Ruthie Knox

I just love how Ruthie Knox mixes hot sex with characters who are complex and have conflicts that are believable. This story is no exception. Amber's a good girl who's tired of playing that role. Tony's past carries a tragedy he can't forgive himself for. They get trapped in the dark, share parts of themselves they would rather hide, then give into their lust. And those chapters are hot! Knox captures so well the fear of being vulnerable and trusting and lets us really get into both their show more heads. It's a short read but a really good one. show less

I received the second book in this series, Harder (Lord, I hate these titles) in a LibraryThing Early Readers giveaway, got 30 pages in, and realized it could not be fathomed without reading the first in the series. It took me some time, but I finally picked this up, and it turned out I liked it a lot. This is definitely aimed at the "New Adult" demo, but the story ended up being relatable even to old lady me. I remember the intensity of first love, and this really captured it. It also show more presented a strong, capable, interesting female lead, who was still allowed to be overwhelmed and to need and accept support. So often in romance if a woman is strong she is cold and humorless, and those two things are not necessarily (or even commonly) found together. Also, if strong women in these books do have moments of needing to lean on their men it is that which is portrayed as making them "feminine" but here Carolyn's appeal is in her strength. Another romance trope, the bad boy who is lauded for his aggression, is avoided here. West does act out, and we understand why, but its clear its the wrong thing to do, and he knows it. I liked Carolyn and I was pissed at the situation she found herself in. I sympathized with West, and wished he would make better decisions, but understood why he made the decisions he did. Together I thought they were sweet and funny and charming and sexy. I don't want to give up much of the plot, but I think most contemporary romance lovers will really enjoy this. I am looking forward to reading Harder now that I have context. show less

5 stars!
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release date: November 11, 2013

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Meet Ashley and Roman—complete opposites who can’t hide their attraction—in Episode 1 of Ruthie Knox’s eBook original serial, Roman Holiday.

Ashley Bowman is having a bad week. Reeling from the death of her beloved grandmother, she returns to the Florida Keys only to learn that a heartless Miami developer has gotten hold of the crappy vacation rentals she calls home. Ashley has one day to clear out show more before Roman Díaz destroys the only place in the world that matters to her. Chaining herself to a palm tree in the bulldozers’ path seems like a good way to stop him . . . until she realizes she should’ve brought food and water. And pants. Also, it would help if the evil developer weren’t so ridiculously hot.

The last thing Roman Díaz needs is some sun-kissed blond protester getting her picture in the newspaper and messing up his plans. He bought the property fair and square, and the resort he wants to build on the site is the key to realizing his highest ambitions. But when a hurricane blows through, Roman has to hustle Ashley to safety if he wants to protect his reputation—and that means giving in to her unreasonable demands.

Roman needs to learn a little compassion, and Ashley’s decided to teach it to him . . . even if she has to drag him all over the Eastern Seaboard to do it.

PART TWO:

Ruthie Knox’s eBook original serial, Roman Holiday, continues in Episode 2, as Ashley and Roman flee an oncoming hurricane by hitting the highway—only to encounter some outrageous bumps in the road.

Roman Díaz isn’t thrilled about being forced to evacuate Ashley Bowman from the Florida Keys—and that’s before he sees the decrepit Airstream trailer she wants to hook up to his shiny new Escalade.

Ashley’s in way over her head, and the only way she knows to beat Roman is to get some help from a friend . . . in Georgia. She can put up with Roman’s fury at the unexpected detour, no problem. It’s the bizarre thrum of attraction between them that she could do without. And yet there’s something about being hitched to Roman that makes Ashley never want to let go.

MY REVIEW:

So I’m not a fan of serials, but when this came out as a full two part read, I just had to pick it up. Ruthie Knox has done it again. She ensnares me in her world, keeps me from putting the book down, and as me panting for more by the time the book is done.

This was a highly entertaining read. The additional characters introduced and the secondary love story running alongside made it definitely worth getting.

I’ve decided…when I grow up, I want to be Ashley. This heroine was truly fantastic and her “I don’t give a shit” way, she completely won me over. I loved how she was able to get under Roman’s skin and really open him up to live.

Roman, too, was fantastic. Before he broke out of his shell, he was so wound up it was hilarious. Afterward: just plain loveable.

This book will have you laughing out loud and not wanting it to end. Ruthie has a way to hold tight to her readers, and while it’s not surprising that she’s done it again, it was definitely worth it. show less

This is a short, sexy and surprisingly full novella, rich with characters that are well defined and voiced, with just enough dysfunction to make them interesting and unique. Ruthie Knox has a style that perfectly suits to a contemporary romance, with a unique eye for creating characters who have richly defined points of view; their narrations are filled with their own angst and insecurities in a way that many can relate to. When the tornado warning sounds, and Amber and Tony need to take show more shelter in the basement, their first conversation of more than a few words feels very natural, and quickly moves to have its funny moments.

At the beginning it does feel as if this could be “good girl falls for bad boy” but the reality is that neither character truly fits the stereotype, and it is credit to the author that the characters were able to develop more fully and surpass those early expectations. With the addition of humor, past history and a few very steamy scenes this is a great starter for the Camelot series.

I received an eBook copy through NetGalley for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility. show less