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Gems & Gents #5

Ruby...Red Slippers & All

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Ruby Lassiter has spent her life taking care of others. Helping to raise her siblings took all her time and energy. Now they are grown, some married with children and all living their lives. Ruby is now thirty-seven years old, experiencing empty nest syndrome. No she never married and has no children of her own. What is she supposed to do with her life now?

Devin Upton moved back home to settle his father’s estate. Taking over his father’s business was one thing. Fulfilling his father’s dying request was another. It was up to him to find the right person to bring the plan to fruition. At thirty-eight, never married and no children, love was the last thing on his mind.

An angry woman bursting through the door and literally knocking him to his knees changed that.

Christmas magic is in the air. Love is all around. Anything…anything can happen when red slippers are involved.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2015

20 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Iris Bolling

55 books414 followers
Iris Bolling is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of five series totaling over thirty romantic suspense novels. In addition to writing, she has produced and directed several books to film projects, and scriptwriting projects for other authors.

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5 stars
290 (75%)
4 stars
66 (17%)
3 stars
22 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly Murphy.
321 reviews
December 30, 2015
Ruby

Omg this was such a great story. Like who doesn't love the lassiters. I am so looking forward to Adams book. Great great great read.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews67 followers
January 17, 2016
I absolutely loved Ruby's story. Its wonderful when love comes for the older sibling.

What happens when you have taken care of people all of your life, they get older and begin to have their own lives. Where does that leave you? An empty-nest and this is what happened to the oldest daughter Ruby of the Lassiter family. All Ruby's life she has helped her mother and her father with her siblings, the ultimate nurturer, comforter, compassionate and shero. But now that she is on her own, she doesn't really know what to do. She has been offered to come in for an interview to head up the new "Aaron's House" that will help homeless families and singles, get back on track. The first start of the interview doesn't go well because Ruby show's up soak and wet, then has to cuss the woman out and leaves. In her haste she swings the door open and doesn't realize someone is on the other side of the door, literally taking the man's hand off.

Devin is the man on the other side of the door, and has no idea that the woman who practically took his arm off is the one he has waited his entire life for. Too bad, once Ruby makes sure he is alright doesn't stick around for any conversation LOL!! Devin wants her to interview for the job, Ruby isn't interested but thankfully Devin isn't a man to easily take no for an answer, so he does what a really smart person would do, go to the mountain to meet Ruby in her own environment and what he witnesses not only convinces him will be the right person for the job but the right woman for his heart. Now he has to convince not only Ruby but the whole Lassister clan LOL!!

What a well thought out and rounded story, I was rooting for Ruby like I knew her. The story is just so real because it speaks to many of us whom have neglected ourselves in order to take care of others, forsaking our dreams and our hearts. I know for me this story came right on time because I too am making some serious changes in my life and I totally get Ruby.

Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Profile Image for MidnightAce.
189 reviews
January 7, 2016
The Gem with the biggest heart

Iris has delivered another heart felt story from the Gems and Gents series. Ruby has been in the background for so long ensuring that everyone else was taking care of and now that they have pretty much moved on with their life, she is feeling out of sorts. With her loving, caring and selfless spirit, she again finds herself to be useful in the midst of a shelter again taking care of others. Only, this time it’s also the place she finds her true love and career advancement.

Looking forward to seeing more of this Gem, Ruby is truly someone I could identify with.
Profile Image for Marcia.
38 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2016
Iris Bolling is one of my favorite authors. She never fails to impress her readers. Ruby...Red Slippers is another example of her smooth and entertaining writing styles. The characters are so realistic, you can't help but feel like you know them personally. This book is just another installment of the Gems and Gents Series, that leaves you wanting more, and not wanting it to end. The characters manage to evolve right before your eyes, in an ever so flawless transition that Iris Bolling has mastered.
Profile Image for Stacey Williams.
123 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2016
Great job Ms. Bolling!!! Ruby story was worth the wait. Devin was all that and a bag of chips!!! You had me scared for a minute concerning Joe but I am happy all was well! Joshua and Adam though (just love them). You are such a talented writer. 10 stars!!!
Profile Image for Kendra Holiday.
254 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2016
Yes!!!!

Ruby & Devin's story touched my heart. I loved that after loving and taking care of her family, Ruby found the one that she needed and deserved. Kudos, Iris Bolling! I'm like a fiend, I need more Gems and Gents!
781 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2022
I love this Lassiter family for real though!😍

The oldest Lassiter that helped their family carry the load of her eleven siblings, showed compassion for children and families in need handled her business when her dad was injured, became Director of the project her Dad's former and present bosses owned, captured the heart of her dad's current boss Devin and is now heading for the altar of marriage! This story had tears running down my face at the love this family shows each other and others around them. Mr. X was a delight and I hope we hear more about him in future books! I am so glad the Lassiter Patriarch survived his injuries and this family remains intact. Ms. Bolling, I do believe you have joined the ranks as one of my favorite authors! Trust me you are in very good company as they all touch my heart, my spirit, my reading pleasure and stretch my imagination and whole reading experience just like you do!!! Thank you for your wonderful stories!
Profile Image for Beverly.
766 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2023
AWWWW❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It was finally Ruby’s turn As the oldest girl of the Lassiter family she was like the second mom to her siblings. With that being said before she knew it ,everyone had a significant other but her at 37 she felt like that ship had sailed Who knew that her changing the tire for an older women on a rainy day a few days befor thanks giving was going to change her life forever❤️❤️❤️❤️

Devin Upton,Single good looking and hadn’t seen a way to make room for love All he wanted was to make sure he did what was best for his late fathers business and fulfill his fathers dream of opening a community helping those in the community who had needs ,no matter what their status in life might be. He never expected to encounter a Gem that would turn his world upside down.

Needless to say the Lassiter family meeting had me in stitches once again😂 I love them.

380 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
Ruby Lassiter was the oldest of her siblings. She has a kind and caring heart. She worked with homeless people and was very compassionate. She also was a very strong take no prisoners kind of person. She applied for a job where a apartments were being built for people who were homeless. The owner was Devin Upton. Ruby almost knocked him over because the person that was supposed to interview her gave her a insulted and demeaned her because she had promised the job to someone else. Devin was immediately drawn to Ruby. The time Devin meets her eleven siblings was funny.
They all gave him a hard time before they decided he was the perfect person for Ruby.
Profile Image for Peggy Smith.
Author 84 books9 followers
September 11, 2021
Loved it

Ruby...Red Slippers and All, I would have to say was written just for me. As the second oldest of fourteen, my duties were just as Ruby's were. I loved this story. Ruby's love for people was awesome. Devin and Miranda was just what she needed to help her realize that she was a keeper and someone who deserves nothing but the best. The prayer scene was powerful. Don't miss out on this book.
799 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2022
Awesome book!

I really enjoyed this story and the characters were very entertaining. Loved the chemistry between Ruby and Devin it was electrifying and smoking hot 🔥! The story line was full of love romance and a taste of drama. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers you will not be disappointed.
123 reviews
August 28, 2023
The first Gem finds her match

I loved Ruby's story. Ruby is the first Gem but not the first to find Her love. She was wondering what her life would be like. Had she missed her chance to have what her other siblings seemed to be finding so easily. Where is her chance? Is it her turn?
Profile Image for Karen Taylor.
173 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2023
Excellent

Omg. Ruby finding love had my heart racing. The book had me laughing in the beginning because something always happened to Ruby. She is definitely a Gem with a heart of gold. I cried through the last two chapters of the book. It was definitely a heart filling book. Love it!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,087 reviews
December 17, 2023
I enjoyed Ruby's story. It was heartwarming. After giving so much to so many people, I was glad to see Ruby find Devin who supported her unconditionally.

I did think it was interesting how Devin knew Joe and didn't make the connection. I read this book in one sitting, and can only say I wish it had been longer.
Profile Image for Kim Short.
396 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2018
Loved it

I have enjoyed the series so far. All the characters are awesome and I love a big family. There are so many personalities that make up the family and all couples have their own story.
Profile Image for Sonya Wright.
20 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2018
Tear jerker

I felt everything that Ruby was going through in this story.......feeling as though she didn’t deserve the love and happiness that her siblings had and then meeting a man that was worthy of her. Thank you for reminding me it is okay to hold out on love!
162 reviews
June 8, 2021
Binge reading this series

Love the Lassiter Gems and and Gents. Ms Bolling has out done herself with this series. I have truly enjoy all of her book that I've read
Ruby.....Red Slippers has everything . Great characters, storyline and laugh out loud moments.
Profile Image for Yvette P Carter.
209 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
Lovely

another family saga to remember love, strength, togetherness, vulnerability, and tenderness. What would this world be if everyone would remember the most precious gift God has given us is love for one another. Be about it y'all!
1,014 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2021
The sacrifices we make

Ruby was there helping her parents with her siblings being the first daughter. Now it's her turn to find love but is it too late? Devin was ready to settle down and when he met Ruby he knew he found a love of a lifetime.
Profile Image for Nichelle.
117 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2022
in my next lifetime I’m a Lassiter

Love love this series! The suspense, laughter, corniness and Biblical references. Started out of sync with Jade and had to learn about the family. Would recommend
7 reviews
March 12, 2023
Tears, Laughter and Joy

I love this family, I want to be a distant cousin soooo bad. Ms. Iris I love the way you weave your stories.. All I can say Ms. Ma'am is THANK YOU, YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A REAL GIFT.
202 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2025
Ruby...Red Slippers & All

Another great one! I love this family! I love Devin and Ruby together! I Love this Family because they believe the scriptures in the Bible, I love the fact that quote verses for the occasions! Another hard to put down! The Parents are fantastic!
Profile Image for Robin Bostic.
22 reviews
December 31, 2017
Yeah Ruby...

About time Ruby finds someone who will take care of her. Devin is fully capable for the job. Phire is a hot mess.
20 reviews
April 20, 2018
Wonderful love story

Iris Bolling has done it again! This book is an easy read and a great love story! Reminds us that love can come at any age!
9 reviews
April 12, 2021
Great read.

The story line was well written. The characters were well defined.
Can’t wait for the next book. Looking forward to the next read.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Morris.
138 reviews
November 19, 2021
love at Christmas time

Ruby gets her love! I’m here for it! I loved Ruby’s story and how Ruby realized love didn’t pass her by after all…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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