together. Will she be able to help make it happen before she passes? You don’t wanna miss out on this one!

[Katlyn Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex Second Chance

Vanessa does it again with a deep therapeutic complex story line this time focusing on second chance between childhood lovers.

I love that she ties in the first book with this and you learn more about the other family members and friends in this story and get a glimpse of the focus of the next book in this series.

She has a way of story telling that’s very detailed but doesn’t feel overly wordy. I really loved the love story between Ruby and Joey and was so happy when they finally got out of their own way and found a way to show up for themselves and each other.

Another job well done and looking forward to Lila’s story next.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. Joey and Ruby were good together and I really enjoyed reading about them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.