Review: Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young

Hotel Ruby

by Suzanne Young

November 3, 2015

288 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Stay Tonight. Stay Forever.

When Audrey Casella arrives for an unplanned stay at the grand Hotel Ruby, she’s grateful for the detour. Just months after their mother’s death, Audrey and her brother, Daniel, are on their way to live with their grandmother, dumped on the doorstep of a DNA-matched stranger because their father is drowning in his grief.

Audrey and her family only plan to stay the night, but life in the Ruby can be intoxicating, extending their stay as it provides endless distractions—including handsome guest Elias Lange, who sends Audrey’s pulse racing. However, the hotel proves to be as strange as it is beautiful. Nightly fancy affairs in the ballroom are invitation only, and Audrey seems to be the one guest who doesn't have an invite. Instead, she joins the hotel staff on the rooftop, catching whispers about the hotel’s dark past.

The more Audrey learns about the new people she's met, the more her curiosity grows. She’s torn in different directions—the pull of her past with its overwhelming loss, the promise of a future that holds little joy, and an in-between life in a place that is so much more than it seems…

Welcome to the Ruby.

 

Review

Crazy, creepy and chilling, that's Hotel Ruby. I knew I was prepared for a mind-bending read and I'm so happy that's exactly what I got. The story was predictable but in a good way and it managed to surprise me with twists I did not expect.

This was my first Suzanne Young book and I very much enjoyed her writing. She captures the mood and atmosphere of the Ruby in such a lyrical way it just roots you inside the story. The pacing was well-done keeping me in suspense. I was on the edge of my seat while bits of information were unveiled here and there. I had my theories which turned out only partially correct. The half I didn't guess, I was taken aback. Without spoiling it, I'll just say it's a sad truth that clicks into place once you hear it.

Audrey and her family have experienced a tremendous loss. Their mother/wife passed away and ever since, none of them have been the same. On their way to their grandmother's place they chance upon the hotel Ruby. What was originally a one night stay ends up being several days longer. The Ruby in all its opulence was mesmerizing not only to the Casellas, I was pulled in too. I can just imagine it in all its grandeur and elegance. It's beyond a doubt, a beautiful sight to behold.

Audrey's grieving and unable to accept her mother's death. She's drawn to the mysterious Elias who seems to understand her loss and echoes it. I cheered so hard for them. They flirted openly and he was unabashed about showing Audrey a good time (around the hotel of course). In the short span of time, she also bonded with the Ruby's crew. They were an easy and funny bunch to get to know. You never know who you can trust and some people end up really surprising you (ahem Catherine). Once all the dots were connected, I felt the enormity of Audrey's decision. It was very sweet to see how much her family, particularly her brother Daniel, affected her choice. Happy me loved the choice Audrey ends up making even if it came at a high price.

What a grand ending! The way Audrey took care of Kenneth was gratifying. I was a tad confused but so pleased~ So, because of her connection to the living world, Audrey was able to pull Kenneth over to where he couldn't survive? That's the way I interpreted it but for those of you who have read this book, are we on the same wavelength? Is that what happened?

Mysterious, beautiful and haunting was the hotel Ruby. It's a story that keeps you captive and makes your heart race in anticipation, with butterflies, until the very end.

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.