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A little sweet tea and a whole lot of spells won’t always put out the fire…

Ruby Mae Jewell is over the moon with how well things are going in her life. Now that all the elements of her life seem to be falling into place, the fiery witch is ready to focus her energies on fixing her cousin Deacon’s tiny little problem of being cursed into the form of a pig. But as she gets close to a solution, a bigger problem almost cooks her bacon.

Rue’s always known her vampire boyfriend’s fears have always been that his past deeds would come back to haunt him and hurt her. When someone Luke thought he’d lost centuries before returns, she tries to help him through the struggle between fulfilling a promise made long ago or keeping the one that might lead both of them into the light of the future.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2020

274 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

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Bella Falls

32 books400 followers

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5 stars
489 (57%)
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256 (30%)
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91 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,949 reviews28 followers
October 2, 2022
The books have gotten better, I have to say that this one is the best out of the series that I’ve read so far. Ruby Mae was not even 10% as annoying as I’ve found her in previous books and that’s a hugeeee improvement. It was good and interesting to get to know more about Luke/Luca, his history and family dynamics and see him and Ruby Mae work together as a couple and navigate their relationship to come out stronger.

The mystery in this case is Ruby Mae trying to find out the truth around the death of Luke’s sister, Isabella’s death, a death that occurred centuries ago. In between trying to win over Luke’s parents who are not happy at his choice of a bride, Ruby Mae is determined to find the truth and bring Luke and his parents closure and mend their rift. However, someone is determined the keep the truth buried and is willing to make Ruby Mae the next victim in order for old secrets to remain buried.

This is certainly the best book in terms of Ruby Mae’s growth, personally and in her relationship with Luke. The mystery also takes place in Italy, so many of the secondary characters are only around briefly so Ruby Mae and Luke have a chance to shine on their own in this book. 3.7-4 stars.
Profile Image for Mystic Forest Crafts.
641 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2023
Pros:

Finally working on the pig cousin issue, I really want to see this as a priority for the family and characters.

Cons:

I don’t love that the e were taken out of our regular setting as an excuse to get to know Luke better just because his communication skills are lacking.
Profile Image for Rachael.
668 reviews66 followers
June 15, 2024
I’m officially obsessed with cozy mysteries.

4.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2020
Not Enough Words

This entry to the Southern Relics series took Ruby Mae completely from the comfort and warmth of the Jewell family homestead in Southern America to Umbria, Italy. Away from her friends and family and into the not so subtle cold disapproving tones of Luke's family.

Whilst Ruby may have been out of her comfort zone in Italy it's quite clear Bella Falls was not, she writes about Rome and the surrounding countryside like it's a road well travelled, you can almost feel the frantic frenetic driving of the locals, feel the wind and other vespa's scuttling past you as you zip along the narrow streets. Soak up the culture of the tourist spots as she traverses Rome with her pen. It's clearly somewhere Falls has been and loved. Yet this does not take away from the characters we know, they are still Ruby Mae and Luke, though you can see Luke Mason mechanic and southern gent being Luca di Rossi the Italian heir to vampire royalty, all adds another woven layer to the tapestry, as the story of Isabella and her tragic love story and death are played out in front of you.

I cried real tears as Luke and Ruby negotiated their relationship and became all the stronger for it. Bella has a true talent of playing your emotions so your heart hurts one page but then pounds with anxiety a few paragraphs later. Great characters and story leave you turning pages and not wanting to stop. Don't start this book to late in the evening or like me you'll be writing a review at 1.30am because you just kept on for "just one more chapter"

From the moment Luke proposed and told her a little of his sister Isabella, who's ring now adorns Rue's ring finger he seems to have closed off again. When surprising him at his home surprises her we meet Luke or rather Luca's oldest (not just as in decades but centuries)friend from his ancestral home in Perdaggia Italy. Luke's parents have asked he return. Confused to his reluctance Luke tells her more of his sister's death and the blame he places on himself and that he feels from his parents. Ruby convinced him he should see his parents and she will accompany him, how've seeing As his sister's death involved a witch he's not sure how his parents will feel about Ruby but he does know it probably won't be good.
With stories of Isabella's death not feeling right to her she decides to find out more with the hope she can release the blame Like had lived under for centuries and heal his fractured family. But not everyone appreciates her efforts. But Ruby Mae isn't completely alone with friends new and old even from Honeysuckle Hollow, and when have we ever seen Ruby back down from a challenge, after all you don't get to be a Jewell without fighting for what's right!
I look forward to reading the next in the series, Bargain Hunting. There is so much to look forward to! What's going to happen to Deacon, the pig that is Ruby's cousin? Will the half elf/witch the Jewells reached out to for help tobe able to help transform him back to his human form especially as they appear to have hit it off! What did Lady Evelyn know about the Jewell family necklace that she didn't say? AND finally will Ruby be able to choose a matron of honour and survive wedding planning? This series is best enjoyed in order to understand characters and their stories and background
Profile Image for Meri Benson.
Author 16 books46 followers
February 17, 2022
Following the events of the last book, Ruby Mae and Luke are now engaged and what should be a celebration doesn't stay that way because while the two do love each other, Luke's past is a long and secretive one. He doesn't talk much at all about his past and his family save for the little we had learned about him in the last book, but with this strange growling distance Ruby Mae feels is growing between them, she confronts him about it.

After confronting him, we're whisked away to Italy and drawn into his family to learn first hand just why he left, why he doesn't talk about them, and why it seems like the weight of the world hangs heavily on his shoulders.

Spoilers ahead.

This is definitely going to be marked as my second favorite from the series. I really loved getting a better glimpse at the vampire politics that revolve in this world but also a front row seat at Luke and his family. The history is long considering he's centuries old, carrying the burden of his sister's death for all of those years.

Everything starts off on egg shells from Ruby Mae fully realizing just how much money Luke actually has, coming from basically vampire royalty, to his family who doesn't like witches in the first place. His parents, of course, do not approve of his choice in a betrothed - so much so that even after being told he'd proposed to Ruby Mae, Luke's father pushes a vampire at Luke because wouldn't she be a better betrothed.

Things get even more interesting when Isabella, Luke's sister, calls to Ruby Mae from beyond the grave, drawing Ruby Mae to her old room and entwining the witch in helping to untangle the mystery surrounding the vampire's death. Nothing is as it seems, and it becomes harder when someone tries to kill Ruby Mae on two separate occasions.

The centuries old mystery was weaved wonderfully, and I will say personally I wasn't sure where the threads would leave as far as who had caused her death for most of the book, though I was a little suspicious of the culprit early on because he rubbed a little wrong in the beginning.

I loved that Isabella was able to find some peace because the truth of her death was able to come to light, but also that the family could settle what happened better with knowing the truth.

I can't wait to see where this series will go in the future.
2,009 reviews
November 5, 2022
I have been enjoying this series but this book is different and a bit out there. It took me quite a while to get into the story. It was good - just a bit weird too!


Amazon synopsis:
Ruby Mae Jewell is over the moon with how well things are going in her life. Now that all the elements of her life seem to be falling into place, the fiery witch is ready to focus her energies on fixing her cousin Deacon’s tiny little problem of being cursed into the form of a pig. But as she gets close to a solution, a bigger problem almost cooks her bacon.

Rue’s always known her vampire boyfriend’s fears have always been that his past deeds would come back to haunt him and hurt her. When someone from Luke's past insists he return to his ancestral home, Ruby Mae insists on returning with him. While in Italy, she finds out just how much the death of his long-lost sister is affecting his whole family, she makes it her mission to solve her murder.

But when her own life gets threatened as she gets closer, will Ruby be able to find out the truth before she becomes the next victim?
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A family of witches who live on a strip of land in the Carolinas that is DJ to the family from the king of England Wayback before the United States was even born. Technically it is separate from the United States. The family follows their own rules. They go out and search for magical relics in the human community and sell them to magical people who can use them. They also look for dangerous magical relics that can harm humans as well as magical people. They take these back to a secret family vault to keep them out of circulation and away from evil doers. Follow along as they search for these relics and solve mysteries and other issues going on in their community and nearby. Entertaining from beginning to end. Check it out.
Profile Image for Amanda.
253 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2025
I struggled with this one. I like the author. I like the other series. I even liked the majority of this book. But I can not stand the main character!! She’s childish. Constantly needs to be saved from her own actions. She places others at risk with no regard for anything other than herself. She is constantly the victim, though almost every bad experience is her own fault. And the way everybody around her coddles and infantilizes her is so degrading to women as a whole. I’ll continue the series, hopefully she gets better.
Also the love story is weird. They are the most surface level, supposed couple I’ve ever read about. Not a thing in any of the books would lead you to believe they have a connection. She doesn’t respect any of his boundaries and he is either treating her like an infant or making creepy sexual comments to her. Literally no in between. And she has no connection to him other than to constantly create problems in his life for no reason at all.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,683 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2021
Italy makes a beautiful change of pace!

Ruby Mae's and Luke's relationship is evolving nicely, thanks to Ruby demanding her due, just in time for them to travel to Italy and become entangled in a really REALLY cold case of possible murder! The locale descriptions are sublime, and the mystery is bittersweet but engrossing to follow; this is another well-imagined addition to the series with more focus on Lucas' family for a change. I do look forward to a resolution for Deacon's situation (much deserved though it may be); however, another storyline with a relic that is given prominence but no explanation is a bit disappointing. I'm going to enjoy some time in Honeysuckle Hollow with the Southern Charms while I wait for what's next in this Southern Relics series!
Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2020
Terrific story about a vampire and a witch meeting the parents

Like has to go to Italy to introduce Ruby Mae as his fiancee. The parents are upset about their design's suicide that nobody talks about.. After some accidents, questions are raise about the 200 year old suicide. Can they solve this mystery.

The characters are intriguing, unique, and the banter between the two main characters are funny. This fast paced mystery that keep the reader engaged. I love the banter between the engaged couple. I can hardly wait for next book.

I Highly recommended this story.

bookwormsuzy
1,190 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2021
Luca gets a visit that he has to back to see his family. Ruby decides she wants to go with him to meet his family. Ruby also wants to uncover the truth about what happened to Isabella. Ruby is having a rough time with his family and others.
Ruby has help with uncovering clues about what happened to Isabella. There is someone that doesn't want her to find out the truth. Ruby will enlist the others to help her trap the murder before they get her.

This was a great book as you get introduced to Luke's family. There is family drama, magic, murder that will grab you up until you are done. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next for Ruby and others.
Profile Image for Victoria Roberts.
141 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2020
I loved this book! Bella Falls is my favourite author and she has not let me down yet.
Ruby Mae Jewell is a strong, fun loving, sassy character that makes you want to get to know her better. She has worries and doubts like all of us but has an amazing family, friends, and supportive boyfriend to support her.
In this book it was a true joy to see her relationship with Luke flourish while learning more about him, where he is from, and his family.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kestrelmorn Geiger.
129 reviews
October 18, 2020
Wonderful addition to the series! Very, very different from the other three but we really got to know more about Luke and his history and his family!! (And so did Ruby!!) I really enjoyed the trip to Italy. Such a change from Ruby's usual stomping grounds. The mystery, as well, was different and I really enjoyed it, too! Bella Falls sure knows her Italy - so maybe there will be more stories happening there in the future. Looking forward to the next book!
479 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Ruby Mae is proud of her heritage and yet insecure. Just as her fiancée starts to share with her, she becomes eaten up with doubt. Then a trip, meeting the parents, a potential rival and a ghost really stir the pot. Using her witch powers to show off only lands her in more trouble. Anxious to solve a decades old murder mystery and get back to her family Ruby Mae will try to find the culprit. She will survive but will her relationship to Luke?
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
658 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
Awesome read.

Ruby is engaged to Luke, a vampire. He has kept a majority of his past a secret. She learns about his sister Isabella, when he is summoned home to Italy. Ruby in tow. She decides to figure out who killed Isabella? Is she able to figure it out? Does she get the blessing she is hoping for from her future in-laws, who hate witches? Love this series.
5 reviews
March 15, 2021
Another great read

A great read for anyone
who wants to step away from the mundane for a few hours. The characters remind you of folks you know and folks you would like to know. Mystery and romance that you don't have to worry about your teen picking up and reading. Plot moves quickly and is entertaining.
Profile Image for Raechel.
1,161 reviews
February 10, 2023
Ruby Mae and Luke are engaged, yet something is holding him back. To move forward, Ruby decides they should visit Luke's home in Italy. She, also, discovers that there are secrets in Luke's family's past that need to be straightened out. I enjoyed the story and learning more about Luke's family and his past. Impatiently waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Katarina Penfold.
92 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2024
Ruby Mae dives into yet another mystery, finding herself in the middle of a new place far from home, trying to find her footing. Remembering she is a strong women who knows when something is a miss she follows her own will yet again to help heal family bonds and see the past life of her partners life. A wonderfully vivid read with keeping the classic cozy quick paced read
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
662 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2020
Woops!

Things got off to a shaky start with a vamp who was a nasty little piece and made things difficult for Ruby. Her conviction, curiosity, and love for Luke got her through that and brought closure to the family. What a great surprise ending too.
94 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2020
An enjoyable read

I have enjoyed reading this entire series. I look forward to the next book. The author has a talent for a good plot, good characters and dialogue. I read this book through in one sitting. I would totally recommend it
77 reviews
Read
January 4, 2021
Fun and exciting

Had so much fun reading this I can't wait till I can get the next so I can find what other troubles can be found by Ruby May & I am hoping she can help her cousin out of the problem he has! Can't wait to read the next adventure! Thanks!!
358 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2021
Stepping into another world is hard

Surprises await Ruby Mae, will the family or her rival put an end to her engagement. The high life cane intimidating the mystery of of her loves sister is waiting to be solved, CA Ruby survive all that awaited her
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
August 9, 2021
A rollercoaster!

Wow, talk about being in the thick of things! Ruby Mae is the outsider among a family of vampires and it’s a very dangerous situation. She is a firecracker though and never stops doing what’s right. I loved every word!!
233 reviews
February 5, 2022
Italian romance, ghosts, oh my!

Fun, sad, romantic, paranormal, murder mystery, vampires, witches, shape shifters and betrayal...oh my. Recommend for anyone fond of any of those things listed above
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2022
The truth will set you free

Wow, this was a roller coaster ride! Not a huge coaster....a cozy one!
Ruby Mae has some investigating to do while trying to stay alive.
Literally... Someone is out to kill her, and they almost succeed.
Great story, great read!!
1,102 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2023
Very touching

This book had layers of old and new Luke, the mystery of his sister’s death, and a lot of danger for Ruby. The relationships all evolved and Ruby of course solved the mystery, but geez how many ways can others try to kill her? More importantly, where is Book 5?
102 reviews
April 25, 2025
This book lets Ruby shine

This book takes Ruby out of her normal setting and away from our normal cast of characters. We get to really see Luke and Ruby shine on their own. Rue solves the misters mostly on her own and really is the driving force in this book. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Kathleen Deaver.
19 reviews
September 16, 2025
I have really enjoyed the series so far. This one is my favorite and I actually teared up, even though Ruby has throughout the series, lol. I am looking for the last two books to read and hopefully will find them soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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