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Ruby's Bar #1
Welcome to Ruby's
Allie Dawson and her group of friends consider Ruby’s their second home. The bar is where they all go to commiserate over drinks about crappy jobs, wrecked relationships, and life in general. Everyone is family and everyone comes to Ruby’s.
Even though her job sucks, Allie’s life appears to be taking an especially good turn when a gorgeous dark-haired stranger comes walking into Ruby’s and sweeps her off her feet. As much as she wants to deny how she feels, the chemistry between them is an eleven on a scale of one to ten.
Struggling through a nasty divorce, Vivian Wade is not looking for any more complications in her already crazy life, but when she goes north to Portland to check on business, she sees a blonde woman who takes her breath away. Although a relationship is the last thing she wants, she cannot deny what her body is telling her.
When their worlds collide, all starts perfectly, until Allie learns Ruby’s has been sold to an investor. A woman from Los Angeles, named Vivian, who plans to change everything.
Even though her job sucks, Allie’s life appears to be taking an especially good turn when a gorgeous dark-haired stranger comes walking into Ruby’s and sweeps her off her feet. As much as she wants to deny how she feels, the chemistry between them is an eleven on a scale of one to ten.
Struggling through a nasty divorce, Vivian Wade is not looking for any more complications in her already crazy life, but when she goes north to Portland to check on business, she sees a blonde woman who takes her breath away. Although a relationship is the last thing she wants, she cannot deny what her body is telling her.
When their worlds collide, all starts perfectly, until Allie learns Ruby’s has been sold to an investor. A woman from Los Angeles, named Vivian, who plans to change everything.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
229 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Luck
38 books272 followersBestselling author KC Luck writes women loving women action-adventure, contemporary romance, and fiction. Writing is her passion, and nothing energizes her more than creating new characters facing trials and tribulations in a complex plot. Whether it is apocalypse, contemporary, or a little naughty, with every story, KC tries to add her own unique twist. She has written nine books (which include The Darkness Trilogy and The Lesbian Billionaires Club series) and multiple short stories across many genres. KC is active in the LGBT community and is a member of the GCLS Board of Directors.
Eager to hear from readers, KC would be thrilled to get emails (kc.luck.author@gmail.com) or follows on her Facebook Page (@kcluckauthor).
Eager to hear from readers, KC would be thrilled to get emails (kc.luck.author@gmail.com) or follows on her Facebook Page (@kcluckauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 7, 2018
My first by Ms.Luck. This was a bad kitchen sink romance. It had instant noodle attractions, evil ex wife, lousy lawyer, bad boss, bullying, disrespecting
and the worst - love with conditions
and the worst - love with conditions
December 17, 2018
Downright amazing!
What can I say! I totally loved this book. There is an endearing group of friends, excellent interaction, just enough drama and amazing chemistry between the main characters. Ruby's is the place to be and I definitely want to hang out more with Allie and all the others. Please give us a sequel!
What can I say! I totally loved this book. There is an endearing group of friends, excellent interaction, just enough drama and amazing chemistry between the main characters. Ruby's is the place to be and I definitely want to hang out more with Allie and all the others. Please give us a sequel!
January 7, 2019
Allie Dawson and her friends love spending their leisure time in Ruby's, a lesbian bar in Portland. One evening, Allie meets Vivian Wade, a gorgeous and enigmatic brunette. Their attraction is undeniable but there are a few complications: Vivian is going through a bitter divorce and is Ruby's new owner. Will these issues get in the way of their happily ever after?
'Welcome to Ruby's' is a sweet slow-burn romance with a slight age gap. Written in third person from the point of view of both main characters, the author highlights their differences but builds up a solid chemistry from the beginning, first by physical attraction and from there by their emotional connection. Vivian is brunette, in her early 40s, she is a successful business woman and lives in LA. Allie is blonde, in her late 20s, is struggling at her job and lives in Portland. Despite their differences, Ms. Luck gets the proverbial 'opposites attract' spot on.
The main plot is well written and the story is believable though the conflict could have been resolved with better communication. I would have given it a higher rating if it wasn't for a few mistakes and typos. Additionally, there are a few secondary characters in Allie's groups of friends with intertwined stories that aren't completely developed in this book. This and the fact that the ending is a bit abrupt, makes me think (and hope) that maybe Ms. Luck is planning to write a sequel with some of the characters in mind.
Overall, a sweet and entertaining age gap romance where opposites attract. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
'Welcome to Ruby's' is a sweet slow-burn romance with a slight age gap. Written in third person from the point of view of both main characters, the author highlights their differences but builds up a solid chemistry from the beginning, first by physical attraction and from there by their emotional connection. Vivian is brunette, in her early 40s, she is a successful business woman and lives in LA. Allie is blonde, in her late 20s, is struggling at her job and lives in Portland. Despite their differences, Ms. Luck gets the proverbial 'opposites attract' spot on.
The main plot is well written and the story is believable though the conflict could have been resolved with better communication. I would have given it a higher rating if it wasn't for a few mistakes and typos. Additionally, there are a few secondary characters in Allie's groups of friends with intertwined stories that aren't completely developed in this book. This and the fact that the ending is a bit abrupt, makes me think (and hope) that maybe Ms. Luck is planning to write a sequel with some of the characters in mind.
Overall, a sweet and entertaining age gap romance where opposites attract. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
January 23, 2019
I liked the premise and I liked the chemistry (even if it was insta-ish). I feel like a bit of an outlier on this rating.
Allie and her friends annoyed me. They have some strong feelings about this bar. It’s not like they had owned it and someone came in to tear it down...because that’s how they acted. It was still going to be a bar, things change, like Vivian said “it’s business”.
The ending was super quick. Everything was wrapped up nice and tidy within the last few pages.
It’s KU book so it’s probably worth a read if you have it. Many seem to love it.
Allie and her friends annoyed me. They have some strong feelings about this bar. It’s not like they had owned it and someone came in to tear it down...because that’s how they acted. It was still going to be a bar, things change, like Vivian said “it’s business”.
The ending was super quick. Everything was wrapped up nice and tidy within the last few pages.
It’s KU book so it’s probably worth a read if you have it. Many seem to love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2018
I really hope there is series to come
This was a really good read. Different from her other books Darkness Falls yet kind of the same in the romance I suppose. This one is about Vivian, a business bar entrepreneur, and Allie, a graphic/marketing person. There is just enough drama, just enough chemistry, and more than enough good friends and characters to surround the couples story. Throw in an evil ex and you got yourself a story. Anyway, aside from Allie and Viviane's story the secondary characters also have a story that I am really hoping will be told, in particualr Rey and Marty. Im starting ramble...
This book is available on kU and is really worth taking the time to read if you are looking for something nice or just ik in between reads. 4.75*
This was a really good read. Different from her other books Darkness Falls yet kind of the same in the romance I suppose. This one is about Vivian, a business bar entrepreneur, and Allie, a graphic/marketing person. There is just enough drama, just enough chemistry, and more than enough good friends and characters to surround the couples story. Throw in an evil ex and you got yourself a story. Anyway, aside from Allie and Viviane's story the secondary characters also have a story that I am really hoping will be told, in particualr Rey and Marty. Im starting ramble...
This book is available on kU and is really worth taking the time to read if you are looking for something nice or just ik in between reads. 4.75*
February 14, 2020
A good read. A group of women in Portland hang out together at lesbian bar called “The Ruby Slipper”. The bar owners wife becomes ill and they decide to sell their place. A successful business women from Los Angeles offers to buy the place and plans to turn it into a high end bar, just like the other eight she owns. A young woman, a graphic designer, and the new bar owner have instant and hot chemistry. But things aren’t all that they seem and the women experience a great deal of angst before things work out. A second book in this series is coming out in 2020. Enjoy!
May 20, 2023
Vivian buys bars to redo and make into better bars. This time her sights on Ruby Slippers . While checking the bar out she notices Allie. And Allie notices her. They dance and start heading out, when Allie is asked to fill in for a moment while the bar owner goes to the restroom. Vivian seeing that Allie works at the bar doesn't want to start something and leaves. But the chemistry is unbelievable and then we follow their story. I really enjoyed this book! 5 stars
September 24, 2019
Romance at Ruby’s
SIGH…. This is such a great story! It was so much fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. Well written, full of steamy glances and wanton kisses this book has so much going for it. The story is dynamic and interesting and it will grab your attention right away and won’t let go! Oregon native Allie and her very close best friends hang out at The Ruby Slipper, a lesbian and gay bar that has a Judy Garland theme. The owners are selling and things are going to change forever for these women. Enter Vivian, a LA Lady who has a string of clubs and wants to add Ruby’s to her collection. Going through a nasty divorce, she moves to Oregon to get away from things for a while as she ponders the fate of her new bar. Allie and Vivian both have big problems and complicated lives but are drawn to each other in an intense way. Can they make things work with all the pressures going on around them? Well… read it and find out, you won’t regret it!!!!
SIGH…. This is such a great story! It was so much fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. Well written, full of steamy glances and wanton kisses this book has so much going for it. The story is dynamic and interesting and it will grab your attention right away and won’t let go! Oregon native Allie and her very close best friends hang out at The Ruby Slipper, a lesbian and gay bar that has a Judy Garland theme. The owners are selling and things are going to change forever for these women. Enter Vivian, a LA Lady who has a string of clubs and wants to add Ruby’s to her collection. Going through a nasty divorce, she moves to Oregon to get away from things for a while as she ponders the fate of her new bar. Allie and Vivian both have big problems and complicated lives but are drawn to each other in an intense way. Can they make things work with all the pressures going on around them? Well… read it and find out, you won’t regret it!!!!
December 17, 2018
Excellent
Excellent story, electrifying, vibrant, and spicy. Vivian and Allie are captivating, and lovely. I enjoyed it a lot, a special place to go, meet your friends, drink, and be happy is important to all of us. Well written and charming, Welcome to Ruby's is a pseudonym of friendship and safe haven. Great job!!!!!! I loved it and definitely recommend it.
Excellent story, electrifying, vibrant, and spicy. Vivian and Allie are captivating, and lovely. I enjoyed it a lot, a special place to go, meet your friends, drink, and be happy is important to all of us. Well written and charming, Welcome to Ruby's is a pseudonym of friendship and safe haven. Great job!!!!!! I loved it and definitely recommend it.
November 13, 2018
Top shelf
Allie and her friends are regulars at a local bar called 'The Ruby Slipper.' All is well until the establishment is purchased by a beautiful ice queen from LA. Her plans to remodel their second home sets the theme of this story.
The back and forth really gave me the feels at times. I read this straight through without stopping. Too good.
Allie and her friends are regulars at a local bar called 'The Ruby Slipper.' All is well until the establishment is purchased by a beautiful ice queen from LA. Her plans to remodel their second home sets the theme of this story.
The back and forth really gave me the feels at times. I read this straight through without stopping. Too good.
July 29, 2020
I'm basing my rating on the type of book this is: a nice, simple, lesbian fluff love story (nothing wrong with fluff, it was what I was looking for). Happy, no one dies, cute. The writing isn't bad, although I noticed about halfway through that the author uses "the woman" too much, and it really took me out of the story every time I noticed it, which was multiple times on just about every page (and i was reading on my phone so pages weren't long). "The woman wondered," "the woman felt," "the woman walked," etc. I know it's tough when writing a bunch of women and you want to not just say "she" all the time, but it was A Lot, and it was always "the woman." I did appreciate the lack of male characters. Very few, and they didn't talk much, which was perfect. Downright refreshing. I liked both of the main characters and I was rooting for them. A fast read.
November 24, 2020
There’s a lot here for me to unpack. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and although I like the premise and location of the story, I had a difficult time with the main characters. I just could not relate to either of them. I didn’t find either personality to be favorable. It felt as if they couldn’t even figure out who they were, and this is not a YA theme. Their personality hopping just wasn’t a smooth flow. Just know that I don’t give spoilers.
I was also distracted and frustrated by a common grammatical issue. And maybe it’s just me. But an internal thought by a character which is set off by italics does not need to have a determiner as an explanation. It’s redundant in my mind. (What if she does call in sick? she worried.)
As I said, I like the premise of the story and Ruby’s reminds me of a few bars we used to have here in Portland, but so much else was frustrating. Maybe a 2.75, just sayin’.
I was also distracted and frustrated by a common grammatical issue. And maybe it’s just me. But an internal thought by a character which is set off by italics does not need to have a determiner as an explanation. It’s redundant in my mind. (What if she does call in sick? she worried.)
As I said, I like the premise of the story and Ruby’s reminds me of a few bars we used to have here in Portland, but so much else was frustrating. Maybe a 2.75, just sayin’.
May 1, 2025
Welcome to Ruby's
So many things that drew me to this book -
A bar that's like a second home to its regulars
A close group of friends
Big city business woman falls for small town waitress/server
And the attraction between Vivian and Allie?!? Wow 😳💥🔥
Them trying to fight it only made it even more intense! Very hot.
So many things that drew me to this book -
A bar that's like a second home to its regulars
A close group of friends
Big city business woman falls for small town waitress/server
And the attraction between Vivian and Allie?!? Wow 😳💥🔥
Them trying to fight it only made it even more intense! Very hot.
November 16, 2018
Contemporary Lesbian Romance Set in Portland
Content warnings: This book contains: alcohol consumption, verbal abuse, and a couple of sex scenes. If you’re okay with all of this, then you should be alright. Aside from a few grammatical and typographical errors sprinkled throughout, this book was very good. It’s about a woman who buys the bar that another woman and her friends usually hang out at. Needless to say, the two of them end up together. As with KC Luck’s previous books, there is a happy ending. I kind of hope there will be a sequel, but I don’t know what it would be about. This one is wrapped up pretty tight in the end.
Content warnings: This book contains: alcohol consumption, verbal abuse, and a couple of sex scenes. If you’re okay with all of this, then you should be alright. Aside from a few grammatical and typographical errors sprinkled throughout, this book was very good. It’s about a woman who buys the bar that another woman and her friends usually hang out at. Needless to say, the two of them end up together. As with KC Luck’s previous books, there is a happy ending. I kind of hope there will be a sequel, but I don’t know what it would be about. This one is wrapped up pretty tight in the end.
November 3, 2018
What an emotional ride!!
OMG!!!! O....M......G!!!!! I LOVE this book! What an emotional ride! I was pulled in from the very beginning, and the characters never let me leave. I now feel like I'm a regular at Ruby's. KC Luck has written a dynamic romance novel. You really REALLY need to read this book. And get your friends to read it to. Then you all can be regulars at Ruby's. Cheers!
OMG!!!! O....M......G!!!!! I LOVE this book! What an emotional ride! I was pulled in from the very beginning, and the characters never let me leave. I now feel like I'm a regular at Ruby's. KC Luck has written a dynamic romance novel. You really REALLY need to read this book. And get your friends to read it to. Then you all can be regulars at Ruby's. Cheers!
March 2, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read
This was my first KC book and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I fell in love with the characters instantly. Loved the instant attraction and connection between Allie and Vivian. The push and pull between them was incredible. Seeing Vivian struggle with her insecurities and how Allie helped her overcome them was beautiful. Not only were the two main characters wonderfully fleshed out Allie's group of friends had their own complexities and allure. I almost wish there was a sequel so I could find out more about them all. I can't wait to see what else KC has to offer now.
This was my first KC book and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I fell in love with the characters instantly. Loved the instant attraction and connection between Allie and Vivian. The push and pull between them was incredible. Seeing Vivian struggle with her insecurities and how Allie helped her overcome them was beautiful. Not only were the two main characters wonderfully fleshed out Allie's group of friends had their own complexities and allure. I almost wish there was a sequel so I could find out more about them all. I can't wait to see what else KC has to offer now.
October 15, 2021
Vivian is coming out of a nasty divorce and decides and change of location would be good for her. Allie is like a breath of fresh air to Vivian. The heat between them is instantaneous. Allie has a way of bringing Vivian to life. She just needs to win over Allie’s friends who are there to protect her. Watch out for the evil ex Becca. I enjoy a good age gap romance.
February 10, 2024
Allie’s job sucks, her boss is awful, and her only real escape is spending time with her friends at their home away from home Ruby’s. The local gay bar, a bar that is about to be sold to a mysterious out of towner, Vivian Wade. Allie knows that selling Ruby’s is what was best for its previous owners, but she cannot help but worry about how much the new owner will change it. She also knows that being near Vivian turns her to jelly, the chemistry between them sparking off the scale. In the middle of a truly terrible divorce, Vivian wants to avoid anything that looks like a complication. She knows better than to date an employee. But she feels pulled to Allie as certainly as if by a magnet. Can they come together or are the things they need too different to make it work?
I have conflicting feelings about Welcome to Ruby’s. There are places where it really is clear that K. C. Luck is a talented writer, possibly even a really talented writer. Then there are places where the pace slows to a crawl and it feels like everything has gotten mired in the protagonists’ physical attraction for each other rather than any actual romance between them.
This book is incredibly horny. And I know that a certain degree of sexual attraction is to be expected in a romance novel, but this was almost to the exclusion of anything else including any actual sex scenes. It felt like neither protagonist could look at the other without getting distracted by how hot the other was and how much they wanted to touch the other. It felt super distracting and really detrimental to the plot as a whole.
I kept waiting for the plot to start. For something to happen other than the cyclical dance of Vivian and Allie being attracted to each other but then things getting in the way. Again, Welcome to Ruby’s is a romance novel, the reader can walk in fairly certain that the bar will be saved and our protagonists will get together and the wicked ex will be bested. Everything between the introduction and the inevitable happy ending should be giving me reasons to be behind all that. It should show me Allie and Vivian becoming close and falling in love. It should show the evolution of Vivian’s plan from turning Ruby’s into an ultra modern bar to her realizing how important it is to Allie and the local community and deciding what to do with that. But none of that really hit until the last quarter or so of the book.
The plot and pacing issues are a real shame too, because there were any number of moments where I found myself getting caught up in a description of a place or a feeling and it was like finding a truly lovely truffle in a bag of cheap Halloween candy. The side characters got some really lovely characterization because they were allowed to be characters rather than lust objects for the protagonists. There were even a few moments of really nice characterization for Vivian and Allie, mostly when they were a part but also just little moments where the reader is allowed to be a little out of their heads and away from their being distracted by their physical attraction to each other, moments that felt like real connection between the two. I would have loved to see more of those parts. Working more of those bits in and giving them more room to breathe could have made for a fantastic book. There is a lot that I would do to have seen more of powerful businesswoman Vivian Wade allowing herself to be vulnerable as she falls for Allie and learns to love Portland despite herself.
I feel like I keep just circling around to the same point. I really wanted to like Welcome to Ruby’s and I really wish that the parts that were good were more plentiful. I find myself thinking that I want to read more of K. C. Luck’s work, maybe find something that was written more recently and see how it is. Just to see if this was just a rough or early book for her and if those shining moments are more frequent in her other books. I feel like Welcome to Ruby’s earns a three out of five for that.
I also want to note real quick that Welcome to Ruby’s is technically a boss/employee romance. It really does not focus on it at any point beyond Vivian worrying about dating one of her employees some early on, but if that is a hard no in a fictional work for you it is worth noting.
Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I have conflicting feelings about Welcome to Ruby’s. There are places where it really is clear that K. C. Luck is a talented writer, possibly even a really talented writer. Then there are places where the pace slows to a crawl and it feels like everything has gotten mired in the protagonists’ physical attraction for each other rather than any actual romance between them.
This book is incredibly horny. And I know that a certain degree of sexual attraction is to be expected in a romance novel, but this was almost to the exclusion of anything else including any actual sex scenes. It felt like neither protagonist could look at the other without getting distracted by how hot the other was and how much they wanted to touch the other. It felt super distracting and really detrimental to the plot as a whole.
I kept waiting for the plot to start. For something to happen other than the cyclical dance of Vivian and Allie being attracted to each other but then things getting in the way. Again, Welcome to Ruby’s is a romance novel, the reader can walk in fairly certain that the bar will be saved and our protagonists will get together and the wicked ex will be bested. Everything between the introduction and the inevitable happy ending should be giving me reasons to be behind all that. It should show me Allie and Vivian becoming close and falling in love. It should show the evolution of Vivian’s plan from turning Ruby’s into an ultra modern bar to her realizing how important it is to Allie and the local community and deciding what to do with that. But none of that really hit until the last quarter or so of the book.
The plot and pacing issues are a real shame too, because there were any number of moments where I found myself getting caught up in a description of a place or a feeling and it was like finding a truly lovely truffle in a bag of cheap Halloween candy. The side characters got some really lovely characterization because they were allowed to be characters rather than lust objects for the protagonists. There were even a few moments of really nice characterization for Vivian and Allie, mostly when they were a part but also just little moments where the reader is allowed to be a little out of their heads and away from their being distracted by their physical attraction to each other, moments that felt like real connection between the two. I would have loved to see more of those parts. Working more of those bits in and giving them more room to breathe could have made for a fantastic book. There is a lot that I would do to have seen more of powerful businesswoman Vivian Wade allowing herself to be vulnerable as she falls for Allie and learns to love Portland despite herself.
I feel like I keep just circling around to the same point. I really wanted to like Welcome to Ruby’s and I really wish that the parts that were good were more plentiful. I find myself thinking that I want to read more of K. C. Luck’s work, maybe find something that was written more recently and see how it is. Just to see if this was just a rough or early book for her and if those shining moments are more frequent in her other books. I feel like Welcome to Ruby’s earns a three out of five for that.
I also want to note real quick that Welcome to Ruby’s is technically a boss/employee romance. It really does not focus on it at any point beyond Vivian worrying about dating one of her employees some early on, but if that is a hard no in a fictional work for you it is worth noting.
Review was previously posted at https://tympestbooks.wordpress.com/20...
August 9, 2025
Send me to Ruby’s so I can be friends with these ladies.
CHARACTER IMPRESSIONS:
Allie Dawson
Allie’s kind of an unconscious flirt. She doubts her skills in the workforce, but not so much in the dating game, especially once her brain can recover after breaking from how hot Vivian is.
I do wish she overcame her self-doubt near the end and learned to be confident in her skills. It didn’t feel like she discovered that on her own, rather, two major things happened and instead of finding her inner strength to challenge or take it on, she just went with the flow instead of taking initiative first.
She only frustrated me once when she pretty much told Vivian to fuck off at one point, but then was surprised when Vivian acted on her words and really did disappear. Other than that, she’s quite endearing towards Vivian and her friends most of the time. I adore how she doesn’t hesitate to drop what she’s doing to be there for those she cares about.
Vivian Wade
This woman wasted no time trying to get with Allie and I love that for her.
She’s all business, no pleasure until the moment she sees Allie, but she is a runner when things get complicated, so I couldn’t wait to see how she would overcome this flaw of hers. Aside from juggling her feelings for Allie, she has to deal with her selfish ex-wife too. I was so giddy when she learned to come out of her comfort zone to try new things because Allie made her feel bold, needed, and beautiful.
MINOR CHARACTERS:
Allie’s group of friends make up most of the minor characters and they’re a joy to read. I didn’t really get to truly know any of them, but I’m sure it’s because they’ll be explored more in the next books. I love how they all have each other’s backs. I also admire their dynamic when it comes to Allie and Vivian’s relationship; some supported it, some didn’t, one was open about Vivian, while another was cautious, all because they cared about Allie and didn’t want her to get hurt.
Rey was my favorite because she was the voice of reason, who didn’t judge before getting the full picture, didn’t jump to conclusions or feed into rumors and drama. I might just read the rest of the series to see more of her.
Vivian’s ex-wife was playing Vivian for a fool the whole story. I’m glad she actually wasn’t used to stir up unnecessary drama. Sure, she caused a hindrance at one point, but I didn’t feel it was over the top just for the sake of drama. I couldn’t wait for Vivian to put her in her place.
STORY IMPRESSIONS:
I like that the reason Allie didn’t want The Ruby Slipper to be changed wasn’t just because she would be losing a place where her friends hung out, but because it’s integral to keeping them together; so losing it would mean she could also lose her friends.
I kind of wish Allie and Vivian's chemistry was shown a little bit more. I wanted to see and feel what made their interactions, small touches, or conversations feel like a drug which they can't get enough of, instead of simply being told, "They had so much chemistry." Despite this, I do like that they decided to get to know one another better instead of building a relationship on uncontrollable lust.
I’ve only got one gripe with the story: Sometimes the heroines would flip flop between knowing exactly what the other woman is thinking, but at other times, they wouldn’t have a clue and just assumed things without evidence. Honestly though, it doesn’t infuriate me enough to knock off any stars.
I loved that everything which was set up throughout the story had a payoff by the end. Knowing there are more books featuring the minor characters, means there’s room for Allie and Vivian to grow on the side in those installments, so it didn’t bother me that the story ended when they officially got together. I also loved that the sexy moments weren’t just about getting off, but more so about how they made each other feel wanted, attractive, and understood.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Highlight 1: “This is Allie. She can usually speak pretty good.” Had me wheezing.
* Highlight 2: “Take me home. Right now.”
* Highlight 3: Allie in jealous mode.
* Highlight 4: The way Vivian ended that table hockey game had Allie salivating!
* Highlight 5: “At some point, continually reaching out to someone who did not want anything to do with you became harassing.”
* Highlight 6: Rey, the true MVP.
PERSONAL TAGS:
* 3rd person, dual POV
* Age gap
* Boss / employee
* Both heroines are lesbians
* Graphic design / bar owner
* Happily ever after
* Instalust to love
* Low drama, low angst
* Love the book cover
* Narrative cohesion
* Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (steamy)
* Third act breakup (sort of?)
CHARACTER IMPRESSIONS:
Allie Dawson
Allie’s kind of an unconscious flirt. She doubts her skills in the workforce, but not so much in the dating game, especially once her brain can recover after breaking from how hot Vivian is.
I do wish she overcame her self-doubt near the end and learned to be confident in her skills. It didn’t feel like she discovered that on her own, rather, two major things happened and instead of finding her inner strength to challenge or take it on, she just went with the flow instead of taking initiative first.
She only frustrated me once when she pretty much told Vivian to fuck off at one point, but then was surprised when Vivian acted on her words and really did disappear. Other than that, she’s quite endearing towards Vivian and her friends most of the time. I adore how she doesn’t hesitate to drop what she’s doing to be there for those she cares about.
Vivian Wade
This woman wasted no time trying to get with Allie and I love that for her.
She’s all business, no pleasure until the moment she sees Allie, but she is a runner when things get complicated, so I couldn’t wait to see how she would overcome this flaw of hers. Aside from juggling her feelings for Allie, she has to deal with her selfish ex-wife too. I was so giddy when she learned to come out of her comfort zone to try new things because Allie made her feel bold, needed, and beautiful.
MINOR CHARACTERS:
Allie’s group of friends make up most of the minor characters and they’re a joy to read. I didn’t really get to truly know any of them, but I’m sure it’s because they’ll be explored more in the next books. I love how they all have each other’s backs. I also admire their dynamic when it comes to Allie and Vivian’s relationship; some supported it, some didn’t, one was open about Vivian, while another was cautious, all because they cared about Allie and didn’t want her to get hurt.
Rey was my favorite because she was the voice of reason, who didn’t judge before getting the full picture, didn’t jump to conclusions or feed into rumors and drama. I might just read the rest of the series to see more of her.
Vivian’s ex-wife was playing Vivian for a fool the whole story. I’m glad she actually wasn’t used to stir up unnecessary drama. Sure, she caused a hindrance at one point, but I didn’t feel it was over the top just for the sake of drama. I couldn’t wait for Vivian to put her in her place.
STORY IMPRESSIONS:
I like that the reason Allie didn’t want The Ruby Slipper to be changed wasn’t just because she would be losing a place where her friends hung out, but because it’s integral to keeping them together; so losing it would mean she could also lose her friends.
I kind of wish Allie and Vivian's chemistry was shown a little bit more. I wanted to see and feel what made their interactions, small touches, or conversations feel like a drug which they can't get enough of, instead of simply being told, "They had so much chemistry." Despite this, I do like that they decided to get to know one another better instead of building a relationship on uncontrollable lust.
I’ve only got one gripe with the story: Sometimes the heroines would flip flop between knowing exactly what the other woman is thinking, but at other times, they wouldn’t have a clue and just assumed things without evidence. Honestly though, it doesn’t infuriate me enough to knock off any stars.
I loved that everything which was set up throughout the story had a payoff by the end. Knowing there are more books featuring the minor characters, means there’s room for Allie and Vivian to grow on the side in those installments, so it didn’t bother me that the story ended when they officially got together. I also loved that the sexy moments weren’t just about getting off, but more so about how they made each other feel wanted, attractive, and understood.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Highlight 1: “This is Allie. She can usually speak pretty good.” Had me wheezing.
* Highlight 2: “Take me home. Right now.”
* Highlight 3: Allie in jealous mode.
* Highlight 4: The way Vivian ended that table hockey game had Allie salivating!
* Highlight 5: “At some point, continually reaching out to someone who did not want anything to do with you became harassing.”
* Highlight 6: Rey, the true MVP.
PERSONAL TAGS:
* 3rd person, dual POV
* Age gap
* Boss / employee
* Both heroines are lesbians
* Graphic design / bar owner
* Happily ever after
* Instalust to love
* Low drama, low angst
* Love the book cover
* Narrative cohesion
* Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (steamy)
* Third act breakup (sort of?)
December 29, 2018
3.5 stars (always rounded up for the author). This book started off strong for me--the sexual chemistry between Allie and Vivian is tangible from the start and well written. I appreciated when the characters took bold steps toward each other when their inner voices were telling them to stay away or stay guarded. There were some sweet moments when they ignored their comfort-zone responses toward trying to figure out what was between them.
But by halfway in, there was far to much "L Word" type drama for me, meaning drama just for drama's sake. I'm not a fan of romances where the MCs decide to walk away from their potential soul mate because they're too stubborn or stupid to ask a single question that could clear up a misunderstanding, nor do I like the evil ex plot device. There is so much trumped up drama in this book, it practically gave me whiplash.
As much as the evil ex device chafes, I applaud Luck on Vivian's self-consciousness, her lack of confidence in intimate situations due to verbal beat downs from her ex. I appreciated Vivian's struggle the first time she and Allie attempt to get physically intimate, and I also enjoyed Allie's sensitivity toward Vivian in that scene. I thought Luck could have expanded and capitalized on this issue of Vivian's without needing to resort to making her ex into such a cardboard cutout bitch. Had Becca (the ex) been less one dimensional, the book would have been that much stronger.
But by halfway in, there was far to much "L Word" type drama for me, meaning drama just for drama's sake. I'm not a fan of romances where the MCs decide to walk away from their potential soul mate because they're too stubborn or stupid to ask a single question that could clear up a misunderstanding, nor do I like the evil ex plot device. There is so much trumped up drama in this book, it practically gave me whiplash.
As much as the evil ex device chafes, I applaud Luck on Vivian's self-consciousness, her lack of confidence in intimate situations due to verbal beat downs from her ex. I appreciated Vivian's struggle the first time she and Allie attempt to get physically intimate, and I also enjoyed Allie's sensitivity toward Vivian in that scene. I thought Luck could have expanded and capitalized on this issue of Vivian's without needing to resort to making her ex into such a cardboard cutout bitch. Had Becca (the ex) been less one dimensional, the book would have been that much stronger.
November 2, 2018
I have fallen in love with the characters of Ruby’s! If you’ve ever had a favorite hangout, you’ll relate to them instantly! Allie and Vivian as the leads, have a love at first sight type connection, when Vivian enters Ruby’s. Of course, KC let’s us suffer through a slow burn type romance, until the first steamy, squirm in your seat love scene! Boy, she’s getting good at writing those! I really like the favt that she’s written about a middle aged woman who has some curves! I think we need more stories that include older lesbians, who may not have a perfect beach body. All the other characters in the bar keep the story flowing and are the type of friends everyone would want to have! Of course, there has to be a villain and KC writes one that you will love to hate. With a bit of angst thrown in just to keep us interested, KC’s latest story flows well and the characters are a lovable bunch! It’s a I don’t want to put the book down, I didn’t want the story to end book ! Why not step into the Ruby Slipper and join the group? I think you’ll love them as much as I do!
November 9, 2018
From Los Angeles CA to Portland OR Vivian lives/moves through a painful acrimonious divorce to purchase property; a gay bar. Allie's group of friends, young female hipsters (?) meet frequently at said gay bar; the Ruby Slipper (homage to Judy Garland).
I live in Portland and enjoyed reading about the food carts (been there) and walking the same streets and using public transit (Trimet).
K.C.'s wife asked her to write a 'girl gets girl, girl loses girl, girl gets girl back' book and this is that.
The dialogue was tight, the emotions displayed through character interaction and the descriptions of local sights spot on. I couldn't put it down & read through the night until early morning. Hey. I'm a voracious reader.
A good read.
I live in Portland and enjoyed reading about the food carts (been there) and walking the same streets and using public transit (Trimet).
K.C.'s wife asked her to write a 'girl gets girl, girl loses girl, girl gets girl back' book and this is that.
The dialogue was tight, the emotions displayed through character interaction and the descriptions of local sights spot on. I couldn't put it down & read through the night until early morning. Hey. I'm a voracious reader.
A good read.
January 6, 2019
I loved it!
I've never read anything by this author, but saw something on Twitter about a review that caught my eye. When I saw that the book was available on Kindle Unlimited, I decided I had nothing to lose in giving it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The beginning of the book introduced a group of friends that you'll instantly like, and then the main characters meet and their chemistry is off the charts. The author does a good job with scene descriptions and dialogue. The storyline has some length to it, which I appreciated. Of course there is some conflict which must be overcome but in the end everything works out and ends on a perfectly crafted happy note. Definitely read this book!
I've never read anything by this author, but saw something on Twitter about a review that caught my eye. When I saw that the book was available on Kindle Unlimited, I decided I had nothing to lose in giving it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The beginning of the book introduced a group of friends that you'll instantly like, and then the main characters meet and their chemistry is off the charts. The author does a good job with scene descriptions and dialogue. The storyline has some length to it, which I appreciated. Of course there is some conflict which must be overcome but in the end everything works out and ends on a perfectly crafted happy note. Definitely read this book!
May 24, 2020
The book overall was ok, but by the end I was tired of all of the back and forth. I felt like the drama/miscommunications/assumptions all just went on for too long and took up too much of the book. In my opinion it detracted from the believability of their connection and chemistry. I didn't think they were solid enough before all of that happened for them to all of a sudden realize they were in love. I liked the good moments of Vivian & Allie's relationship, there were some sweet and sincere moments, but there were just too few of them to make me believe in them as a couple.
I liked Ruby's and liked the idea of the book, but just thought it lacked some in execution.
I liked Ruby's and liked the idea of the book, but just thought it lacked some in execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
Welcome to Ruby's (Sony's Bar Book 1)
Great story and enjoyable read. This was a story about a business woman Vivian Ward who had several bars in L A who after a rotten divorce decided to go to Portland and check business there comes across Sony's and buys it. Vivian decided it needs remodelling. But keeps quiet about it. She see Alli Dawson and decides to get to know her. The rest of the characters in This make it an excellent read.
KC. Luck did an excellent job writing this story cannot wait for the next one in this series.
Recommend -- Yes. 5 *****stars
Great story and enjoyable read. This was a story about a business woman Vivian Ward who had several bars in L A who after a rotten divorce decided to go to Portland and check business there comes across Sony's and buys it. Vivian decided it needs remodelling. But keeps quiet about it. She see Alli Dawson and decides to get to know her. The rest of the characters in This make it an excellent read.
KC. Luck did an excellent job writing this story cannot wait for the next one in this series.
Recommend -- Yes. 5 *****stars
June 14, 2023
Loved It!
I love KC Luck and have read many of her books but for some reason the “Ruby’s Bar Series” escaped me until I saw a recent book out. I did not recognize the names and decided to start at book one. Thankful that I did. This was so good. I love the banter between Vivian and Allie and the honesty in feelings as they spent more time together. I love the friends and their support and protection. The storyline which leads to “Ruby’s “ was exciting. Excited to go to the next book. KC Luck can weave a romantic story that melts your heart.
I love KC Luck and have read many of her books but for some reason the “Ruby’s Bar Series” escaped me until I saw a recent book out. I did not recognize the names and decided to start at book one. Thankful that I did. This was so good. I love the banter between Vivian and Allie and the honesty in feelings as they spent more time together. I love the friends and their support and protection. The storyline which leads to “Ruby’s “ was exciting. Excited to go to the next book. KC Luck can weave a romantic story that melts your heart.
July 27, 2025
An age gap workplace romance, sort of. I will not spoil it for you by explaining :)
I loved the authentic feel of the setting in Portland, Oregon. I loved the circle of friends - supportive cast can really make a difference and here they do that in spades. I thought the ex-wife was weird, I guess her motivatiom was just lacking, from a reader's pov.
Over all, this is a good book, but it felt just shy of a bit more depth to characters and plot to make it truly awesome.
Rating : 3.5 stats
I loved the authentic feel of the setting in Portland, Oregon. I loved the circle of friends - supportive cast can really make a difference and here they do that in spades. I thought the ex-wife was weird, I guess her motivatiom was just lacking, from a reader's pov.
Over all, this is a good book, but it felt just shy of a bit more depth to characters and plot to make it truly awesome.
Rating : 3.5 stats
January 21, 2019
Another impossibly great book by KC Luck!
This is a sweet romance with a smidge of angst. Everyone has that absolute favorite hometown bar that feels more like a second home than a bar. Nothing crazy elaborate or fancy but a place for friends to converge! Mc did an excellent job capturing that feel and love for a place while also building the relationship and hardships for our two main characters! Excellent work and a must read!!
This is a sweet romance with a smidge of angst. Everyone has that absolute favorite hometown bar that feels more like a second home than a bar. Nothing crazy elaborate or fancy but a place for friends to converge! Mc did an excellent job capturing that feel and love for a place while also building the relationship and hardships for our two main characters! Excellent work and a must read!!
March 27, 2019
I need the rest
The only problem with a group of friends is you need more of the story! I hope this book branches out into other novels so we can figure out what is going to happen or what has happened with some of these people. I’d love more on why Viv is so “tranced” by Becca... I’m irked that Viv gave her what she did in the divorce but I do understand sometimes it’s to get them to shut up and go away- but she didn’t go away- so she should get some of that back. Haha. It’s a very good book, well written- I just need more of it.
The only problem with a group of friends is you need more of the story! I hope this book branches out into other novels so we can figure out what is going to happen or what has happened with some of these people. I’d love more on why Viv is so “tranced” by Becca... I’m irked that Viv gave her what she did in the divorce but I do understand sometimes it’s to get them to shut up and go away- but she didn’t go away- so she should get some of that back. Haha. It’s a very good book, well written- I just need more of it.
January 7, 2020
This is a fun read about a gay bar in Portland, Oregon. The owners need to sell due to health reasons and is being bought by a woman from LA. From the moment she enters the bar, there is magnetic attraction between Vivian and Allie.
I enjoyed this book because of the camaraderie and fierce loyalty the group of friends has for one another, and how Vivian and Allie work through past experiences.
I enjoyed this book because of the camaraderie and fierce loyalty the group of friends has for one another, and how Vivian and Allie work through past experiences.
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