Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves steamy romance with heartfelt authenticity—meet Ruby Barrett! A rising star in contemporary romance, Barrett has captured readers’ hearts with her evocative novels like Hot Copy and The Romance Recipe. With a knack for blending sizzling chemistry with real-world issues, she’s redefining modern love stories, all while juggling life as a mom and digital marketing pro.
The Making of Ruby Barrett
Born and raised in Canada, Ruby Barrett didn’t always dream of penning romance novels. Before her writing career took off, she wore many hats: from working as a groom on a horse farm to researching cigarette warning labels for the Canadian Cancer Society. Her love for romance blossomed in her twenties, sparked by Sylvia Day’s Bared to You, which hooked her on the genre’s emotional depth and high stakes. Living in Ottawa with her husband and daughter, Barrett channels her diverse experiences into stories that resonate with authenticity.
Ruby Barrett’s Unforgettable Stories
Barrett’s debut, Hot Copy (2021), is a fiery office romance that tackles workplace dynamics and the #MeToo era. It follows Corrine Blunt, a tough executive, and Wesley Chambers, her intern, as they navigate a forbidden attraction amid personal and professional challenges. Critics praised its blend of steamy scenes and emotional depth, calling it “sexy, smart, and fiercely feminist.” Her follow-up, The Romance Recipe (2022), is a grumpy-sunshine F/F romance set in a Boston restaurant. It explores late-in-life queer identity through Amy, a control-freak restaurateur, and Sophie, her enigmatic chef. The novel’s mouthwatering food descriptions and heartfelt themes earned glowing reviews, including from The New York Times.
Barrett’s latest, The Friendship Study (2024), dives into platonic connections with a tender, queer lens, showcasing her versatility. Her writing style is steamy yet sensitive, weaving themes of mutual pleasure, healing, and vulnerability. Whether it’s a forbidden office fling or a sapphic culinary romance, Barrett crafts characters who demand to be loved as they are, making her stories both relatable and transformative.
Why Ruby Barrett Matters
Ruby Barrett is more than a romance author—she’s a voice for authenticity in a genre often underestimated. Her focus on queer representation, workplace power dynamics, and emotional healing resonates with readers seeking stories that mirror real life. By portraying characters who embrace their flaws and desires, she’s carving a space for inclusive, modern romance. Barrett’s ability to balance heat with heart ensures her work leaves a lasting impact, inspiring readers to explore love in all its forms.
- Birthplace: Canada
- Key Works: Hot Copy (2021), The Romance Recipe (2022), The Friendship Study (2024)
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-proclaimed “thirstiest friend in the group chat”!
Ready to fall in love with Ruby Barrett’s world? Snag The Romance Recipe and savor her steamy, soulful storytelling!