| Title | : | Ruby (Daughters of the Dagger #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 221 |
| Publication | : | First published August 3, 2013 |
Lord Nyle of Sheffield needs a wife so he can carry on his secret mission for the king. However, after losing three wives in a matter of months, he is sure their deaths were not accidents as it seemed, but rather they were murdered. Now to catch the murderer that he believes to be inside his castle walls, he chooses a wife as bait who he knows can wield a sword and hold her own against any attacker.
Will murder and mayhem place a wedge between an unconventional wife and the Lord of Death, or bring them closer together as emotions are brought to the surface in Ruby - Book 1 of Daughters of the Dagger?
Ruby (Daughters of the Dagger #1) Reviews
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Freebie on amazon 24th October 2019
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Ruby de Burgh e Lord Nyle of Sheffield 🥰 foi médio, a história foi legal em algumas partes e outras um pouco chato.. Mas devo dizer que é uma leitura razoável.. Não a melhor, mas é bom para passar o tempo...
😉
Happy reading, and until the next reading... -
I felt the character of Ruby was overdrawn at the beginning - so when she decided that she wanted to be the lady her husband wanted her to be, it seemed to be a decision that went against her emotional intelligence, and more of a plot device to forward the story.
While I read the story happily and was satisfied at the end (which is a good indication that a book captured my interest sufficiently), thinking back, some of the dialogue was stilted (especially that of Ruby's sisters), and there were some instances of head hopping that had me smiling.
However, for a light, breezy read, it's quite acceptable. -
This author is truly a hit or miss, sadly this book ended up being the later
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Four daughters, all named after stones in a daggers their late mother owned. Ruby really has grown up acting more like a son than a daughter. She can wield a sword and defend herself like a man. When she finds out her father has given Lord Nyle of Sheffield a choice of his four daughters to marry, she is not happy! Of course Nyle picks Ruby because he sees a strong woman who can take care of herself. You see, Nyle has already lost three wives who were mysteriously murdered and he hopes Ruby and can help him lure the culprit in and capture him. Murder, mayhem and undeniable attraction will keep you turning the pages to see if what happens.
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A fun nod to The Taming of the Shrew. The plot was the focus of the book, so the characters weren't well developed. And Ruby decides to change herself entirely 3 days after meeting him. Sadly, though the plot outline was excellent the storytelling wasn't and the romance was inorganic and too fast: Day 1, meet; Day 2, marry; Day 3 she's in love.
Sex: 2 scenes
Language: 0 F words, 5 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: black eye, poisoning, stabbings, clubbing, suicide, assault
Cliffhanger: no
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: no
----SUMMARY----
1355. 20yo Ruby de Burgh of Blackpool practices jousting. Her father, Earl of Blackpool, calls to her, making her fall. He reprimands her because someone's with him. Mom died giving birth to stillborn son; Ruby was 5, oldest of 4. Mom made Dad promise to let them find their true loves; it's why they each had a dagger (lost). The stranger is Lord Nyle Dacre from Sheffield. Severin is her father's steward, gossips. Nyle has lost 3 wives, the last a week ago, and is searching for a bride. Dad's breaking his promise to Mom to let them marry for love; he seeks favor with King Edward. Dad won't choose her because she promised Mom to take care of Dad and sisters. Sapphire is mahogany and curvy. Amethyst is ebony and brilliant. Her twin, Amber, is quiet, a nun. Nyle chooses Ruby because she's a fighter.
She runs after them to argue, steps on his cloak, rips it. He says her first task is to sew it. I don't know how. I'll teach you. Dad: Wash, change, and pack; you leave today. No banns? Nyle: You don't do anything properly, why should this matter? The men leave, she drops the cloak into a puddle and steps on it. She's packing her weapons.
Locke is Nyle's squire, lost the use of his right arm protecting Nyle's life. Both wield swords left-handed. Nyle prefers typical women; thinks how Ruby was raised is deplorable. He'll use her as bait to find the murderer in his castle; she can defend herself. He's intrigued by her mind and tongue. He needs a strong wife for the secret mission for Edward III. The others died on their wedding days, no consummation. The king has a bastard 1yo, Tibbar, and Nyle is supposed to be married to raise the boy as his own. Ruby is ready and dressed in a gown, a vision. They mount their horses, she leaves first, upsets the dowry cart, dumping it in the moat and courtyard. Nyle chases after her. She runs through the forest the whole day, stops for water. A wolf growls, the horse knocks the dagger out of her hands before running away. Nyle scares the wolf away. She falls out of a tree on him. They camp. He's appalled at her manners.
Nyle's eager to collect Tibbar, who he's been caring for the last year. He also might be his son. He'd fallen in love with Lady Jocelyn, who then took the king as lover. Ruby wakes, they fight, he wonders if her lips are as soft as Jocelyn's. She bites him. I kissed you because you're my wife. No, and I'll never be a man's property. He makes her ride in front on his horse.
They arrive at his castle. Locke reports most of the dowry was lost, but he still has Lady Ruby. Yay. He chastises her for interrupting him, tells her she's sleeping with him tonight, and bosses her and her handmaid, Oralie. Politely.
While she dresses for lunch, she tells Oralie she wishes she were a knight. Oralie tells her to act like her mother and father would want her to. She still straps a dagger to her waist.
Nyle has the priest waiting. She thinks he's there for prayer. She raises a ruckus, wants the whole shebang. N: Why, when you probably won't live? (He didn't want to do that.) They both enjoy the kiss. She refuses the cursed ring, gives him her ruby ring to put on her. Nyle keeps watch over Ruby; the others died in the bathroom, poisoned from wine, and suffocated in bed. He asks Sir Godin, his father's most loyal knight, who's new. Umphrey, foot soldier mercenary, he puts a loyal man on; the falconer apprentice Darby he assigns to Locke; the cook Forwin he gives to steward Lewis. Then his sister, Linette, arrives with a handmaid, Ascilia, she picked up on her travels because her usual one was injured on the journey. Ascilia once served Jocelyn. Ascilia has a burned face. The handmaids leave to prepare rooms.
Linette wants to know Ruby. Then Oralie screams, falls down stairs, unconscious. Ascilia: She stumbled. Oralie: I may have been pushed. Nyle decides Ruby is safest with him. She needs a handmaid to prepare for the night. Linette offers Ascilia.
Ascilia tells her Jocelyn bore Nyle a child, but he wouldn't marry her. She plays with the dagger, she's rough with Ruby's hair, says sex hurts worse than anything and here's hoping you are desirable enough. She strips Ruby, fondles her too small breasts, then goes for her bottom to make sure she's tight enough. Ruby pushes her away, sees a strawberry birthmark on her arm. Jocelyn dismissed me after I fell asleep and fell in the fire. Don't couple with him, he just wants you to take care of the child he already has.
Nyle enters with knights and priest. Ruby doesn't want witnesses, so Nyle sends everyone away, even Ascilia. They couple. He would stop if she asked, she teases, he stops until she says You're killing me! Afterward, she asks about the things Ascilia said. N: Don't say Jocelyn ever again. He tells her how wives died. They sleep.
Ruby has nightmares about Nyle suffocating her, wakes to hear someone coming in. She searches for her dagger. A big man comes in, goes at her with his knife. Nyle wakes, gets the man with his sword at his neck. In rushes Ascilia, Linette, and Sir Elwood who trips into Nyle, shoving the sword through the attacker's throat. Ascilia says he tripped on Ruby's dagger. Except the table it was on is way over there. Everyone leaves, he tells her to dress as a lady. R: You have a child. N: Ascilia told more lies? R: Tell me about Jocelyn. N: I'm getting you a new handmaid.
He waits at the stables, anxious to meet king and Tibbar. Ruby comes wearing jousting clothes, her hair down, and weapons. She takes Locke's horse. She's embarrassed by her attire when they meet the king. Nyle says it's his fault they're late. She learns he married by king's order. The king likes her, gives Tibbar to Nyle. Riding back, Ruby sees Nyle's tenderness with Tibbar, wishes she could consult with her family about her feelings and problems, races ahead crying. Nyle sees her tears, gives Locke the boy, catches up with Ruby in the woods. They dismount and walk. He tells her the king doesn't know about the murders. Nyle chose her because of her skills, is impressed with her skills. She's offended their cover story is she already had a son by him. He doesn't say Tibbar might be his son. Fine, I'll keep your secret and play my part, but you don't get to complain about what I wear or that I practice.
They get to the castle, Ruby calls Tibbar Tucker, has no idea how to change a diaper. Linette and Ascilia step up, Nyle says Don't let Ascilia near my baby. She and Linette are alone later, she accidentally says I have no child, swears her to secrecy. Linette says Show me your sword skills. All the knights and Nyle gather when they see her. Nyle and she spar. He wins twice. She jousts, the sandbag hits his eye. Kiss in front of all.
Linette tells Ruby how 8yo Nyle lost a rabbit to hunting hounds. Nyle sends them to the ladies solar so Linette can teach Ruby to sew while he cares for Tibbar, fearing Ruby will never be a caring mother.
Ascilia can't help Ruby thread her needle. Ruby finishes, takes the cloak to their bedroom, sees Tibbar sleeping on Nyle's chest, who's sleeping. Ruby thinks Tibbar is his son because they share facial features; she likes his tender side. Ascilia sees, too; Ruby escorts her out. Ascilia takes her to the kitchen to learn.
Ruby learns quickly. Linette leaves, Ascilia says the new cook wants Ruby in the larder. She goes deep in with a candle, then a beef carcass falls on her, pinning her to the floor. The cook stabs at her. Nyle and Tibbar come to the kitchen. He hears her scream, rushes in. She's already killed cook with her dagger. He fears she's dead, can't handle that. She wakes. He takes her up for a bath. Sir Godin complains about cleaning up another dead man.
She doesn't want anything more to do with weapons; she just wants to be a lady who sews, cooks, raises babies. He wants her to not let go of that side of her. She sobs because she murdered. He gets in tub with her. He tells his family's story. Her mom stole the 5th dagger, Dad thought the hag cursed Mom and baby, took daggers that promised they'd find their true loves.
They sleep with Tibbar between them, no sex. She wakes, wants to let Nyle sleep, takes Tibbar (no dagger) to Linette's room to learn how to diaper. Guards follow her, but she won't let them in the room. Ascilia is bathing in her mistress's room! Linette's in the stable, so Ruby tells Ascilia to change Tibbar. She won't, Ruby gags, gives him a bath. Ruby gives Tibbar to Ascilia to hold, says she and Nyle love each other, accidentally says Tibbar's the king's son. Nyle breaks up the party.
While Nyle sets up more security, Ruby chats with Oralie, who tells her not to give up things she loves (knight activities) because of fear. Ruby gives her Tibbar and a maid she brought with her from home to help her. Then she and Linette explore the castle. Nyle saw, is upset she left Tibbar, tells Locke to follow Ruby and assign guards to the baby.
Ruby and Linette decide to seek excitement. They run to the mews and hide in the hay. Darby finds them. He offers to help her train a bird. Locke arrives.
The next morning they go to church. Still no sex. He gives Tibbar to Locke; he and Ruby are riding through the countryside without guards. He takes her to a secluded waterfall. They make love. She says I love you; he doesn't. She clarifies the Jocelyn situation; Nyle doesn't want to talk anymore. They make love again.
A week later, Linette says she's leaving for Scotland soon. Ruby dismisses the guards, figuring she's safe with other women. She remembers her falconry lesson is early today. She goes, the falconer tries to club her, only scrapes her. She falls and hits her head. Locke and Darby save her as she passes out.
Nyle comes home from business. Darby gets him. Locke has Bertram pinned. He did it for money for his family, won't tell who hired him because of backlash to his family. Ruby begs him to not execute Bertram. Linette takes Ruby to the healer. Nyle finds a pouch of gold, proof someone's hiring killers. Thinking about Ruby not wanting to wear her dagger because it killed someone, he decides to buy a special dagger for a special lady, so she'll wear it.
Ruby sends Linette to talk to Bertram to get info so he won't be killed. Ruby will be safe because the healer is with her and Ascilia will be soon. Nyle goes to Bertram, but he's been poisoned and dies. The guard reports Ascilia brought the drink.
Ruby's sleeping after the healer left. Ascilia wakes her, The healer said you need to drink this. Ruby takes the drink, puts it on the table. R: I see loneliness in your eyes, like you've loved and lost. A: I did, but I knew it too late, after I made mistakes that made him not want to be around me. He won't take me now because I'm scarred, and I have no inner beauty; I hate myself and don't want to live. R: Life is precious. No one deserves to die, not even Bertram. I forgive him. I'm glad I didn't die, because then Nyle couldn't have Tibbar, and he's such a good father. Ruby almost drinks, but Ascilia throws cup away. A: You'll treat Tibbar like a king, like Nyle will, and I can see you love each other; you don't deserve to die. I do. Nyle bursts into the room. N: Who are you and why are you trying to kill my wife? He sees the birthmark. N: Jocelyn? A: I did it so the king would keep the baby, but I know now you'll treat him better. N: You never even held him, much less cared for him. I know now I never loved you because I love my wife. A: I couldn't bear to see you wed another. N: Who's the father? Jocelyn throws herself out the window to die.
They travel 2 days to the graves of his parents. Linette says goodbye. They go to Ruby's family home. But first, Nyle has to buy her a dagger. He can't find one, or a ring. He throws a handful of coins to beggar children. An old woman trades a ruby dagger for his father's signet ring. Then she disappears; Locke saw him talking to nothing.
They reach her home. At dinner, Nyle tells the Earl about Tibbar. The Earl announces Sapphire is betrothed to Roe Sexton of Rye, and she thinks she'll be as happy as Ruby. The Earl also decrees tomorrow to be a wedding.
They renew their views. Locke smiles big, at her sisters. Nyle gives her the dagger. It's the same one! The girls all want theirs. Nyle can't tell Dad where to get them. “I don’t know if she had more like this, or even if they’d be for sale. I had to trade for this one, and I paid dearly. But ’twas worth what I gave for it, because nothing is more important than my love for Ruby.” They tease him about naming his son after his pet rabbit. Ruby hopes they can keep Tibbar. The king's messenger arrives with a letter. The king arrived at their home while they were gone, the day Jocelyn's body was burned. Lewis told him the whole story, and the king has decided to distance himself from the entire scandal. They're a family! The messenger says he stopped in town, and a hag gave him a ring to give to Nyle. His father's signet ring. -
A good story
This was not anything like I was expecting. The story is set in the Middle Ages and I have never liked any stories where a person makes a promise then decides to go back on their word. However the characters are interesting and the romance was decent, so the story is saved for the most part. -
Infuriating. So grateful I didn't pay for this, but upset I paid 99 cents for the prequel novella that was barely 40 pages of actual story.
Ruby is spoiled, thoughtless, and convinced of her own superiority. So of course, she almost gets killed several times by ignoring and/or outright defying Nyles and the measures he puts into place for her safety. She also doesn't seem to listen to anything else he says. He specifically tells her, repeatedly, "No one holds Tibbar but you, me, and my sister." So of course she keeps handing the baby off to her own ladies maid, and the sister's ladies maid . And she keeps blabbing about Tibbar's parentage when she's supposed to pretend to be his mother!
Her abrupt about-face about being a wife, mother, and in charge of the household gave me whiplash and I didn't believe it for a moment.
Nyles is far too good for this brat, but he also fell in love with an inappropriate woman before so I guess this is expected behavior for him. -
An Okay Read
Sadly, Ruby; Daughters of the Dagger, Book 1 was just an okay read. It was obvious that the author, Elizabeth Rose, tried to build a believable fourteenth century world, but she just missed the mark. The story had promise, but the stilted dialogue and average writing just contributed to this tale falling into the category of so-so. In addition, the hero, Nyle, was truly unlikable in the beginning. Thankfully he improved. As to the heroine, Ruby, there is no way the daughter of a fourteenth century earl would have been allowed to run wild. Still, the concept was entertaining until she seemed to just quit being herself. Even the chemistry between Ruby and Nyle was hate to love in 0 to 60 seconds. In other words it felt contrived. The mystery within the plot was the best part of the story. But I ended up actually feeling sorry for the villain. Go figure. Lastly, although the ending was sweet, it also felt a bit cliche.
Content alert: This book contains some mild swearing and moderately described marital sex. -
I eye rolled my way through this ridiculous story, but only because I needed a book with gemstone in the title for a challenge list.. If you're going to write in dialect, WRITE IN DIALECT. The mixing of modern with period language and behavior made my brain scream. I didn't hate the premise, but did not like it enough to say it's worth reading
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I apparently read a previous book in the series because the daggers were familiar. Story was annoyingly simplistic and two-dimensional, dialogue unnatural and saccharine. No surprises, except for how quickly this girl accepted her forced marriage. I'm getting really tired of the renegade daughter who insists on fighting like a man thing, too.
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RUBY (DAUGHTER OF THE DAGGERS): got off to a good start. Ruby is feisty, smart and trained as a knight. Our hero has a big (!) secret, an ex-lover and 3 murdered wives. The story has too many angles, veers off for some romance, then charges off to wrap it all up while setting up the next book(dagger-sapphire). Meh
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Terrible
OMG this was so corny, I hated it.
The female lead was annoying, the plot ridiculous, everything was very poorly thought and executed.
The writing was average but very repetitive, and not at all engaging. The dialogue was corny and stilted, very awkward.
I don’t recommend it at all. I won’t read anything by this author ever again. -
The book started out strong with a stubborn and independent woman. Ruby was to marry Nile so her father could form alliances and stay on the king's good side. Ruby has grown up learning the ways of a knight, practicing sword fighting and jousting. I really liked Ruby in the beginning. Once the story delved deeper, I started to think she is dense and air headed to go along with her annoyingly stubborn nature. I did like her due to her not confirming to what's expected of a lady and a wife. But she doesn't know when to stop talking and spills secrets she's not supposed to tell, which often endangers herself and others. She acts, but never thinks about the consequences and how it can negatively affect others. Nile was the opposite. I thought he was annoying at first but grown to like him. The suspense surrounding Nile's previous 3 wives deaths is a mystery and he chose Ruby knowing she can defend herself. The book was on the slow side and very predictable. I did enjoy the character development and their growing relationship.
Stan is an excellent narrator and I enjoyed his voice acting. There are moments where there are murmurs and whispers that he goes into character with. The only problem with that is it's too soft hear at a normal volume. I often have to rewind and raise the volume just to hear what was said then turn the volume back down. -
Willfulness, Murder and Intrigue (I read this as part of Knights of the Realm Boxed Set:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knights-Real... which is currently unavailable for purchase)
Ruby is the eldest of four sisters and her father always having wanted a son, she has done her best to fulfill that role; she dons men's clothes, fights with a sword, jousts and can ride astride as well as side saddle. In short she is a daredevil with little to no skills as a lady; not the ideal wife for a nobleman beloved of the King and hardly motherly material. However, Nyle has already lost three brides, time is of the essence and he hopes that the capable Ruby will survive longer than her predecessors; if only he knew who was murdering his wives. -
Ruby, book one of Elizabeth Rose’s Daughters of the Dagger series is a riveting tale of knights, honor and intrigue. As the eldest daughter of the Earl of Blackpool, Ruby was raised as the son he never had. She learned to ride astride, and defend herself with weapons, no lady would ever use. She thought that would protect her from unwanted suitors as well, even though her father promised their dying mother he’d let them choose their own husbands. So when her father promises Lord Nyle Sheffield one of his daughters in an alliance to protect his lands, Ruby is shocked that he Sheffield chose her. Ruby’s story is enthralling! I loved it!
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This story was more than your normal medieval romance. It was a murder mystery, with all the suspense and drama such a story entails.
A Lord shows up wanting a wife, after three wives have died, in somewhat mysterious circumstances. He takes the young woman, least like a Lady, but more like a warrior, from the four daughters of Lord Blackpool.
It is an interesting saga from that moment on. -
Interesting read. Ruby tried to be the son her father never had. She was strong minded and not at all lady-like. Nyle liked that she could defend herself. Once she accepted her situation, Ruby became more interested in being the type of wife Nyle needed. Danger surrounded her as well as Nyle, and I enjoyed how they worked together as a couple. Their love developed quickly as did the trust between them.
This is my unsolicited review. -
A Jousting We Will Go
Ruby, an Earl's oldest daughter, was more interested in swords than sewing, and came across as more of a tomboy than a lady. Given in marriage to a favorite of the King, will she survive after the man's previous three wives were murdered? Who is behind the murders, and why? This was a highly enjoyable romance to read and recommended to those who love period romances. -
Nyong'oGreat little short n sweet story.
This is a good little light-hearted story. Not too short, not super long. I really enjoyed it. It was different for me because I dont usually read medieval time period romances, but I found myself captivated and curious by the drama surrounding them and curious bits of who-done-it in the storyline.
I found it light hearted and sweet. If you're looking for a flippy read on a rainy I think this one is a winner. -
Wonderfully written
I actually started reading this book because of the cover. And the description. I dont read books that have half naked men on them. This book was a wonderful break from life. Although I had figured out the true villain was just about the time the villain was introduced there was a nice surprise at the end. This was not a who Dennis but a lovely romantic read with a strong female in the lead. -
I like knowing who the villain is in only a few circumstances. I like when I know but I feel clever for knowing and I like it when the villain’s perspective is part of the story or the characters already know. I don’t like knowing who the villain is and what the reveal will be the second the character is introduced. Story was very cute. Very well written for the most part. I felt like a few sections felt choppy and unedited or not very real of the characters. Overall enjoyable!
