Monday, November 10, 2014

Killing Ruby Rose (Ruby Rose #1) by Jessie Humphries - Ashley's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Killing Ruby Rose (Ruby Rose #1)
Author: Jessie Humphries
Publication Date: May 1, 2014

My Pre-Reading
Vlog Tour Extravaganza

Synopsis: In sunny Southern California, seventeen-year-old Ruby Rose is known for her killer looks and her killer SAT scores. But ever since her dad, an LAPD SWAT sergeant, died, she's also got a few killer secrets.

To cope, Ruby has been trying to stay focused on school (the top spot in her class is on the line) and spending time with friends (her Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks are nothing if not loyal). But after six months of therapy and pathetic parenting by her mom, the District Attorney, Ruby decides to pick up where her dad left off and starts going after the bad guys herself.

When Ruby ends up killing a murderer to save his intended victim, she discovers that she's gone from being the huntress to the hunted. There's a sick mastermind at play, and he has Ruby in his sights. Ruby must discover who's using her to implement twisted justice before she ends up swapping Valentino red for prison orange.

With a gun named Smith, a talent for martial arts, and a boyfriend with eyes to die for, Ruby is ready to face the worst. And if a girl's forced to kill, won't the guilt sit more easily in a pair of Prada peep-toe pumps?


---------------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I kind of loved this book more than I really anticipated. I mean, I'm all about a good mystery and I love shoes (it's a good thing I don't have an unlimited shoe budget or I would need a closet like Ruby's), but I wasn't really expecting to actually like Ruby or become as engrossed in her story as I was. My expectations were high because I'd heard good things, but this book delivered in so many more ways that I thought it might! 

Ruby's life is not an easy one, and I do not envy her for it. Her mom is mostly absent, her dad was killed, and she spends her evenings hunting down the guys her dad just couldn't put away. Except there's so much more at stake than just catching these guys in the act - someone is using them to hunt Ruby. And I was so scared for her for pretty much all of this book.

Luckily, Ruby is one of the best female protagonists I've read in a while. She's strong and smart, and she knows her way around a gun. And she even knows how to fight hand-to-hand if it comes down to it. Her dad taught her so many great life skills, and I really enjoyed watching her put them to use (even if the circumstances made my heart race because I was so nervous). And she does all of it while wearing killer heels, so major props on that! 

Then there's the swoon-worthy guy who has secrets of his own. Liam is great for Ruby in this book, and I was glad that he's so genuine and seems to care for her so much. Plus, she can basically tell him anything, which is great because Ruby doesn't really have many people in her life she can trust. I loved watching their relationship develop, and I really enjoyed Ruby's transformation into a new person as she becomes more involved with Liam - even if she does still have abandonment issues.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved Ruby, and I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. It's fast-paced without being too fast, and it's got just enough romance to leave you wanting more. Ruby definitely has her problems (but who wouldn't, with her life?), but she's still a great character with a lot going for her. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a thriller with a girl who can kick butt and take names! I can't wait for Resisting Ruby Rose! 4/5.


--Ashley

No comments:

Post a Comment