Betrayed. Sold. Tortured. Now she’s fighting to rebuild her life.Ruby Hatcher escaped human traffickers, and she has her life back, but a nagging voice at the back of her mind keeps telling her the world would be a better place without her in it. When a home invasion throws her together with Detective Judah Willow, she learns that she’s not as alone as she thought.Judah wants to ask Ruby out, but … wants to ask Ruby out, but he knows about her traumatic past and won’t push her into doing something she isn’t ready for. But when Ruby gets mixed up in his latest case, he is determined not only to keep her safe but also to prove to her that not all men treat women like property. Earning her trust and her heart will push him to confront his own turbulent past, but if it helps Ruby, it’s worth it.
↝ Trigger warning – mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
CRUSHED RUBY is the second book in the Broken Gems series by USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe. Murder, mystery, suspense, and love in this thrilling romantic suspense! Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but reading in order is encouraged, a guaranteed HEA!
Other books in the series
Cracked Sapphire – Sapphire and Gideon’s story
Crushed Ruby – Ruby and Judah’s story
Fractured Diamond – Diamond and Elijah’s story coming June 1st 2020
Shattered Amethyst – coming August 3rd 2020
Splintered Emerald – coming October 5th 2020
more
Really enjoyed reading this intense and emotional story. Couldn’t put it down until finished. Highly recommend.
What a rollercoaster of a ride you are taking on with this one. The first one was interesting. But this one was intense, had twists and turns you never show coming, moments you wanted to break down and cry and moments you wanted to swoon. I absolutely loved this one about Ruby and Judah.
Ruby was sold along with her sister when she was younger. She was held in this terrible situation for 4 years. She is now trying to rebuild her life when she is attacked at home. Thank god she gets to the safe room in her home before anything bad can happen. But this isn’t the first time that these four people have attacked someone. And it wont be the last.
Ruby and Judah have liked each other for some time but neither one have been able to tell the other how they feel or get close to each other. Judah agrees to stay at Ruby’s house until the people are caught that have attacked her. This gives them time to spend together and get to know each other.
With the element of danger in the background of their lives these two take it slow and get to know one another. But then Ruby is attacked again. Will these two have a happy ending or will the four attackers take that away? What is the huge twist in this that changes everything for the ones investigating the case? I absolutely loved the investigating element of this story. Trying to figure out who is doing the break-ins-murders and why. And to find out who was planning it all mind blowing shocking moment. This was an enjoyable suspenseful, lovable book from beginning to end. Jane wrote another amazing book that had me gripped from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the sisters and cant wait to read the rest of their stories.
This is by far my favourite book from jane yet!!
Another intensely suspenseful book that takes you on a fantastic journey of twists and turns that are hard to predict.
This time its Ruby’s story and oh what a story it is, I absolutely loved this book the attention to detail is brilliant the story is strong and engaging ,you cant turn the pages fast enough to find out what’s going to happen next, theres so much depth in the storyline it’s just fantastic .
Ruby and her four sisters had been sold to sex traffickers…by their parents. I can only imagine the terror and sense of betrayal they felt, knowing no one would be looking for them.
She was not a virgin, so there were no hands off signs on her and the kidnappers took advantage of that. She was a sex object. On call. Anything goes. She can’t say no. How many times can she let her mind go before she would never be able to get it back.
It had been four years and it still felt like yesterday when she would hang out with her friends doing things seventeen year old teens do. She especially missed her twin. She felt used up at 22. She didn’t care any more. No friends, no family. She’s done.
Four years…a chance at escape appears….and she takes it.
Seven years later and Sapphire, her sister is getting married. Even though one of them is still missing, Emerald, Ruby feels hopeful, though the biggest part of her life is lost in books, shelf after shelf, floor to ceiling books.
This took a twist I didn’t see coming. Jane Blythe is great at book surprises.
A Skull. A Black Cat. A Witch. A Ghost.
Judah and Zeb hadn’t been partners for long, but they clicked, working together seamlessly. The case they are working now is urgent, but will become more personal as the days pass and Judah will be more drawn to Ruby.
Ruby is still a prisoner…in her own mind. Will she be able to allow him entrance? Suicide calls to her. Will she ever be normal? She feels tainted, poisoned, unworthy. Ruby has no idea how strong she really is and when the time comes, will she be able to save herself?
I love when Ruby was reading, looking for a plot twist, because I was too. And I got it.
Jane Blythe writes some of the most suspense, nail biting, mind twisting romantic suspense novels and I am always eager to grab the next one. She doesn’t fail to give me more than I am expecting, and characters that I grow to love and worry and fret over.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Crushed Ruby by Jane Blythe.
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I have to admit that I almost did not read this book because I was a bit disappointed with book 1 in the series. I’m so glad I gave Ruby’s story a chance. Hers is an absolutely tragic, horrifying, yet triumphant tale. It’s a story of survival as she and her sisters try to rebuild their lives after being sold to human traffickers by their parents. The details of Ruby’s life as a sex slave may be disturbing to some readers, but the realism of her ordeal makes it a necessary evil to read, in order to understand Ruby’s mental state and recurring thoughts of suicide. She’s in a dark state, but a light enters her life in the form of police detective Judah. He knows about Ruby’s past, but is still intensely attracted to her. Theirs is not an easy relationship, but as they grow closer, one can’t help but be happy for them, as they both deserve happiness and love. Add into the mix the wonderful Hatcher sisters, supportive fellow detectives, and one of the most terrifying group of serial killers on the loose threatening Ruby’s life and you’ve got yourself a great story!! Now, I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. I may have to give book 1 a second look.
When Ruby Hatcher was 17 years old she and her sisters were sold by her parents to human traffickers where she was held for 4 years until she managed to escape. She still has nightmares about her time locked away and now she is just trying to find a way to move on.
When a series of home invasions brings Detective Judah Willow to Ruby’s door, he will do anything and everything to keep her safe. He has always had feelings for Ruby but knows he has to be patient after everything she has gone through.
Can Ruby find a way to open up her heart and trust to Judah or will all the events send her spiraling downward where nobody can help her?
This book is such a great book and I am loving this series so far!
Ruby and her sisters went through such traumatic events and to discover that your own parents were behind everything would shake your foundation of trust right down to the core. I was so happy when she did what she had to in order to escape and it definitely took a lot of courage. Yet Ruby still struggled with her life and her value after everything she had been through.
As soon as I met Det. Judah Willow, I knew that I wanted him to be the one to help Ruby. It was so obvious that he had been quietly waiting in the background while she tried to figure out her own life yet he knew that she was the one for him and so he waited. He was a hard working detective and really good guy!
There was a connection between Judah and Ruby that had most likely existed as soon as the two initially met but both had been broken in the past and Judah knew that Ruby had to be the one to want to fix herself and that he couldn’t fix her.
The home invasions were interesting with the cast of characters – Black Cat, Skull, Ghost and Witch. They seemed to be fighting over control and also the level of violence that each was willing to participate in. As certain events occurred you crossed your fingers that a certain individual would get out as soon as they could. I was so mad at how the need for power between two of the members resulted in such horrific acts.
I was crossing my fingers that Judah and his partner, Zeb Tuck, were getting closer and it seemed like things were finally beginning to pay off for them but I knew things wouldn’t close up too easy. At a certain point there was a small twist and right away I guessed what it was and I was right and it all made so much sense!!
I loved when Ruby finally figured what she wanted and her and Judah were finally together and happy!!
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Crushed Ruby had me holding my breath, screaming out loud and trying to figure out all the twists and turns. Jane really knows how to give you a story that packs a punch, but also fills you with hope and love. I stayed up all night because I had to know what happened. Ruby is stronger then she realizes and man I love Judah. This book proves there is light at the end of the tunnel. Crushed Ruby will haunt you and heal you all in the same breath!
Tracey, Life Reads With Friends
I have read a lot of books by this author and have loved them all. This book is by far the most twisted and intense story yet. Highly recommend!
Crushed Ruby is the second book in the Broken Gems Series. I advise reading Cracked Sapphire first before diving into this story.
Ruby has survived hell with the sex traffickers and trying to adjust to normal everyday life. When another threat presents itself, and brings Judah into her life.
Can he keep her safe? Will he help her overcome her demons?
This story is dark and twisted. So not recommended for the faint hearted. It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Really enjoyed it!
Highly emotional second book in the series. Human trafficking, learning to trust and a developing romance fill the sty with lots of drama and twists and turns. A standalone but recommend reading the first book in the series.
This is the 2nd book in this awesome series. Ruby and Judah who is a detective are attracter to each other, however due to her traumatic past he treads carefully with her. No spoilers: this is a fantastic story and you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is intense, heartbreaking, and with twists as well as being an all-consuming emotional roller coaster. I was totally captivated throughout this riveting page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
Ohmilort!
Mind blown
This is book 2 in the broken gem series and it didn’t disappoint.
This is Ruby’s story. She’s the eldest sister out of 5 who got sold by their parents.
Ruby and judah are the main people in this one and they bounce off each other in every way.
She’s had to deal with a lot from a young age and this is her journey of fighting her demons.
This is one series you dont want to miss out on.
This book was amazing and I absolutely loved it and cant wait to see what happens in the rest of them is absolutely the best
One thing I know I’ll always get with a Jane Blythe story is a rollercoaster of suspense and suspense intrigue. Ruby has had such a traumatic past that it still is very much in forefront of her present but what keeps her going is her sisters. Judah wants nothing more then Ruby but he knows it’s a slippery slope cause of her past but when he has to keep her safe all bets are off
Ruby has experienced the worst of what the world has to offer, and while she barely survived, she did. Though she sometimes may wish she hadn’t, or perhaps she wonders if others would be better off if she hadn’t. After once again experiencing the bad side of life, she finally encounters something good…Judah, a detective that’s been interested in her for a while and vice versa, is now in a position where she can’t ignore him.
Judah feels a connection to Ruby and wants to explore it, but he also knows what she’s endured and doesn’t want to risk pushing her. However, fate has other plans when she gets involved in one of his cases. While keeping her safe, he also uses their time together to show her that not all men are dangerous. And just maybe as he helps her confront and overcome her past, he can do the same about his own.
Ruby and her sisters were trapped in a nightmare they couldn’t escape from for far too long. When they did, even while finally free, they were still trapped in other ways. Each will get their own books and find the happiness they deserve. (Cracked Sapphire is book one.)
One-click now and follow along as two people, both struggling for various reasons, discover the healing power of love. I enjoyed reading Judah and Ruby’s journeys – individually and together. Ruby’s past wasn’t glossed over nor did she recover instantly. It was true to form in that recovery was a process and just living was an ordeal.
By Elizabeth
I picked up this book to read a few chapters and I finished it in one go, couldn’t put it down! It was thrilling, an evil game that the detectives must figure out before something happens to Ruby. With unexpected twists that will give you whiplash, this book will have you guessing until the very end.
I absolutely loved book one, Cracked Sapphire, in this terrific Broken Gems series, so was very excited for the release of book two and let me say… it is just as wonderful!
Ruby Hatcher and Detective Judah Willow have been eyeing each other off for ages. Ruby’s extremely traumatic past has prevented her from admitting her attraction or seeking anything further and Judah doesn’t want to push her. That is until circumstances present themselves and things change.
The underlying storyline of people randomly going into houses and committing murders is atrocious but nothing new for this bold author who writes amazing suspense stories. Don’t be fooled by thinking you know everything, just when you think aha, another twist happens. I am in awe of this author’s criminally-minded creativity.
We get to know Sapphire and Gideon a tiny bit more and their relationship, which is great, but also a little bit more about Amethyst and Diamond too. Ruby… ah that poor sweetheart, what she went through was so typical of that situation but no less shocking and the descriptions make you feel like you are watching things unfold as they happen. I really felt a connection with both Ruby and Judah, both fantastic characters and a terrific match.
This story explores some very serious issues, very real ones and they are handled well with good insights given too. Another fantastic book and the only problem I have now is that I have to wait for book three, Fractured Diamond.
Reviewer: Robyn
Within these pages lies the story of another one of the Hatcher sisters (All five were sold by their parents).
Of the girls who have been found, Ruby was the eldest and the one gone the longest.
Watch how she struggles to keep the demons at bay. Her inner strength when most would crumble apart will inspire you.
Judah is Zeb’s replacement partner ( Find that story in previous book). Will he be able to get Ruby to realize her strength and worth?
Yet again this brillant authors mind has created a story within a story, watch as the characters try to find answers, hopefully before too many bodies pile up. As usual you will not believe the twists.
Every time that I read a new book from this author I think that after reading so many by her, she can no longer surprise me, every time she proves me wrong. She will always be a top suspense author for me.
I absolutely loved book one, Cracked Sapphire, in this terrific Broken Gems series, so was very excited for the release of book two and let me say… it is just as wonderful!
Ruby Hatcher and Detective Judah Willow have been eyeing each other off for ages. Ruby’s extremely traumatic past has prevented her from admitting her attraction or seeking anything further and Judah doesn’t want to push her. That is until circumstances present themselves and things change.
The underlying storyline of people randomly going into houses and committing murders is atrocious but nothing new for this bold author who writes amazing suspense stories. Don’t be fooled by thinking you know everything, just when you think aha, another twist happens. I am in awe of this author’s criminally-minded creativity.
We get to know Sapphire and Gideon a tiny bit more and their relationship, which is great, but also a little bit more about Amethyst and Diamond too. Ruby… ah that poor sweetheart, what she went through was so typical of that situation but no less shocking and the descriptions make you feel like you are watching things unfold as they happen. I really felt a connection with both Ruby and Judah, both fantastic characters and a terrific match.
This story explores some very serious issues, very real ones and they are handled well with good insights given too. Another fantastic book and the only problem I have now is that I have to wait for book three, Fractured Diamond.