Ruby Ink

Clairmont #1

by L.J. Wilson

Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 1943020019 / ISBN-13: 9781943020010.

Ruby Ink is the first book in this sensual romance series -- journeys of intrigue, seduction, and satisfying storytelling. The Clairmont siblings, known as the "Tribe of Five" -- Alec, Aaron, Honor, Jake and Troy -- are complex characters whose individual stories and intricate love lives drive these dynamic new novels.

In Ruby Ink, Aaron Clairmont has been granted an early parole. He returns home to Nickel Springs and finds employment at Abstract Enchantment, a trendy new inn. But Aaron's mind can't let go of its predecessor, the vintage Rose Arch Inn, the setting for his passionate love affair with Ruby Vasquez. Ruby -- the girl Aaron lost after his secret underworld life unraveled, shocking everyone who thought they knew him.

Freedom comes fast at Aaron -- a family desperate to reconnect, an employer cast as his savior, and the steamy memories he can't escape. Just as Aaron surrenders to starting anew, he realizes the diabolical trap he's been lured into -- a fresh hell that makes prison look like a country club. Lives are at stake, his family and Ruby's. Ruby Vasquez -- the woman Aaron never thought he'd see again. The one destined to collide with his future.

Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, New Adult, Romance, Second Chance, Suspense

362 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

THE MISSION, Book Two in the Clairmont Series Novels on sale May 17th! NetGalley ARCs now available!

"Sultry, sensual... intensely emotional and full of heart. L. J. Wilson is a discovery."--Shannon McKenna New York Times bestselling author

L. J. Wilson is the pen name of Laura Spinella, author of the #1 Bestselling Novel Ghost Gifts. The Clairmont Series Novels are a steamier extension of her mainstream books, which also includes Beautiful Disaster and Perfect Timing.

L. J. Wilson novels are sensual reads for discerning book lovers—in-depth stories that delve deep into the lives and loves of the Clairmont family and their legacy.

Also visit her Laura Spinella website at http://www.lauraspinella.net

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like when I choose a book, start reading it, notice that the writing is completely different from what I'm used to, and I still enjoy the heck out of the read. This book did that. The author's voice is brand new to me and after some adjustment, I realized I wanted to hear more!

This was a second chance love story buried beneath secrets, lies and betrayals. There was so much going on but at the heart of it was the epic love of Aaron and Ruby. Seven years ago, Aaron did the unspeakable. He ultimately betrayed their love. Or did he? See, no one believed he was capable of the charges he got convicted for. Seven years into his prison sentence, Aaron is released and all he wants to do is pick up the measly pieces of his life and try to move on. Except he can't. He can't let go of Ruby. However, he knows that she's gone... until fate steps in and gives them another chance.

Conspiracies and coverups are revealed. Aaron and Ruby get to love and heal. And the ending seems to be a great lead-in to book 2, The Mission.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE WRITING
I was so damn relieved when I made it to the end of Ruby Ink. Have you ever read a book that was so amazing you couldn’t put it down, even though you were sure the book was giving you an ulcer? Not because it was terrible because it was so good. The writing was so well done and complex that I really couldn’t guess what was going to happen next, even though I had suspicions about certain characters.

Ruby Ink is a train wreck that you can’t stop watching until the end. Every time I peeled back one layer of the plot another appeared to confuse the hell out of me yet enthrall me. I recommend this book to anybody who loves suspenseful romance, regardless of whether you like erotic romance. It doesn’t even read as an erotic romance, in my opinion. Ruby Ink was a wickedly intense read that should not be read until you have the time and energy and enough stomach lining to tolerate such a crazy adventure!
THE STORY
I can’t begin to explain how surprised I was by this novel. I’ve been a reader of romance for years and as big a fan I am, I am the first to admit that most romance novels are pretty predictable. For example: Heroine and hero meet, pretend they don’t have feelings for each other, grow closer, fall in love … but then out of nowhere, something happens and someone gets hurt. Hero eventually realizes how much he loves heroine and professes his undying love and pleads with heroine to forgive him. Hero and heroine fall madly in love and live happily ever after.

I can name dozens of romances that pretty much go in that direction in some shape or form and I’m completely okay with it most of the time. Ruby Ink, on the surface, has a similar plot and when I read the first couple of chapters that I had the book figured out … boy was I wrong. This book is so completely different from any other romance, any other book I’ve ever read that it blew my mind. The plot is far more complex than I realized. I’m so glad this book didn’t turn out as run of the mill because now I am so looking forward to reading more of L.J. Wilson!

The smart (and slightly disappointing) about this erotic romance is that, somehow, Wilson turned this kinky-ish book into something that mainstream readers wouldn’t be irked by. And no, I don’t mean that it falls into the “mommy porn” category (please erase this phrase from your dictionary. Sooo insulting), I just mean that it is sensual enough to be mega steamy but mysterious enough to work for people who don’t enjoy those in detailed sex scenes that I enjoy. I can’t tell if this is something I liked about Ruby Ink or disliked. Maybe a mixture of both, because I was able to enjoy the romance regardless of the sex.
THE CHARACTERS
please disregard this genre because it is so wrongly labeled. Ruby Ink is a book about how an innocent college student and an older, experienced older man fell slowly, but completely in love with each other and how the relationship was so easily shattered in the course of one night. But the book (except the first 2 chapters) take place seven years later, so if you are like me and NA is not your cuppa, don’t worry.
❝Who got matching tattoos before having sex? They did. The exotic symbols stood for love, happiness, and peace. Somewhat skeptical, Aaron had agreed to earn the ink with her, one tattoo at a time. ❞
As much as I loved this book, it wasn’t an easy story to read. I felt so much for both Ruby and Aaron, but it was hard to watch absolutely nothing go right for them, even when they thought it was. I wanted to hate them at times, but it was impossible to hold on to my anger. Both make stupid mistakes, but they both are made to pay the price for them in ways they don’t deserve. What makes me so angry with them sometimes is they couldn’t see how each of them were manipulated by a man orchestrating all of their pain and sorry for seven torturous years, but I couldn’t blame them because I didn’t see the convoluted scheming until it all came out at the end.

If the plot was complicated, the characters were even more so. Especially the antagonists … Honestly, there was only one antagonist I could properly label as “villainous” from the moment we were introduced, and even then he had moments of surprising humanity I didn’t see coming. Each person dropped into this book was well-developed, whether they were the bad guys or not, they all had moments of humanity that I didn’t see coming… even the one I labeled Satan. The characters of Ruby Ink were some of the best well-rounded characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
THE END
I’m hoping this rambling review made some sort of sense to you. It is so hard to explain the depth Wilson gave to the plot, the characters, the writing … I’m convinced she is some sort of mystical fiction magician with the mindf*ck Ruby Ink gave me. I’ll be surprised if I can read another romance without comparing it to this book. If I could ever convince you to read one book this year, Rubly Ink would be it!
This review was originally posted on One Curvy Blogger

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench into your plans. While that holds true for the characters in this book, it also holds true for me. You see, I've had this book in my possession for almost 7 months now but only recently had time to sit down and read it. I truly loved this book. It was so much better than I was hoping it'd be and I wish I'd read it sooner.

All it took to capture my interest and attention was the prologue. It's just a handful of pages, but it shows the beginning and fall of an almost fairy tale like relationship. My heart broke for both Ruby and Aaron. Nothing was going to be the same for them after that. Redemption for Aaron wasn't going to be easy. He didn't come home from jail the same as when he went in. Plus being around familiar places wasn't as much a blessing as he'd have liked especially when the memories associated with those places didn't let him rest.

Before I get into how much I loved Aaron and Ruby, I've got to tell you about the story as a whole. First of all it's amazing. There are so many turns and twists, each one larger than the one before it, changing the trajectory of the story. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next for a very large portion of this book because I didn't see the majority of those twists coming. There was one in particular were I was chanting in my head as I read, "Please don't let it be her. Please don't let it be her," over and over again. Besides being full of surprises, it was HOT! It's much hotter than any of the other books written by L.J. Wilson under her other pen name.

Aaron completely stole my heart. I'll admit to being shocked when his crime was revealed, but getting to know him and who he was was allowed me to see the motive behind it. I loved how committed he was to his family and trying to do the right thing while staying on the right side of the law. I loved his determination to overcome all of the challenges he was facing after leaving jail and being thrust into unfamiliar environments. Most of all, I loved his unwavering love for Ruby.

I loved Ruby too. She's down to earth and a natural beauty. She loves fiercely and loyally. She' was destroyed by Aaron's betrayal and her pain changed her. Ruby is considerate to a fault. She too had a resolve of steel. Aaron and Ruby together were incandescent. I could almost feel their attraction to each on a cellular level. They were truly the keepers of the others soul. Of course their relationship wasn't smooth at all. There were moments when I wanted reach into my e-reader and get rid of all the obstacles hindering them from reuniting.

L.J. Wilson has written this fantastic second chance romance that defies categorization. This book elements of so many different stories that are interwoven seamlessly and effortlessly. She manages to connect readers to a story told in the third person, something most writers struggle to do. You don't know what to expect but all you can do is devour each page frantically, at least that's how it was for me. When I finished this book I was left with an overwhelming sense of admiration for L.J. Wilson for this amazing story and wonderment as to how I was going to verbalize that coherently. I'm beyond eager to read the next book. While reading, I fell in love with not only Aaron and Ruby, but the entire Clairmont family. I have a feeling this entire series is going to be full of passion, drama, suspense, and discovery. I can't wait to find out for myself!

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I seem to be in a minority here, but unlike all the other reviewers, I didn't love this book.

As teenagers, Ruby Vasquez and Aaron Clairmont were inseparable. They were friends and lovers - and meant to be. That is, until the night Aaron tried to kill her father.
Having spent 7 years in prison, Aaron is released prematurely, only to find Ruby gone. Of course she's gone, why would she stay in a place where the ultimate betrayal took place years ago? Now, Aaron has no other choice but to pick up the shards of his former life and start all over again - living with his family, starting his new job at the Abstract Enchantment Inn, and forgetting all about the love of his life.
When suddenly Ruby shows up engaged to his new boss, Aaron finds himself a part of a dangerous game he cannot win.

As mentioned above, I didn't love this book. I liked it. It was sexy enough, the premise was good, and the suspense part kept me hooked most of the time, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, at all.

Ruby was kind of naive and volatile. All those years, she's resented the boy, now man, who once crushed her heart in the most horrible way, and now it takes nothing more than a few dirty words and a hand in her pants to re-evoke her love for him? Yeah.. no.
Aaron (gotta love the name, though) was an alright hero, but sometimes seemed a little too needy for someone who claims to be sort of hard-boiled after 7 years in prison.
Apart from the villain, who I think was pretty well-developed, and maybe Aaron's brother Alec, I didn't care for the secondary character too much either.

What I did really like a lot was the writing style. It was a little different from what you usually get in the romance/ NA genre. Sort of filigreed, and complex but in a good way, if that makes any sense at all.
And because of the wonderful style of writing (and the nasty cliffhanger, damn you, L.J. Wilson! ;-) ) I will probably read the second book in the Clairmont Series.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Execution is everything and Ms. Wilson's execution of this story is stunning.

Aaron and Ruby's love is young but it's strong, tangible. Or is it? It felt like it at first and I desperately wanted it to stay that way. But in the face of lies and betrayal, I wondered how I ever thought that.

This is one those stories that I can't pen a long review for. It isn't for lack of trying though. This story isn't as cut and dry as I thought it'd be. Each twist and turn yielded surprises I didn't expect, pulling the story and characters in directions I wasn't prepared to go in.

If you're going to read this, stay sharp and focused. It isn't a light read. It isn't filled with frou-frou fluffy shit. It's heart- and gut-wrenching. It left me on the edge of my seat one second, then had me leaning back needing to take a breather the next. It was one hell of a ride reading this story, but each rise and fall was worth experiencing.

I haven't read any of Ms. Wilson's other books, and I wonder if they're as... I don't know what the word is. Not twisted, not sadistic, not mindfucking. I don't know what the word is, but I do know that an author who has the ability to pen a story with such emotional and mental precision as Ms. Wilson is an author worth following and getting to know.

(Received from TLC Book Tours for an honest review)

[Ashley Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book that I finished reading yesterday. I was so impressed by this story! I usually avoid stories written in third-person perspectives because I feel like I can't connect as well with the story, but I have never had an issue connecting with any stories from this author. Writing under a pen name didn't change that fact. However, this story is definitely different from her other two novels. My favorite thing about this author is that she can deliver such complicated stories with so much substance and depth to each character. I was worried that this story being part of a series would take away from that, but I was wrong. She didn't just barely scratch the surface to save more for the other novels.The last few pages had me on the edge of my seat with excitement, and I can't wait to learn more about the Clairmont family that I've grown so fond of. I love every member of The Tribe of Five, and they definitely left me wanting more.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the ingredients for a fantastic story: compelling, suspenseful plot; multi-layered characters; and steamy passion! Aaron Clairmont receives an early release from jail after being convicted 7 years earlier for an attempted hit on the mayor, who is also his girlfriend's father. As he attempts to get his life back on track, reconnecting with his siblings, he becomes caught in a nightmarish trap. This book is fraught with tension, both criminal and sexual, and you will be compelled to keep turning pages to see how it all turns out! Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series about the sexy Tribe of 5!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. Very sexy read but had so much depth. I felt like I really got to know the characters. So much suspense and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat and made it very hard to put it down. The next book in the series will not come quickly enough for me!!!! Another great book from one of my favorite authors!!!!

[Heather in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest opinion. **

This was an interesting story and a good start to the series. I liked the genuine love between Ruby and Aaron, and it was good to see how they started off in order to understand what led to what happened, both long ago as well as present day. It also makes sense why some psychopath would choose to use their love as an Achilles heel. Boy, that dude was ruthless in all of his dealings, as well as in just his overall game plan.

I felt like the truth was revealed little by little, though I think I figured out what was going on. I didn't quite understand the depth and depravity of it until all was revealed, and the little pieces kept me reading more, wanting to see where this story was going. I really enjoyed watching all of the characters find a good way out of what was certain to be eventual misery. It was also interesting to see, at the tail end, the sneak peek into the subject of the next one. Not a cliffy, but now I want to know what Alec is going to find.

I am glad I got the opportunity to read this ARC from a new-to-me author.

[Abigail Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone aged 18 or above who wants a book who has them gripping hard onto the pages for more, not just of the raunchy scenes but, of the twists and menace... READ THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK!

Oh my goodness. The characters, and the way each are boldly and perfectly portrayed throughout, are stunning! You find yourself feeling strong emotions towards each of the characters. The descriptions and magical use of adjectives are to die for.

And the plot.. MY GOSH THE PLOT! I just want to dig my teeth into Clairmount Series Novel 2 right now because I am left hanging on the biggest of cliff hangers!

If you love books that are intricately and perfectly crafted with lust, naughtiness and menace woven in amongst powerful romance and mystery... READ THIS BOOK, seriously!

I will DEFINITELY be reading the rest of this series when they come out, the worst part is waiting!

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUBY INK has it all: great writing, a plot that sucks you in on page one and refuses to let go, multi-layered characters you care about, the sexiest hero imaginable, steamy scenes of erotica, and a bad guy you love to hate. My life went on hold until I had finished, and all I can say now is, "How long do I have to wait for the next installment?"

[Mandi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to the 75% mark of this one and I'm done. The plot was ridiculous. The way the heroine goes back to the hero was odd. And Stefan was a creeper and we kept having to read his sex scenes. :(

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Ruby Ink? I think wow is probably a good word though. The book is labeled erotic fiction, but it is so much more than that. You know that the relationship between Aaron and Ruby is going to be steamy from the very start of the book.

Looking at the blurb, it is hard to imagine when your boyfriend goes to jail for the attempted murder of your father, and drug dealing that you'd ever get back together with that guy.

That's just part of what makes this book different.

I liked that for the most part, the story was told from Aaron's point of view and then when it wasn't you have snippets of Stefan and then finally Ruby.

From the get go, you know something isn't quite right with Stefan, but it takes almost half of the book before you finally know what he's up to. He's also the one that's into the kinky stuff. Like most erotic novels, he has to be into the whole BDSM thing, which is getting old when it comes to erotica, but for the type of guy he is, that lifestyle suits him. And let's not forget his submissive, Vanessa, who is also an employee for the company he works for. She's tough as nails at times, but it is hard not to feel sorry for her, because of where her feelings are directed.

Ruby on the other hand is a flat character, in the midst of so many others that you feel you know. I wanted to get more into her head than the author allowed. I wanted to know why Aaron and Ruby where so stuck on each other. She might be the only fault to a near perfect book.

I loved the Clairmont family and how they stick together.

Ruby Ink is hot, steamy and full of plot twists and an ending that will have you longing for the next book in the series.

[Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!!!
Oh, boy. That cliffhanger is making me feel withdrawal symptoms even though I just finished this book less than 30 minutes ago!
I didn't know what was in store for me and boy was I blown away! This book is already physically beautiful and just adding the content inside of it makes it out of this world!
This novel had such a powerful beginning! I knew from then on that this book was going to be my undoing. It was physically painful to take a break from this book. It took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I will never forget! I wish I could describe in complete detail the love I have for this book and author, but the best words pale in comparison.
Sadly, I don't have much of a review because I couldn't be bothered to write down my reactions. My mind couldn't make any other coherent thoughts, only that I had to keep reading or I will go mad.
And those plot twists!!! I didn't know how much more my heart could take. I've never been so scared of a book so much. After that first chapter I had to come to terms with it since I was already incredibly attached to the main characters.
Every character in this book has their own crazy secrets and every life is completely intertwined with the other. It's an explosion of crazy, in the best way, to watch them unravel.
Please, please, give this author a chance! You will not regret it! If you can restrain yourself from reading the summary, do it too! It adds to the experience, trust me. I am so grateful for this book since it's the first I have ever won! It's definitely my favorite read so far this month!
Can I have the next book in my hands like yesterday please?

[Saralee Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this ground-breaking novel, readers are immediately drawn into a passionate love story that turns up the heat between the stunning Ruby Vasquez and the hot, hot, hot Aaron Clairmont. But this is not your mother's romance story and you better buckle up. Lovemaking on the beach in Nickel Springs soon brings us to the heart of a shocking crime that fingers Aaron. A devastated Ruby cannot fathom that the very man who promised her a future together, will now spend the next seven years in jail for the attempted murder of her father, the mayor of Nickel Springs. This love affair is over forever! Or is it? L. J. Wilson takes readers on a steamy, exhilarating ride with a daunting cast of characters, weaving a story of lust, intrigue and surprises we never see coming. I am not a typical reader of romance, but this story kept me fully engaged to the very last page. Say nothing of the fact that I needed a fan to cool off. Pour a glass of wine and keep the bottle handy. You're not going anywhere until you finish Ruby Ink. Looking forward to the next in the series of those mysterious Clairmont men and their smarty-pants sister.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUBY INK- Book 1 of the Clairmont Novels - introduced us to the Clairmont family and set the stage for what I'm hoping is a string of sexy, exciting novels featuring the Clairmont's . In RUBY INK we meet Aaron Clairmont who's just been granted early release after doing a seven year stretch for dealing drugs and attempting to kill his girlfriends father. Those acts sent shock-waves through his family (already devastated by the loss of their parents) and ended his relationship with Ruby Vasquez. The only person who knows the truth of what happened that night is Aaron and he's vowed never to tell. But Aaron quickly realizes that life on the outside has it's own set of dangers and the underworld he thought he escaped may not be done with him. Now Aaron finds himself fighting not only for his freedom, but to save his family, and protect Ruby - the woman he never stopped loving. RUBY INK was a passionate page turner, with a sexy hero, great supporting characters and a tightly wound plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Can't wait for Clairmont #2!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review. -

I have fallen in love with the Clairmont family.
The story starts off hot and heavy right out of the gate, introducing us to Aaron and Ruby.
The descriptions and backgrounds for each character are described in great detail, making it easy to visualize and form your personal opinions for each one.
Likewise, the author also gives excellent details of the surroundings, which helped me jump right into the story!
There are many twists and turns throughout the whole book - with the best ones in the last few chapters.
It ends with a cliffhanger that I definitely didn't see coming....but I cannot wait for book 2 and many more of the Clairmont family!!

Note to L.J. Wilson: Please hurry with book 2 - I am missing the Clairmonts already, and it hasn't even been an hour since I finished book 1!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a new series about a family of 5 adult children--the Clairmonts. Ruby Ink is about Aaron and his first love, Ruby Vasquez, the innocent and beautiful daughter of the local town mayor. Ruby and Aaron are deeply in love (they even get a series of matching tattoos) but that love is tested when Aaron is sent to prison for drug possession and attempting to murder Ruby's father. After 7 years, Aaron is released and tries to make a life for himself without Ruby, but his love for her haunts him. Aaron's new life leads him to more danger and eventually, back to Ruby. This story is beautifully written in lush detail and full of steamy, but tasteful erotic scenes. I loved it and can't wait for the next installment!

[Joy Zaharia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sucks you in and won't let go

I really enjoyed Ruby Ink and look forward to the rest of the series. I need to know what happens with the rest of the family and if everyone gets their HEA.

In this one we follow the story of Ruby and Aaron...starting back when they were still young and in love. You know Aaron is hiding something when he goes to jail for attempted murder if Ruby's father...but you only get hints as to why. It's a story full of love, suspense, betrayal and so much more. You need to read this to find out for yourself! Can't wait for the rest!!!

[Emily Eck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. That was so awesome! Idk why more people aren't all over this. The writing was fantastic. The story was complex yet seamlessly unfurled. The sex was hot! This is more than erotica. There is suspense, a slew of interconnected moving parts including underground factions, the DEA, and the Clairmont family, and tattoos that are so much more than just ink.

I was extremely impressed with this book. It did not end in a big cliff hanger, but the door is wide open for more to come.

[Michele Davenport-Dutton (Author) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored and delighted to have been a recipient of an ARC of Ruby Ink. Laura hits another homerun for us bibliophiles in her first book in The Clairmont Series. It is a saucy, seductive and smart read. Laura's writing is always spot-on and she left me wanting more. I couldn't put this novel down. Highly anticipating Book #2.

[Shannon]

So Good!!! Can't put down!

This was a fantastic book. Very sexy read but had so much depth. I felt like I really got to know the characters. So much suspense and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat and made it very hard to put it down. The next book in the series will not come quickly enough for me!!!! Another great book from one of my favorite authors!!!!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a first reads giveaway from the author. I started reading it the night that I received it and I ended up finishing it in a couple of days. It is such a good book! It's a mysterious, sexy read that kept me on my toes and I'm excited for the next book!

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review; original review can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

Seven years ago, Aaron and Ruby became lovers. Ruby, at twenty, was a virgin who the town put bets on as to who she would lose it to. When Aaron started paying attention to her, she just knew that he was it for her.

Aaron is six years Ruby's senior, but that means little for his feelings toward her. Aaron loves Ruby -- even if the town doesn't think it's possible. Aaron is one of five orphaned siblings, whose parents never married. The same town that is placing bets on who will take Ruby's virginity swears that the Clairmonts will never marry; they simply don't have it in them.

Ruby wants a series of tattoos -- love, happiness, and peace in Chinese symbols to adorn her thigh near her hip. Aaron vows to get them with her. They both got love, and happiness came shortly after -- but not too long after that, happiness evaporates.

Aaron has been doing work the DEA for years, and has gotten mixed up with some not so great company. His last job was to take down Ruby's father...

A job gone bad sends Aaron to jail for a twenty-five year sentence; luckily for him, he gets out after seven years and doesn't imagine life will ever be the same. The one woman he loved likely believes that he used her.

What I liked most about this book has got to be that, not including the prologue, the first 50% of the book (give or take a percentage or two) is told in Aaron's voice (albeit in third person). So many times these types of stories are either heavily told in the lady's voice, or go back and forth. I felt that with the subject matter it was very important to be told in Aaron's voice. Yes, sure, it is the Clairmont series, so it makes sense that the book is heavily influenced by Aaron Clairmont, but I guess I just felt the book held more merit by having a heavily male thought base.

I really enjoyed this story, and can only imagine that I'll love the rest of the books. I have to say (of course) that I'm looking forward to more of Aaron and Ruby in the rest of the series, too. All the siblings have history to deal with -- their parents, their growing up life... Heck, I want to know more about Honor and her past, because I think hers may have the most heart breaking potential. And of course, there's young Troy who has to grow up just a little bit, but he's so quiet and seemingly angry at times, that you can't help but want him to find someone to love him -- someone who won't give his brother head, anywho...

[CatherineAA · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

So if you are like me, when you pick up a romance, you think you already have the formula down - man meets woman and they fall for each other but fight their feelings until they finally give in, the end. Well, with some great and mind-blowing sex and huge misunderstandings thrown in, right? Usually, but that is not the case with Ruby Ink! It's all that but it's also amazing writing, an intricate plot with twists and turns where every scene, every word, every action, every detail is important and nothing is what it seems.

Ms. Wilson has written a story of love, passion, sacrifice, vengeance and intrigue, with complex but well-developed characters; a story with a very deliberate and steady pace that leads to a predictable but satisfying end, one you can't just rush through and trust me, the end is worth the wait.

Honestly, my mind is so blown that I don't know that I can coherently express how I feel about this book, but I'll try. Ruby Vasquez and Aaron Clairmont had a relationship that was the stuff of fairy-tales, until Aaron was arrested and convicted of drug charges and the attempted murder of her father and the fairy-tale came to a painful end. It's been seven years into a twenty-five year term and Aaron is out on parole and back in Nickel Springs trying to put his life back together.

This is where the games begin because Aaron's return is one more move in a twisted plot of vengeance that has Ruby and his family playing the role of pawns. It seems that Aaron and Ruby can't catch a break and would never get their happy ending. The thing is, no-one, not even the reader can see the sick and tangled web being woven around them and how they are being manipulated by the scheming villain. But, - and here is the good part - the events that led to Aaron's arrest and subsequent incarceration may not have been as simple as they appeared. His arrest was his sacrifice to ensure the safety of Ruby and her father.

The writing style is very different from the usual and may not be for readers who want a fast race to the end. However, if you enjoy the build-up to the climax (pun intended) then this is the book for you!


*I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*

[Sage Nestler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Ink is a classic love story between a bad boy and the girl who he is destined to be with. Even though this type of story line has been told many times over, L.J. Wilson wove it in with her own vision and characters so that the story seemed brand new. I found myself falling in love with Aaron with each page, and I adored being able to see snippets from his past, as well as his present. Wilson built his character perfectly by not glamorizing that he was a felon and had spent time in jail, but instead chose to represent how the experience had changed his entire life. As someone who has worked with inmates as part of my social working career, I found his experience to be very practical and realistic. What I look for in good Erotica novels is a substantial story that is about more than just sex, and Wilson more than delivered.

In terms of the sensual scenes in Ruby Ink, they weren't too overdone or drawn out in a way that is almost too much; instead, they were poetic and represented sex as more than just an animalistic act. Too many times Erotica novels portray sex in this way, but Wilson incorporated love with sex and wound the two together in such a way that was drool worthy. She really amplified the connection that sex comes with, and used it to intensify her characters and their relationships. Nothing in her novel was unrealistic, and that is why it deserves a well earned 5/5 start rating. Her characters were unbelievably complex, and I missed them when I wasn't reading the book. They popped right off of the page, and made me forget that I wasn't remembering a movie I had seen, but a book instead. Her imagery and plot was perfect, and I can't talk up this book enough.

If you are looking for an Erotica novel that has substance, complex characters, and a page turning plot, then look no further than Ruby Ink. It meets all of my expectations for a quality Erotica novel.

[Margo Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Fifty Shades of Gray! Ruby Ink has blown you out of the water in every category: quality of writing, character development, page-turner plot, and...um, hotness. I admit, I’m not a usual reader of this genre, but if more erotic romance books were written like this one, I’d be on board. It was an intense, emotionally-charged read with great characters and a dynamic plot. These are not things you usually find in hot romance, at least not the ones I’ve read. This book grabs you with the storyline and the characters, but it’s the love story that keeps you going. I had to find out how it all worked out for Ruby and Aaron. Don’t let the sexy cover fool you (unless you’re after great sex, in that case you’re all set). But also know you’re getting a terrific well-told story. The only thing I’m wondering is which Clairmont will L. J. Wilson take on next!

[Jewel Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, and an easy page turner. This was an entertaining story with an interesting twist. At one point I thought the story could become as drawn out as a soap opera where one person is trying to tell another person the truth, but they are so busy sharing their thoughts they leave no room for the other to speak even though they are the one who could have dispelled the darkness. However, I wasn’t left hanging eternally, and then the story really picked up speed. The books ends with a mystery to follow in a sequel, but the original story is satisfied to a good end. When I take the time to read a story other than at bedtime I know it has my attention. I made a quick read of this enjoyable book.

[janet whimpey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough call

The storyline is a good one and the ending was awesome. But it was lllooonnnggg. I almost quit reading several times because it was drawn out and at times a little monotonous.

[Lordmax]

Versione digitale Kindle
ISBN 978-1-943020-00-3