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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Review & Release for RUBEN by Siân Upton

 



RUBEN

Siân Upton

Release Date: January 12


Meet Siân Upton

Siân Upton is a military spouse and mother of four. When she's not hiding away reading herself, she's usually writing Contemporary Romance. She enjoys traveling and sharing experiences with family and friends. Siân looks forward to moving back to her home state of Oregon someday, where the beach and the mountains are both close.


Connect with Siân Upton

https://www.sianuptonbooks.com 


Blurb:

He's the Marine who never backs down.

She's the Musician who won't be tamed.

Lavender “Vinny” Blume has made her mark as a plucky touring musician with a fiercely loyal online following—a life that provides her the freedom to rush to her best friend’s side after she is nearly killed in a tragic accident. Determined to keep her focus on music and healing her family, Vinny is not prepared for the chaotic military life her friend married into…and one Marine, specifically. Too bad he’s considered part of the family.

Ruben Holt has dedicated his life to the Marine Corps, his brothers-in-arms, and the family he chose along the way. Loyal to a fault, he takes his role as godfather seriously—even if it puts him at odds with the sharp-tongued musician living above his best friend’s garage. 

What began as the worst possible meet and greet quickly escalated into a silent war. Now she’s everywhere, holding front row tickets to the worst moments of his life. But behind the judgement and hostility, Ruben begins to see another side of Vinny…the one his friends adore. And it leaves him pondering the fine line between hate and passion. 

Beneath the arguments lies a connection as raw and electric as any song Vinny has ever played…and as dangerous as any battlefield Ruben has ever faced. And if they can survive each other, they just might learn what it means to surrender—for love, not war.

Buy Link: 

https://amzn.to/3NibSyM

Available in KU


This book kicks off with a bang, portraying a story of a fiery musician, Vinny, and a disciplined Marine, Ruben, who clash in a battle of wills. A plot that feels real and is captivating, this book is a must-read. Vinny is a whirlwind of emotions, while Ruben is a stoic figure with hidden emotional turmoil. Their interactions are intense and far from a typical meet-cute. The authenticity of the characters and their dynamics is what stood out to me. The banter is sharp yet not malicious, and the slow -burn romance feels genuine. The military backdrop is portrayed realistically, adding depth to the story without romanticizing it. The found family element adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the plot. Vinny is all about protecting her family. Vinny's character development is particularly compelling, as she navigates her own struggles while trying to connect with Ruben. The gradual unraveling of their defenses is both satisfying and moving. Overall, we loved this story. The mystery and the drama added depth to the story. The characters were amazing, as we have now developed a soft spot for Abner, aka Abe, who happens to be Rubin's dad. Vinny is a character not easily forgotten; that woman had spunk and a mouth to go with it. We loved it. P.S This book is a 3-book series. It is advisable to read Eric first, as this series has an ongoing plot that has become more dangerous with each and every book presented to us.


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