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Blackwood Security #12

The Girl with the Emerald Ring

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After a nasty divorce, Bethany Stafford-Lyons is forced to transform herself from a high-society housewife into one of London’s worker bees. Using a last connection to her previous life, she lands a job at Pemberton Fine Arts, a world-renowned gallery and restoration studio. With her art degree, it should have been the perfect role, but she soon finds working for Hugo Pemberton is a challenge in more ways than one.

Eight years ago, Alaric McLain got fired from the FBI after an undercover operation ended in disaster. Still missing? One masterpiece, ten million dollars in cash and diamonds, and his once-glowing reputation. When he retreated overseas to lick his wounds, he made a vow—he’d find The Girl with the Emerald Ring if it was the last thing he did.

The trail leads to Chelsea, where assisted by his ex-girlfriend and a seventeen-year-old brat he wants to handcuff to a railroad track, Alaric’s soon embroiled in a game of cat and mouse with a talented team of thieves. Let the fun begin…

The Girl with the Emerald Ring is a romantic suspense novel in the Blackwood Security series. Although one story arc is concluded in this book, Alaric and Bethany’s story continues in Red After Dark.

422 pages, ebook

First published August 31, 2020

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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5 stars
172 (76%)
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42 (18%)
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9 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
August 23, 2020
I couldn't wait for this book to dive into Alaric's story. A man of few words finding out what makes him tick has been awesome. Finding out about his relationship with Emmy is an eye opener and it explains why Black hates him so much. Even though the stolen painting isn't resolved in this book; it introduces Bethany and her story, Sky and hers and it solves Gemma's predicament. I can't wait for the next installment of Alaric's life and what happens when Emmy confronts him about his 'daughter'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,281 reviews13 followers
August 23, 2020
I’m excited to read another instalment in the Blackwood Security series. Altho each book is about a different couple it always involves Emmie, Black and our other favourite PI’s. This book is complicated and involves lots of new people. We meet Bethany, Sky and a few others and what follows is a complicated but exceedingly fascinating over arcing story. Alaric is a character we know from previous books but in this book we get to uncover who he really is. As much as he knows anyway. Throw in an attraction to Bethany and it becomes an even more intricate story. Then add in a crazy good Emmie and what follows is an intriguing and compelling story you won’t want to miss! Even tho this part of the story is resolved the whole reason Alaric does what he does is to uncover the truth about ‘The girl with the emerald ring’. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this fascinating and unusual story. Well done Ms Noble you’ve hooked us once again with a fabulous story.
Profile Image for Whitney.
719 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2020
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to receive this arc from one of my favorite authors and let me tell you it did not disappoint! Beth was such a relatable character and of course there's always the amazing Emmy. But the real star for me in this book was sky! I loved her from the beginning! My love was later confirmed when I found out she also loves Hawaiian pizza. Pineapple DOES belong on pizza! This is just book one of the series and I can wait to see where the series leads us!
Read this book and any other of the blackwood series! You will not be disappointed!
August 24, 2020
The Girl with the Emerald Ring is the first in a 3-book series with the same main characters and interconnected plots. And what a start it is! Getting to know Sky and Bethany, two very different characters, is great – and we finally get some answers to where Alaric has been during all the other books where he is either mentioned in passing or makes a short appearance. What is the true nature of this relationship with Emmy? Why is he the one ex-boyfriend of Emmy’s who REALLY gets underneath Black’s skin? A couple of long-standing aspects of Emmy’s story near full circle in this book, with tantalizing cliff hangers for the next books.

This book can be read as a stand-alone with a storyline that’s definitely worth reading – but you will enjoy it more if you have read the earlier Blackwood Security books that focus on Emmy. One thing is for sure – after you read this book you will be looking forward to the middle of October with great anticipation!
Profile Image for SylviaV.
558 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2020
The Girl with the Emerald Ring by Elise Noble (Blackwood Security, #12)

This is a stand alone book, but it is book 12 in the Blackwood Security series and the 1st book in a trilogy about Alaric and "The Girl with the Emerald Ring"; one part of the story arc is solved in this book but for the complete Alaric story you will need to read the next 2 books. This book gives us some insight into Alaric's back ground and introduces Bethany and Sky. I am really looking forward to the next book to see how it all unfolds. As with all of the Blackwood Security books there is a great plot, action, intrigue, interesting characters and witty dialogue. I really like Elise Noble's writing style and I was engaged from the first chapter until the end. A great read. 4 stars. "I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
If you are new to the Blackwood Security series I would suggest you read the Black trilogy Book 1-3 first.
33 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020

Great read, good twists to the story.
I have to say that from the very beginning I was totally invested in this story. A sign, to me, of a job well done by an author, to hook a reader in and make them feel the characters emotions as their own is incredible. In this action/suspense/romantic tale, Elise gives us a glimpse into the life of a Alaric and his place in the Blackwood world. I really enjoy this series because the interconnecting threads link the stories together and yet stand alone is unique. After some wonderful twists and turns you end up realizing you have been reading all night.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alison Woodland.
168 reviews
August 24, 2020
I was thrilled when I received this arc and I was not let down. Beth a recent divorcee is trying to start again after a nasty end to her marriage. She is working at an Art Gallery when she first meets Alaric Mclain. After being sent out to deliver a painting to a customer her car gets stolen by a teenager called Sky off to find her foster brother, taking both of them to the middle of nowhere and the start of an amazing storyline. Sky gives Emmy a run for her money trying to escape. Sky is hilarious and Emmy really takes to her. Meanwhile Alaric and Beth join forces when her offers her a job. Now I have told enough about the plot but believe you me it is worth the read as the plot thickens and Black stalks around in the background in his usual black mood. Really do recommend and I cannot wait for the second book in the trilogy. I have given a fair review of this book
26 reviews
August 29, 2020
A heart in your mouth read, from start to finish.
The worst thing about this book is that it sets up soooo many questions, the best thing about this book is that it sets up soooo many questions!
The second worst thing about this book is that it ends so quick. I can’t wait for the rest aleric’s story and really hope my questions are answered in the next book.
Profile Image for Karen.
105 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2020
Oh Alaric! My heart goes out to him and all that he’s been through. Once again I absolutely adore Emmy and am so pleased she plays a major part in this story, throw in a new possible love interest for Alaric and you are definitely left wanting more. The clincher is the introduction of Sky, yep, love the direction this is heading, well done Elise you have left little tidbits to keep us coming back.
169 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2020
Right from the beginning, it is apparent that The Girl with the Emerald Ring is the beginning of an articulate design that spaces in more than just one book; the Girl with the Emerald Ring is, in fact, the first book of a Trilogy.
The plot design is rich with plenty of ramifications, and the cast of characters is memorable. Ms Noble created a slate of new intriguing characters while, at the same time, giving new depth to her old ones. Alaric, the protagonists, is a complex, multi-faceted character. Every few chapters, a new side of his personality emerges, often unexpected, giving him an intriguing and fascinating persona.
Bethany, the co-protagonist, is a smart and sweet woman. Born and raised as a socialitè, she has recently divorced her cheating husband and is now resolute to take control of her life.
Initially hesitant and insecure, she gradually finds her voice and reveals as an intelligent, sensitive, and generous individual.
In Quicksilver, Black found his potential heir. In The Girl with the Emerald Ring, Emmy stumbles in a teenage girl with a similar backstory. She immediately recognizes her potential and takes her under her wing. Sky, whose personality is already hardened by years in foster care and living on the streets, is quick and witty, generous, and loyal. Their partnership promises to be quite a story in the upcoming books.
I love how the author expands the personalities of her recurring characters. Emmy is the protagonist of many of Ms Noble's books, and yet she is never quite the same. As she gets older, her personality grows and matures, presenting new facets and never failing to intrigue the reader.
Finally, The Girl with the Emerald Ring is, above all, pure entertainment.
Ms Noble's prose is rich and articulate, pervaded by a very British sense of humour that makes the reader smile and, at times, laugh out loud.
Of course, being the first book in a trilogy, The Girl with the Emerald Ring ends with plenty of unresolved situations. In this case, however, the promise of new, exhilarating adventures is such that the only regret is that the time until the next release is way too long.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.
128 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2020
Another Elise Noble book that I couldn’t put down. Although I promised myself every time that I would only read for 20mins, I just couldn’t stop reading and lost a lot of sleep. I was absolutely hooked from the start. As with all Blackwood novels, it was good to see some old friends and it was especially good to learn a bit about the background of Alaric who had mysteriously popped up in several previous books. I loved meeting Beth and Sky as well and can’t wait to see how their characters develop – they are so different and yet both have the same inner resolve to survive. Although this book can be read as a standalone it definitely leaves you wanting more. The book has an intricate plot around a stolen painting, that definitely spans more than this first-of-three but the main storyline is interrupted by a missing woman that is resolved in the meantime. Although I can’t wait for the other two books, this is a complete book in its own right and an absolutely great read – I loved every minute.
69 reviews
September 6, 2020
A fantastic addition to the Blackwood Security series

The Girl with the Emerald Ring is the first in the trilogy that is Alaric's story. Eagerly anticipated by Blackwood fans, this story does not disappoint. Again the characters are full of life and colour, the story is a non-stop adventure with mishaps, plenty of sass, seemingly ridiculous situations and engages readers from beginning to end. Fans will be delighted to see plenty of Emmy, as well as a whole host of great new people who add depth to the story and its development.
I highly recommend all of Elise Noble's books, but the Blackwood Security series is my favourite. If you've not read it, give it a try.
For fans, Elise is at her best in this tale, get it now and pre-order Red After Dark - it comes out soon!
Profile Image for Sandra.
388 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2020
If you're familiar with this series, you know who Alaric is, an ex of Emmy who disappeared after someone set him up to screw up and lose his job in the aftermath.

Well he's back and despite not having seen him for 8 years, Emmy helps with a job - following a stolen painting. That's when they meet Beth, who works at the gallery and should deliver the painting as well as Sky, a young girl who steals Beth's car, not knowing about the painting.

It's a funny coincidence at the start that untangels slowly... but I love that Emmy offers Sky a chance, and what an amazing one!

I also enjoyed getting to know Alaric better and seeing Beth develop a backbone and putting her f@%#$d up family in place.

I'm so looking forward to the next book!

I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
434 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2021
Hold onto your hat for an incredible ride!

A fallen socialite, a disgraced ex-FBI agent, a high-society assassin, and a teenage brat come together to hunt for a stolen painting, but a missing woman soon derails the investigation…

What a ride! I loved every minute of this story from beginning to end. Once I started reading it was impossible to put down. Once again Elise Noble delivers yet another fast-paced captivating novel that has you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. I have never been disappointed yet by any of this author's books. Her characters are so full of life and so varied, and you feel as though you get to know them personally through the pages. Not only is there action and mayhem, good versus evil but also liberal doses of humour sprinkled throughout as well.

Bethany Stafford-Lyons, working at an art gallery after a nasty divorce, inadvertently becomes involved in the transport of a stolen painting. To complicate matters, her car is stolen by streetwise teenager Sky, looking to rescue her wayward foster brother - yet again. Enter Alaric McLain, ex-FBI agent and ex-girlfriend Emmy Black looking for the long-missing painting " The Girl With The Emerald Ring" so Alaric can clear his name once and for all. Bethany loses her job, then her co-worker goes missing - nothing is ever simple when it comes to whatever Emmy is involved in.

All these very different characters end up coming together. Alaric has his eye on Bethany and Emmy sees a younger version of herself in street-wise Sky, giving her an opportunity of a lifetime. This is the first of a trilogy featuring the same characters and I can't wait to see how the story develops.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sorry I took the car
Blurb...

After a nasty divorce, Bethany Stafford-Lyons is forced to transform herself from a high-society housewife into one of London’s worker bees. Using a last connection to her previous life, she lands a job at Pemberton Fine Arts, a world-renowned gallery and restoration studio. With her art degree, it should have been the perfect role, but she soon finds working for Hugo Pemberton is a challenge in more ways than one.

Eight years ago, Alaric McLain got fired from the FBI after an undercover operation ended in disaster. Still missing? One masterpiece, ten million dollars in cash and diamonds, and his once-glowing reputation. When he retreated overseas to lick his wounds, he made a vow—he’d find The Girl with the Emerald Ring if it was the last thing he did.

The trail leads to Chelsea, where assisted by his ex-girlfriend and a seventeen-year-old brat he wants to handcuff to a railroad track, Alaric’s soon embroiled in a game of cat and mouse with a talented team of thieves. Let the fun begin…
Profile Image for R.
291 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
Another Elise Noble delight! I ALWAYS put the latest Blackwood novel to the front of the queue and read it as quickly as I can after it comes out! (Sometimes takes a while for the review to happen, but . . . .) I LOVE how Ms Noble weaves characters into the Blackwood world; the interrelationships; Emmy's former-boyfriends-turned-friends-who-need-her-help-fixing-something! Ms Noble is a master at writing *people* ~ the characters leap off the page into your life ~ you feel as though you want to have them over for drinks to find out what's going on after the story ends ~ Alaric and Bethany's story is rocky/intricate/passionate ~ all the elements you want in a FANTASTIC story ~ and, as always, Ms Noble delivers! Again ~ THANK YOU for this Wonderful Blackwood World!
Profile Image for VoraciousReader.
1,414 reviews
October 7, 2022
The blurb in the book says, "The Girl with the Emerald Ring is a romantic suspense novel in the Blackwood Security series. Although one story arc is concluded in this book, Alaric and Bethany’s story continues in Red After Dark." The truth is that there is a completely unrelated story arc that is completed but the main story doesn't end on a cliff hanger, it just ... ends.

Also, the fact that the H had sex with someone else after he admitted to himself he had feelings for the h completely ruined the story for me.
893 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2022
Absolutely cracking story

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers although there is reference to kidnap and rape.
There is plenty of swearing and only one sex scene lightly written.
The characterisation is flawless, with Emmy in the picture as back up (sort of) for Alaric.
Remember him? The guy who got past the Presidents security in a black site to get to Emmy when she was exposed to the man made virus that threatened the world?
I needed his story!
We learn loads more about him, and some snippets of Black too.
The book introduces us to new characters, and at first it's hard going to keep everyone in place, but Elise Noble knows how to craft a good character and within a couple of chapters personalities emerge that allow the reader to identify with the character.
The plotline is really engaging, there is no way you can turn your back on what happens next!
There is a budding romance in there too, and that's going to take at least another book to allow the issues to be sorted out.
If you are a fan of intrigue and living life large I have no problem recommending the book.
784 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2020
OMG, ELISE...

You complely outdid your own self!
Emmy first, She cannot ever grow old and retire! But, she found herself again at 17! And there, for those of you readers who are missing on being Emerson Black addicts, that is where I will stop! No ruining for you!
Aleric, so glad he is back, and still looking, and Bethany is exactly what he needs, and vise versa! This is why I waited to read this until "Red After Dark" came out! Somehow, I knew that like the very beginning, this book needed to be followed up immediately by the next!
Bethany was a complete surprise, a proper gentile English daughter...who what happened to her was no surprise. But she certainly is coming into her own! She's strong, maybe not the kick ass woman Emmy is, but one can certainly learn. Aleric, needs Bethany, he has gotten over Emmy, but still holds a series hurt!
I cannot wait to see where Bethany and Aleric grow, and by all means Sky!
FTR, Bethany's horse's name is Chaucer....hmmmm 😁

A true Blackwood epic...to be continued!
Simply, blew me away!


Karen
Profile Image for Jennifer Ogidi.
58 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2020
I waited eagerly for "The girl with the Emerald Ring" to be written and I wasn't disappointed. I've waited a long time for Alaric's story especially the reason why Black dislike him so much when he's around Emmy and finally got the full story. Though Alaric's and Emmy's relationship didn't work out at least he still got Emmy's trust and friendship. In a bit to recover a stolen Art painting and clear his name, Alaric went to a gallery where he met Beth a recent divorcee, she is the opposite of everything Emmy is but can Alaric keep things professional between them or cross that line? We see yet again other characters like Gemma n Sky, has Emmy actually found a Protege? Why don't you find out in the first installment and thrilling story of Alaric's journey(series) that will keep you at the edge of your sit. I can't wait to read the next installment of the series.
Profile Image for Leisel.
541 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2020
You know that feeling you get when you find an author that you simply can't get enough of, well Elise Noble is one of those authors that hits the top of the list. After reading her first novel as a free offering I eagerly look forward to the next part of the journey.
The Girl with the Emerald Ring, 12th book in this series is yet another one of those works that delight the reader to their core leaving you hanging out for more... particularly as this is the first instalment of three.
Great characters always make a big difference as to the success of any book and Elise definitely has created some lovable ones. Not just for this book but throughout her whole collection.

I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review, to which I'm totally hooked by the characters and whole scenario.
59 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2022
The previous 11 Blackwood books are 5 star reads for me. This one is disappointing. The book is told from 4 points of view, and one of them is a 17 year old named Sky, and I'm having trouble getting into those chapters when all I want to read about is the painting and Alaric/Bethany. It seems like Sky needed her own book instead of some chapters in this one. I also really did not like how Alaric handled the whole casually seeing multiple people thing. It seems like he's not emotionally ready for Bethany and while he's vocal about that, he breaks his boundary a lot. I'm not sure how to express my thoughts on this without spoilers. As opposed to Emmy, who maintains her boundaries well and has tons of casual sex in the earlier books.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
400 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2020
Great start!

This book drew me in from the first page. Very few authors weave as intricate of a story as Elise Noble. Oftentimes when authors write duets or trilogies, they leave you with a cliffhanger so you are left on pins and needles waiting for the next installment of the series, in this instance the book ended well. It felt complete even if there are still questions.  I wish others would create books that ended this way. I will be waiting with baited breath for the next installment of this trillogy, but not in a way where I feel like I was cheated with the way this book ended.
784 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2020
The Girl With The Emerald Ring is the brilliant first book in the latest Blackwood Security trilogy. Alaric has featured in several books in this series and he has always gotten under Black’s skin. In this book we begin to discover his story and the past he shared with Emmy. Two very different, but equally fascinating, women find themselves inadvertently involved with art theft and then everything goes even more crazy. As always I loved this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Action, drama, humour, amazing characters, romance and that little something extra that makes these books so special all add up to a brilliant read that I cannot recommend highly enough.
66 reviews
January 13, 2021
I loved, loved, loved this.! Most of the books in these linked series (all the Blackwood novels: Security, Elements, UK) center around a woman and her personal growth/healing and the men and women that closely impact her during the journey. While that is true in this novel, I feel that the story is more about Alaric and desire to clear his past and redeem the relationship with Emmy. And honestly, I love that. He's sexy and resourceful but the way his story ungolds had me begging to see him not just find closure but also acceptance in a lasting relationship. Im glad he will get a few books to share his story...
57 reviews
August 31, 2020
A treat from Elise, a trilogy. So exciting. In this the first book we meet some new characters and they are fascinating. Each one worth their own book or two. We also meet some old friends, including the Heroine of the whole Blackwood series Emmy. A past lover, who we have met and been intrigued with before. Alaric is so interesting he gets more than one book. This is a complete story, satisfying in its own right but the door is open for book Red after Dead.
4 reviews
August 31, 2020
Another fantastic book in the Blackwood Security series!
As a character througout the books, Alaric has always been somehow a mystery and finally we get to know his story and his relationship with Emmy (and Black)...
I also loved Sky as a new character and her story reminds me so much of Emmy's!

The all series keeps getting better and better and it is rare to keep the story flowing after 12 books, but somehow Elise Noble has managed to make this happening!! Well done!!!
274 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2020
Another great Blackwood Security book by Elise Noble. The Girl with the Emerald Ring Is the first of three books where Elise reveals more about the mysterious Alaric, introduced in Out of The Blue, his past and his relationship with Emmy. The book is filled with adventure, humor, and intrigue I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a great read.
I have voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
Profile Image for Isabel Diaz Morales.
41 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2020
I have absolutely loved all of Elise’s books!! I love that we have always been able to delve and explore the people in Emmys life! I was so excited to read Alaric’s story and really want to see how it further develops. I enjoyed how Emmy talked a bit about how she might be slowing down but she still kicks ass and helps others. Love the art discussed and the the different POV’s throughout the book.
Profile Image for Darrell.
469 reviews
December 20, 2020
Exhilarating read

Another exhilarating read from Elise Noble and her Blackwood series of books ! Would never have thought Emmy would be training a replacement and never really thought about them all getting older, but I can see the story line is liken to real life , her Characters get older which who knows where that will lead to, but will continue to read as long as Elise keeps writing books for our entertainment!
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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