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Not Hers to Take
Is a life for a life too high a price to pay?
Someone wants a part of Ruby.
Rebel, Ruby Harper, is the black sheep of the family. She’s always felt second best. Never good enough.
When her estranged sister visits the florist shop where she is manager making unrealistic demands, Ruby is left reeling. But life is never that simple. Haunted by the past, unable to forgive and forget, Ruby outright refuses to help.
But Ruby’s decision has grave consequences…
When the seemingly perfect man enters her life, Ruby puts her sister’s request to the back of her mind and finally finds happiness. Or so she thinks…
But her sister won’t let it lie. She can’t…
When her boss at the florists questions her lover’s credentials, Ruby fears she has misjudged his intentions. His suffocating affections only increase her paranoia. As does her sister’s increasingly unhinged behaviour.
Who can she trust? Her sister? Lover? Is it time for Ruby to turn the tables on those who might want her dead?
Not Hers To Take is a unique and absorbing suspense mystery and the third standalone book in our Psychological Suspense Mystery Series.
Someone wants a part of Ruby.
Rebel, Ruby Harper, is the black sheep of the family. She’s always felt second best. Never good enough.
When her estranged sister visits the florist shop where she is manager making unrealistic demands, Ruby is left reeling. But life is never that simple. Haunted by the past, unable to forgive and forget, Ruby outright refuses to help.
But Ruby’s decision has grave consequences…
When the seemingly perfect man enters her life, Ruby puts her sister’s request to the back of her mind and finally finds happiness. Or so she thinks…
But her sister won’t let it lie. She can’t…
When her boss at the florists questions her lover’s credentials, Ruby fears she has misjudged his intentions. His suffocating affections only increase her paranoia. As does her sister’s increasingly unhinged behaviour.
Who can she trust? Her sister? Lover? Is it time for Ruby to turn the tables on those who might want her dead?
Not Hers To Take is a unique and absorbing suspense mystery and the third standalone book in our Psychological Suspense Mystery Series.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2021
51 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 20, 2021
Wow. A roller coaster read. A very apt title and motive for murder I hadn't come across in previous psychological crime thrillers . I didn't bother to read the blurb as I enjoyed the previous book by these authors. I certainly wasn't disappointed. My head was spinning after finishing this book late at night. Sleep eluded me as I couldn't stop thinking about all the turn of events and had I missed something. I can't decide if I liked the main character Ruby and I believe that was intentional as she certainly fit into the plot well. I hope readers enjoy this book as much as I did.
June 11, 2023
Not Hers to Take was a quick, fast paced read. Although I didn’t love every element of the story, the writing was fantastic, and I was still engrossed until the end. It really gave new meaning to blood isn’t necessarily thicker than water. Sibling relationships can be difficult. I don’t have a close relationship with my own brother. It might be due to the fact that there’s over five years between us and also due to the fact that siblings grow up and grow apart. We have different ambitions, a different set of values, I think this novel really brought that fact home to roost.
Ruby Harper has had a difficult life – as a child she was closer to her father. They were alike, and both suffered at the hands of their high maintenance mother, Grace. Ruby and her sister, Sara have never seen eye to eye. When Ruby comes home after an argument with her boyfriend, Matt about taking the next step – Sara spots the opportunity to mess with Ruby’s head some more. The results are catastrophic – Matt ends up in a wheelchair and forever disabled. Ruby feels betrayed by all those around her and vows to never trust any of them again.
Many years later Sara contacts Ruby out of the blue to meet up. Of course, Ruby is wary of the reasons why. She knows that everything went to Sara after their mother died of terminal cancer. There’s nothing that Sara could possibly need from Ruby. In a turnup for the books it turns out that Sara needs Ruby’s kidney after Sara is diagnosed with the same terminal cancer that Grace had. Ruby flat out refuses, which sets Sara on a spiral to concoct a plan to force Ruby to give her her kidney.
So, a few things that I struggled with – I didn’t care for any of the characters all that much. Ruby was okay but I feel she acted without even seeing the thousands of red flags that Nathan brought up and she was so quick to say no to the kidney transplant – I just think people in general may act hasty but they their internal monologue would eat away at them. I just thought both sisters were incredibly selfish. Matt was the only person I liked. Although he acted like a grade A dick as a teenager, I think its safe to say that we all act like idiots at that age. Also, Sara, my god, did I hate her. How is it even conceivable to think that someone could go to all that deceit to harvest their own sister’s kidney. I know cancer can make you behave in a desperate way, but this was just too much.
Not Hers to Take was written incredibly well but the plot was just too far fetched for my liking. I know that we all suspend disbelief when reading fiction but this felt like a step too far for me.
Ruby Harper has had a difficult life – as a child she was closer to her father. They were alike, and both suffered at the hands of their high maintenance mother, Grace. Ruby and her sister, Sara have never seen eye to eye. When Ruby comes home after an argument with her boyfriend, Matt about taking the next step – Sara spots the opportunity to mess with Ruby’s head some more. The results are catastrophic – Matt ends up in a wheelchair and forever disabled. Ruby feels betrayed by all those around her and vows to never trust any of them again.
Many years later Sara contacts Ruby out of the blue to meet up. Of course, Ruby is wary of the reasons why. She knows that everything went to Sara after their mother died of terminal cancer. There’s nothing that Sara could possibly need from Ruby. In a turnup for the books it turns out that Sara needs Ruby’s kidney after Sara is diagnosed with the same terminal cancer that Grace had. Ruby flat out refuses, which sets Sara on a spiral to concoct a plan to force Ruby to give her her kidney.
So, a few things that I struggled with – I didn’t care for any of the characters all that much. Ruby was okay but I feel she acted without even seeing the thousands of red flags that Nathan brought up and she was so quick to say no to the kidney transplant – I just think people in general may act hasty but they their internal monologue would eat away at them. I just thought both sisters were incredibly selfish. Matt was the only person I liked. Although he acted like a grade A dick as a teenager, I think its safe to say that we all act like idiots at that age. Also, Sara, my god, did I hate her. How is it even conceivable to think that someone could go to all that deceit to harvest their own sister’s kidney. I know cancer can make you behave in a desperate way, but this was just too much.
Not Hers to Take was written incredibly well but the plot was just too far fetched for my liking. I know that we all suspend disbelief when reading fiction but this felt like a step too far for me.
March 22, 2021
What a great plot in this book! I really enjoyed the intricacies of it all.
The author's have obviously gone into a lot of research and that was portrayed well.
A fabulous opening prologue that pulled you in and didn't let up until the book was finished in the small hours.
Looking forward to reading more by these authors.
The author's have obviously gone into a lot of research and that was portrayed well.
A fabulous opening prologue that pulled you in and didn't let up until the book was finished in the small hours.
Looking forward to reading more by these authors.
May 26, 2021
My ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review of Not hers to take by Kieran Cosgrove and Christine Hancock apologies I have done the book blurb asa photo as for some reason good reads wouldn’t let me copy and paste.
Wow what can I say this was one of the best books I have read so far this year and my first by this writing duo and certainly won’t be my last as have already moved onto not mine to take by the same writing duo. Not hers to take was an absolutely incredible psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first page and wanting to read more and drew me in hook line and sinker and was perfect escapism from the world I read this book in almost one sitting as once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. It had a very clever plot and lots of twists and turns and dealt with a lot of underlying themes in a very sensitive and relevant way to the story.
I loved that it was written to feature a town not that far away from where I live and also a place I love to visit often and know something about so was fun to recognise names of streets and places.
If you love a psychological thriller that you can really get your teeth into and love a book full of surprises then I highly recommend you read this. Be prepared for a book Hangover afterwards though.
Wow what can I say this was one of the best books I have read so far this year and my first by this writing duo and certainly won’t be my last as have already moved onto not mine to take by the same writing duo. Not hers to take was an absolutely incredible psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first page and wanting to read more and drew me in hook line and sinker and was perfect escapism from the world I read this book in almost one sitting as once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. It had a very clever plot and lots of twists and turns and dealt with a lot of underlying themes in a very sensitive and relevant way to the story.
I loved that it was written to feature a town not that far away from where I live and also a place I love to visit often and know something about so was fun to recognise names of streets and places.
If you love a psychological thriller that you can really get your teeth into and love a book full of surprises then I highly recommend you read this. Be prepared for a book Hangover afterwards though.
August 17, 2021
This was an immensely readable thriller and quite dark overall but never gruesome. The relationship between two sisters Sara and Ruby forms the basis for the way in which events play out. Estranged from their Dad and with high flying doctor Mum dead from cancer, Ruby uses the opportunity to break free from her dysfunctional family, to leave the horrors of the past behind, whilst Sara continues her career as a doctor, wealthy, alone and ever dismissive of Ruby.
Having not seen her best friend and former childhood boyfriend Matt for many years we are introduced to the pair, and can instantly see how much of their past relationship hovers between them. And yet Matt is focused on his life and thinks Ruby needs to move on, away from some bad choices and forge a future for herself. She seems relatively settled working in a florists and living above the shop but Matt thinks Ruby needs love in her life, a special someone.
The thing with this novel is that what is before you is not always the whole picture. People can portray a view they want you to see and keep the darker aspects hidden. And arrogance can get in the way too, so that even if you believe you have the upper hand, in actual fact you are in real danger.
It is difficult to say too much more without giving away the secrets and twists of this book. Suffice to say there are highly unpleasant characters and others the reader just wants things to work out for, with tension and plenty of double bluffs!
If you enjoy exploring the less than altruistic motives of human nature and want some surprises along the way, then Not Hers to Take is well worth you reading.
Having not seen her best friend and former childhood boyfriend Matt for many years we are introduced to the pair, and can instantly see how much of their past relationship hovers between them. And yet Matt is focused on his life and thinks Ruby needs to move on, away from some bad choices and forge a future for herself. She seems relatively settled working in a florists and living above the shop but Matt thinks Ruby needs love in her life, a special someone.
The thing with this novel is that what is before you is not always the whole picture. People can portray a view they want you to see and keep the darker aspects hidden. And arrogance can get in the way too, so that even if you believe you have the upper hand, in actual fact you are in real danger.
It is difficult to say too much more without giving away the secrets and twists of this book. Suffice to say there are highly unpleasant characters and others the reader just wants things to work out for, with tension and plenty of double bluffs!
If you enjoy exploring the less than altruistic motives of human nature and want some surprises along the way, then Not Hers to Take is well worth you reading.
February 28, 2021
Brilliant from the first page to the last.
Where do I start! Just make sure when you start this book you have nothing else to do, because you won’t be able to put it down.
In the first part of the book I quickly became aware of Sara’s plans for Ruby. I actually quite like that in a book such as this because the anticipation really begins to build, and it keeps holding on to you until the very last page.
There is definitely no love lost between these two women, and childhood rivalries are still very apparent and raw. But there is much more going on. Especially when “love interest” Nathan rears his handsome face.
There are twists and turns all the way through the book; some you will see coming, and some you definitely won’t! The characters are brilliant, especially Ruby, and at times I found myself wanting to shout into the book at her.
This book is definitely the “mutts nuts”! This made me belly laugh in the book! 😁
Where do I start! Just make sure when you start this book you have nothing else to do, because you won’t be able to put it down.
In the first part of the book I quickly became aware of Sara’s plans for Ruby. I actually quite like that in a book such as this because the anticipation really begins to build, and it keeps holding on to you until the very last page.
There is definitely no love lost between these two women, and childhood rivalries are still very apparent and raw. But there is much more going on. Especially when “love interest” Nathan rears his handsome face.
There are twists and turns all the way through the book; some you will see coming, and some you definitely won’t! The characters are brilliant, especially Ruby, and at times I found myself wanting to shout into the book at her.
This book is definitely the “mutts nuts”! This made me belly laugh in the book! 😁
February 21, 2021
Completely addictive. No way was I going to put the book down at any time soon with such a gripping prologue. I was then drawn in by an emotional episode of young love going tragically wrong. Ruby Harper is devastated. She has been greatly deceived, she feels lost, lonely, and heartbroken. Further events of betrayal have her trust issues spiralling out of control. Optomistic and determined Ruby decides to drag herself out of the gutter and make a new life for herself. Little does she know what's around the corner......
This is such a gripping read. One that made me shout out 'he's behind you!!' like a child at a pantomime hands covering face, hiding, but peeping through fingers anyway in sheer anticipation.
A great storyline that is wickedly twisty and very cleverly plotted. Wish I had not read it so fast but I really couldn't stop turning the pages. Brilliant storytelling.
This is such a gripping read. One that made me shout out 'he's behind you!!' like a child at a pantomime hands covering face, hiding, but peeping through fingers anyway in sheer anticipation.
A great storyline that is wickedly twisty and very cleverly plotted. Wish I had not read it so fast but I really couldn't stop turning the pages. Brilliant storytelling.
March 29, 2022
Ruby is a broken character who has been emotionally abused by her friends and family throughout her life so far however she is slowly turning herself around, accepting her ex boyfriend back into her life as a mate when out of the blue she is contacted by her older sister. Giving into her better judgement. she agrees to meet her but can she trust her?
The story is told both in the present and the past, giving us a background into what made Ruby the way she is and as the reader, you have to give her sympathy in regards to her upbringing and how that has shaped the woman of today. Perhaps at times, the story may seem slightly outwith normal parameters however knowledge and wealth can get you anything at times!
The story is told both in the present and the past, giving us a background into what made Ruby the way she is and as the reader, you have to give her sympathy in regards to her upbringing and how that has shaped the woman of today. Perhaps at times, the story may seem slightly outwith normal parameters however knowledge and wealth can get you anything at times!
March 18, 2021
Wow what can I say, this is the second book I’ve read by these authors. Their books are unputdownable. This is an unbelievably good read that grabs you from page one until the very last page. There are twists and turns galore throughout this great book. I give this book a very well deserved five stars and look forward to more books in the future by these authors.
July 6, 2021
Brilliant read enjoyed the story twists and turns easy to read loved matt and ruby and Mrs H .Ruby and her sister so different but Sara want something off ruby when ruby said no thing take a turn for the worst twists and turns and surprise ending 💕 this story 😄😄😄x
August 23, 2021
Brilliant.
Kept me on my toes since the first page. A real good feeling at the end, which was quite a surprise.
Kept me on my toes since the first page. A real good feeling at the end, which was quite a surprise.
August 25, 2021
Sat and read this in one go, it tries to be crazy and surprising, and while in some ways it is...I couldn't help but feel that the story was lacking. It felt rushed and I wanted more.
July 13, 2021
This is a fantastic book! I was gripped from the beginning till the end. The story line was very different then others I have read. So many twists and turns that I was not expecting. It is hard to say too much about this book without revealing spoiler alerts. I can say that this book is full of sister drama, romance, and murder. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers and suspense.
September 2, 2021
Wow yes I really enjoyed this book thought the story line fab a bit different from the norm a excellent read kept me awake some nights but did not want to finish it as it was so good but at the same time I wanted to know what happened, a very ghood read.
November 18, 2021
Wow! What a great book. I love psychological thrillers and this just keeps on going all the way through to the last page! Every time I put it down, I had to read back a few pages to get back up to speed because there are so many twists and turns. Can’t wait to read more of your books and I’m recommending this to everyone! Thanks for a great read.
March 11, 2022
Loved the twists , kept me on my toes
Ruby had a. Second best childhood in her sister Sara's shadow. But at least she had a boyfriend Matt. He was involved in a crippling accident that changed everything. The sibling rivalry know no bounds
Ruby had a. Second best childhood in her sister Sara's shadow. But at least she had a boyfriend Matt. He was involved in a crippling accident that changed everything. The sibling rivalry know no bounds
March 3, 2022
Page turner! Love these types of books. Definitely recommend reading.
July 30, 2022
This book had one of the most original plots I have come across and I loved the dynamics between the sisters. Ruby I sympathised with, even if she did come across as a bit naive. But it's often the flawed characters I prefer, one I quickly found myself gunning for. Her older sister, Sara, I despised. When she gets diagnosed with kidney cancer, you almost feel sorry for her... that is until she goes crawling to Ruby, having cut her out of her life, demanding she donate a kidney for a life saving operation. Ruby has few people to turn to or trust, other than her adorable teenage ex-boyfriend, Matt. The story however, takes a blinding twist when Sara partners with fellow surgeon, Nathan. They want Ruby's kidney but as the story unfolds there are some unexpected jolts! This was so good and even after finishing it, I had to re-read some of the earlier chapters, to assimilate the twists. All in all, what a superb read!
July 12, 2021
The second I’ve read by these authors and I loved it. The characters were well developed and had a good back story that made you understand why they turned out the way they did. I kept wanting to find out more and see where they story was going! You won’t be disappointed!!
September 25, 2021
I think I am going to be in the minority with my opinion of this book, having read other reviews. To be honest I don't quite know where to begin!
I was recommended this book based off my previous Kindle Unlimited reads. I love a good psychological crime thriller, so it sounded right up my street. The story begins following Ruby, a young girl with a troubled past. It sets the scene by telling us of her tragic past with teenage lover Matt, and her rather turbulent upbringing. I expected this book to follow Ruby and Matt in the present day, which it did to an extent, but the story took a few other entirely unexpected turns.
It felt almost like the authors had so many good ideas for books that they tried to pile it all into one book. Unfortunately, this lead to a rather choppy storyline in my opinion. I also found the writing style wasn't consistent although this could be due to the dual authors, as well as quite a few errors that didn't get picked up during editing. Despite this, it kept my attention throughout despite being farfetched in places. Towards the end it was starting to redeem itself, shaping up for a good climax.
Then the last chapter happened and it was SO ridiculously farfetched that unfortunately it was the final nail in the coffin for this book. Interesting premise, held my attention and had promise but just too many random changes in plot, undeveloped characters and ridiculous twists for me.
I was recommended this book based off my previous Kindle Unlimited reads. I love a good psychological crime thriller, so it sounded right up my street. The story begins following Ruby, a young girl with a troubled past. It sets the scene by telling us of her tragic past with teenage lover Matt, and her rather turbulent upbringing. I expected this book to follow Ruby and Matt in the present day, which it did to an extent, but the story took a few other entirely unexpected turns.
It felt almost like the authors had so many good ideas for books that they tried to pile it all into one book. Unfortunately, this lead to a rather choppy storyline in my opinion. I also found the writing style wasn't consistent although this could be due to the dual authors, as well as quite a few errors that didn't get picked up during editing. Despite this, it kept my attention throughout despite being farfetched in places. Towards the end it was starting to redeem itself, shaping up for a good climax.
Then the last chapter happened and it was SO ridiculously farfetched that unfortunately it was the final nail in the coffin for this book. Interesting premise, held my attention and had promise but just too many random changes in plot, undeveloped characters and ridiculous twists for me.
September 23, 2021
You know the writing is poor because this book has a completely wild plot but is fundamentally boring. Also characters in their 30s talk like pensioners for some reason.
Two stars because I would watch the stupid Netflix adaptation of this
Two stars because I would watch the stupid Netflix adaptation of this
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews