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Always: A Rayne-Moore University Novella
Raven
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.’
Some melodies are just meant to end in bloodshed.
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.’
Some melodies are just meant to end in bloodshed.
- GenresWhy Choose
Audible Audio
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Ruby M. Darling
9 books672 followersRuby 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.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 13, 2026
Ugh Jonas, maverick and Damon will have my heart for a while now 🥹 I’m gonna miss raven and her sexy men (I hope Ruby gives us more glimpses of them in snap I can’t wait to dive more into Sabrina’s story as well) but this book was just what we needed more of them ! I’m sad it’s over but so enjoyed the ride along the way 😉
Hot sexy smutty and full of love!
Hot sexy smutty and full of love!
March 4, 2026
I always knew the story was fantastic because I read the novella when it first came out but the life that Joe Arden and Heather Firth brought to these characters, stepped it up a whole other level. The way Heather portrays Raven, her insecurities, her love, her stutter gives me chills. It makes me feel all the emotions and leaves me in awe. She really has perfected Raven throughout this series.
Joe is an absolute chameleon with every voice he puts to each character. The cuteness that comes across from Jonas, the darkness from Maverick and the adoration from Damon, it is all a rare talent. Parts that had me laughing out loud when I read the book, the audio had me rolling on the floor. And NOBODY does FAWKKKK like Joe 🤭. If it’s possible for either of them to step up their game with each book, they did that with this one.
It was the perfect lullaby.
Joe is an absolute chameleon with every voice he puts to each character. The cuteness that comes across from Jonas, the darkness from Maverick and the adoration from Damon, it is all a rare talent. Parts that had me laughing out loud when I read the book, the audio had me rolling on the floor. And NOBODY does FAWKKKK like Joe 🤭. If it’s possible for either of them to step up their game with each book, they did that with this one.
It was the perfect lullaby.
April 11, 2026
An Unforgettable Audio Experience That Brought the Story to Life
This story meant something to me the moment I first read it—but experiencing it as an audiobook completely transformed it into something even more powerful.
When I originally picked up this novella, I already knew it was a beautiful and emotional conclusion. But hearing it brought to life added a depth I didn’t expect. It wasn’t just reading anymore—it became something immersive, something that stayed with me long after it ended.
Ruby Darling created a story that is raw, emotional, and unforgettable, but the narration is what truly elevated it to another level. Joe Arden delivers an incredible performance, seamlessly shifting between characters with such distinct voices and emotions that you never lose track of who’s speaking. Each character feels fully alive, from the softness and devotion to the darker, more intense moments.
Heather Firth embodies Raven in a way that feels deeply personal and authentic. The vulnerability, strength, and emotional complexity she brings to the character is stunning. Every hesitation, every quiet moment, every surge of feeling—it all feels real and intimate, making Raven’s journey even more impactful.
Together, the narration doesn’t just complement the story—it enhances it. The humor hits harder, the emotional moments cut deeper, and the relationships feel even more consuming and real.
This audiobook didn’t just give me a new way to experience a story I already loved—it reminded me why I wanted to start sharing my thoughts in the first place. It made me feel something so strongly that I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore.
If you’ve read this story, I highly recommend listening to it. And if you haven’t experienced it at all yet, the audiobook is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in Raven’s final chapter. It’s emotional, powerful, and truly unforgettable.
This story meant something to me the moment I first read it—but experiencing it as an audiobook completely transformed it into something even more powerful.
When I originally picked up this novella, I already knew it was a beautiful and emotional conclusion. But hearing it brought to life added a depth I didn’t expect. It wasn’t just reading anymore—it became something immersive, something that stayed with me long after it ended.
Ruby Darling created a story that is raw, emotional, and unforgettable, but the narration is what truly elevated it to another level. Joe Arden delivers an incredible performance, seamlessly shifting between characters with such distinct voices and emotions that you never lose track of who’s speaking. Each character feels fully alive, from the softness and devotion to the darker, more intense moments.
Heather Firth embodies Raven in a way that feels deeply personal and authentic. The vulnerability, strength, and emotional complexity she brings to the character is stunning. Every hesitation, every quiet moment, every surge of feeling—it all feels real and intimate, making Raven’s journey even more impactful.
Together, the narration doesn’t just complement the story—it enhances it. The humor hits harder, the emotional moments cut deeper, and the relationships feel even more consuming and real.
This audiobook didn’t just give me a new way to experience a story I already loved—it reminded me why I wanted to start sharing my thoughts in the first place. It made me feel something so strongly that I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore.
If you’ve read this story, I highly recommend listening to it. And if you haven’t experienced it at all yet, the audiobook is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in Raven’s final chapter. It’s emotional, powerful, and truly unforgettable.
Review of advance copy
When I first read Always, the written words already felt like a stunning conclusion for our favorite men and their Raven. But hearing it in audiobook form brought everything to life in a whole new way. Getting to experience these characters again through narration was nothing short of astounding.
Joe Arden delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance as Jonas, Damon, Maverick, and Scream’s Maksim and Parker. It’s truly a treat for your earbuds. The raw talent and experience he showcases—especially as he seamlessly switches characters mid-sentence—is incredible. Each voice is distinct, authentic, and emotionally charged.
Heather Firth brings our broken little doll back for one last lullaby, and her performance is equally powerful. There’s a depth and vulnerability in her narration that makes the farewell feel intimate and unforgettable.
This audiobook is an amazing experience from start to finish. Do yourself a favor—download it and get this story in your ears. You won’t regret it.
Joe Arden delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance as Jonas, Damon, Maverick, and Scream’s Maksim and Parker. It’s truly a treat for your earbuds. The raw talent and experience he showcases—especially as he seamlessly switches characters mid-sentence—is incredible. Each voice is distinct, authentic, and emotionally charged.
Heather Firth brings our broken little doll back for one last lullaby, and her performance is equally powerful. There’s a depth and vulnerability in her narration that makes the farewell feel intimate and unforgettable.
This audiobook is an amazing experience from start to finish. Do yourself a favor—download it and get this story in your ears. You won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You must read/listen to Speak, Stutter, Scream(in that order) before starting Always to avoid spoilers. I’m glad that my girl Raven got her revenge and that her men not only supported it, they helped. This is just as spicy as the other books with an ending that’s the cherry on a delicious sundae. Joe Arden did not disappoint again in voicing Damon, Maverick and Jones. And Heather Firth is the most amazing strong yet broken and healing Raven. Ruby M. Darling can do no wrong, when it comes to her dark romances.
March 11, 2026
📖 Always by Ruby M. Darling
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrators: Heather Firth and Joe Arden
✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review
Always is a novella that completes the Rayne-Moore University Duet (Speak & Stutter). This addition was short... spicy... perfect.
Heather Firth and Joe Arden once again gave captivating duet performances, reviving some of our favorite characters; grumpy professor, intense doctor and adorable Jonas, and their antics… It’s bittersweet now that the journey is over, but what a fun ride it was.
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrators: Heather Firth and Joe Arden
✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review
Always is a novella that completes the Rayne-Moore University Duet (Speak & Stutter). This addition was short... spicy... perfect.
Heather Firth and Joe Arden once again gave captivating duet performances, reviving some of our favorite characters; grumpy professor, intense doctor and adorable Jonas, and their antics… It’s bittersweet now that the journey is over, but what a fun ride it was.
March 3, 2026
Getting wrecked by Raven and her men just hits different in audio! Heather Firth and Joe Arden crushed yet another Rayne-Moore University piece of perfection! And Ruby Darling….genius as always! The queen of spice….and she definitely delivered in this one! The scene at Inferno…chef’s freakin’ kiss! Amazing audio!
March 3, 2026
The whole series is my guilty pleasure and this novella is the ultimate happy ever after for Raven, Damon, Jonas and Mav, in a way that is totally them, so good, hot, and super spicy with a narration that is perfect as always for Ruby's books
April 16, 2026
minimal plot, just smut
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews