Synopsis:
Life hasn’t been quite the same for computer engineer Island Chaptal since March, an OCD-ridden professional killer, burst into her life to clean her bedroom and take her on a global chase for a legendary diamond. Sadly, the (hit) man doesn’t just break bones; he breaks hearts, too.
Since then, Island has found solace in Alex—the perfect boyfriend—and Ruby, a software project about to revolutionize online banking security…for the worse. When Island’s boss is found dead after allegedly using Ruby to steal a vast fortune, it’s up to her to clear his name and recover the money. Someone else wants answers, though, and this time, Island might be in over her head.
From New York to Zürich, it’s going to take the return of a cleaning expert, a mini-octopus, and Island’s wits to beat Ruby. All while deciding whether to trust a man who already jilted her, or one who may have his own deadly secrets…
My Review:
Beating Ruby is the second book in author Camilla Monk’s Spotless series and after falling in love with this quirky heroine in the first book, I was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of this new installment. Well, Ms. Monk has given us another fun, suspenseful, and well thought out story in Beating Ruby. I loved it!
Computer engineer Island Chaptal has been in quite a funk since returning home after her adventure searching for treasure with a compulsive hit man. Not so much because of being let down from the high of the chase, but more so because of the way the hit man she had fallen for left her. But being the kind of gal she was, Island was trying to move on. She had even dipped her toe in the on-line dating pool and was seeing a nice guy. A stable, non killer guy. Unfortunately life was about to get turned upside-down once again when her colleague is murdered and the huge computer program she had been working on with him had been hacked and used for nefarious purposes. Now she was once again on the hunt to solve a mystery only this time the people she thought she could trust aren’t exactly who she thought they were. Luckily her OCD hit man, March, would always be there to save the day…sort of.
With duplicity at every turn, Island will have on hell of a time trying to find out who is responsible for her friend’s murder and behind the theft of her computer program all while trying to deny her opened wound when March walks back into her life. Talk about pushing a gal to her limits!
I seriously love this series. I have a huge girl crush on this heroine and with so much to adore about her, I will try not to gush too much. Beating Ruby is another well-written and well-thought out story with twists and turns aplenty. I was truly kept guessing until the last few chapters as to who was responsible for this theft and murder. And when the big reveal happened, I was totally surprised. I love that feeling and always appreciate when I get to read it. But where this series really shines is in Island and her quirky and funny disposition. She says some of the funniest things at the funniest moments and it’s beyond refreshing. Especially when it’s a tense moment and she gives you a peek into her thoughts. She reminds me a little bit of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. A super smart cookie with determination in spades but also fun and quirky. She had me laughing too many times to count. I also love her professional killer love interest, Mach. He’s quite and reserved with about a hundred compulsive tendencies but a huge soft spot for Island. I totally picture Jason Statham when reading, by the way. Their history goes way, way back and he’s beyond protective of her and cares for her more than she will ever know…probably because he won’t admit it. But it’s plain to see he loves her in his own way. I love them together. It’s not an ideal match in some ways but in others it’s simply perfect. Opposites truly do attract when it comes to these two!
This was a book I knew once I started, I wouldn’t stop until I had finished it and indeed that was the case. If you’re looking for a read filled with suspense, humor, and even a bit of heat, this is a book to pick up. Thank you, Ms. Monk, for another fabulous Island story! I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!
Four-and-a-Half Loves
Book links:
About the author:
A French native who grew up in a Franco-American family, Camilla Monk taught English and French in Tokyo before returning to France to work in advertising. Today, she’s a managing partner in a small advertising agency, where her job is to handle all things web-related and make silly drawings on the whiteboard when no one is looking.
Her writing credits include the English resumes and cover letters of a great many French friends, and some essays as well. She’s also the critically acclaimed author of a few passive-aggressive notes pasted in her building’s elevator.
Thank you! 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I’m working on the next one, Crystal Whisperer. Hopefully it will be released in summer ’16.