amazing! loved every second of it! ( )

2.5 stars rounded up. This was significantly weaker than the first book in the series. The main characters were very slow to catch onto things, and always seemed to be making poor decisions, lol. I wanted to like them more than I did, and because the story wasn't impressing me that much it seemed to drag on and on. The heroine's nearly *defining* characteristic was just her obstinacy, which isn't terribly endearing to me, and the hero was cocky and domineering past a likable point for me as well. (They're not inherently awful qualities, but there's definitely a limit, and at some point you're just kind of an ass). I didn't all the way buy the development of their love either. It was one of those where I was feeling like 'I do believe they're growing on each other and developing some fondness- op, no, apparently they're deeply in love!?' And there were some definite plot holes. I still consider Galen a good writer, I just think this one missed the mark. ( )

Here comes the second book of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen and it's time for Fallon's happy ever after.

In the previous book, "When You Give a Duke a Diamond" and the start to this series, she was introduced as the Marchioness of Mystery.

Now if you've read that book, you know that they are the two of the Three Diamonds (Lily being the third), courtesans of the demimonde. In case you haven't had a chance to read the first one, let me just warn you: this series is written to be read in order because of the tread of mystery that is woven throughout all three, and in order to understand and follow that tread, I think you'll enjoy it much more if you read them in the order they were written.

As far as the story plot goes, Ms. Galen does this with such finesse that no matter how much ahead of the story I think I might be, in the end I am left surprised and frankly thrilled that I couldn't figure stuff out until she was ready to reveal it to me. I just love it when authors are too clever for me! It makes for a thrilling read! Makes you feel the author appreciates you.

As much as this story was plot driven, I felt that she did an amazing job with characterizing our hero and heroine.

Fallon got her moniker for being a mystery to all, and no one really knew where she came from. Was she, as the rumor had it, a foreign princess?

Our hero Warrick Fitzhugh, who is Queen's spy, had no problem with using seduction to try and unveil all of her secrets, and I had a front row seat for that journey.

Their story was fraught with danger, mystery, romance and so much running around it made my head spin! Another great thing this author does well. By adding a good amount of action to her stories, she paces her books so well you never realize the end is quickly approaching...nor do you want the book to end.

I also liked the chemistry and romance between Warrick and Fallon. Both were very relatable and likable and both had vulnerabilities that made them interesting separately as much as a couple. Their adventure became mine as well and I now feel invested not only in their story, but in all the Jewels!

"If You Give a Rake a Ruby" has everything a great romance should have; storyline that will hook you with its pace and action; strong, fleshed out three dimensional characters; mystery that you'll find interesting, entertaining and not predictable; and best of all, sensual and steamy romance.

This is not my first time reading this author and the reason for coming back to her is very simple. I find Shana Galen's writing unique and unconventional, creative and refreshing; and never, EVER boring. She is my Calgon, and she can `take me away' any time of day or night!

My Five Quills are enthusiastically given to this nail biter and now the anticipation for Lily's story officially starts!

*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
*Scorching HOT!

Melanie Friedman for RCJR eZine ( )

I thought I loved When you give a Duke a Diamond, but If you GIve a Rake a Ruby took me to a place beyond love. Shana Galen has done it again.

As the Marchioness of Mystery, Fallon is the Diamond that loves her name in the paper, and has many selects in her past that not even the other Diamond know about. Warrick Fitzhugh is a spy and one of the Diamonds in the Rough, when someone is out to kill him, he will stop at nothing to find who wants him dead, evan if this means blackmailing Fallon. Being a great spy Warrick is good and finding out information that was meant to stay hidden. When he finds out who Fallon was before she became the Marchioness of Mystery, he uses her and her past to help save is life. Along this road Fallon and Warrick but heads left and right and what started as blackmail turns into something more.

Fallon never expected anyone to find out about her past, but when it is in danger of being exposed she has no chose but to help Warrick. There is danger around every corner and Fallon is forced to stay at Fitzhugh’s townhouse while they continue there search. Spending so much time in a house with the charming Fitzhugh will have a Lady doing things she swore she would never do again. When faced with danger and finding true love with someone who she can never have, will Fallon push open her heart or keep it protected from the heartache she knows will come.

Fallon is definitely more my type of Lady than Juliette was, don’t get me wrong I loved her story too but Fallon, is hot and seductive and a badass. Who doesn’t love a woman that can pick locks and than have a passionate sex sense. Warrick may not be handsome, but he gas a gentle heart and his issues show us a side of him that we wouldn’t see if he could hind it. I have fallen in love with Shana Galens writing and I can not wait for Lily’s story to be told.

If you love Historical Romances, with some slow and passionate sex, with a little bit of danger than you must pick up this book and give it a go. Be warned you will be hooked.

I received this book from the publisher though netgalley for my honest review. ( )

I thought I loved When you give a Duke a Diamond, but If you GIve a Rake a Ruby took me to a place beyond love. Shana Galen has done it again.

As the Marchioness of Mystery, Fallon is the Diamond that loves her name in the paper, and has many selects in her past that not even the other Diamond know about. Warrick Fitzhugh is a spy and one of the Diamonds in the Rough, when someone is out to kill him, he will stop at nothing to find who wants him dead, evan if this means blackmailing Fallon. Being a great spy Warrick is good and finding out information that was meant to stay hidden. When he finds out who Fallon was before she became the Marchioness of Mystery, he uses her and her past to help save is life. Along this road Fallon and Warrick but heads left and right and what started as blackmail turns into something more.

Fallon never expected anyone to find out about her past, but when it is in danger of being exposed she has no chose but to help Warrick. There is danger around every corner and Fallon is forced to stay at Fitzhugh’s townhouse while they continue there search. Spending so much time in a house with the charming Fitzhugh will have a Lady doing things she swore she would never do again. When faced with danger and finding true love with someone who she can never have, will Fallon push open her heart or keep it protected from the heartache she knows will come.

Fallon is definitely more my type of Lady than Juliette was, don’t get me wrong I loved her story too but Fallon, is hot and seductive and a badass. Who doesn’t love a woman that can pick locks and than have a passionate sex sense. Warrick may not be handsome, but he gas a gentle heart and his issues show us a side of him that we wouldn’t see if he could hind it. I have fallen in love with Shana Galens writing and I can not wait for Lily’s story to be told.

If you love Historical Romances, with some slow and passionate sex, with a little bit of danger than you must pick up this book and give it a go. Be warned you will be hooked.

I received this book from the publisher though netgalley for my honest review. ( )