I was meant to live my life in silence, but with the help of my three men, I’ve been able to break free of my cage and fly. Though life is unbelievably quieter for us now in New York, there is still just one… soft… lingering lullaby faintly composing itself in the back of my mind.
The altar awaits.
But a shallow grave sings louder.
And my Death Lullaby is swelling into a full symphony, dragging me back to a lonely mansion I once called ‘home.’
Ruby Darling is a small town Texas Native that reads too much Dark Fantasy Romance and sleeps too little, which has probably caused her to be delusional enough to create a world of her own. She hopes you have a great time under the glamour and in the veil.
How can a little novela make me feel so happy !!! I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE every single one of Raven’s men and I LOVEEEEEE Raven as well ! The way Ruby Darling portrayed Raven with real insecurities and real body with perfect imperfections that her men ABSOLUTELY WORSHIPPED AND ADORED ! I can’t with these 3 guys , I literally want to have them in real life FOR ME ! Fuck the rest, I want Doctor Dirty Damon, the Demigod Jonas and the Professor Beast Maverick 🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵 Gee …… so here yes it’s more about them living life and getting adjusted but we also have Raven getting her last revenge with her men help and we have them doing their ABSOLUTE BEST TO MAKE HER UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH THEY ARE UTTERLY COMPLETELY DOWN BAD OBSESSED WITH HER and HOW MUCH THEY LOVE HER the way she is and HOW MUCH THEY DESIRE every single perfect imperfection she has. It melted my heart….. I am still NOT a fan of Jonas and Damon together because like I said in my review of the duet it seemed unnecessary and like it happen to please the masses…. Because Damon is SOOOOOOOOO COMPLETELY obsessed with Raven , the man stayed 3 years without any woman just so he could be HER first and be clean for her only , he dropped his entire life and career to follow and stalk her in college and help with her revenge. Then you tell me that after very few and not even important interactions he then ALSO love Jonas ? Pleaseeeee be so fucking for real now. And on the other hand Jonas is would literally DIE for Raven, he is sooooooo needy with her and so so sooooooooooo obsessed that it doesn’t make any sense that out of nowhere he than also love Damon . FUCK THAT ! I am a MMF LOVERRRRRRRRR that’s my favorite type of why choose is with swords crossing and when they are obsessed with the girl equally of even more. But it needs to have development and history and not just spring on you. Also Ruby made SUCH A PERFECT WHY CHOOSE here that I got second hand jealousy in the scenes between Jonas and Damon. I WANT THEM OBSESSED WITH HER ONLY !!!!!! Now Professor Beast Maverick made me like him more here, because he was pure dedication to Raven ONLY and he was so attentive and in tune with her that literally melted me ! Don’t get me wrong the other 2 are too, you can’t even say each one is MORE obsessed with her because they all are, but the fact that Maverick was with her only made it a better bond. Idk call me a bitter bitch but that’s how I feel. Regardless I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the duet speak and stutter and loved this novela !
This was literally everything I wanted for more of Raven & her men! Although I could read about these 4 forever! The spice in this was so freaking hot and filthy, and I ate it up. Ruby’s writing always has me wanting to keep going and is so poetic at times. I mean the way that Damon, Jonas, & Mav all speak to and about Raven always has me swooning!
What to expect: 💜Why choose 💜Revenge 💜High spice 💜Breeding kink 💜Insatiable men
Thank you so much to Ruby for letting me read/review an ARC of this novella!
I am not ready to say goodbye to them 😭 WHAT A PERFECT ENDINGGGG. the way THESE MEN LOVE HER, gosh it hurts. its everything and ill be thinking of these 4 forever. AND THE SPICE? ya ...she brought it in this book but its so much more than that. its closure, its love, its healing.
Ruby does passion, why-choose, smut and book boyfriends so well! Another great read from her 👏🏼 This novella was an amazing ending to their story. The dynamic relationship between them all is as spicy as ever. I m still a huge Josh fan. What a boy! Hopefully we get a few more snippets of them in Sabrinas story. I will for sure miss them.
Always by Ruby Darling is book 2 in the Rayne-Moore University Duet. This is a why choose novella full of insatiable men and a gorgeous woman. It is loaded with chemistry and is the perfect ending to the two part duet. It answers the questions left unsaid and wraps it all up in a nice little bow.
Raven is like every real woman. She has all the insecurities and body image issues. Her gorgeous 3 guys, Jonas, Maverick, and Damon though know how to make her feel gorgeous and like a real woman. I loved all of them and the dynamic they all brought to the room
This novella just made me happy and I am so ready to see what this author brings us next!
This story brings us back to Raven and her men. They sense her pulling away, weighed down by insecurity, and respond in the only way they know how, by surrounding her with unwavering reassurance and devotion. Every word and action is a reminder that she means everything to them, and their love is poured out in ways that leave no doubt about how deeply they feel.
It’s a quick, super spicy novella, exactly what we have come to expect from these four. Heather Firth and Joe Arden once again deliver a flawless performance, capturing the heart of the story and the unique dynamic between these characters. Their narration makes the love, tension, and undeniable chemistry feel real from start to finish.
Thank you, Ruby M. Darling and Blue Nose Audio for the ALC.
I. Am. Obsessed!! This novella was the perfect send-off for Raven and her men. Every page felt like a soft, tender gift. Moments that reminded me why I fell in love with them in the first place. Balanced with the kind of spice that has always made their dynamic so electric. And that final lullaby? That wasn't just a goodbye, it felt like a heartfelt tribute to Raven’s entire journey, I felt it deep in my bones.
My only real issue is the ache it leaves behind. How am I supposed to continue with my life without more of their story?
60% Ruby written spice & 40% plot? yes please. this was a quick fun time back with my favorites. Some revenge, some fun surprises, and a whole lot of sheeeesh 🥵😅 loved this one!
This novella is the latest addition to the Rayne-Moore University Duet Speak and Stutter. This Novella follows Raven and her men after Rayne-Moore University. Not much thriller suspense, but it is sweet and fills in some of the story we missed in the duet and Scream. I love Raven and her men!!! Speak & Stutter Duet along with Raven’s bestie in Scream are among my top favorites for 2025! So, I highly recommend you read these along with the novella. Both the duet and novella are why choose.
This was of course, a perfect way to reunite with Raven and her men. It was beautiful to see how much they still loved and adored her, and that they would be forever devoted to her. Their wedding was *chefs kiss* and the idea behind her ring was so cute and special. I loved how there were a piece of each of her men that formed one ring— encompassing their never-ending love for her. I of course loved seeing the love between Damon and Jonas, that love all more apparent when the 3 of them would come together as one 🥹 Also loved the moment on the roof after Raven got the gargoyle for Jonas and had a cute little bonding moment with Maverick. And also a loud ADIOS to that bitch Sofia 👋🏼 she no longer gets to make Raven feel bad about herself any longer!! She’ll now to get to live her life feel cherished and beautiful forever alongside her family and their future babies.
Some things that bothered me but could probably just be me in general: the lingo when it comes to MF scenes actually kill me. Like pls stop saying “cream” in place of what it’s meant for like it actually cringes me out so bad 🤣🤣 A lot of books are like this, not just this one specifically but like just call it what it is please lol. Other than that, I enjoyed!
—
“You are everything my heart desires, and so much more, Siren.”
“Damon likes to see her fly; Jonas prefers to ruffle her feathers and I? I enjoy seeing her a whimpering mess caused by my destruction of her tattered soul that's sunken its talons into mine.”
“The full moon casts a glow on my fallen angel’s skin, and I know, without a doubt, I’d follow her into the pits of hell. As long as it’s for eternity.”
“I have my own beacon of light. My own anchor. My own devil.”
“What began as an infatuation, an obsession, became so much more. Your silence captivated me but soon I realized it wasn’t your silence at all. It was you. I had fallen for you in so many different ways on so many different days.”
“But you accepted my form of crazy and never batted an eye. I told you once I never want to miss a single thing you do, and I meant it. I am so in love with you and all I want, every day of every hour, is you.”
“You bring me a peace I can’t live without. You are the comfort, the refuge, the peace my heart, soul and mind have searched for for what feels like eons. You saw me and accepted me as I am and never asked for more even when I did. I’m still not exactly sure what I did to even deserve a glimpse of you.” (Maverick im crying!!!)
“You kill me, Jonas Anderson. You and Amourette are my everything. Chacune de mes petites morts t'appartiendra.” “Every little death of mine will belong to you.””
“This is everything. Every praise from Damon, every whimper and moan from Raven, the degradation and praise that comes from Maverick in the same breath, it’s everything. Maybe my mind is truly fucking warped or maybe this is everything I’ve wanted and never knew I needed to feel… sane. Because it all makes sense to me. Him. Her. Them. Us.”
“I married very, very evil, beautiful men. I am so very happy. What a wonderful way to die: Death by Dick.”
“I didn’t think this would ever be possible for me.” He sniffs but laughs softly. “And now I have the best wife, husband, and brother ever. Damon… my heart feels like it’s erupting all the time. Is that normal?” (Yeah im emo ily Jonas)
“I am fully aware these two will be the death of me. But at least I’ll die happily and so very, very loved. Of that, I am so very sure of.”
“Because this is it. Everything I have ever wanted, and she’s blessing me with forever. My Siren. My Angel. My wife.”
““Mon toujours.” My always.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m so excited I read this novella! After finishing the duet, I really wanted to keep reading about them. I like these characters a lot. As usual, Jonas, my baby, is my favorite. I loved him in this novella.
It was so sweet seeing all the guys continue to worship her and show how much they care about and love her. I almost cried during a few moments because they were just so cute. The way they expressed themselves, talking about her, their love for her, was just so good. I really liked that.
Honestly, I had a lot of fun reading this. Obviously, it’s smut and spice with zero plot, but that’s exactly what I was expecting. And to be honest, I liked it.
I do wish we had gotten more 1:1 scenes with the MM couple, that’s what I was expecting, and it didn’t happen. But we did get to see more of them here, which I absolutely loved. I went feral for those moments. The way they talked about each other and expressed their feelings was everything.
Even tho we didn’t get a long 1:1 scene between just them, it’s fine. Other than that, I had a really good time reading this.
3⭐️ for me. I wouldn’t say this was exceptional or bad, it was just average, and that’s why I rated it 3 stars. I really liked seeing her close a chapter in her life too. I feel like that needed to happen so she could fully move on, and I loved seeing her complete the rest of her list.
Other than that, I’ll miss these characters because I honestly really like them a lot. Even tho I wouldn’t call this crazy or out of this world, I still love the characters. I love the FMC as well, she’s so strong, resilient, and determined, and I love that she wasn’t insufferable at all. It’s hard sometimes to find books where I don’t dislike the FMC, but in this case, I absolutely love her.
This reverse harem was done beautifully, and I liked it. Even tho, like I said in the first book, it started off a bit rookie, not exactly how I wanted it to be, it eventually became everything I wanted. So I can comfortably say this is a really good reverse harem duet plus novella.
I can't believe we are here, I'm in tears because my Raven Baby became an integral part of me for months now, I read Speak and Stutter once a month, maybe twice if I miss them and now with this, I feel the OMG it is over and the OMG I can't believe it's over. But... It is not, she and the guys will continue to cross paths with us in Sabrina's journey. So I'll just happily wait.
Now, as for the review, feelings aside. The beginning has my attention, I was surprised by what was happening in Raven's mind and found that plot line interesting. The confrontation, one thing keeps coming to mind: I wish she knew that Sofía had her dad killed, that would have closed the cycle seamlessly. All the guys did their roles to the best advantage and I love that. What I keep repeating while reading: Oh, my Jojo 🤣 He made me laugh while crying, the way his mind works is always fun to read. I loved that Damon got that tender moment at the end, we started with him after all. Maverick, well, I have never liked him, I just can't make myself like him, but he did what he does best and it was enjoyable for that. There were mentions of doing it in a cemetery and my train of thought went: I hope they are on top of Axel. One thing I didn't like, but I have absolutely no other way to do it save what Ruby did, I wish the Monroe surname had died with Sofía. After lots of rambling, I recommend this book to anyone who has read Speak and Stutter, it is a must and you won't regret it. Yes, lots and LOTS of spice but that is who they are and always were after all. Honorable mention to George ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ Spice: 5/5 🌶️ (This one has SO much spice!)
This novella was the perfect finale to a world that has been wild, devastating, tender, and transformative in all the best ways. I feel genuinely privileged to have read the final installment of Raven’s HEA, especially because this world and these characters have carved out a spot in my chest I’m not getting back anytime soon.
Raven, Jonas, Damon, and Maverick have been on a journey that’s pushed them past every fear, trauma, and boundary they’ve ever known… and watching their growth culminate here was nothing short of inspiring. What began as survival has evolved into a foundation of love, loyalty, and chosen family that’s so much bigger than anything I expected. Ruby M. Darling’s remarkable mind brought to life some of the most complex, flawed, lovable characters I’ve read this year, set inside a storyline that truly stands apart from anything else in the genre.
Always is full of exploration, devotion, and adventure - layered with that haunting emotional undercurrent that defines this series. It’s about going above and beyond for the people who become your entire world… even when the past claws its way back with a vengeance.
WHAT A CONCLUSION TO RAVEN AND HER MEN. Honestly, I’m still a bit feral. I adore these characters, and this little return trip gave me the closure I wanted and the heat I was absolutely here for. It felt like one last, delicious hangout with the whole chaotic crew—exactly the kind of moments that make you want to reread the entire series (yes, including Sabrina’s story—Scream!). 😅🔥
What I Loved About This Book · The perfect send-off: It’s short, punchy, and ties a neat bow on Raven’s world without dragging things out. We also got to see Raven get the closure she needs. · All the spice we needed: Hawt scenes galore, but still tender where it counts. 🌶️ · Time with the favourites: Damon, Maverick, Jonas… don’t make me pick a favourite. I won’t. I refuse. 🥲 · That “coming home” feeling: Sliding back into this world felt cosy and a tiny bit unhinged—in the best way. · Closure without killing the vibe: Enough answers to feel satisfied, enough cheek to keep me grinning.
The Tropes: Always you High spice Revenge plot Insatiable men Why choose
A quick, steamy love-letter to Raven and her men—sweet, spicy, and just the right dose of closure. I’m smiling, a little swoony, and fully tempted to start the duet again from page one. 🖤
Miss Ruby Darling has not failed again in this spicy novella to close off the Rayne-Moore University books. Be prepared to follow Jonas, Damon and Maverick on many spicy little trysts with their girl Raven.
You will not be disappointed…!!! But you may end up a little…!!! I’ll leave you with that little thought, so grab hold of this book today. Don’t walk, Run for it…
⭐️ALC Always Audiobook Review ⭐️
Once again Ruby Darling has done it again, spice, spice and more spice. Bringing back the three men we cannot get enough of Jonas, Damon and Maverick. Alongside there goddess Raven in this spiciest of novellas.
Follow Raven and her men down the rabbit hole for one more last spicy read…with an audiobook that will have your ears thanking you for the listen.
Once again we are graced with the ever talented Heather Firth reprising her role as Raven Monroe and the ever talented Joe Arden bringing back to life Jonas, Damon and Maverick.
Again nothing can stop me from saying don’t walk but run today and preorder your copy of Always Audiobook so that when it’s released on March 3rd you’ll get to experience the spice that I did with this amazing ALC…!!!
What a way to tie everything together!! If you haven't read Stutter and Speak start there, but the way that these 3 love her, the way that the worship her, and the way that they take care of here is amazing!! I was laughing so hard at the George scene, If you read these then you know who George is and why he is so important to this story line!!! I can't believe she paid that much for him, but this just goes to show that she is willing to do just as much for her 3 men, as they are willing to do for her!! <3 You get so much more of Mav in this book and I will end this review with my favorite Mav Quote " I refuse to begin a marriage where there is no clear communication. Your thoughts belong to us. Your body. Your soul. Your heart. You have an issue, lift your pretty fingers, or open this beautiful mouth of yours. I love you. If I can fix it, I will, if I can't I'll find a way. Your happiness is my priority, Raven. Do you understand me?"
And just for good remember, remember the Mission Impossible Theme Song!!
How do you end such an amazing story? I need more of raven and her men. I am absolutely a professor fan, he definitely hits the spot for my likes lol. I mean I wouldn’t want to give any of them up, but he is definitely my favorite. The spice in this book is top level like the first 2 and I’m here for it! I am so glad Raven was able to get closure with all those who plotted against her. She deserves that happiness. And those men, they stick by her side no matter what and help her do whatever she wants! Now I need more of her bestie and her two men!
The audio for this was once again top tier content. Joe Arden and Heather Firth have done such an amazing job with this series. They’ve kept the same character voices throughout each book and the speed of which the recordings line up are perfect. You never know if one speaks slower than the other bc they are either sped up or slowed down to match, that that makes my adhd/ocd so happy! Absolutely amazing job bluenose and narrators!!
I am a sick little sl*t for anything Rayne-Moore University / Ruby’s Universe. As always, if Ruby writes it, I will read it. And pretty much guaranteed I will love it! But I didn’t think it was possible to fall even more in love with Raven, Jonas, Damon and Maverick. But here we are! More deeply in love with them, and their love. I missed these 4 so much, and getting this glimpse into their life and the behind the scenes what they were up to during Scream was just perfection.
That excursion Maverick goes on with Raven, had me CACKLING! Iykyk
But honestly just being back to reading the utter worshiping these men do - the way they ease Ravens fears that their “honeymoon phase” is coming to an end. The surprises they have for her… can I say perfection again? Is that too many perfections for one review? Too bad. It was perfect. I loved it. I gobbled this up but didn’t want it to end!
Join us for the final instalment of our Raven & her men.
I can honestly say I devoured this book in one sitting. Started it, and watched my kindle progress tracker go from 20% to 80% to WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M DONE!?
I was drawn to the Rayne-Moore world because I’m a die hard Why Choose girlie. (More 🍆 the merrier imo).
Ruby and her descriptive words had my brain picturing all of Raven’s beaus in great xxx rated detail. To this day I can’t decide what team I’m on because all the MMCs are special in their own delectable ways.
Treat your eyeballs to this chefs kiss work of art & make sure the batteries in your favourite toys are charged ALL the way. Trust me 😉
Always is available NOW, on whatever device you choose to read your smut.
Welcome back to the world of Raven and her men. This novella takes us right back into their lives after Stutter, and I could not put it down. It was incredibly spicy, but it still delivered all the emotions too. Reading about the devotion these men have for Raven and how they continue to support her even through her darkest moments made me fall for them even more.
Jonas has always been my favorite, but seeing Maverick open up and show a softer side absolutely made me swoon. And of course, we cannot forget our demented Daddy Damon. I wish I could stay immersed in this world forever. I truly hope we get more glimpses of them in the future.
If you have not started the Tongueless Duet, run. You definitely need to read those first before jumping into this novella, but trust me, you will not regret it. Ruby did not disappoint with this story.
Always is the perfect final breath of the Rayne-Moore Universe — a soft, sizzling goodbye that feels like coming home after surviving the storm. Ruby Darling blends spice and emotion so seamlessly that every page feels like a reward for the chaos, pain, and passion that came before it.
The heat is still there — fierce, intimate, and delicious — but it’s wrapped in warmth this time. It’s the kind of spice that feels like love, not just desire. And the tenderness? It hits even harder. This novella ties the series together with a sense of peace, healing, and devotion that’s both earned and deeply satisfying.
It’s the ending that whispers, “After everything… this is what forever feels like.”
If there nothing else you listen to me about in 2026, listen to me when I tell you this book was delicious. Now, the whole series is exquisite and this book made my why choose heart leap for joy. The spice was next level good and gave me goosebumps and made me giggle. Also, in true Jonas fashion, I was laughing out loud multiple times. The men in this book are other worldly and written so well. I call them my holy trinity of morally grey men. Each one is so damn sexy and amazing in their own way. I also loved that there was an event in this book that made my revenge spark light up. Absolutely devoured it. I listened to the audiobook and as always Heather Firth and Joe Arden delivered beyond my wildest expectations. They are exquisite together. Definite 5 star 5 pepper rating from me!
Ruby has done it again! This novella of Raven, Jonas, Damon, and Maverick was an amazing ending to the series!
The spice, good lord *chef's kiss*. The mouths on these men are top tier and Raven is one very lucky woman 😏.
The emotions and chemistry between all of them is amazing as always. The growth we see with Maverick, yes he has his beast, but he has grown so much with loving Raven.
Jonas and Damon are her light and anchor. I absolutely love them all and couldn't think of a better ending for this series!
Ruby, I'm so proud of you and can't wait to continue reading your work!
It was so good to be back with Raven and her men. I love these four and it made my heart happy to see them experience a little more life on page. This book was low plot and spice heavy which I am not mad about! Seeing these men feral for Raven is absolutely delicious. Also getting a little bit of Jonas and Damon never disappoints. Pup and Daddy…..I was a puddle. Like melted on the spot. Maverick as his dominating self had me wanting to kneel for him too. Four soulmates joined as one! I love them and I will never be over them!
I absolutely love her writing. I could read these stories about Jonas, Mav, Damon and Raven a million times over. I love a book with good spice and Ruby knows her spice. But it’s more than that, the plot that flows from Speak and Stutter to Scream and now Always is perfection and I know once we get the 2nd piece of Bri, Maks and Parker it will continue to be epic. I mean who doesn’t love men that are obsessed to insanity for their women and badass FMCs to boot.
Always Review Ruby Darling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Here we are back with our favorite people from the Rayne Moore University. This series is a why choose. Raven and her men and dare I say - Jonas is my favorite 😬 He’s just so relatable and lovable. Not that Maverick and Damon aren’t great but there is something about Jonas. The novella closed up every loose and ended beautifully. While every chapter is great, chapters 4, 8 were a little extra 🥵and I have to say 16 was hilarious (iykyk). Ruby amazing once again. I look forward to see what you bring us next.
It’s always a pleasure to see my favorite characters again, and Ruby definitely did not disappoint in this book.
We’re reunited with Raven, Damon, Maverick, and Jonas once more. If you thought Speak and Stutter was intense, Always takes everything to an entirely new level.
Always is best read after Scream to avoid spoilers. In this installment, we get a short but insightful look into Raven’s backstory and her men.
As always, be sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in. The spice is chef kisses.
Hot d*mn this novella was scorching and sizzling from beginning to end! To be back in this world one more time with my three favorite men and bada** woman was simply divine! There's literally nothing better then having a husbands trifecta of playful, swoony, and beasty! I have no idea how anyone would ever get bored with this much sensual care for body, mind, and soul. Every desire and spoken word was layed out on a platter of brat assery and pure indulgement.
When I tell you this is the spiciest why choose novella I’ve ever read I MEAN it! I love getting to read about raven monroe, Jonas, maverick and Damon again! The bond and chemistry they all have made over the past couple books is so beautiful and not to mention so HOT! Ruby does such an amazing job between the spice and the story plot I can never put her books down! She does the spice so tastefully and I’m over here wishing to be raven! Cannot wait to read more of raven and her men’s future!