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Velvet Storm #1
The Stranger Within Me
Strap yourself in. Who is the judge of all our sins, when you look at the mirror and you see someone else? Who is innocent and who is guilty? Can you really judge?
And more importantly - Can the dead rise again?
When bodies of predatory criminals keep turning up in suspicious circumstances, Detective Ashley Tate and her team know they are dealing with a serial killer.
But what links the crimes? Each victim’s resurrection.
How can someone die on Monday yet be walking and talking on Friday?
As Ashley’s ex-girlfriend and journalist Jude Abrahams whips up public approval for the apparent vigilante murders, the pressure on Ashley builds but with more questions than answers each case becomes stranger.
Dare they believe what they are seeing?
In this fast-paced, science fiction lesbian thriller no one and nothing is quite as it seems. Within a tangled web of love, sex, power, and deceit, the truth is far stranger and more sinister than any of them could have ever believed possible.
And more importantly - Can the dead rise again?
When bodies of predatory criminals keep turning up in suspicious circumstances, Detective Ashley Tate and her team know they are dealing with a serial killer.
But what links the crimes? Each victim’s resurrection.
How can someone die on Monday yet be walking and talking on Friday?
As Ashley’s ex-girlfriend and journalist Jude Abrahams whips up public approval for the apparent vigilante murders, the pressure on Ashley builds but with more questions than answers each case becomes stranger.
Dare they believe what they are seeing?
In this fast-paced, science fiction lesbian thriller no one and nothing is quite as it seems. Within a tangled web of love, sex, power, and deceit, the truth is far stranger and more sinister than any of them could have ever believed possible.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2021
43 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 28, 2022
Kindle Unlimited. Incredibly unique and yet messed up premise.
Psychologically thrilling and mind altering - with lots of immoral/unethical conundrums. But in the best ways. This is what good dark psycho-drama is about.
Highly recommend.
Psychologically thrilling and mind altering - with lots of immoral/unethical conundrums. But in the best ways. This is what good dark psycho-drama is about.
Highly recommend.
December 21, 2021
OMG OMG!! THIS BOOK IS SO SO GOOD!! I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY!! MY MIND IS BLOWN!! I’M SHOOK!! This story had me on the edge of my seat from the start!! Imma be honest and say that I don’t care how many bad people Jude kills, imma be clapping and supporting her lol and I really really hate Ashley with everything I am… the nerve of her… cheating on poor Jude… I honestly truly hate her. I hope that in the end, she’s the one going down and not Jude. I hope Jude is able to run away and maybe meet Mariana as herself and they fall in love and live happily ever after 😅 but after that cliffhanger I have no idea what’s going to happen next and I’m scared for Jude now 😩 she better come out of this unscathed!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2022
4.5 cliffhanger!
Onto book 2.
Onto book 2.
January 19, 2023
Whoa! Loved this! This is so different from what I've read by this author before, and I've already added book 2 to my TBR list.
I don't think I can accurately describe how it made me feel, but it gave me an... Unsettled feeling that only excellent writing can do. You know that 'horror' type feeling that just sends a shiver up your spine? This isn't a horror story, but the unnatural talents of the MC definitely sent that shiver up my spine. (I'm notoriously rubbish at reviews, and I did mention at the start that I probably won't be able to explain it 😂)
The writing style was intriguing, adding to the mystery. It did take a while to start piecing together what was happening. Once things started clicking, I couldn't put it down. I can't say much for spoilers, but would recommend this one! It's not your average lesfic, that's for sure.
I don't think I can accurately describe how it made me feel, but it gave me an... Unsettled feeling that only excellent writing can do. You know that 'horror' type feeling that just sends a shiver up your spine? This isn't a horror story, but the unnatural talents of the MC definitely sent that shiver up my spine. (I'm notoriously rubbish at reviews, and I did mention at the start that I probably won't be able to explain it 😂)
The writing style was intriguing, adding to the mystery. It did take a while to start piecing together what was happening. Once things started clicking, I couldn't put it down. I can't say much for spoilers, but would recommend this one! It's not your average lesfic, that's for sure.
February 19, 2022
Whoa! Total mindf*ck!
This was my second Scott book and this one blows the first book I read of hers way out of the water! This was a brilliantly written, mind teasing, suspenseful, thrilling story. I was lost and confused in the beginning just how the detectives were, and at one point, I had zero idea where Scott was going with this twisty tale. Then a thing happened and I had an 'ah-ha' moment and thought I knew where Scott was going, and then another thing happened and I was blindsided and side swept yet again. So many twists and turns, bumps along the way, moments of tenderness and erotica interspersed with dark, seedy, and downright gross bends in the story.
Scott did a great job and I highly recommend to anyone who like these types of stories.
This was my second Scott book and this one blows the first book I read of hers way out of the water! This was a brilliantly written, mind teasing, suspenseful, thrilling story. I was lost and confused in the beginning just how the detectives were, and at one point, I had zero idea where Scott was going with this twisty tale. Then a thing happened and I had an 'ah-ha' moment and thought I knew where Scott was going, and then another thing happened and I was blindsided and side swept yet again. So many twists and turns, bumps along the way, moments of tenderness and erotica interspersed with dark, seedy, and downright gross bends in the story.
Scott did a great job and I highly recommend to anyone who like these types of stories.
December 25, 2023
woah~ this is a surprise! I really enjoyed this book as it’s different from what I have read before and I couldn’t put the book down. Going on to book 2 now..
March 31, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
Very interesting storyline. Looking forward to book two because this book ended with a huge cliffhanger.
Very interesting storyline. Looking forward to book two because this book ended with a huge cliffhanger.
November 28, 2021
4.25 stars
Oh wow, how do I define this book? It takes your preconceived notions, throws them in a blender & then tosses them out the window into oncoming traffic.
I love a good criminal procedure book, yet this isn't that. I love a good thriller, but this isn't that either. I love supernatural but it isn't that, nor is it sci-fi.
This book takes you left to only later realize you're going right. You see things from the cops view & the murderers view. What's good & bad is blurred, like trying to see through a kaleidoscope. The ending leaves you a cliffs edge daring you too jump into the sequel.
It all starts with a leap 😉
Oh wow, how do I define this book? It takes your preconceived notions, throws them in a blender & then tosses them out the window into oncoming traffic.
I love a good criminal procedure book, yet this isn't that. I love a good thriller, but this isn't that either. I love supernatural but it isn't that, nor is it sci-fi.
This book takes you left to only later realize you're going right. You see things from the cops view & the murderers view. What's good & bad is blurred, like trying to see through a kaleidoscope. The ending leaves you a cliffs edge daring you too jump into the sequel.
It all starts with a leap 😉
February 4, 2022
Machiavellian in its use of deceit: a plot that will leave you craving for more
A cop, a reporter, and a series of mysterious murders. It looks like a vigilante is on the rise, cleaning the city of its scumbags, corrupted souls, pedophiles, and mobsters. A sci-fi twist you wouldn’t have seen coming and a plot that keeps playing with your mind and your need to want to know what happened and what is going to happen. The concept of integrity and what is right or wrong is weighted through the means of vengeance, power, lust, obsession, money, and a controversial romance. The Stranger Within Me pushes the boundaries accepted by the moral collective.
A sick game that will lure you into feeling sympathy for what is ethically wrong. You will ask yourself: “What if I were that person, what would I do?”, and most of all: “What if I become a stranger to myself”, is there any redemption? Who is the judge of all our sins, when you look at the mirror and you see someone else? Who is innocent and who is guilty? Can you really judge?
A rollercoaster of emotions. Great thriller.
A cop, a reporter, and a series of mysterious murders. It looks like a vigilante is on the rise, cleaning the city of its scumbags, corrupted souls, pedophiles, and mobsters. A sci-fi twist you wouldn’t have seen coming and a plot that keeps playing with your mind and your need to want to know what happened and what is going to happen. The concept of integrity and what is right or wrong is weighted through the means of vengeance, power, lust, obsession, money, and a controversial romance. The Stranger Within Me pushes the boundaries accepted by the moral collective.
A sick game that will lure you into feeling sympathy for what is ethically wrong. You will ask yourself: “What if I were that person, what would I do?”, and most of all: “What if I become a stranger to myself”, is there any redemption? Who is the judge of all our sins, when you look at the mirror and you see someone else? Who is innocent and who is guilty? Can you really judge?
A rollercoaster of emotions. Great thriller.
January 5, 2022
This had me tilting my head and guessing what the heck was going on for a good part of the book. I’d picked this up a few months and it was in my not-so-small TBR list, so I had honestly forgotten the premise of the story. Hence, my surprise as events and answers began to surface. That’s actually refreshing and somewhat overwhelming at the same time.
This is written in first person and the hopping back and forth between these main characters was frustrating at times, especially in the beginning. That said, Scott has developed some intriguing and unusual characters. And her characters do not conform to the traditional roles of societal norms—no spoilers, remember. It makes for an interesting story. Yeah, kind of a romance but mostly a sci-fi type thriller. Perhaps a story with twists and turns is your wheelhouse. If so, give it a go. Remember, this is Book One of a series.
This is written in first person and the hopping back and forth between these main characters was frustrating at times, especially in the beginning. That said, Scott has developed some intriguing and unusual characters. And her characters do not conform to the traditional roles of societal norms—no spoilers, remember. It makes for an interesting story. Yeah, kind of a romance but mostly a sci-fi type thriller. Perhaps a story with twists and turns is your wheelhouse. If so, give it a go. Remember, this is Book One of a series.
January 22, 2022
Great cliffhanger!
All I can say is that I’m so glad I found this series when the 2nd book was already out! I’m going to read it now!
All I can say is that I’m so glad I found this series when the 2nd book was already out! I’m going to read it now!
July 14, 2021
Ruby 2.0
Not your typical romance book! Nothing is conventional in this story, and you will enjoy the hell out of it! I am not a big fan of SyFy but, the story is so engaging and well written that you won't regret it! Ruby outdid herself; Ruby reached another tier, unlocked a new level! My recommendation keep your eyes open and just enjoy the ride! You will come up with questions that eventually you will get the answers to but meanwhile, you will experience the Scott magic, she will keep you wanting more and gripping the edge of your chair/sofa/book/e-reader until you get your answers lol and that would make the experience even better!
It's really a good book with a touch of romance, a lot of twists, it's kind of fast-paced so you need to be on point, mystery and intrigue! Of course you will have your steamy/excellent sex scene, at this point you should know that's a Ruby stamp!
Not your typical romance book! Nothing is conventional in this story, and you will enjoy the hell out of it! I am not a big fan of SyFy but, the story is so engaging and well written that you won't regret it! Ruby outdid herself; Ruby reached another tier, unlocked a new level! My recommendation keep your eyes open and just enjoy the ride! You will come up with questions that eventually you will get the answers to but meanwhile, you will experience the Scott magic, she will keep you wanting more and gripping the edge of your chair/sofa/book/e-reader until you get your answers lol and that would make the experience even better!
It's really a good book with a touch of romance, a lot of twists, it's kind of fast-paced so you need to be on point, mystery and intrigue! Of course you will have your steamy/excellent sex scene, at this point you should know that's a Ruby stamp!
July 11, 2021
Get ready for a roller coaster ride
Ruby Scott's new book is a veritable roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns. The characters as you meet them seem clear-cut and identifiable as to their roles in the plot, and then your ride hits a hairpin curve. And then another. Surprise after surprise keeps you off balance as you read. This book is fast-paced and keeps you wondering. I'm more than ready for the sequel; I have so many questions! I can't wait to read where these women are truly going.
Ruby Scott's new book is a veritable roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns. The characters as you meet them seem clear-cut and identifiable as to their roles in the plot, and then your ride hits a hairpin curve. And then another. Surprise after surprise keeps you off balance as you read. This book is fast-paced and keeps you wondering. I'm more than ready for the sequel; I have so many questions! I can't wait to read where these women are truly going.
July 13, 2021
This book will keep you on your toes and looking for more. Get ready for a roller coaster ride. I really enjoyed the blend of sci-fi, intrigue, mystery, and romance let's not forget the sex scenes. I have so many questions! I can't wait to read where these women are truly going. Ruby has done it again with her storytelling what a great starter to a new series.
December 6, 2021
Fascinating … and now frustrating
A thrilling journey of deceit, graft, and misplaced affiliation. The shapeshifting piece is captivating. A must read. I’m anxious to read the second book in the series. I absolutely recommend this and any other works by this author. Intriguing! Thank you
Peace
A thrilling journey of deceit, graft, and misplaced affiliation. The shapeshifting piece is captivating. A must read. I’m anxious to read the second book in the series. I absolutely recommend this and any other works by this author. Intriguing! Thank you
Peace
May 29, 2025
The first novel made me frown, the second was sometimes irritating. The premise is good, but the whole story wasn't thought through enough. Sometimes it feels very much as if the author has just started writing without having a real concept. There are a few too many loose ends and repetitions, some of which simply contradict each other. I think the story would have benefited from being written in one book, shortened a little, thought out better (not all the mysteries have to be solved, but I'd like to have the feeling that at least the author knows the answers, even if they don't give them to us), and maybe one or two words about morals ... I think I like the novel mostly for what it could have been and I find myself hoping that the author will one day revise this because it could be great.
February 28, 2022
Incredible
I began reading this book, got to the 22% mark, and had to perform my adult duties. I picked the book up again after a week and decided I better start over.
It was a good decision. I found myself pulled in and could not put it down. I kept looking at my progress and knew I'd be left at a cliffhanger and what a cliffhanger it was.
Luckily the sequel has already been released and I will be starting it as soon as I finish this review.
This is the first novel I have read by Ruby Scott and to say I'm impressed is an understatement.
This Sci-Fi is so much different than anything I have ever read. Different in the best way possible.
I began reading this book, got to the 22% mark, and had to perform my adult duties. I picked the book up again after a week and decided I better start over.
It was a good decision. I found myself pulled in and could not put it down. I kept looking at my progress and knew I'd be left at a cliffhanger and what a cliffhanger it was.
Luckily the sequel has already been released and I will be starting it as soon as I finish this review.
This is the first novel I have read by Ruby Scott and to say I'm impressed is an understatement.
This Sci-Fi is so much different than anything I have ever read. Different in the best way possible.
December 22, 2022
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? WOW, My brain is fried. This was weirdly good. I don't even know what to think or feel but I am intrigued beyond measure. Wow. A female killer who kills serial-bad-people. Just stunning. And the whole shapeshifting twist to it was just mind-blowing. A big question is, is she? female? if she? is a shapeshifter? That shifts into male gender as well?
That scene between Shapeshifter Coco and Mariana was fire.. I was there was that. I have never watched those "housewives" shows but I have seen the memes and I tell you, this drama had a housewives telenovela vibe but with less posh because of all the blood and smell and murder and dirty cops.. JUST WOW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
I started reading this book on my flight out to begin my holiday and for once I was grateful for the amount of time we were in the air as it meant I could keep reading to the end! I just couldn’t put it down. The main characters are far from perfect but despite their flaws you can’t help but root for them and just when you think you have things figured out Ruby adds a twist or turn that takes you down a different path to the one you were expecting and makes you shake your head in awe at the brilliance of her writing. The storyline is so clever and engaging and the ending?!?! I am just so glad I had the next one in the series ready to start straight away! Just fantastic
May 25, 2022
**Stares off into space doing the fish open-close mouth**
This book is all kinds of fucked up, but in a good way. Honestly, I'm speechless.
Seriously, the mystery, the intrigue... Wow. To be honest I wasn't expecting the plot to be the way it was, I thought... I don't even know what I thought it would be, I wasn't expecting it but I'm so happy. it's the kind of surprise I like. And add to that the fact it wasn't that heavy on angst, made the reading even more enjoyable.
This book is all kinds of fucked up, but in a good way. Honestly, I'm speechless.
Seriously, the mystery, the intrigue... Wow. To be honest I wasn't expecting the plot to be the way it was, I thought... I don't even know what I thought it would be, I wasn't expecting it but I'm so happy. it's the kind of surprise I like. And add to that the fact it wasn't that heavy on angst, made the reading even more enjoyable.
April 26, 2024
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2024 🌈✨: Main Board - Speculative Fiction
4.5 stars. WTF? WTF? WTF? This was awesome. No thoughts. Head empty. I’ve got no time to review this I’ve gotta jump into book two immediately.
I’ll be back but just know that if anything happens to Jude I will fucking RIOT.
{Challenges completed:
✔For Love of a Book: Disney’s 100th Celebration Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Challenge}
4.5 stars. WTF? WTF? WTF? This was awesome. No thoughts. Head empty. I’ve got no time to review this I’ve gotta jump into book two immediately.
I’ll be back but just know that if anything happens to Jude I will fucking RIOT.
{Challenges completed:
✔For Love of a Book: Disney’s 100th Celebration Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Challenge}
July 17, 2024
Ends in a cliffhanger in a bad way. Absolutely no plot arcs get resolved in this book. I suggest more so thinking of this and the second book as one cut in half.
Idea and story was interesting enough. Writing was decent, but it reads as a rush job, lacking editing. There are also character portrayals which are not presented in believable ways. I was sure there was some sort on mind control going on with Ashley, but guess it was just bad writing. There are also some over emphasised foreshadowing that then lead to nothing (in either books).
Intriguing setting, but overall these books left me disappointed.
Idea and story was interesting enough. Writing was decent, but it reads as a rush job, lacking editing. There are also character portrayals which are not presented in believable ways. I was sure there was some sort on mind control going on with Ashley, but guess it was just bad writing. There are also some over emphasised foreshadowing that then lead to nothing (in either books).
Intriguing setting, but overall these books left me disappointed.
July 14, 2021
Holy cow, what a different read. Ruby Scott, I am just handing you the cliffhanger crown, because this ending is breathtaking! I'm not going to give a synopsis of the plot. It's a drive that you want to take and discover on your own. Set the gps to sci-fi/action and you will arrive at your destination thoroughly satisfied and ready for the next read on this journey. 10 out of 5 stars!
November 24, 2021
A romance that is definitely Sify. A number of criminals end up dead. Detective Ashley is assigned to investigate the deaths. All of them are mysterious and baffling.
The plaid is very good and involves several different characters. Ashley, Jude, and Coco. This is a very good story. Hopefully the beginning of a series. I recommend this book to all who like sci-fi add Romance Rolled into one.
The plaid is very good and involves several different characters. Ashley, Jude, and Coco. This is a very good story. Hopefully the beginning of a series. I recommend this book to all who like sci-fi add Romance Rolled into one.
July 12, 2021
Pure fun fanisy
Imperfect people in an imperfect world with some crazy sy-fy thrown in to boot! Throw in some romance and good sex and …. What more could you want! I’m dying to read the sequel!
Imperfect people in an imperfect world with some crazy sy-fy thrown in to boot! Throw in some romance and good sex and …. What more could you want! I’m dying to read the sequel!
August 1, 2021
Urgh
Omg what in the hell! I can’t help but want a HEA bit not after all the twist and turns each characters has been going through. And really?? When is the second book out?!?!??!????
Omg what in the hell! I can’t help but want a HEA bit not after all the twist and turns each characters has been going through. And really?? When is the second book out?!?!??!????
December 14, 2021
Not your average story
This is *very* different! I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but started reading as it was recommended to me. The concept is very different, and seeing things from different perspectives is fascinating. I will be reading the next book.
This is *very* different! I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but started reading as it was recommended to me. The concept is very different, and seeing things from different perspectives is fascinating. I will be reading the next book.
January 9, 2022
A must read.
This book was an absolute cracker. The storyline and characters were fantastic and engaging keeping me engrossed from the very first page. I stormed through this book. I would highly recommend this book and author.
This book was an absolute cracker. The storyline and characters were fantastic and engaging keeping me engrossed from the very first page. I stormed through this book. I would highly recommend this book and author.
March 9, 2022
3.5*
This book is a complete mind f&@k. I found some parts to be a little repetitive, and slow. However the story is a good one, a bit confusing at times.
I’m interested to see where book two takes us!
This book is a complete mind f&@k. I found some parts to be a little repetitive, and slow. However the story is a good one, a bit confusing at times.
I’m interested to see where book two takes us!
May 24, 2022
Great book
I thought this book was great. I loved the intrigue and mystery. I thought it was great on how the cops were so confused and to be honest I was a little confused also. Once you start the book it is hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next book.
I thought this book was great. I loved the intrigue and mystery. I thought it was great on how the cops were so confused and to be honest I was a little confused also. Once you start the book it is hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews