What do you think?
Rate this book
Forbidden Romance #2
Ruby's Passion
When Ruby marries the man she's loved all her life, James Lucas, she thought she knew his heart as well as her own. But as she eagerly awaits him to perform the marriage act on their wedding night she discovers a devastating secret that rips their fragile marriage apart.
It would be scandalous to leave James, so Ruby agrees to continue their farce of a marriage as they travel across the country to visit James' ailing father in Manhattan. Stuck in the confines of their tiny train compartment, Ruby's desire for her husband twists with the repulsion of her discovery and starts a battle inside Ruby she can't control.
When they arrive, the holiday season is all around, but Ruby feels nothing of the magic, struggling to come to terms with the truth about her marriage and her unrelenting lust for her husband. But when James's father takes a turn for the worst, Ruby puts her hurt and anger aside to support her husband. But her rejection has turned him against her and it may be too late to mend all that has been broken...
Can Ruby and James find a way back to each other or will the games their playing to protect their hearts ruin their only chance at happiness...
(Can be read as a stand-alone.)
It would be scandalous to leave James, so Ruby agrees to continue their farce of a marriage as they travel across the country to visit James' ailing father in Manhattan. Stuck in the confines of their tiny train compartment, Ruby's desire for her husband twists with the repulsion of her discovery and starts a battle inside Ruby she can't control.
When they arrive, the holiday season is all around, but Ruby feels nothing of the magic, struggling to come to terms with the truth about her marriage and her unrelenting lust for her husband. But when James's father takes a turn for the worst, Ruby puts her hurt and anger aside to support her husband. But her rejection has turned him against her and it may be too late to mend all that has been broken...
Can Ruby and James find a way back to each other or will the games their playing to protect their hearts ruin their only chance at happiness...
(Can be read as a stand-alone.)
Paperback
First published December 2, 2018
589 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Stanton
37 books206 followersBrooke Stanton is an award-winning and #1 bestselling author of contemporary and historical romances. When she's not writing she loves reading, hiking, running, and taking pictures of her Russian Blue cat. Stalk her here for book news and other fun stuff:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jcjJtM
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3mYK0y2
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2EGoCfz
Bookbub:https://bit.ly/3i7KFcV
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 21, 2019
.
An odd story.
Ruby has loved Lucas for years and he loves her too, but can he love her like a woman? Well, he marries her when she turns 18 as everyone expects. She is 6 years younger and hasn't had a woman's guidance since her mother's death when she was 10.
Ruby finds out on her wedding night that Lucas still thinks of her as a young girl and is crushed.
But they decide to make the best of it when they go to NY to see his parents after the wedding.
Now this part I didn't understand and kinda bothered me more than the whole wedding night fiasco;
Why do his parents, who are wealthy from a silver mine, not share that wealth (not even a little bit) with Lucas? The author makes it sound like he didn't want any of their money, but I don't see why.
He's practically dirt poor trying to keep his ranch afloat and they are living in style in the big apple???
*shake my head*
Anyhoo, I enjoyed it, and after I understood Lucas' reasoning, I forgave him. But I thought some of his misunderstandings towards Ruby were kinda stupid. His mother didn't help either *eye roll*.
I would have awarded more stars if it didn't seem that Ruby did most of the work...
Safety is good
An odd story.
Ruby has loved Lucas for years and he loves her too, but can he love her like a woman? Well, he marries her when she turns 18 as everyone expects. She is 6 years younger and hasn't had a woman's guidance since her mother's death when she was 10.
Ruby finds out on her wedding night that Lucas still thinks of her as a young girl and is crushed.
But they decide to make the best of it when they go to NY to see his parents after the wedding.
Now this part I didn't understand and kinda bothered me more than the whole wedding night fiasco;
Why do his parents, who are wealthy from a silver mine, not share that wealth (not even a little bit) with Lucas? The author makes it sound like he didn't want any of their money, but I don't see why.
He's practically dirt poor trying to keep his ranch afloat and they are living in style in the big apple???
*shake my head*
Anyhoo, I enjoyed it, and after I understood Lucas' reasoning, I forgave him. But I thought some of his misunderstandings towards Ruby were kinda stupid. His mother didn't help either *eye roll*.
I would have awarded more stars if it didn't seem that Ruby did most of the work...
Safety is good
July 9, 2019
Not what I wanted it expected in this book
I was expecting something with more romance. I was disappointed that it took up to 80% of the book before the man admitted to his wife what it ment when she saw him alone next to the shed. The whole book with back and forth carp with no connection between the two of them. I'm thinking all her books are slow like this so I'll pass on further books
I was expecting something with more romance. I was disappointed that it took up to 80% of the book before the man admitted to his wife what it ment when she saw him alone next to the shed. The whole book with back and forth carp with no connection between the two of them. I'm thinking all her books are slow like this so I'll pass on further books
June 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so thought I'd read book 2. Being married and understanding how devastating it might be to find out your husband's "secret" that is destroying your marriage is something I wanted to read and find out. I wasn't right about his secret at all! I think Ruby's and her husband's story James' story drives home a really good and all too common issue in marriage and other relationships: good communication!
While the book is short, I thought it was sweet and shows just how far things can go when there is miscommunication or one isn't candid with the other. One of them does something rather desperate and that clearly ends up making a huge difference in their marriage.
While the book is short, I thought it was sweet and shows just how far things can go when there is miscommunication or one isn't candid with the other. One of them does something rather desperate and that clearly ends up making a huge difference in their marriage.
January 5, 2019
She loved him for so long and when they finally marry she happily awaits her new husband. He does not come to her and he tells her a secret. This year's things apart. They stay together for appearances especially when his father is ill and dying. Can things change between them? See what will happen between them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2023
Actual Rating: 2.5⭐
Reading Vlog
This was such a wild ride to start the month on.
Reading Vlog
This was such a wild ride to start the month on.
August 4, 2020
I can sum this story up in two words: GROW UP!
James and Ruby are first and foremost friends. The friendship develops into a marriage of familiarity rather than convenience. Ruby's always been in love with James, but James has seen Ruby as nothing more than his childhood friend. James doesn't see Ruby as a "woman" and instead turns his sights to Jo, Ruby's father's wife (yeah, it's complicated) when thinking of a woman. After Ruby finds James in a compromising position on their wedding night, things run downhill from there, and their sham of a marriage clings by a thread. Their friendship in tatters.
Ruby resigned herself to being in a loveless marriage but devises a plan to make herself happy while enduring it. Little does Ruby know, James has started to see her as the woman she is, but it could be too late. Ruby only desires one thing from James to remain his wife, a child. Rather than keeping that knowledge to herself, Ruby tells James, causing their already fragile union to collapse completely. James and Ruby aren't even fooling James's parents with their charade of a marriage. Even on his death bed, James's father knows things aren't what they seem despite the show they've put on.
Ruby's Passion is a series of misunderstandings, followed by the repeated childish behavior of James and Ruby, sunk this one for me. I don't recommend this one, but if you can handle it, proceed with caution for tantrums, childish brooding, and outbursts every other page.
James and Ruby are first and foremost friends. The friendship develops into a marriage of familiarity rather than convenience. Ruby's always been in love with James, but James has seen Ruby as nothing more than his childhood friend. James doesn't see Ruby as a "woman" and instead turns his sights to Jo, Ruby's father's wife (yeah, it's complicated) when thinking of a woman. After Ruby finds James in a compromising position on their wedding night, things run downhill from there, and their sham of a marriage clings by a thread. Their friendship in tatters.
Ruby resigned herself to being in a loveless marriage but devises a plan to make herself happy while enduring it. Little does Ruby know, James has started to see her as the woman she is, but it could be too late. Ruby only desires one thing from James to remain his wife, a child. Rather than keeping that knowledge to herself, Ruby tells James, causing their already fragile union to collapse completely. James and Ruby aren't even fooling James's parents with their charade of a marriage. Even on his death bed, James's father knows things aren't what they seem despite the show they've put on.
Ruby's Passion is a series of misunderstandings, followed by the repeated childish behavior of James and Ruby, sunk this one for me. I don't recommend this one, but if you can handle it, proceed with caution for tantrums, childish brooding, and outbursts every other page.
December 2, 2018
An emotional western romance. 💕💗😭🔥💗💕
I am going to warn you, right from the start... you will need a box of tissues for this one. This book will reach out and grab you by the feels and make you cry! 😢💔❤️️
It's really well written and developed story about a young woman, Ruby, who has been promised to James, her best friend, since they were little. Ruby has gone from being a little girl to a young woman in love with him, right under James' nose without him even noticing. When an unprepared James makes a mistake on their wedding night, that causes Ruby to doubt whether she can stay married to him, she runs back home. James breaks not only her heart but her self-confidence and her trust in him. Now, they need to try and mend the serious rift between them or let it break them apart.💓
Ruby's Passion is the second book of the Forbidden Romance Series and it can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading Breaking Josephine, first. They are interconnected and they do build onto each other. It will also help set the stage for what happens in this book.😉
I was absolutely sobbing through parts of this book but I was also laughing out loud during other parts as it was so good! If you are a fan of Diana Palmer, then this series is a must read. 😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am going to warn you, right from the start... you will need a box of tissues for this one. This book will reach out and grab you by the feels and make you cry! 😢💔❤️️
It's really well written and developed story about a young woman, Ruby, who has been promised to James, her best friend, since they were little. Ruby has gone from being a little girl to a young woman in love with him, right under James' nose without him even noticing. When an unprepared James makes a mistake on their wedding night, that causes Ruby to doubt whether she can stay married to him, she runs back home. James breaks not only her heart but her self-confidence and her trust in him. Now, they need to try and mend the serious rift between them or let it break them apart.💓
Ruby's Passion is the second book of the Forbidden Romance Series and it can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading Breaking Josephine, first. They are interconnected and they do build onto each other. It will also help set the stage for what happens in this book.😉
I was absolutely sobbing through parts of this book but I was also laughing out loud during other parts as it was so good! If you are a fan of Diana Palmer, then this series is a must read. 😍
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
This book was better than I expected. The blurb had my attention and I was curious as to what the secret was that Ruby discovered about James on their wedding night. I have to admit, the secret about James is not what I was thinking. Even though the strain on their marriage in the beginning was from a misunderstanding, the rest of it was from naivety and miscommunication. Ruby is still in the mindset of a young girl and is having a hard time transitioning to a young woman. James,even though he is six years older than Ruby, is inexperienced and at times just as naive as Ruby. Every time it seems like they make progress, hurt and anger would get in the way, just making things worse. After one of them decides to leave and then disappears, the other goes crazy wondering where the other is at. When they finally do reconnect, it proves that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I just wish the ending would have had an epilogue just so I know if kids were ever produced.
May 24, 2020
Ruby and James were too cute
This was a couple that went on a journey to find each other. Even though they grew up together and were engaged for the longest time, marriage was quite the adjustment for them. James made the silliest, single most miserable mistake on his wedding night; he was caught pleasing himself to a picture of Jo, his stepmother. What was he thinking 🤔
Well of course his wife Ruby took this the hard way. She’s always been in love with James, he just hasn’t seen the adult female in her yet. Well this will change that. These two will chase love together and see what it means to be married.
If you’re looking for spice and kink this book isn’t it. This is old school romance; no sex before marriage and no swearing in the presence of ladies. The sex is beginners play gentle and pleasure seeking discovery. This took me back to my early romance reading, the historical romance. Very entertaining and definitely worth the read.
This was a couple that went on a journey to find each other. Even though they grew up together and were engaged for the longest time, marriage was quite the adjustment for them. James made the silliest, single most miserable mistake on his wedding night; he was caught pleasing himself to a picture of Jo, his stepmother. What was he thinking 🤔
Well of course his wife Ruby took this the hard way. She’s always been in love with James, he just hasn’t seen the adult female in her yet. Well this will change that. These two will chase love together and see what it means to be married.
If you’re looking for spice and kink this book isn’t it. This is old school romance; no sex before marriage and no swearing in the presence of ladies. The sex is beginners play gentle and pleasure seeking discovery. This took me back to my early romance reading, the historical romance. Very entertaining and definitely worth the read.
December 10, 2018
An emotional ride of a story!!
All Ruby wants is for James to love her so she is excited to find herself married to him after waiting her whole life. But married life doesn't turn out to be as exciting as she once thought as James struggles to return her affections. It seems James is not as into the marriage as she first thought and after a shocking realisation she wonders if there is a possible way out. When they visit James’ ailing father in New York they realised that they will have to put on a happy front to ensure that no one suspects trouble for the newlyweds. But when passion comes into play, can they keep things together to make their marriage work or will it all crumble sooner than they think?
Great story and addition to this series. I can't wait for Lucy's book!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for an honest review.
All Ruby wants is for James to love her so she is excited to find herself married to him after waiting her whole life. But married life doesn't turn out to be as exciting as she once thought as James struggles to return her affections. It seems James is not as into the marriage as she first thought and after a shocking realisation she wonders if there is a possible way out. When they visit James’ ailing father in New York they realised that they will have to put on a happy front to ensure that no one suspects trouble for the newlyweds. But when passion comes into play, can they keep things together to make their marriage work or will it all crumble sooner than they think?
Great story and addition to this series. I can't wait for Lucy's book!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for an honest review.
December 3, 2018
Ruby's Passion By Brooke Stanton (Book 2 in Forbidden Romance)
5++++ Stars
OMG! I loved this just as much as the book first in the series! Very well written! Highly recommend this series!
Ruby and James~ best friends, promised to be together since they were kids, Ruby totally in love with James, on their wedding night James makes a mistake which breaks Ruby's heart, self- confidence, and trust
"I've always loved you Ruby, but to me you were just a girl. Amazing, wonderful, and unique, but still only a girl. But I was wrong. You're so much more."
"The desperation and love that poured out of him matched her own,and she knew he finally felt the same love she'd always felt for him."
5++++ Stars
OMG! I loved this just as much as the book first in the series! Very well written! Highly recommend this series!
Ruby and James~ best friends, promised to be together since they were kids, Ruby totally in love with James, on their wedding night James makes a mistake which breaks Ruby's heart, self- confidence, and trust
"I've always loved you Ruby, but to me you were just a girl. Amazing, wonderful, and unique, but still only a girl. But I was wrong. You're so much more."
"The desperation and love that poured out of him matched her own,and she knew he finally felt the same love she'd always felt for him."
December 8, 2018
I also received this copy in exchange of an honest review
Now the sequel is the continuation of the first story ("duh...") but it centers around Ruby and James. Ruby was finally discovering her own passion and desire.
For story-wise, it was quite the same as the first book. The narration was light, fast-paced, and simple plot. Readers could easily understand the story, however I think the outcome of this sequel is less predictable than the first book. Again, the characters were common and I don't see any characters that I could totally relate too. The book was served with some "juicy" details as well.
I rate this sequel a 3 stars, it was an okay read for me.
Now the sequel is the continuation of the first story ("duh...") but it centers around Ruby and James. Ruby was finally discovering her own passion and desire.
For story-wise, it was quite the same as the first book. The narration was light, fast-paced, and simple plot. Readers could easily understand the story, however I think the outcome of this sequel is less predictable than the first book. Again, the characters were common and I don't see any characters that I could totally relate too. The book was served with some "juicy" details as well.
I rate this sequel a 3 stars, it was an okay read for me.
June 30, 2019
Book two in the Forbidden Romance series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Novella length told in dual POV with HEA. I liked this book a lot! It takes place in the early 1900’s in Oklahoma. Ruby and James are neighbors and despite their 6-year age difference have been betrothed sense childhood. I didn’t like that a lot of their story is internal thoughts, but I understand they both had a lot of growing up to do. They both said and did things that hurt the other, but I would have liked their resolution to be shorter than the two months separation. I would have loved an epilogue!
July 31, 2022
3.0-3.5 Stars!
It was my very first Cowboy love story. Did I like it? Yes but seriously the angst was a little too much for me. I know some people get off the drama when it comes to lack of communication but I'm not one of them + it has to be executed well in order for me to enjoy it.
So yeah, well written + good story to break me into this sub genre for romance but I just wish it had less drama. It just felt like their whole marriage was full of drama until they could get their bearings about it. Mind you, I can also understand why they misunderstood each other so much yet I just wish they could have communicated a little more so that you could see the real romance bloom.
It was my very first Cowboy love story. Did I like it? Yes but seriously the angst was a little too much for me. I know some people get off the drama when it comes to lack of communication but I'm not one of them + it has to be executed well in order for me to enjoy it.
So yeah, well written + good story to break me into this sub genre for romance but I just wish it had less drama. It just felt like their whole marriage was full of drama until they could get their bearings about it. Mind you, I can also understand why they misunderstood each other so much yet I just wish they could have communicated a little more so that you could see the real romance bloom.
November 22, 2022
This book was good but I didn’t like it as much as the first book in the series.
The story follows Ruby (Jack and Jo’s daughter from book 1) as she marries her childhood best friend James. This marriage was pre-arranged and while Ruby is very much in love with James, he only sees her as the little girl he grew up with.
The relationship becomes even more strained when she catches him in a compromising situation on their wedding night.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt like the book spent too much time on their conflict and not enough time on them being together. Maybe even just an additional chapter at the end would have made this book more enjoyable to me.
The story follows Ruby (Jack and Jo’s daughter from book 1) as she marries her childhood best friend James. This marriage was pre-arranged and while Ruby is very much in love with James, he only sees her as the little girl he grew up with.
The relationship becomes even more strained when she catches him in a compromising situation on their wedding night.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt like the book spent too much time on their conflict and not enough time on them being together. Maybe even just an additional chapter at the end would have made this book more enjoyable to me.
May 9, 2020
Ruby's Tale!
Ruby and James' story describes the time-told angst of one person being passionately in love while the partner slowly falls in love but doesn't realize it.
This is an easy to read book with interesting characters who heat up the pages and I really enjoyed it.
If asked which story I preferred, the first or the second, I really couldn't decide for I have really enjoyed both.
My voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.
Ruby and James' story describes the time-told angst of one person being passionately in love while the partner slowly falls in love but doesn't realize it.
This is an easy to read book with interesting characters who heat up the pages and I really enjoyed it.
If asked which story I preferred, the first or the second, I really couldn't decide for I have really enjoyed both.
My voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.
December 2, 2018
This is the second book in the series and it oh so good. The challenges the main characters had to face were great writing. This shows what problems being dishonest can cause. Ruby and James really need to grow up, but they also perhaps need people to stay out their business. Excellent story!! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 3, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. the second book in the Forbidden Romance series is a well- written book I hope there is going to be more in this series. This is Ruby and James Lucas' story about two people who have to learn to talk to each other.
May 11, 2020
The difference in love
Great story, wonderful story line
Ruby's story was heartbreaking, when she found out James secret
But they were both young, and James saw Ruby as his childhood friend, but life has away of bringing true truth to the heart, James and Ruby discovered there's at last.
Thank you❤
Great story, wonderful story line
Ruby's story was heartbreaking, when she found out James secret
But they were both young, and James saw Ruby as his childhood friend, but life has away of bringing true truth to the heart, James and Ruby discovered there's at last.
Thank you❤
May 21, 2022
A sweet love story about a young lady Ruby and her long time best friend James, who go into a prearranged marriage. She sees him acting unfaithful their wedding night and misunderstanding comes between them. They learn to work out the love that they have always had for each other, but not without a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions and actions. Goo read.
August 11, 2023
The cover was tacky and the conflict was contrived but this book worked for me for some reason.
They were both immature and needed to communicate, but somehow because they were both young, sheltered virgins, I could understand (barely) why they were both dense and stupid when it came to bed matters.
The angst was delicious and HEA was satisfying.
They were both immature and needed to communicate, but somehow because they were both young, sheltered virgins, I could understand (barely) why they were both dense and stupid when it came to bed matters.
The angst was delicious and HEA was satisfying.
December 17, 2023
ah good but…
This is frustrating- 4.5 stars. I love the setting and premise of the story, it’s not the standard historical romance. However the plot device of the mother was a little annoying. Good 🔥. I think the author has tons of potential I’m looking forward to the rest of the series
This is frustrating- 4.5 stars. I love the setting and premise of the story, it’s not the standard historical romance. However the plot device of the mother was a little annoying. Good 🔥. I think the author has tons of potential I’m looking forward to the rest of the series
December 3, 2018
The story revolves around the marriage between Ruby and James and her realizing he does not love her like a wife. There are a lot of trials that cause them to grow further and further apart. There is a HEA but not before each of them hit rock bottom. The story is well written and worth reading.
July 27, 2019
Enjoyed this book. It was a welcome change from the average girl falls in love with her girlfriend’s brother or girl meets billionaire and has his baby. Ms Stanton did a great job developing Ruby as the pained bride who felt she deserved better and wouldn’t accept the life she living.
May 11, 2020
A very good romance story!
While parts were sad, this was a really enjoyable story! I loved all the ups and downs between them and couldn't believe how his mother greater her! Loved the ending!
While parts were sad, this was a really enjoyable story! I loved all the ups and downs between them and couldn't believe how his mother greater her! Loved the ending!
May 13, 2020
Ruby’s passion
This story seemed to drag on and on. It did not makes sense to me that one or the other was constantly leaving when they argued. Also did not understand his mother’s attitude after the father died. Does not make me want to read any others by this author
This story seemed to drag on and on. It did not makes sense to me that one or the other was constantly leaving when they argued. Also did not understand his mother’s attitude after the father died. Does not make me want to read any others by this author
July 13, 2020
I really liked the first book in this series, but this one had so many awkward moments. Ruby is an awkward girl anyway, but there were just a lot of wince-worthy issues in this one. But the ending was cute! Happy Reading!
July 31, 2022
This is the second book in this western series. It is the story of childhood friends James Lucas and Ruby Harrington. Everyone expected them to marry and marry they did. James struggles with seeing Ruby as a woman and not the little girl he has known all his life. Innocence plus steam.
January 25, 2024
Enjoyable story of the youthfulness of marriage. One stupid act that caused so much confusion and heartache. Written well though to capture such youthful, inexperienced hearts. This author is good at capturing the heart of each story whether you want to slap them silly or not.
December 3, 2018
If you love this author this is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews