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Ruby's Last Chance
Ruby’s Last Chance
Junior journalist Ruby Lowe, recently dumped by her boyfriend and left with a shed load of debt, has no choice when her boss gives her the assignment from hell – attend a writers’ retreat where world-famous crime writer Edward De’Ath is lecturing and covertly obtain his DNA so they can prove a paternity case – comply or it’s the end of a promising career.
She’s not at all confident she can deliver.
Edward De’Ath has agreed to lecture at the writers’ retreat as a favour to an old college friend. Light of heart, and determined to enjoy his last few days in the UK before heading back to his home in New York, he and Ruby literally bump into each other in the car park and it is not a pleasant exchange.
Both simmer with rage as they check in, neither of them realising their bad start to the week is only about to get worse . . .
Junior journalist Ruby Lowe, recently dumped by her boyfriend and left with a shed load of debt, has no choice when her boss gives her the assignment from hell – attend a writers’ retreat where world-famous crime writer Edward De’Ath is lecturing and covertly obtain his DNA so they can prove a paternity case – comply or it’s the end of a promising career.
She’s not at all confident she can deliver.
Edward De’Ath has agreed to lecture at the writers’ retreat as a favour to an old college friend. Light of heart, and determined to enjoy his last few days in the UK before heading back to his home in New York, he and Ruby literally bump into each other in the car park and it is not a pleasant exchange.
Both simmer with rage as they check in, neither of them realising their bad start to the week is only about to get worse . . .
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2025
Ruby Lowe is a journalist, who is on her last chance with the newspaper she works for.
With her ex boyfriend conning her and leaving her with a lot of debt, Ruby cannot lose this job.
When her boss offers to pay for her to attend a writers’ retreat, she knows there is more to it. Famous author, Edward De’Ath is attending and Ruby’s boss wants her to get his DNA to prove paternity for the child of one of Ruby’s workmates. What could possibly go wrong?
What a fun romcom this was! I made myself a cup of tea and sat in the garden for a couple of hours, and lost myself in the story. I tried pacing myself, as it is a novella, but the story held my attention and before I knew it, I’d finished it.
You couldn’t miss the sexual tension between Ruby and Ed, even when they thought they disliked each other. I liked all the characters, they were all relatable and had great roles to play in the story.
I found myself either laughing or smiling throughout. Considering the author usually writes crime thrillers, this was a superb way for her to try a new genre. I do hope there will be more.
With her ex boyfriend conning her and leaving her with a lot of debt, Ruby cannot lose this job.
When her boss offers to pay for her to attend a writers’ retreat, she knows there is more to it. Famous author, Edward De’Ath is attending and Ruby’s boss wants her to get his DNA to prove paternity for the child of one of Ruby’s workmates. What could possibly go wrong?
What a fun romcom this was! I made myself a cup of tea and sat in the garden for a couple of hours, and lost myself in the story. I tried pacing myself, as it is a novella, but the story held my attention and before I knew it, I’d finished it.
You couldn’t miss the sexual tension between Ruby and Ed, even when they thought they disliked each other. I liked all the characters, they were all relatable and had great roles to play in the story.
I found myself either laughing or smiling throughout. Considering the author usually writes crime thrillers, this was a superb way for her to try a new genre. I do hope there will be more.
July 31, 2025
SHORT & SWEET - A REAL GEM OF A BOOK
Abandoned by her duplicitous boyfriend and left with mounting debts, reporter Ruby is sent on an undercover mission by her lecherous boss, to unearth the juicy dirt on a famous writer. She reluctantly agrees to the job and sets out for a writer's residential summer school with her notebook and pen. But upon arrival, things do not go according to plan and Ruby finds herself in various awkward and hilarious situations. Add to the mix her growing attraction to the wrong man, she certainly finds her mission challenging by all accounts.
This is a really fun, enemies to lovers romance which is full of sizzling sexual tension and slapstick scenarios. I sniggered and chuckled and laughed out loud my way through it. Ruby is a very likeable character and I was immediately drawn into her world by the great writing and compelling plot.
A really fab, entertaining read, and hopefully Ms Wood will dip her pen again into the world of romantic comedy.
Abandoned by her duplicitous boyfriend and left with mounting debts, reporter Ruby is sent on an undercover mission by her lecherous boss, to unearth the juicy dirt on a famous writer. She reluctantly agrees to the job and sets out for a writer's residential summer school with her notebook and pen. But upon arrival, things do not go according to plan and Ruby finds herself in various awkward and hilarious situations. Add to the mix her growing attraction to the wrong man, she certainly finds her mission challenging by all accounts.
This is a really fun, enemies to lovers romance which is full of sizzling sexual tension and slapstick scenarios. I sniggered and chuckled and laughed out loud my way through it. Ruby is a very likeable character and I was immediately drawn into her world by the great writing and compelling plot.
A really fab, entertaining read, and hopefully Ms Wood will dip her pen again into the world of romantic comedy.
August 3, 2025
Well written and so entertaining
An addictive page turner. "Ruby's Last Chance" opens with a hook that did not let this reader put down the book. Joy Wood's imagination shines through in her latest work of artistic genius. The plot was well established with engaging characters throughout. I always enjoy her use of the English language which is slightly different from that which we use in the United States. I especially like this aspect of Joy's writing. Ruby certainly had a journey through the pages of this book with a surprising outcome at the finish. Easy 5 stars. I highly recommend "Ruby's Last Chance" as an entertaining read.
An addictive page turner. "Ruby's Last Chance" opens with a hook that did not let this reader put down the book. Joy Wood's imagination shines through in her latest work of artistic genius. The plot was well established with engaging characters throughout. I always enjoy her use of the English language which is slightly different from that which we use in the United States. I especially like this aspect of Joy's writing. Ruby certainly had a journey through the pages of this book with a surprising outcome at the finish. Easy 5 stars. I highly recommend "Ruby's Last Chance" as an entertaining read.
August 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this romance, set at a writers summer school. The setting was great- really evocative and immersive, and beautifully realistic.
I’ve wanted to read one of Joy’s books for a while and I wasn’t disappointed. Her writing is stylish and engaging with relatable characters and polished dialogue. I particularly liked Ruby, but Ed De’Ath is definitely appealing too! The plot moves swiftly, but with enough detail to build effective minor characters and maintain intrigue throughout.
I’m now looking forward to working my way through the rest of Joy’s books!
I’ve wanted to read one of Joy’s books for a while and I wasn’t disappointed. Her writing is stylish and engaging with relatable characters and polished dialogue. I particularly liked Ruby, but Ed De’Ath is definitely appealing too! The plot moves swiftly, but with enough detail to build effective minor characters and maintain intrigue throughout.
I’m now looking forward to working my way through the rest of Joy’s books!
August 27, 2026
Fabulous read! Funny, charming, intriguing…
If you’ve ever attended a retreat for writers, artists or any form of creativity you will certainly enjoy the characters, plot and pace of this tale.
I was right there in the location, feeling the atmosphere, tensions, new friendships etc.
Sexy scenes and wrong vibes, purpose and lies, an ending I didn’t see coming. Thanks Joy. Loved Ruby’s Last Chance to keep her job.
If you’ve ever attended a retreat for writers, artists or any form of creativity you will certainly enjoy the characters, plot and pace of this tale.
I was right there in the location, feeling the atmosphere, tensions, new friendships etc.
Sexy scenes and wrong vibes, purpose and lies, an ending I didn’t see coming. Thanks Joy. Loved Ruby’s Last Chance to keep her job.
February 22, 2026
This was meant to be light summer reading, but I've just romped through it on a gloomy winter Sunday. Against the background of a deliberately 'Swanwick' inspired writers' summer school, the characters were well drawn and the heat - I'm not talking about the weather here - increased as the story unfolded. I didn't need to switch on my electric blanket!
October 24, 2025
Ruby's Last Chance is a brilliant romcom set at Swanwick Writers Summer School. The author of the book is a dear friend of mine, Joy Wood.
This is not a genre Joy would normally write but regardless it was a fabulous and a light hearted read.
This is not a genre Joy would normally write but regardless it was a fabulous and a light hearted read.
June 29, 2026
A fun read
I love romance books that are a pure joy to read such as this one. The writing retreat sounded rather interesting. The "job" Ruby was given was thwarted every way possible and the ending was perfect.
I love romance books that are a pure joy to read such as this one. The writing retreat sounded rather interesting. The "job" Ruby was given was thwarted every way possible and the ending was perfect.
July 27, 2025
Great fun; brought back memories of every writers' summer school I'd ever attended. The ending was no great surprise, but that's exactly what you need in a rom-com.
July 31, 2025
A fabulous read. I loved the characters and all their intricacies. The story was captivating so much so that I read it in a day. I definitely recommend this book.
December 17, 2025
Short and sweet, well written and a real romance!!
Smouldering too… an enjoyable read
Smouldering too… an enjoyable read
September 25, 2025
not for me but I can see this being other peoples thing!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews