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Ribbonwood
GCLS Goldie Award Winner for Best Contemporary Romance 2025
Lara Bennett is world-famous in Ribbonwood, population 907.
She's the woman you don't trust your husband a real-life femme fatale. If there's a scandal in town, she's at the center of it, ruining businesses, marriages, and egos everywhere she goes, with her sharp tongue and that body that makes you look twice. Besides… didn't she more or less kill a man?
Ollie Gabrielli left Ribbonwood right after high school, back when Lara was her arch-nemesis. The queen bee and the closeted soccer natural enemies. When she comes home for three months, it's to recover from burnout and spend time with her chaotic family, not to reconnect with old classmates. Only somehow, she can't seem to take her eyes off Lara. How did she only get hotter? And is she really everything they say she is?
Sometimes, there's a reason you should never try to go home.
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Lara Bennett is world-famous in Ribbonwood, population 907.
She's the woman you don't trust your husband a real-life femme fatale. If there's a scandal in town, she's at the center of it, ruining businesses, marriages, and egos everywhere she goes, with her sharp tongue and that body that makes you look twice. Besides… didn't she more or less kill a man?
Ollie Gabrielli left Ribbonwood right after high school, back when Lara was her arch-nemesis. The queen bee and the closeted soccer natural enemies. When she comes home for three months, it's to recover from burnout and spend time with her chaotic family, not to reconnect with old classmates. Only somehow, she can't seem to take her eyes off Lara. How did she only get hotter? And is she really everything they say she is?
Sometimes, there's a reason you should never try to go home.
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Audible Audio
Published May 20, 2025
744 people are currently reading
7121 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Landers
7 books943 followersRuby Landers is an independent author of sapphic contemporary romance. She lives in Meanjin (Brisbane) Australia. As you’re reading this, she is either typing a million daydreamy words a minute, giving someone a thousand-yard stare while secretly working out a plot twist, having a deep conversation with anyone four-legged, bargaining with an expert kindergartner negotiator, or feeling wildly grateful she got to quit her day job. Either way, there’ll be coffee.
You can follow her at
Instagram @rubylandersauthor
You can follow her at
Instagram @rubylandersauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
November 13, 2024
The Grace Notes Trilogy was a revelation for me, so Ribbonwood instantly became an anticipated read.
However, I was a little wary going in since this book has a small town trope, and it so happened that I've recently read several books with this theme in a quick succession, and it tired me out. But I shouldn't have worried. This story was exactly what I needed.
To me, this was, first and foremost, a story about a very strong selfless woman. I think Lara Bennett became my favourite character by this author. I loved how, as a reader, you first had to get to know her slowly through not her own POV but someone else's. And then you get a privilege to get insight into her own thoughts and feelings. Just like Ollie.
The chemistry between Lara and Ollie was insane. And I don't only mean physically, although it was hot, but emotionally as well. The initial tension and bickering, the back and forth, it drove me quite mad. I don't want to reveal much about the relationship, but I think it says enough when I tell you that at one point, I teared up. And I don't do it often.
Despite it being an emotional read for me, this is not a sad story. This feels warm and hopeful even while dealing with heavy themes. And I think if not for other reasons, Lara and Ollie's story is worth picking up this book.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
However, I was a little wary going in since this book has a small town trope, and it so happened that I've recently read several books with this theme in a quick succession, and it tired me out. But I shouldn't have worried. This story was exactly what I needed.
To me, this was, first and foremost, a story about a very strong selfless woman. I think Lara Bennett became my favourite character by this author. I loved how, as a reader, you first had to get to know her slowly through not her own POV but someone else's. And then you get a privilege to get insight into her own thoughts and feelings. Just like Ollie.
The chemistry between Lara and Ollie was insane. And I don't only mean physically, although it was hot, but emotionally as well. The initial tension and bickering, the back and forth, it drove me quite mad. I don't want to reveal much about the relationship, but I think it says enough when I tell you that at one point, I teared up. And I don't do it often.
Despite it being an emotional read for me, this is not a sad story. This feels warm and hopeful even while dealing with heavy themes. And I think if not for other reasons, Lara and Ollie's story is worth picking up this book.
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
March 31, 2025
5⭐️
Amazing storytelling, wonderful characters, especially Lara's unique story, and a beautiful place.
A perfect romance.
Now I need to read the Grace Notes series.
Amazing storytelling, wonderful characters, especially Lara's unique story, and a beautiful place.
A perfect romance.
Now I need to read the Grace Notes series.
April 6, 2025
As I said in my update I have been in an extreme reading slump. This is the first book in ages to grab me for more than a few chapters. I have to say I loved it. Something about the writing and storytelling is a level above your average sapphic romance. But never fear there is plenty of chemistry and steam. It’s available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have KU it’s a no brainer to check it out.
December 8, 2024
Couldn't put this one down. I was hooked right from the prologue, so engrossed in the story I even had to sacrifice sleep. I thoroughly loved the sharp banter between the MCs, the tension and dance around each other, Ollie's pursuit of Lara, and the tinge of mystery that surrounded Lara. This was such a work of art, and this author is quickly becoming a favorite.
March 14, 2025
Ruby Landers books are the enemies of sleep. I thought I had learned that lesson with the Grace Notes stories but apparently I did not. But where that series had a glossy star tale to tell, this book brings the story to a small town setting in Australia.
Lara Bennett has the reputation of bad girl since high school, the femme fatale who steals husbands away from their wives, the female boogeyman who is probably responsible for all the bad things in Ribbonwood. But when Dr. Ollie Gabrielli comes home for a 6 month rest after a mental health crisis, she discovers her old nemesis is a multi-layered human being just like everyone else. “Some women need armour” is what Ollie’s grandmother tells the family during a gossipy discussion on the topic of Lara, her sage insight on the often criticized woman sparks a fire in Ollie to make amends.
What I admire most about this book are the truths. Women’s strong actions are often misconstrued and labeled in a negative light. I was peeved as I read but also touched because the women in Ribbonwood might be hurting but they are also fighting.
The author slowly reveals some key points about Lara’s background which adds just enough depth. Her past toxic home life and the judgy townspeople are only part of Lara, not the focus. The story is about who she is now, the wonderful life she has built for herself and her daughter, and whether she wants to make room for Ollie. Olivia Gabrielli, the youngest daughter of a “wine dynasty” has made good in Melbourne as an Emergency Peds Doctor. But she’s come home to regain her peace and to say goodbye to her dying nonna. There’s an honesty to how Lara and Ollie grow close. Fear and vulnerability mixed with passion and respect make for a heck of a love story. Their dueling banter had me cracking up. All in all, a fantastic book that stole my sleeping hours.
Lara Bennett has the reputation of bad girl since high school, the femme fatale who steals husbands away from their wives, the female boogeyman who is probably responsible for all the bad things in Ribbonwood. But when Dr. Ollie Gabrielli comes home for a 6 month rest after a mental health crisis, she discovers her old nemesis is a multi-layered human being just like everyone else. “Some women need armour” is what Ollie’s grandmother tells the family during a gossipy discussion on the topic of Lara, her sage insight on the often criticized woman sparks a fire in Ollie to make amends.
What I admire most about this book are the truths. Women’s strong actions are often misconstrued and labeled in a negative light. I was peeved as I read but also touched because the women in Ribbonwood might be hurting but they are also fighting.
The author slowly reveals some key points about Lara’s background which adds just enough depth. Her past toxic home life and the judgy townspeople are only part of Lara, not the focus. The story is about who she is now, the wonderful life she has built for herself and her daughter, and whether she wants to make room for Ollie. Olivia Gabrielli, the youngest daughter of a “wine dynasty” has made good in Melbourne as an Emergency Peds Doctor. But she’s come home to regain her peace and to say goodbye to her dying nonna. There’s an honesty to how Lara and Ollie grow close. Fear and vulnerability mixed with passion and respect make for a heck of a love story. Their dueling banter had me cracking up. All in all, a fantastic book that stole my sleeping hours.
June 24, 2025
I never wanted this audiobook to end, it made me so happy, at once cosy, fun, challenging, hot. It’s just as good as the Grace Notes series, which I loved, and also pretty different. To begin with, it’s set in a small town in Australia. I loved everything about that, including all the petty aspects of small towns, the gossip, the contempt, the judging, all sadly relatable but also props for a very satisfying ending. The Queensland setting also means my ears had to adjust to Katherine Littrell’s accent, but it didn’t take long, and the narration was excellent.
I, like, I think, everyone I know, fell in love with Ruby Landers‘s books from the first one I read. As a character-driven reader, I love that hers feel real and layered, that they have flaws and good hearts, some past trauma and the resilience to overcome it. Their journeys are heartbreaking then heartwarming, which is such a sweet feeling, the anguish of what they’ve gone through the best fuel to lift them towards a much brighter future. Ollie and Lara have known each other forever, grown up in the same place, learned with the same teachers, hated each other since high school, and gone through life so far in widely contrasting ways. As they meet again at thirty-five when Ollie reluctantly comes back to her hometown, the attraction is instant but as much as Ollie, who made her life far away, is willing to move past old quarrels, Lara is still smarting from them, still living the consequences of those years.
I’m not going to lie, I loved that Ribbonwood is super steamy (more on that in a second) but in the same way Lara falls for Ollie’s mix of sexy and sweet, I found Ollie striving to see Lara, to listen to her—to what she says and to what she doesn’t say—to hear her as almost no one has bothered to before absolutely beautiful, and in turn, witnessing Lara’s newfound trust and willingness to try was especially touching. There’s so much respect between the two of them, of each other as a person. And that respect makes the sex scenes and the power play—which I didn’t expect—so much fun and so very hot. I don’t know how Ruby Landers does it, these sequences are explicit without being graphic, the intimacy, the sensuality, the spice are conveyed through both characters’ emotions, and a lot of their growth happens then. It’s a perfect example of how sex can advance a story, something most of my favourite authors have in common.
Ruby Landers mixes tragedy and humour brilliantly and the banter between the MCs is enchanting. And as in the Grace Notes books, there’s a sort of found family, much less obvious, hidden underneath town secrets and reputations, but just as powerful.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLIbEr...
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
December 29, 2024
What an incredible way to end the year reading. The banter alone between the MCs was five stars - add in the storyline and spice, and I couldn’t read this book fast enough. From the prologue to the final page, I was so absorbed in this story. Just fantastic.
September 12, 2025
where do i even BEGIN – masterpiece
January 8, 2025
4.5
This was the perfect book to end the year on. Sweet, heartfelt, and wonderful, it explores themes of love, loss, community, and redemption in such an authentic way. Lara and Ollie made fantastic main characters, and the side characters added so much depth and charm to the story. The pacing was just right, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what Ruby Landers writes next!
This was the perfect book to end the year on. Sweet, heartfelt, and wonderful, it explores themes of love, loss, community, and redemption in such an authentic way. Lara and Ollie made fantastic main characters, and the side characters added so much depth and charm to the story. The pacing was just right, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what Ruby Landers writes next!
October 30, 2025
"'What am I going to do without this?' Lara whispered into her ear. 'What the fuck, Ollie, what have you done to me?'"
Ruby Landers knows what the hell she is doing when it comes to writing complex female protagonists.
I feel like this book not only highlights how well Ruby Landers is at crafting characters, but also at creating a world. An atmosphere that engages you and floods you with a whirlwind of emotions.
Lara Bennet is carrying secrets and armor that hide her from a town of people who refused to understand her. And Ollie Gabrellie is the town's golden girl who is also building walls from her trauma.
Seeing Ollie try and shatter the well-built fortress that surrounds Lara by taking the time to truly listen to her, to understand her, to give her room to be vulnerable was one of the most endearing aspects of this novel. I loved seeing Lara slowly but surely find safety in Ollie, and a place in her town that loved her for all the parts of her.
Another aspect I loved is how female-centered the narrative is, as the story highlights the power and stability that female friendship can provide through the use of Lara's bonfire nights and through moments of female solidarity that show the joys and struggles of both girlhood and womanhood.
"And, if it all went to shit, Lara would never find herself alone. She knew that now, all the way to her bones."
The bond and familial connection of the Gabriellie household added a whole other layer of complexity to the story as we see how much family has shaped and developed Ollie throughout the story.
I did though find that some of the sexual chemistry for which was incredibly well written kinda overshadowed some of the dialogue and tenderness between Lara and Ollie, but I also think that the sexual chemistry allowed for some beautiful scenes of vulnerability and connection between the characters that added a lot of complexity.
I think because this story centers so heavily around Lara's growth, it doesn't leave as much space for Ollie's development especially when it came to her PTSD and her mindset towards having kids herself. It felt like the story lacked some balance in character development between them, but the progression we did get was incredible.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
"To know that the women who'd given her such comfort and care could also experience it from Lara? It made her feel like she was...good."
And god, if Lara had learned anything new recently it was how damn good it felt for someone else to catch you when you were falling, if only for a moment."
Overall 4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️
I can't believe I am almost done with Ruby Lander's bibliography. "Only Hope" you are up next!
Ruby Landers knows what the hell she is doing when it comes to writing complex female protagonists.
I feel like this book not only highlights how well Ruby Landers is at crafting characters, but also at creating a world. An atmosphere that engages you and floods you with a whirlwind of emotions.
Lara Bennet is carrying secrets and armor that hide her from a town of people who refused to understand her. And Ollie Gabrellie is the town's golden girl who is also building walls from her trauma.
Seeing Ollie try and shatter the well-built fortress that surrounds Lara by taking the time to truly listen to her, to understand her, to give her room to be vulnerable was one of the most endearing aspects of this novel. I loved seeing Lara slowly but surely find safety in Ollie, and a place in her town that loved her for all the parts of her.
Another aspect I loved is how female-centered the narrative is, as the story highlights the power and stability that female friendship can provide through the use of Lara's bonfire nights and through moments of female solidarity that show the joys and struggles of both girlhood and womanhood.
"And, if it all went to shit, Lara would never find herself alone. She knew that now, all the way to her bones."
The bond and familial connection of the Gabriellie household added a whole other layer of complexity to the story as we see how much family has shaped and developed Ollie throughout the story.
I did though find that some of the sexual chemistry for which was incredibly well written kinda overshadowed some of the dialogue and tenderness between Lara and Ollie, but I also think that the sexual chemistry allowed for some beautiful scenes of vulnerability and connection between the characters that added a lot of complexity.
I think because this story centers so heavily around Lara's growth, it doesn't leave as much space for Ollie's development especially when it came to her PTSD and her mindset towards having kids herself. It felt like the story lacked some balance in character development between them, but the progression we did get was incredible.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
"To know that the women who'd given her such comfort and care could also experience it from Lara? It made her feel like she was...good."
And god, if Lara had learned anything new recently it was how damn good it felt for someone else to catch you when you were falling, if only for a moment."
Overall 4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟✨️
I can't believe I am almost done with Ruby Lander's bibliography. "Only Hope" you are up next!
January 23, 2025
This was fantastic! I don't have much to say except that I loved both Ollie and Lara, but especially Lara. What a great character! I loved everything about her, from her initial prickly exterior to her willingness to help the women of the town, despite being ostracised by most of them. I loved her fierceness and her independence, and her risking it all for Ollie anyway.
I loved Ollie's big family. As someone who comes from a tiny family, I always feel like I'm missing out, and it's always nice to read big family dynamics, especially when they all get along and support each other. I do wish we got more resolution with her job and PTSD, but I'm also happy with what we got.
While I do understand why the POV from other people were included, they did detract from the story slightly. Not enough for me to lower my rating, but just enough to be slightly annoying.
There was also a part were Ollie and Lara were talking about Lara's previous sexual partners, and Ollie said she was getting all hot and bothered (I'm paraphrasing) over the thought of Lara getting fucked by a man in a garage. This made me cringe as I don't know a single lesbian who thinks a woman getting fucked by a man is hot.
4.5 stars rounded up! Great story!
I loved Ollie's big family. As someone who comes from a tiny family, I always feel like I'm missing out, and it's always nice to read big family dynamics, especially when they all get along and support each other. I do wish we got more resolution with her job and PTSD, but I'm also happy with what we got.
While I do understand why the POV from other people were included, they did detract from the story slightly. Not enough for me to lower my rating, but just enough to be slightly annoying.
There was also a part were Ollie and Lara were talking about Lara's previous sexual partners, and Ollie said she was getting all hot and bothered (I'm paraphrasing) over the thought of Lara getting fucked by a man in a garage. This made me cringe as I don't know a single lesbian who thinks a woman getting fucked by a man is hot.
4.5 stars rounded up! Great story!
November 9, 2025
➥ 4.5 stars ⋆˚࿔
Had so much fun doing a buddy read with Abreanna Jacobs!!🫶🏻
Ribbonwood was a fascinating book. I was hooked from the start, and it kept getting better. The more we learned about Lara, her life, and her past, the more I liked her. I liked Ollie a bit less but that’s probably just because her story wasn’t nearly as fascinating as Lara’s.
➥ things I liked :
- The banter!!!!! Absolute perfection
- Having more than 2 povs (I think there were 4-5?). I know not everyone likes that, but I personally think it’s always really interesting and adds something to the story when done correctly (which was absolutely the case here)
- Ollie’s relationship with Tilly and how she was there for her🫶🏻 No spoilers but iykyk!
- The spice was great and well-written, although I felt like there was a little too much of it towards the end, but that’s just my personal opinion. I can definitely understand why others loved that aspect of the book! The author clearly knows what she’s talking about lol
- Lara’s bonfire tradition and the female solidarity that came with it 💝💝 How i love being a woman
- Ollie’s rule of “no sex if Lara’s intoxicated”!!!!! Seems obvious but I don’t see that in books very often. Corresponding quote :
➥ things I disliked :
- I felt like Ollie’s work-related ptsd wasn’t talked about enough. At the beginning of the story it seemed to be having a huge impact on her life and then it wasn’t really talked about again. She did discuss it with Lara, but maybe a little too briefly? And I felt like it was unclear what her job was in the end
- The damn townspeople going around calling Lara names and saying she “seduced” a full grown man when she was 17??? Hello???? Poor baby was groomed :(
➥ conclusion :
Overall this was a great read and I totally get why Ribbonwood is so popular!! now I can’t wait to read more books by Ruby Landers🫶🏻
➥ some of my favorite quotes :
“You look so close to whatever I assume your version of happy looks like that I'm worried you're going to lose your reputation around town as a lethal fucking witch any second now.”
“Well, young women can be affectionate with one another without it being something suspicious-”
“Suspicious? They're having sex, Sylvia, not robbing a bank.”
“Don't you think it's actually pretty nice, Eva Sinclair argued, that after Lara had to grow up with no mother at all, her daughter gets to have two of them?”
➥ pre-read ⋆˚࿔
so excited to finally read this one after seeing so many great reviews!!!
.✦ Review first posted on June 14, 2025
Had so much fun doing a buddy read with Abreanna Jacobs!!🫶🏻
Ribbonwood was a fascinating book. I was hooked from the start, and it kept getting better. The more we learned about Lara, her life, and her past, the more I liked her. I liked Ollie a bit less but that’s probably just because her story wasn’t nearly as fascinating as Lara’s.
➥ things I liked :
- The banter!!!!! Absolute perfection
- Having more than 2 povs (I think there were 4-5?). I know not everyone likes that, but I personally think it’s always really interesting and adds something to the story when done correctly (which was absolutely the case here)
- Ollie’s relationship with Tilly and how she was there for her🫶🏻 No spoilers but iykyk!
- The spice was great and well-written, although I felt like there was a little too much of it towards the end, but that’s just my personal opinion. I can definitely understand why others loved that aspect of the book! The author clearly knows what she’s talking about lol
- Lara’s bonfire tradition and the female solidarity that came with it 💝💝 How i love being a woman
- Ollie’s rule of “no sex if Lara’s intoxicated”!!!!! Seems obvious but I don’t see that in books very often. Corresponding quote :
“She wouldn’t have sex with her if she was intoxicated. She’d meant it and the rule was sticking. Especially the kind of sex they were having, and especially with Lara’s history.”
➥ things I disliked :
- I felt like Ollie’s work-related ptsd wasn’t talked about enough. At the beginning of the story it seemed to be having a huge impact on her life and then it wasn’t really talked about again. She did discuss it with Lara, but maybe a little too briefly? And I felt like it was unclear what her job was in the end
- The damn townspeople going around calling Lara names and saying she “seduced” a full grown man when she was 17??? Hello???? Poor baby was groomed :(
➥ conclusion :
Overall this was a great read and I totally get why Ribbonwood is so popular!! now I can’t wait to read more books by Ruby Landers🫶🏻
➥ some of my favorite quotes :
“You look so close to whatever I assume your version of happy looks like that I'm worried you're going to lose your reputation around town as a lethal fucking witch any second now.”
“Well, young women can be affectionate with one another without it being something suspicious-”
“Suspicious? They're having sex, Sylvia, not robbing a bank.”
“Don't you think it's actually pretty nice, Eva Sinclair argued, that after Lara had to grow up with no mother at all, her daughter gets to have two of them?”
➥ pre-read ⋆˚࿔
so excited to finally read this one after seeing so many great reviews!!!
.✦ Review first posted on June 14, 2025
April 27, 2025
4.25 stars? 4.5? Ahhhh I really loved this for the most part!! So engrossing, so heartwarming, and overall a wonderful read with some important themes. Lara Bennett was a force to be reckoned with, and her story will stay with me for a very long time. Ollie Gabrielli, sunshine personified, was absolutely the perfect match for Lara! So many wonderful side characters rounded out the story, including Ollie’s entire family, Lara’s daughter Tilly, and Lara’s best friend Sadie. The town of Ribbonwood was also a character in its own right — it even had (in my opinion) some POV chapters!
It wasn’t a perfect five-star for me for a few reasons:
(a) There was a little too much sex for my personal taste
(b) Even though Ollie is amazing (I do have a bit of a crush on that tall, dark-haired, charismatic goddess of a doctor), sometimes her actions and words seemed to be…a little over the top? I kinda wanted her to be a little more mysterious, ngl.
(c) I wanted more time spent with Ollie’s feelings about her job, because that’s some serious stuff.
Despite my minor quibbles, this book was wonderful and Ruby Landers is sure to become a new favorite author of mine!
It wasn’t a perfect five-star for me for a few reasons:
(a) There was a little too much sex for my personal taste
(b) Even though Ollie is amazing (I do have a bit of a crush on that tall, dark-haired, charismatic goddess of a doctor), sometimes her actions and words seemed to be…a little over the top? I kinda wanted her to be a little more mysterious, ngl.
(c) I wanted more time spent with Ollie’s feelings about her job, because that’s some serious stuff.
Despite my minor quibbles, this book was wonderful and Ruby Landers is sure to become a new favorite author of mine!
April 22, 2025
This book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let me sleep but god was it worth the sleep deprivation. Pretty spicy sapphic romance but with such an awesome story alongside it of small town drama.
When I say go read this I means it. I’m so glad I grabbed the paperback because this is about to get re read to within an inch of its life.
Whilst I loved Falls From Grace, Ruby’s writing just seems to get better and better and is now an auto buy author for me. Never misses ✋🏻
Rep// Bi/Pan Woman MC & Lesbian Woman MC. Relationship is WLW.
Spice: Spicy. Multiple scenes. Strap use.
Set: Australia.
TWs listed below, please skip that if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// sex on page, public sex, death of a parent (past), drink driving (past SC), grooming (past, brought up and discussed at multiple points), domestic violence (off page), death, murder, alcoholism (past SC), alcohol, police scenes, police harassment, rape (off page, brief mention), PTSD/trauma themes, misogyny.
When I say go read this I means it. I’m so glad I grabbed the paperback because this is about to get re read to within an inch of its life.
Whilst I loved Falls From Grace, Ruby’s writing just seems to get better and better and is now an auto buy author for me. Never misses ✋🏻
Rep// Bi/Pan Woman MC & Lesbian Woman MC. Relationship is WLW.
Spice: Spicy. Multiple scenes. Strap use.
Set: Australia.
TWs listed below, please skip that if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// sex on page, public sex, death of a parent (past), drink driving (past SC), grooming (past, brought up and discussed at multiple points), domestic violence (off page), death, murder, alcoholism (past SC), alcohol, police scenes, police harassment, rape (off page, brief mention), PTSD/trauma themes, misogyny.
March 19, 2025
4.5⭐️The first part of the book was just perfect for me. The banter, the tension—it was just chef's kiss. Ollie being relentless and Lara pretending not to care, I just wanted more. To the point that I was almost disappointed they sealed the deal. Lara and Ollie are as hot doing the prenuptial dance as the dance itself! Then the sweetness came, and who could not swoon? Lara's character is so layered and intriguing. I really like Landers's writing style and especially appreciate her epilogues. Throughout the book, Landers put some crumbs about the mystery of Chloe's boyfriend; I just wished the crumbs were bigger morsels. I also wished Ollie's PTSD was explored a little deeper. But overall, I loved this story, I loved Lara, and I loved this peculiar community and the sorority. After her fourth book, I can definitely say Landers has landed in my top 5 authors.
March 9, 2025
Wow - read it all in one sitting. I am convinced at this point that Ruby Landers can do no wrong. What a storyteller! And what a character she created in Lara Bennett!
Lara is intriguing and a bit of a mystery. A gorgeous woman with a long-held reputation for being a man-stealer, she is something of a pariah about town. But is she really the woman many people are convinced she is?
When doctor Ollie Gabrielli returns home from the big city to recover from burnout and spend time with her family, she finds herself drawn to Lara who is even more stunning than she was when they were in high school. But she’s only home for three months and doesn’t need to get involved with anyone - especially Lara. But as she gets to know the woman Lara has become, Ollie realizes there’s so much more to her than people realize.
Like her Grace Notes trilogy, this is a terrific read. I highly recommend it and certainly look forward to the audiobook version in the future!
Lara is intriguing and a bit of a mystery. A gorgeous woman with a long-held reputation for being a man-stealer, she is something of a pariah about town. But is she really the woman many people are convinced she is?
When doctor Ollie Gabrielli returns home from the big city to recover from burnout and spend time with her family, she finds herself drawn to Lara who is even more stunning than she was when they were in high school. But she’s only home for three months and doesn’t need to get involved with anyone - especially Lara. But as she gets to know the woman Lara has become, Ollie realizes there’s so much more to her than people realize.
Like her Grace Notes trilogy, this is a terrific read. I highly recommend it and certainly look forward to the audiobook version in the future!
August 3, 2025
Lara deserves the woooooorld and she is too good for that town.
This book warmed my heart and also hurt my heart at times. I really loved the dynamic between Lara and Ollie and their playful banter. This was a perfect enemies-lovers type of book.
Small towns really have nothing else to do except gossip! and Lara used that to her advantage to help all the women in the town, a feminist icon.
I loved that Ollie didn’t care what everyone else was thinking because she could tell who Lara really was. There were so perfect for each other.
This is exactly what I needed to read, I know it’s early in the month but this may be a top contender for the best of the month.
My only question is… who killed Chloe’s ex?
This book warmed my heart and also hurt my heart at times. I really loved the dynamic between Lara and Ollie and their playful banter. This was a perfect enemies-lovers type of book.
Small towns really have nothing else to do except gossip! and Lara used that to her advantage to help all the women in the town, a feminist icon.
I loved that Ollie didn’t care what everyone else was thinking because she could tell who Lara really was. There were so perfect for each other.
This is exactly what I needed to read, I know it’s early in the month but this may be a top contender for the best of the month.
My only question is… who killed Chloe’s ex?
January 18, 2025
Ribbonwood is a delightful mix of storytelling that grabs my attention right from the start. With its lovely writing and rich layers, the story gently unfolds, uncovering deeper themes of love, family, and misogyny. It teaches you to look beyond the surface and not to always assume what you hear is a fact. It really draws me in and keeps me engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment reading Ribbonwood.
February 18, 2025
this may just be my favorite sapphic small town romance
i was so scared to read this based off the prologue since i truly had no idea where this book was gonna go but that was SO worth it. truly a perfect amount of angst and drama i loved this
i was so scared to read this based off the prologue since i truly had no idea where this book was gonna go but that was SO worth it. truly a perfect amount of angst and drama i loved this
November 3, 2025
Ruby Landers is a new to me author and is often recommended to me. And I can say this was a great first impression! I thoroughly enjoyed it, tandem read with audio, Katherine Littrell is the narrator and did a great job! 👏🏻 This book touches on some sensitive topics, so id advise checking triggers before reading. It all felt well handled and written to me and definitely recommend giving this a read!
This books written in third person and has multiple POV’s, which isn’t something I’ve read often but also enjoyed. Single mum, return to hometown, Enemies to Lovers, Coming out. There are 7 spicy scenes, a couple of which have minimal description.
This books written in third person and has multiple POV’s, which isn’t something I’ve read often but also enjoyed. Single mum, return to hometown, Enemies to Lovers, Coming out. There are 7 spicy scenes, a couple of which have minimal description.
December 19, 2024
Beautiful reading!
This book had me hooked—I couldn’t put it down at times. It’s my favorite by this author so far.
I loved both main characters. Their strength, complexity, and intelligence made them interesting to follow.
One character’s depth particularly stood out, and the dynamic between the two was engaging, memorable, fun (and hot).
The themes of coming home, rediscovering one another, and second chances are beautifully woven into the story, making it truly special despite the icy temperament of one of the characters.
I truly hope there’s a sequel—there’s so much potential to explore further!
5 stars 🌟
This book had me hooked—I couldn’t put it down at times. It’s my favorite by this author so far.
I loved both main characters. Their strength, complexity, and intelligence made them interesting to follow.
One character’s depth particularly stood out, and the dynamic between the two was engaging, memorable, fun (and hot).
The themes of coming home, rediscovering one another, and second chances are beautifully woven into the story, making it truly special despite the icy temperament of one of the characters.
I truly hope there’s a sequel—there’s so much potential to explore further!
5 stars 🌟
June 6, 2025
I'll believe the hype more often now. This was a wonderful story, a brilliant book that kept me going back for more. It's so well written, interesting from the beginning right to the end, and gosh I just want more of Lara and Ollie.
Read
March 8, 2025Welcome to Ribbonwood. Let’s take a moment to listen to the birds, admire the colours in the trees, and the scent of eucalyptus in the air. Now, Ribbonwood is a quaint town in the hinterland behind Brisbane in Australia. It’s small. But like most small towns, it’s big on gossip. And Ruby Landers pokes and teases to put on full display how meta it is when people talk about each other when they are the ‘other’.
In fact the opening to Ribbonwood is a commentary from various townsfolk about one of their own citizens; Lara Bennett.
We see Lara as a man-eater, husband-stealer, and all round tramp. Yet as the story unfolds, strips itself bare like the bark off a stringy bark gum tree, we begin to ask if the rumours are all that they seem?
Enter Paediatrician Ollie Gabrielli. With a fresh case of PTSD from her job in Melbourne, she’s arrived back to her family vineyard in Ribbonwood to recover and also be with her elderly and dying grandmother to see out her last days.
Ollie and Lara did not get along at school but, in a classic enemies-to-lovers story, sniping and sneering can lead to some fabulous sex. Ollie becomes one of the few people who can see through Lara’s protective walls, and she grabs a ladder to clamber over them to settle into Lara’s heart.
I haven’t given too much plot away. There are some trigger warnings. See Ruby’s website for what they are. But they make sense, those triggers. Gosh, the twists and turns pull in strings of triggers to shoot down all those rumours.
Ribbonwood is cinematic. I saw, through the camera lens, the setting, the people, the richness of the words that translated to visual effects. The story is quick-witted, sensual. It is ribbonwood: a dense tree that houses wildlife and provides fruit to feed that wildlife. It’s amazing how the fruit of a town’s ‘chat’ can feed a town of only nine-hundred.
Ribbonwood is a nominee for the Ann Bannon Popular Choice prize for this year’s Goldies. Make sure you vote for it.
In fact the opening to Ribbonwood is a commentary from various townsfolk about one of their own citizens; Lara Bennett.
We see Lara as a man-eater, husband-stealer, and all round tramp. Yet as the story unfolds, strips itself bare like the bark off a stringy bark gum tree, we begin to ask if the rumours are all that they seem?
Enter Paediatrician Ollie Gabrielli. With a fresh case of PTSD from her job in Melbourne, she’s arrived back to her family vineyard in Ribbonwood to recover and also be with her elderly and dying grandmother to see out her last days.
Ollie and Lara did not get along at school but, in a classic enemies-to-lovers story, sniping and sneering can lead to some fabulous sex. Ollie becomes one of the few people who can see through Lara’s protective walls, and she grabs a ladder to clamber over them to settle into Lara’s heart.
I haven’t given too much plot away. There are some trigger warnings. See Ruby’s website for what they are. But they make sense, those triggers. Gosh, the twists and turns pull in strings of triggers to shoot down all those rumours.
Ribbonwood is cinematic. I saw, through the camera lens, the setting, the people, the richness of the words that translated to visual effects. The story is quick-witted, sensual. It is ribbonwood: a dense tree that houses wildlife and provides fruit to feed that wildlife. It’s amazing how the fruit of a town’s ‘chat’ can feed a town of only nine-hundred.
Ribbonwood is a nominee for the Ann Bannon Popular Choice prize for this year’s Goldies. Make sure you vote for it.
December 17, 2024
Enjoyed this one a lot!
August 23, 2025
Easily book of the year for me. I'm trying to induce amnesia so I can re-read it ASAP, but my head is so hard that banging my head against the wall doesn't do much but get me noise complaints.
August 17, 2025
Lara Bennett is one of my favorite characters i've ever read, i adored that woman so much!! What a great read, Ruby Landers is such an incredible writer!
2nd time reading - giving this a full 5 stars now, it's even better on a reread. The audiobook is incredible as well.
2nd time reading - giving this a full 5 stars now, it's even better on a reread. The audiobook is incredible as well.
May 25, 2025
This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more. My god, this book. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time. It's one of the easiest 5/5 ratings I've ever done.
April 20, 2025
I was pretty underwhelmed with this book because I just wanted …….more and less. I wanted more showing and less telling. I wanted more character development from Ollie’s character. I DEFINITELY needed for Ollie to get more consent before edging Lara. I wanted more relationship building from both Lara and Ollie.
The first 30% or so was fine but as soon as Ollie made her one and only amends the story kinda lacked any emotion. I was also distracted by the random chapters that told the point of view of a character that’s never appeared in the story before and then no follow up to include them in any way later. There were so many missed opportunities to incorporate the emotions of both Ollie and Lara that just never happened.
It’s not to say I hated it, it was fine. Ruby Landers is a great writer, but his story just missed it for me.
The first 30% or so was fine but as soon as Ollie made her one and only amends the story kinda lacked any emotion. I was also distracted by the random chapters that told the point of view of a character that’s never appeared in the story before and then no follow up to include them in any way later. There were so many missed opportunities to incorporate the emotions of both Ollie and Lara that just never happened.
It’s not to say I hated it, it was fine. Ruby Landers is a great writer, but his story just missed it for me.
August 20, 2025
💚
Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers
💚High school enemies to lovers
💚Small town
💚Secrets, rumors and lies
💚Australia
Finished Ribbonwood and yeah… I get the hype.
Lara was such a badass. Always standing tall and not taking shit from anyone. I really related to how she kept people at arm’s length to protect herself.
Ollie was a walking green flag with a dirty mouth and jokes for days 😂 #teamollie4eva.
Lara and Ollie’s banter alone deserves 5 stars. The tension and chemistry was 🔥.
With the drama, the spice and the rumors?? I was so locked in. I needed to know Lara’s backstory and the truth did not disappoint.
Only one teeny tiny complaint: there were too many names. My brain needed a flowchart 😅
10/10 would recommend.
Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers
💚High school enemies to lovers
💚Small town
💚Secrets, rumors and lies
💚Australia
Finished Ribbonwood and yeah… I get the hype.
Lara was such a badass. Always standing tall and not taking shit from anyone. I really related to how she kept people at arm’s length to protect herself.
Ollie was a walking green flag with a dirty mouth and jokes for days 😂 #teamollie4eva.
Lara and Ollie’s banter alone deserves 5 stars. The tension and chemistry was 🔥.
With the drama, the spice and the rumors?? I was so locked in. I needed to know Lara’s backstory and the truth did not disappoint.
Only one teeny tiny complaint: there were too many names. My brain needed a flowchart 😅
10/10 would recommend.
February 8, 2025
Great banter between the mains, mind blowing chemistry, hot sex and a very laid back premise, make this my best read of 2025. Sometimes a whole lot of nothing but emotions and conversation, beats out a tangled and involved storyline. 5+ stars. Love all of Landers work!
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