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Ruby's Heart

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When a trip to see your grandmother ends with a shocking secret that changes your life forever…

Ruby’s Fate

I’ve never been the docile daughter my noble parents wanted—I’m loud, impulsive, and have rejected all suitors they have arranged to court me. As a last resort, they sent me to a school for young ladies to refine my behavior. I quit two weeks later, and have never been happier. I’m free.
When I’m unexpectedly summoned home by my grandmother, the Duchesa, I refuse to go, but the handsome, arrogant ship captain she sends to retrieve me seems immune to my tricks. When he finally escorts me to her island estate, I’m not at all prepared for what I find.
My grandmother imparts some shocking news and tells me I now have a duty to fulfill, and it’s a frightening responsibility I never would have imagined. I’m the next Keeper of the Heart Stone, an artifact which houses an evil being and must be protected at all costs.
She tells me the fate of the entire Realm is on my shoulders now. How will I ever live up to that?

Marcel’s Duty

When I’m asked to escort the granddaughter of an old family friend, what seems to be a quick, easy task turns into a nightmare of an assignment. Ruby Flores is an undisciplined, willful young lady who listens to no one, least of all me. But when I bring her home, a dangerous secret is revealed. I can’t walk away and return to my shipping business until I know she and her grandmother are safe.
Which is a challenge when there’s a murderer on the loose, an elusive wolf stalking the estate, and the King’s pompous nephew insists on courting Ruby. How do you keep someone safe when they won’t stop getting into trouble?
Falling for Ruby was never my plan. But as we grow closer, I learn how deeply her fears run, and how strong she is for overcoming them. Soon I am drawn into a battle with an enemy I had never imagined existed, and saving Ruby may cause the end of us all.

Ruby’s Heart is an adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, with some twists and a spicy romance.
The Fairy Tale Realm Series- All stories in this series are set in the enchanting world of the Fairy Tale Realm, where each kingdom has its own type of magic, and the Fairy Tales you remember are retold in an unusual way. Oh, and the romances are epic!
This book is intended for Adults 18 +.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Leslie Crowne

4 books85 followers

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Little Blue Butterfly.
509 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2025
I absolutely love this series by Leslie Crowne 🩷 She has created this beautiful world, with amazing places and lovable characters, that you just can’t help but fall in love with in each book!! Each story is unique and wonderful, and I just love how Leslie puts Easter Eggs in each book, of the particular Fairy Tale Retelling that she’s written. Each story in this series is nothing short of amazing 🤗 Ruby’s Heart is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling ♥️
I love Ruby, who’s smart, loyal, strong, brave, fiery, sassy and doesn’t take any crap from anyone ♥️ I also love Captain Marcel Artiz, who’s worldly (he’s seen and been through a lot!!), gentlemanly, dashing, smart, loyal and extremely tough 🖤 We met Captain Artiz in Kat’s Bloom briefly, but in the short appearance he made, I HAD to know his story!! Ruby and Captain Artiz are perfect for each other 😍 From the moment these two are together, in the story, their chemistry was off the charts 🔥 I was really rooting for them!!
This amazing story has a lot of exciting elements to it!! You have Merfolk (Who I loved 🤗 I would love a whole story about them❣️), A little bit of magic, A villainous “big bad wolf 🐺, A love triangle, Complete betrayal and something, if not protected properly, could destroy everything!! I couldn’t put this book down!! The title, Ruby’s Heart, has several different meanings in this story, but you’ll have to read it to experience it for yourself!! ♥️🖤
Ruby is adventurous, and just wants to experience life for herself, until a betrayal. Now she’s nursing a broken heart. Captain Marcel Artiz has been on the sea his whole life, he’s seen and experienced so much. When he is summoned by a good friend for a favor, the loyal Captain Artiz must go. The Duchesa of Nyada needs her granddaughter, Ruby, to come home to Desmora Island. Captain Artiz is the only one the Duchesa can trust. It’s imperative Ruby come home, because she is the only one who can protect something so precious, that if it ends up in the wrong hands it can destroy everything!! Once Ruby gets to the Island, danger lurks around every corner……Can Captain Artiz protect Ruby??……
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🩵🦋💙
Profile Image for Michelle Reopel.
176 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading Ruby's Heart. I love fairytale retellings and this Little Red Riding Hood retelling has familiar elements shown in a new way with a completely different world. A world with merfolk and more.
Ruby and Marcel are delightful characters. Both a bit wild and aware of behaving properly. At least in front of Grandma.
The plot is fun with an ebb and flow that alternates sections of either learning information or romantic interludes with intricately woven action sequences that I enjoyed thoroughly.
I recommend Ruby's Heart to anyone who loves fairytales or fantasy stories.
Profile Image for Little Blue Butterfly.
509 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2025
I absolutely love this series by Leslie Crowne 🩷 She has created this beautiful world, with amazing places and lovable characters, that you just can’t help but fall in love with in each book!! Each story is unique and wonderful, and I just love how Leslie puts Easter Eggs in each book, of the particular Fairy Tale Retelling that she’s written. Each story in this series is nothing short of amazing 🤗 Ruby’s Heart is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling ♥️
I love Ruby, who’s smart, loyal, strong, brave, fiery, sassy and doesn’t take any crap from anyone ♥️ I also love Captain Marcel Artiz, who’s worldly (he’s seen and been through a lot!!), gentlemanly, dashing, smart, loyal and extremely tough 🖤 We met Captain Artiz in Kat’s Bloom briefly, but in the short appearance he made, I HAD to know his story!! Ruby and Captain Artiz are perfect for each other 😍 From the moment these two are together, in the story, their chemistry was off the charts 🔥 I was really rooting for them!!
This amazing story has a lot of exciting elements to it!! You have Merfolk (Who I loved 🤗 I would love a whole story about them❣️), A little bit of magic, A villainous “big bad wolf 🐺, A love triangle, Complete betrayal and something, if not protected properly, could destroy everything!! I couldn’t put this book down!! The title, Ruby’s Heart, has several different meanings in this story, but you’ll have to read it to experience it for yourself!! ♥️🖤
Ruby is adventurous, and just wants to experience life for herself, until a betrayal. Now she’s nursing a broken heart. Captain Marcel Artiz has been on the sea his whole life, he’s seen and experienced so much. When he is summoned by a good friend for a favor, the loyal Captain Artiz must go. The Duchesa of Nyada needs her granddaughter, Ruby, to come home to Desmora Island. Captain Artiz is the only one the Duchesa can trust. It’s imperative Ruby come home, because she is the only one who can protect something so precious, that if it ends up in the wrong hands it can destroy everything!! Once Ruby gets to the Island, danger lurks around every corner……Can Captain Artiz protect Ruby??……
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🩵🦋💙
Profile Image for Katarina Petzold.
95 reviews
March 18, 2025
✨ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) ✨

If you're a fan of fairy tale retellings with a twist, *Ruby’s Heart* is a must-read! This enchanting story weaves a captivating narrative around Ruby, a headstrong young woman who defies her noble parents and societal expectations. When her grandmother, the Duchesa, summons her home, Ruby is thrust into a world filled with secrets, responsibilities, and unexpected dangers.

What I love most about this book is the rich character development. Ruby is not your typical damsel; she's impulsive, witty, and fiercely independent. Her evolution throughout the story is both relatable and inspiring. And then there's Marcel, the brooding ship captain tasked with bringing her home. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter had me smiling from ear to ear! 🔥❤️

The world-building is another highlight. The Fairy Tale Realm is beautifully crafted, with its own unique magic and enchanting landscapes. It’s a place where danger lurks behind every corner, and the stakes are high, especially when Ruby learns about her duty as the Keeper of the Heart Stone. The tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially with a murderer on the loose and a wolf stalking the estate! 🐺

While the pacing may not be as fast as some other five-star reads, the intriguing plot and well-developed characters more than make up for it. This book balances suspense, romance, and adventure perfectly without overshadowing the main storyline. Plus, the romantic subplot is beautifully integrated, adding just the right amount of spice without taking over the narrative. 🌶️✨

Overall, *Ruby’s Heart* is a delightful addition to the Fairy Tale Realm series, and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next! If you enjoy tales of courage, love, and magic, be sure to pick this one up. Happy reading! 📚💖

#RubysHeart #FairyTaleRealm #BookReview #Bookstagram #Romance #Retelling #Magic #BookRecommendations
Profile Image for Katarina Petzold.
95 reviews
March 18, 2025
✨ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) ✨

If you're a fan of fairy tale retellings with a twist, *Ruby’s Heart* is a must-read! This enchanting story weaves a captivating narrative around Ruby, a headstrong young woman who defies her noble parents and societal expectations. When her grandmother, the Duchesa, summons her home, Ruby is thrust into a world filled with secrets, responsibilities, and unexpected dangers.

What I love most about this book is the rich character development. Ruby is not your typical damsel; she's impulsive, witty, and fiercely independent. Her evolution throughout the story is both relatable and inspiring. And then there's Marcel, the brooding ship captain tasked with bringing her home. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter had me smiling from ear to ear! 🔥❤️

The world-building is another highlight. The Fairy Tale Realm is beautifully crafted, with its own unique magic and enchanting landscapes. It’s a place where danger lurks behind every corner, and the stakes are high, especially when Ruby learns about her duty as the Keeper of the Heart Stone. The tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially with a murderer on the loose and a wolf stalking the estate! 🐺

While the pacing may not be as fast as some other five-star reads, the intriguing plot and well-developed characters more than make up for it. This book balances suspense, romance, and adventure perfectly without overshadowing the main storyline. Plus, the romantic subplot is beautifully integrated, adding just the right amount of spice without taking over the narrative. 🌶️✨

Overall, *Ruby’s Heart* is a delightful addition to the Fairy Tale Realm series, and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next! If you enjoy tales of courage, love, and magic, be sure to pick this one up. Happy reading! 📚💖

#RubysHeart #FairyTaleRealm #BookReview #Bookstagram #Romance #Retelling #Magic #BookRecommendations
Profile Image for TeetotheTee.
23 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
⚓️Slow burn
⚓️Fairy Tale retelling
⚓️Ruthless sea captain/Rebellious free spirited lady
⚓️Murder mystery
⚓️HEA

This is the first book I had the pleasure of reading from this author and it will not be the last! I enjoyed the book from start to finish. It has adventure, mystery, romance and HEA-yassss ❤️. I believe that the name the FMC carriers Ruby is so fitting because she is Marcel's Ruby and his heart! The chemistry between Marcel and Ruby is so good and I enjoyed the slow burn and pace the story had with their relationship as well as the overall plot. They compliment each other well because they are both free spirited people that love adventure and do not necessarily want to be bound by what is expected of them from their family. This connection was what made them have such a good chemistry and understanding of each other flow so nicely.

This story focuses more on plot than spice for those who are looking for a 'cleanse' from reading a spicy book and want to read a good story/plot. Slight spoiler ahead: I hope we get an extended epilogue or a side story about them years later, I love them so much! I am also interested in her brother and his wife and I hope they also get their own book.
I volunteered to leave a review for an arc of this book (and loved it!)
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,617 reviews92 followers
March 25, 2025
“Ruby’s Heart” was an incredibly fantastic fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, one that I really, truly loved! Leslie Crowne is such an amazing author. I always fall in love with the characters she writes and the worlds she creates.

Our two main characters, Captain Marcel Artiz and Miss Ruby Flores, were both absolutely delightful to read about. My favorite things about their relationship was their sizzling chemistry and their snarky banter!

Marcel was super swoony, and I thought it was sweet that he was so protective of Ruby. I also admired his loyalty to Clareta, Ruby’s grandmother. He had a lot of honor - and I loved that about him.

Ruby was such a fun heroine as well! She had such a vibrant, sassy personality, and I really enjoyed reading from her POV. I also admired the fact that she was able to brave and strong even when she was afraid. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
594 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Fairy Tale Realm series. It’s an adult Red Riding Hood retelling with a twist. Strong characters that show growth throughout the story made for a great read. Amazing world building that is detailed and imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, Fae, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
Profile Image for Chia.
721 reviews11 followers
April 4, 2025
Leslie Crowne reimagines the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale in Ruby's Heart, blending familiar elements with fresh twists. Set in a world teeming with merfolk and magic, the story follows Ruby and Marcel—both spirited characters striving to balance societal expectations with their desires. Their witty banter and evolving relationship add depth to this enchanting narrative. Crowne's vivid storytelling and innovative take on a beloved fairy tale make this a standout addition to the Fairy Tale Realm series. ​
Profile Image for Ashley Clark.
752 reviews19 followers
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this one. Ruby is on her own. She gets called back to her grandmothers. Her grandmother needs to share new with her. Marcel is tasked with bringing Ruby back to her grandmother. Her grandmother has a secret she needs to share with Ruby. Ruby will become the next keeper of the stone. There is a dangerous entity with in it. They know someone is after it. Marcel is tasked with protecting Ruby. They have feelings starting to grow for each other. Will they keep the heart stone safe? Will Ruby and Marcel give into their feelings? Check out Ruby’s story.
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
768 reviews18 followers
March 20, 2025
I enjoyed reading Ruby's Heart. I haven't read a fantasy or fairytale romance in a very long time. I loved the writing style and the story kept me entranced. The plot is fun and I thought it flowed well.

Ruby and Marcel were great characters. I loved them! I love the fantasy world that was created within this book. Very magical and beautiful. I especially enjoyed their banter and chemistry. I love a good banter and theirs was great!



Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
March 18, 2025
Crowne's retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is an enjoyable one filled with thrilling twists and turns that makes this magical tale come to life. Ruby and Marcel are dynamic characters that add to the caliber of this story, and I enjoyed reading and connecting with them through it.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
759 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2025
I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. Words cannot describe it. Ruby and Marcel were so good together and I loved the way they interacted together. This book was so full of anticipation for me around every corner. I could not decide what would happen and how it would turn out. I loved it.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,487 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2025
very nice

I enjoyed reading this lovely fairy tale retelling. Ruby is a sassy stubborn woman . I enjoyed reading her escapades . I liked the world building and merfolk. The secrets uncovered and she found out who took her parents from her. It was an enchanting read.
Profile Image for Midnight Readers.
80 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2025
A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling… but make it magical, adventurous, and oh-so-romantic!

If you’re in the mood for a slow burn fairy tale retelling with strong-willed characters, magical twists, and a romance that makes your heart race, Ruby’s Heart is the book for you. I adored every second of this wild ride, and I cannot wait to see what Leslie Crowne does next!

TROPES:
♥️ Fairy Tale retelling ♥️ Opposites Attract ♥️ Rebellious Lady/Ruthless sea captain ♥️ Magic ♥️ Little Red Riding Hood retelling ♥️ Murder Mystery ♥️ Family Secrets ♥️ Spicy Romance ♥️ HEA

Read my full review here:
Read my Review Here
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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