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Vincent and Eve #1
Rising
As the bus approaches my stop on the Lower East Side, I raise the hood of my black sweatshirt. Anonymity is key in my neighborhood—particularly as a lone female walking at night.
All I want is to leave my crime-ridden shadow of a home in New York City. I’ve done everything I can to keep my head down and focus on my studies. College is my only goal; love has never been on the map…
That is, until my sister brings me to an underground fight, where I meet a gorgeous and mysterious man: Vincent.
He is the ghost in my shadows, showing up to feed me pieces of his upper-crust life, then evaporating into darkness until his next visit. I’m falling hard and fast. How can I trust him amidst the depth of his secrets?
Vincent may be even more dangerous than the dark world I’m trying to escape.
All I want is to leave my crime-ridden shadow of a home in New York City. I’ve done everything I can to keep my head down and focus on my studies. College is my only goal; love has never been on the map…
That is, until my sister brings me to an underground fight, where I meet a gorgeous and mysterious man: Vincent.
He is the ghost in my shadows, showing up to feed me pieces of his upper-crust life, then evaporating into darkness until his next visit. I’m falling hard and fast. How can I trust him amidst the depth of his secrets?
Vincent may be even more dangerous than the dark world I’m trying to escape.
186 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2018
1051 people are currently reading
3530 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ruben
23 books1,078 followersHey Readers!
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If you want to contact me, please reach out via e-mail JessicaRubenAuthor@gmail.com , as I do not check my messages here on Goodreads.
If you want to be first to know about new releases, sales, pre-orders and more, make sure to sign up for my newsletter, which you can find on: JessicaRubenAuthor.com
Much Love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
July 20, 2022
for any Palestinian supporters, DO NOT TEAD THIS BOOK. i really cringed during that conversation - it had no insight and it was actually dumb. if the author had done their ‘research’ right, they would know that Israel and its disgusting presidents have nothing worth respecting over. All this ethnic cleansing and genocide enforced by that country just to achieve some dumb obsessive idea at the expense of innocent lives IS NOT SOMETHING YOU SHOULD RESPECT. that country is the attacker. NOT the victim. I still can’t get over the stupidity in that line because I’m still in shock. There’s no other way to scream Zionist for this author than that conversation.
aside from that line, this book and its characters are very annoying. The main girl can’t stop moaning ab how she’s so different from all the other girls and that she’s NOT at all a girly girl and all the main guy can do us laugh at things that aren’t even funny.
Do better and FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸
aside from that line, this book and its characters are very annoying. The main girl can’t stop moaning ab how she’s so different from all the other girls and that she’s NOT at all a girly girl and all the main guy can do us laugh at things that aren’t even funny.
Do better and FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸
November 24, 2021
anyone giving this book more than one star is a zionist with EXTREMELY BAD TASTE LIKE U CANNOT BE SERIOUS.
November 24, 2021
DNF’d once the pro-Israel nonsense started.
May 1, 2018
“We’ve got something. But what we have has nothing to do with anyone else on earth. What we have between us, is just for us.”
Well if Rising (Vincent & Eve #1) is Jessica Ruben’s debut novel, then I can’t imagine how she can possibly get much better. The writing flowed seamlessly and had me captivated throughout. I am itching to get my hands on book 2, I needed it, like yesterday. This series just makes me really excited; excited for what I’ve read and excited for what I’m yet to experience with Vincent and Eve.
Eve is a quiet, sweet and intelligent eighteen year old who loves nothing more than to delve into a good book. She lives in the rough end of New York named the Blue Houses and would love nothing more than to escape the derelict crime ridden world she lives within. The rules are simple where she comes from; keep to yourself, avoid drawing attention to yourself and don’t walk alone at night. A place ruled by gangs, drugs and violence. Eve has a close relationship with her sister and even though she tends to keep to herself, would love nothing more than to fit in and be adored like her older sister.
If there is one hero I have read in recent times that peaked my interest instantaneously, and the more I read the more I wanted to know, then it was most certainly Vincent. He was an absolute puzzle to me and I wanted to find all the pieces to fit together to complete the jigsaw. While he has a presence and appears somewhat intimidating, he is a ridiculously brilliant man who recites poetry and is very protective of Eve.
“We’re quoting poetry right now and my heart is so full I want to jump up and down and scream. Who the hell is this man? No, really. Who? An MMA fighter from an underground fighting ring? A poet? A few seconds pass. Or maybe it’s minutes. But we’re quiet, staring into each other’s eyes. We’re not even waiting for someone to talk. We’re just staring. Glowing. Something is passing between us that I can’t rationally explain.”
Eve loves to keep to herself because of the world she lives within. The situations she has found herself in means she does not feel comfortable with people easily and keeps her guard up. Eve has had issues with people invading her personal space, but despite this, she feels an intense pull towards Vincent and he brings her a sense of calm and safety.
Eve and Vincent have such a passionate and intense chemistry; they are drawn to each other in a powerful way that neither of them can explain. Vincent is not all he appears to be and is harbouring secrets, he knows he should keep his distance from Eve, but he can’t help his need to be close to her and protect her.
“I love how delicate you are. Soft. You’re a siren on a quiet street. You’re all I hear.”
I loved this story for an array of reasons; the suspense and mystery, the emotion, the vivid writing that had the ability to make me feeling a part of this story, the characters and everything they brought to the story and the feels they evoked from me. I loved the MMA and mafia aspects a lot too. Rising does end on a colossal cliff-hanger, so I am desperate to get my hands on book 2 in order to continue Vincent and Eve’s journey. I know for sure that their story is only going to get even better from here.
If you love your impeccably written suspenseful romances that grab your attention and keep you invested throughout, then I cannot recommend Rising enough. I am itching to see what Jessica Ruben does with the rest of this story; well I know for sure I am most certainly a fan after reading her debut novel.
May 1, 2018
You know what my first thought was after finishing Rising?
I HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THIS BOOK! I HAVE TO GET THEM TO READ IT.
It was one of the most exhilarating reading experience I've ever had. And I tell you what, the feels that attacked me while reading this novel are impossible to replicated. It was beyond intoxicating, so immersive and all-consuming that it shocked me. Originally, I picked up this novel on a whim, wasn't even intending to read the whole thing. My plan was to get through a chapter, get a feel for the writing, and figure out if I would review or not. But what happened was something else, it was ANOTHER LEVEL altogether. Rising turned into a one-sitting binge-fest I could not put it down.
I felt fevered by the storyline, so besotted by Vincent and his mysterious life, so deeply connected to Eve and her dire circumstances. I felt like someone had PLUGGED ME INTO THIS STORY and turned me on, like a fire was lit inside me and the more I read, the hotter the flames grew until they were a raging inferno. It was crazy. Chaotic. And man, was I obsessed by the time I was done. I was invigorated and ready to scream it to the world.
For a debut, I'm so impressed. Not only did Ruben's writing style show promise, she brought an exhilarating twist to some of my ALL MY TIME FAVORITE tropes—mafia and fighter—and she tucked that right into an NA genre in a mature and alluring way. On top of that, in a market where the same old stories are regurgitated time after time, she spun this tale into something new and original, and I was totally won over. Rising is a whirlwind of passion and angst, and this series promises to be one hell of a ride that I am more than ready to embark on. I truly can't recommend it enough.
In a neighborhood run by gangs, Eve keeps her head down and stays in the shadows. Desperate for a way out of that life, she's 18 and on the cusp of getting into college. One night Eve's sister drags her to an underground fight and there she see's Vincent, an enigma she can't take her eyes off of. Drawn to each other, a magnetism that can't be denied pulls these two together and something sexy and sweet is formed. But life's not simple, each of them live by a complicated set of rules and things get intense and twisty and so so so good.
Gah, I wish I could say more plot wise, but I can't! I want you to experience the brilliance of this story blindly. Just know it's rough, raw, and heavy. Eve pulls on your heart strings with her sweetness, naivety, and vulnerability, and Vincent is so dark and enticing. Together these two are a force of nature. They captivate you, overwhelm you, drawing you in from first to last page. I am so passionate over this story, so crazy over them, and I truly can’t swoon enough. Jessica Ruben might be a new indie author, but she’s most certainly one to watch, especially after this outstanding debut that left me dying for more.
And PS: Rising is book 1 in a trilogy. It's a continuous storyline that focuses on one couple.
***Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
I HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THIS BOOK! I HAVE TO GET THEM TO READ IT.
It was one of the most exhilarating reading experience I've ever had. And I tell you what, the feels that attacked me while reading this novel are impossible to replicated. It was beyond intoxicating, so immersive and all-consuming that it shocked me. Originally, I picked up this novel on a whim, wasn't even intending to read the whole thing. My plan was to get through a chapter, get a feel for the writing, and figure out if I would review or not. But what happened was something else, it was ANOTHER LEVEL altogether. Rising turned into a one-sitting binge-fest I could not put it down.
I felt fevered by the storyline, so besotted by Vincent and his mysterious life, so deeply connected to Eve and her dire circumstances. I felt like someone had PLUGGED ME INTO THIS STORY and turned me on, like a fire was lit inside me and the more I read, the hotter the flames grew until they were a raging inferno. It was crazy. Chaotic. And man, was I obsessed by the time I was done. I was invigorated and ready to scream it to the world.
For a debut, I'm so impressed. Not only did Ruben's writing style show promise, she brought an exhilarating twist to some of my ALL MY TIME FAVORITE tropes—mafia and fighter—and she tucked that right into an NA genre in a mature and alluring way. On top of that, in a market where the same old stories are regurgitated time after time, she spun this tale into something new and original, and I was totally won over. Rising is a whirlwind of passion and angst, and this series promises to be one hell of a ride that I am more than ready to embark on. I truly can't recommend it enough.
In a neighborhood run by gangs, Eve keeps her head down and stays in the shadows. Desperate for a way out of that life, she's 18 and on the cusp of getting into college. One night Eve's sister drags her to an underground fight and there she see's Vincent, an enigma she can't take her eyes off of. Drawn to each other, a magnetism that can't be denied pulls these two together and something sexy and sweet is formed. But life's not simple, each of them live by a complicated set of rules and things get intense and twisty and so so so good.
Gah, I wish I could say more plot wise, but I can't! I want you to experience the brilliance of this story blindly. Just know it's rough, raw, and heavy. Eve pulls on your heart strings with her sweetness, naivety, and vulnerability, and Vincent is so dark and enticing. Together these two are a force of nature. They captivate you, overwhelm you, drawing you in from first to last page. I am so passionate over this story, so crazy over them, and I truly can’t swoon enough. Jessica Ruben might be a new indie author, but she’s most certainly one to watch, especially after this outstanding debut that left me dying for more.
And PS: Rising is book 1 in a trilogy. It's a continuous storyline that focuses on one couple.
***Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2018
Mafia, gangs, an underground mma fighter, and an ambitious young woman trying to escape the life that's been holding her down? Yes, please! Even if I wasn't already intrigued by all of that, the cover would have sold me! It's gorgeous, and there is no way this cover whore could pass it up!
Eve is a bookworm from New York City living in a neighborhood where street smarts are the only kind of intellect that seems to matter. Desperate to leave her life of poverty behind, she focuses all her effort on finishing school. College is her goal, and she doesn't intend to let anything get in the way of that.
Eve's life becomes complicated and dangerous when a local gang member, Carlos, takes an interest in her. With just a few more months until graduation, she tries her best to lay low. If she can just make it a little longer, she can move on with her life and never look back.
Aside from Carlos trying to throw a wrench in her plans, a new type of distraction comes along in the form of a sexy underground mma fighter named Vincent a.k.a. "The Bull". They have an instant connection, and when they are together, everything is perfect. The problem is he's always disappearing for periods of time with no explanation, and despite their obvious romantic feelings toward one another, he refuses to classify them as anything more than friends.
Regardless of his disappearing acts, Eve can't stop her intense feelings for Vincent. With so much else going on in her life that could derail her plans, she needs to focus on what's important. Besides, how can you fall in love with someone that is constantly running away?
Rising by Jessica Ruben is a well-written NA romance filled with drama and mystery sprinkled with suspense. It's not overly steamy though there is definitely some of that in there, too. I would say the focus is on Eve's struggle to escape her circumstances as much as the romance. I appreciated that she always kept her eye on the prize and didn't let worrying about Vincent throw her off course.
This is the author's first book, but I wouldn't know it if I hadn't been told. The quality of the writing is impressive for a debut, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. NA Romance fans, this one's for you!!
Eve is a bookworm from New York City living in a neighborhood where street smarts are the only kind of intellect that seems to matter. Desperate to leave her life of poverty behind, she focuses all her effort on finishing school. College is her goal, and she doesn't intend to let anything get in the way of that.
Eve's life becomes complicated and dangerous when a local gang member, Carlos, takes an interest in her. With just a few more months until graduation, she tries her best to lay low. If she can just make it a little longer, she can move on with her life and never look back.
Aside from Carlos trying to throw a wrench in her plans, a new type of distraction comes along in the form of a sexy underground mma fighter named Vincent a.k.a. "The Bull". They have an instant connection, and when they are together, everything is perfect. The problem is he's always disappearing for periods of time with no explanation, and despite their obvious romantic feelings toward one another, he refuses to classify them as anything more than friends.
Regardless of his disappearing acts, Eve can't stop her intense feelings for Vincent. With so much else going on in her life that could derail her plans, she needs to focus on what's important. Besides, how can you fall in love with someone that is constantly running away?
Rising by Jessica Ruben is a well-written NA romance filled with drama and mystery sprinkled with suspense. It's not overly steamy though there is definitely some of that in there, too. I would say the focus is on Eve's struggle to escape her circumstances as much as the romance. I appreciated that she always kept her eye on the prize and didn't let worrying about Vincent throw her off course.
This is the author's first book, but I wouldn't know it if I hadn't been told. The quality of the writing is impressive for a debut, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. NA Romance fans, this one's for you!!
Read
November 15, 2025This is one of the worst books I ever had the unfortunate opportunity to read!
I mean books never make me angry, no matter how bad they turn out! But this one! This one was able to make me hate a book for first time. Usually when I read a book and by half way if I didn’t like it, I still continue to read it telling myself that, if I have reached this far then I need to finish it off! Never to quit!
But this one! Gawwwd! I just slapped it down and told myself, that’s it! I can’t go any further! It was so bad that I logged into my goodreads account and straight away started writing this review!
This book and the heroine was beyond pretentious and trying so hard to come across as edgy when it wasn’t a least bit in the first place. It failed spectacularly.
If goodreads have an option to give zero or negative stars, then I would be doing that just now! Anyone planning to read this, please... spend that time doing something worth while cause this book ain’t worth reading. I wish I could get my time back. Such a utter waste of my time.
I don't know what the author was trying to achieve with statements like this below.
I know, it's being said in a characters perspective. But here this is said by the main character and every character's reasoning is part of the authors voice. And I could clearly see where the author was coming with this bullshit statements like this.
Killing thousands and thousands of innocent Palestinian lives is apparently something to be respected according to this author and her character! "Keeping Israel safe" as the author put it, doesn't mean genocide is acceptable. If the author was trying to make her and her character look cool and edgy then she failed miserably. She comes across as ignorant and racist and more importantly someone who accepts genocide. Stripping off Palestinian land and lives is not something to be respected Ms. Ruben. Please study history and actual facts before you go sprouting BS's like this in your books. I am not sorry I come across pissed off and judgmental cause I am exactly doing that.
Glad that I didn't have to read any other books of this author and wasted my time.
I mean books never make me angry, no matter how bad they turn out! But this one! This one was able to make me hate a book for first time. Usually when I read a book and by half way if I didn’t like it, I still continue to read it telling myself that, if I have reached this far then I need to finish it off! Never to quit!
But this one! Gawwwd! I just slapped it down and told myself, that’s it! I can’t go any further! It was so bad that I logged into my goodreads account and straight away started writing this review!
This book and the heroine was beyond pretentious and trying so hard to come across as edgy when it wasn’t a least bit in the first place. It failed spectacularly.
If goodreads have an option to give zero or negative stars, then I would be doing that just now! Anyone planning to read this, please... spend that time doing something worth while cause this book ain’t worth reading. I wish I could get my time back. Such a utter waste of my time.
I don't know what the author was trying to achieve with statements like this below.
I open my big mouth and ask,"So, what do you think about all the problems going on in the Middle East?"His eyes widen, and he starts to laugh. I'm relieved my attempt to shake him out of his seriousness worked. He probably thinks I'm a dork now but well, whatever.
Without hesitating, he leans closet to me. "I gotta say that Nethayahu doesn't mess around. He's all about keeping Israel safe and I gotta respect that. Yeah he pushes boundaries. And the UN hates Israel's guts, thats for sure..."
I know, it's being said in a characters perspective. But here this is said by the main character and every character's reasoning is part of the authors voice. And I could clearly see where the author was coming with this bullshit statements like this.
Killing thousands and thousands of innocent Palestinian lives is apparently something to be respected according to this author and her character! "Keeping Israel safe" as the author put it, doesn't mean genocide is acceptable. If the author was trying to make her and her character look cool and edgy then she failed miserably. She comes across as ignorant and racist and more importantly someone who accepts genocide. Stripping off Palestinian land and lives is not something to be respected Ms. Ruben. Please study history and actual facts before you go sprouting BS's like this in your books. I am not sorry I come across pissed off and judgmental cause I am exactly doing that.
Glad that I didn't have to read any other books of this author and wasted my time.
avoid-as-fuck
August 30, 2024Not the MMC promoting Netanyahu's politics 💀💀💀💀💀
April 25, 2018
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this story so much! This is the beginning of a great love story with two unique and interesting characters. The plot was intriguing and the end of this book leaves me needing Book 2 like NOW!
Let me start with our heroine Eve. I love her first of all because she is a bookworm. She prefers to stay home and read rather than party and go out with boys who have never really interested her. Her goal is to get into college, to be able to escape her current life of poverty. Some think of her as uppity, especially her mother who wants her to get a job instead of focusing on her education. When she meets Vincent "The Bull", it surprises her that he of all people seems to accept and love the real her.
Vincent is a sexy underground MMA fighter and if this is not drool worthy enough for you, he is also familiar with poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. Yes... I know. I thought this was a bit much at first, I mean how perfect can this guy be but you know what... it works! There is also an air of mystery that surrounds him that makes him even more intriguing.
When these two meet the connection is undeniable and the chemistry is intense. Vincent however is holding Eve at a distance and even though he doesn't give an explanation, the reader can draw their own conclusion I think as to why. I definitely figured out what was going on early in the book anyway. Eve however thinks it is because she doesn't quite meet his standards. It's obvious that Vincent just could not stay away from her though and there is a kind of hot and cold vibe that he gives her.
I am definitely invested in this love story and the suspense and mystery of the background story has completely pulled me in. This was such a great debut novel! Really this was just a great novel period! I definitely recommend.
4.5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Series: Vincent & Eve, Book 1 of 3
Heat Level: Mild
POV: Heroine
Cliffhanger
COME FIND ME!
I enjoyed this story so much! This is the beginning of a great love story with two unique and interesting characters. The plot was intriguing and the end of this book leaves me needing Book 2 like NOW!
Let me start with our heroine Eve. I love her first of all because she is a bookworm. She prefers to stay home and read rather than party and go out with boys who have never really interested her. Her goal is to get into college, to be able to escape her current life of poverty. Some think of her as uppity, especially her mother who wants her to get a job instead of focusing on her education. When she meets Vincent "The Bull", it surprises her that he of all people seems to accept and love the real her.
Vincent is a sexy underground MMA fighter and if this is not drool worthy enough for you, he is also familiar with poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. Yes... I know. I thought this was a bit much at first, I mean how perfect can this guy be but you know what... it works! There is also an air of mystery that surrounds him that makes him even more intriguing.
When these two meet the connection is undeniable and the chemistry is intense. Vincent however is holding Eve at a distance and even though he doesn't give an explanation, the reader can draw their own conclusion I think as to why. I definitely figured out what was going on early in the book anyway. Eve however thinks it is because she doesn't quite meet his standards. It's obvious that Vincent just could not stay away from her though and there is a kind of hot and cold vibe that he gives her.
I am definitely invested in this love story and the suspense and mystery of the background story has completely pulled me in. This was such a great debut novel! Really this was just a great novel period! I definitely recommend.
4.5 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Series: Vincent & Eve, Book 1 of 3
Heat Level: Mild
POV: Heroine
Cliffhanger
COME FIND ME!
January 1, 2020
I love my romance with a side of homophobia:
Also: HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is the virus that, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS.
“Well, aside from the obvious injury or death, the whole thing seems horribly stupid. What if one of these fighters has AIDS? I doubt anyone is getting tested and meanwhile blood is flying all over the place.” Clearly, the alcohol has removed the filter from my brain and loosened my tongue. Holy shit.
Also: HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is the virus that, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS.
June 24, 2018
Eve was a bookworm living in the ghetto. She was naive and oblivious while being surrounded by gang bangers, drug dealers and addicts. Miraculously, or not, she was surviving, but just barely. She just needed to get through her last year of high school and she’d finally be able to escape her circumstances. One fateful night, she meets Vincent ‘The Bull’ and that was all she wrote. Once their eyes connect, she becomes obsessed. It was clear to everyone else but her that there was more to this guy than appearances, despite how incredibly delicious he looked, but she was immediately feeling him. Not to be distracted from her goals, she couldn’t help but look forward to every scrap of time Vincent was willing to send her way. Eventually, his secret life puts distance between them and pretty soon she’s preparing to move on and forward. College, here she comes!
I found it really hard to get through this book. It was a bit boring and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Eve wasn’t able to give me depth about herself, much less anyone else. Everyone came across one-dimensional, which made it hard to care what happened to them either way. The bits and pieces of drama thrown in did spice things up a bit, but it didn’t help to drive home the point of this story for me. I still don’t know if this was a romance or a coming of age story about Eve. I know who Vincent is supposed to be and what he is supposed to mean to her, but that’s more through my own common sense than what was given to me by this book.
Since book two is out, I’m going to try it. I’m hoping to get Vincent’s POV and I’m hoping that Eve seems a bit more sensible in it. I’m looking for meat to the story and more than a glimpse of a true bond between the characters. I want to believe in their love! Fingers crossed...
Release: 05.01.2018 | Genre: Contemporary New Adult Romance | Heroine POV - 1st person | Heat: 2.5 | Part of a series: Vincent and Eve #1
I found it really hard to get through this book. It was a bit boring and I couldn’t connect with the characters. Eve wasn’t able to give me depth about herself, much less anyone else. Everyone came across one-dimensional, which made it hard to care what happened to them either way. The bits and pieces of drama thrown in did spice things up a bit, but it didn’t help to drive home the point of this story for me. I still don’t know if this was a romance or a coming of age story about Eve. I know who Vincent is supposed to be and what he is supposed to mean to her, but that’s more through my own common sense than what was given to me by this book.
Since book two is out, I’m going to try it. I’m hoping to get Vincent’s POV and I’m hoping that Eve seems a bit more sensible in it. I’m looking for meat to the story and more than a glimpse of a true bond between the characters. I want to believe in their love! Fingers crossed...
Release: 05.01.2018 | Genre: Contemporary New Adult Romance | Heroine POV - 1st person | Heat: 2.5 | Part of a series: Vincent and Eve #1
May 2, 2018
3.5 “You’re all I can see” Stars
Eve lives in a poor neighborhood in New York, and she’s doing all she can just to survive her circumstances and get into college to have a better life. She has an older sister who is ride or die. A mom who doesn’t deserve the title, but some other adults who are fighting in her corner. She is focused. She doesn’t need a distraction, but she gets one in the form of a mysterious hottie named Vincent.
I enjoyed Eve for the most part, and liked that she had goals. I also felt bad for her circumstances, and honestly cringed at so many things she went through in this book. I feel like we only get a bit of Vincent in this book, but I like how he is protective of Eve. He is so sweet to her, and I wish that we had gotten more of them together in this book.
I will say that at some points the writing is a bit repetitive with the inner monologue, and it makes Eve come off as wishy washy and weak. Like she’s strong for so many reasons, and had some scary stuff going on, so it just didn’t seem true to character that she was scared of something as trivial as sending a text message. But hey. That’s me.
I thought that this was a good read. It’s on the tamer side of new adult. If you’re looking for super smut, you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for a story about a girl getting through the struggles of her life and an unexpected romance sprinkled in, then I’d give it a click. While this book did not blow my mind, it was a good read, and a great debut. This is book one of three and I’m excited to see where Eve and Vincent’s story goes. I have a feeling he’s going to have a lot of explaining to do in book two.
Eve lives in a poor neighborhood in New York, and she’s doing all she can just to survive her circumstances and get into college to have a better life. She has an older sister who is ride or die. A mom who doesn’t deserve the title, but some other adults who are fighting in her corner. She is focused. She doesn’t need a distraction, but she gets one in the form of a mysterious hottie named Vincent.
I enjoyed Eve for the most part, and liked that she had goals. I also felt bad for her circumstances, and honestly cringed at so many things she went through in this book. I feel like we only get a bit of Vincent in this book, but I like how he is protective of Eve. He is so sweet to her, and I wish that we had gotten more of them together in this book.
I will say that at some points the writing is a bit repetitive with the inner monologue, and it makes Eve come off as wishy washy and weak. Like she’s strong for so many reasons, and had some scary stuff going on, so it just didn’t seem true to character that she was scared of something as trivial as sending a text message. But hey. That’s me.
I thought that this was a good read. It’s on the tamer side of new adult. If you’re looking for super smut, you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for a story about a girl getting through the struggles of her life and an unexpected romance sprinkled in, then I’d give it a click. While this book did not blow my mind, it was a good read, and a great debut. This is book one of three and I’m excited to see where Eve and Vincent’s story goes. I have a feeling he’s going to have a lot of explaining to do in book two.
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June 12, 2018
June 2018 - 1 Star
I was at almost 60%, when I finally figured out this book was going nowhere and I didn't seem to care to figure out anything more about it.
It started as a decent read. A new author, so I was willing to give her a bit of rope to pull me in. Nope. She couldn't seem to pull it off.
So, a DNF for me. Will probably not read any others by her. She doesn't seem to know what to do with the story she builds or with the pretty okay characters she creates. She presents you with a bit of a puzzle, but then just let's you go. Rather like a pitcher who has a batter at full count and then walks them. Seriously disappointing, leaning towards pissed off.
Happy Reading!
I was at almost 60%, when I finally figured out this book was going nowhere and I didn't seem to care to figure out anything more about it.
It started as a decent read. A new author, so I was willing to give her a bit of rope to pull me in. Nope. She couldn't seem to pull it off.
So, a DNF for me. Will probably not read any others by her. She doesn't seem to know what to do with the story she builds or with the pretty okay characters she creates. She presents you with a bit of a puzzle, but then just let's you go. Rather like a pitcher who has a batter at full count and then walks them. Seriously disappointing, leaning towards pissed off.
Happy Reading!
September 3, 2018
Dnf. Probably the worst thing I've read in a while actually.
July 5, 2018
4 Stars
I picked this up because of the reviews and it was on Kindle Unlimited so I had nothing to lose. When I started this book it started off with a bang and I got really into it. I do like the writing style, although at times I feel like it can a bit wordy and descriptive, but other than that, it flows fairly quickly, also the length of the book is pretty perfect, not too long and not too short.
This is about a girl who is a virgin, she lives in the worst part of town (where there are gang wars) and all she dreams about is going to college and getting out of the life.
You really feel for Eve. You want her to be safe, protected and sheltered.
Eve is beautiful and one of the gang members have taken an interest in her. She lives her life in fear and tries really hard not to be part of the gang or mafia life. Her mom has ties to the mafia and she tries really hard not to become her mom.
Vincent kind of changes things for her, she meets him at an underground fighting ring (I know right?!) and shows her that she can be cared for and protected, but with limits of course because there’s something about Vincent that is holding himself back.
Vincent’s mysterious vibe isn’t really mysterious because it’s kind of obvious who he is, but I do like Eve doesn’t know and she kind of just goes with the flow. I like the relationship between the two and although the book is New Adult, there’s no sex. A lot of making out and a few sexual encounters. It didn’t bother me, but don’t go into this book looking for the typical NA steam.
I liked the book a lot and went into book 2 quickly. The book doesn’t end and it make you jump into the second one. I’m not sure if the next one will end the series, but I’m willing to take that chance.
I picked this up because of the reviews and it was on Kindle Unlimited so I had nothing to lose. When I started this book it started off with a bang and I got really into it. I do like the writing style, although at times I feel like it can a bit wordy and descriptive, but other than that, it flows fairly quickly, also the length of the book is pretty perfect, not too long and not too short.
This is about a girl who is a virgin, she lives in the worst part of town (where there are gang wars) and all she dreams about is going to college and getting out of the life.
You really feel for Eve. You want her to be safe, protected and sheltered.
Eve is beautiful and one of the gang members have taken an interest in her. She lives her life in fear and tries really hard not to be part of the gang or mafia life. Her mom has ties to the mafia and she tries really hard not to become her mom.
Vincent kind of changes things for her, she meets him at an underground fighting ring (I know right?!) and shows her that she can be cared for and protected, but with limits of course because there’s something about Vincent that is holding himself back.
Vincent’s mysterious vibe isn’t really mysterious because it’s kind of obvious who he is, but I do like Eve doesn’t know and she kind of just goes with the flow. I like the relationship between the two and although the book is New Adult, there’s no sex. A lot of making out and a few sexual encounters. It didn’t bother me, but don’t go into this book looking for the typical NA steam.
I liked the book a lot and went into book 2 quickly. The book doesn’t end and it make you jump into the second one. I’m not sure if the next one will end the series, but I’m willing to take that chance.
April 18, 2018
Omg!! Omg!! So so good..but I need all of it. Like now. Aaaahhhhhhhhhh...love this!! Thanks Angie! Full coherent review soon!
Full Review on my TUG page--->Rising by Jessica Ruben
OK STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING CUZ I'M ABOUT TO RUIN...YOUR TBR! Mark this book down and then come May 1st READ IT! I am still reeling over this book, and it's a DEBUT! I can't believe it. The writing is solid, the engagement with characters is instant, the FEELS are there, butterflies, angst, wonder, and just enough mystery to keep you totally OBSESSED. This story blends all the things I love most about reading, a hot fighter, danger, are they or aren't they together angst, turmoil, tough characters, mafia, gang bangers and more OH MY! I swear my romance reading soul runneth over. I still can't believe A DEBUT people..first book. Gah.
It's hard to describe when a book just fits, checks off all the boxes you have as a reader and just works. All the words combined deliver in a way that has you swooning, stuck in a fictional world and yet never wanting to escape it. Jessica Ruben delivered all of that in more in her debut story. The characters are flawed, strong, captivating and with every word I felt them more and more. I can't say enough about this one. A gritty, emotional, hard to read at times tale of how hard life can be on the "wrong side" of the tracks, while the over-privileged seek something simpler, the pureness of it. Corruption, fear, and the all consuming want of MORE. Which I now suffer from because I WANT MORE. Like now. So Ms. Ruben this is to you...I can totally read as you write, clean your house, grocery shop, I am here for you.
READ THIS BOOK. You will thank your lucky stars you did. I know I am.
Check out more of our drunken book love at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
Full Review on my TUG page--->Rising by Jessica Ruben
OK STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING CUZ I'M ABOUT TO RUIN...YOUR TBR! Mark this book down and then come May 1st READ IT! I am still reeling over this book, and it's a DEBUT! I can't believe it. The writing is solid, the engagement with characters is instant, the FEELS are there, butterflies, angst, wonder, and just enough mystery to keep you totally OBSESSED. This story blends all the things I love most about reading, a hot fighter, danger, are they or aren't they together angst, turmoil, tough characters, mafia, gang bangers and more OH MY! I swear my romance reading soul runneth over. I still can't believe A DEBUT people..first book. Gah.
It's hard to describe when a book just fits, checks off all the boxes you have as a reader and just works. All the words combined deliver in a way that has you swooning, stuck in a fictional world and yet never wanting to escape it. Jessica Ruben delivered all of that in more in her debut story. The characters are flawed, strong, captivating and with every word I felt them more and more. I can't say enough about this one. A gritty, emotional, hard to read at times tale of how hard life can be on the "wrong side" of the tracks, while the over-privileged seek something simpler, the pureness of it. Corruption, fear, and the all consuming want of MORE. Which I now suffer from because I WANT MORE. Like now. So Ms. Ruben this is to you...I can totally read as you write, clean your house, grocery shop, I am here for you.
READ THIS BOOK. You will thank your lucky stars you did. I know I am.
Check out more of our drunken book love at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
August 10, 2018
Fabulous read!!! Vincent and eve are such a awesome characters, couldn't read this book fast enough. Miss Ruben is a great storyteller and you feel like your right their. Vincent is very charismatic and a total take charge kind of guy,while eve is a young girl on the cusp of being a woman. Theirs a innocence in her that has you cheering for her and hoping that their will be a forever with vincent. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!!! Theirs so much unanswered and I am so looking forward to see what is to come for these two lovers!! Thank you jessica Ruben and shh moms reading book blog for this giveaway!!
June 26, 2023
DNF.
Rising to be honest is not my cuppa. I did try to listen to the audiobook up to 30%. But sadly nothing click with me. I do not understand the characters. The chemistry is off. I did try to listen more, but I give up.
2 stars
Rising to be honest is not my cuppa. I did try to listen to the audiobook up to 30%. But sadly nothing click with me. I do not understand the characters. The chemistry is off. I did try to listen more, but I give up.
2 stars
April 26, 2018
↔↔ 4.5 STARS↔↔
-
{What we have has nothing to do with anyone else on earth. What we have between us, is just for us.}
-
It's unbelievable to say that this is Jessica Ruben's Debut Novel.
The story, the characters, the writing everything was just Perfectly amazing.
The plot was very fascinating and enthralled me by wishing more and more taking me deeper into this world.
-
{In reality, even if you transcend your upbringing, there’s someone who will push you back down again.
Maybe in reality, change is actually impossible.}
-
This is a mafia/college themed romance where you get everything from drama to passion to action to hot sweaty moments that'll keep you entertained.
⚪
The start of the story will gravitate you towards it & the chain of events will keep you glued to it.
⚪
⚪
You see Vincent and Eve aren't your normal couples with normal fights. Eve has been brought up from a place where seeing the next day or the next hour is a high priority. It's a horror show where she lives & her mom let's says she is the other kind of nightmare. The only goal she has for survival is to keep her head down & walk off until she reaches the destination.
-
{“You’re a siren on a quiet street. You’re all I hear.” His words tune and bind me to him.}
-
Curious minds leads to destruction & humans are said to be curious creatures- this curiosity didn't end well for Eve as it was a secret to her Destruction.
⚪
As I was saying about curious minds Eve had one too & somehow it led her to Vincent- "The Bull". A mysterious person that somehow woven his way into Eve's life.
-
{He may be dominating, but he isn’t cruel.}
-
Vincent has a ruthless, broody & enticing personality that will lure the sin out of you he's known as "The BULL" & he's ready to trample everything that's in his path - so be ready.
⚪
⚪
Vincent & EV have been bounded by their roots. They were never supposed to happen and yet their path crossed.
I was feeling so bad for both of them my heart ached for the cruelty of the society & this unlucky life they lived in. It was unfair!
⚪
⚪
This unknown love is forbidden as it is against the morals & rules of both Vincent & Eve, its bound to get testy, as For them to have a future is not a certain possibility.
⚪
So If you love a story that's revolving around survival and instincts to fullfill the goal while conquering the nightmare that's harshly trying to destroy the one thing you want, with a heartbreaking forbidden root that's blossoming into love -
Then Rising is for you...😊
-
{What we have has nothing to do with anyone else on earth. What we have between us, is just for us.}
-
It's unbelievable to say that this is Jessica Ruben's Debut Novel.
The story, the characters, the writing everything was just Perfectly amazing.
The plot was very fascinating and enthralled me by wishing more and more taking me deeper into this world.
-
{In reality, even if you transcend your upbringing, there’s someone who will push you back down again.
Maybe in reality, change is actually impossible.}
-
This is a mafia/college themed romance where you get everything from drama to passion to action to hot sweaty moments that'll keep you entertained.
⚪
The start of the story will gravitate you towards it & the chain of events will keep you glued to it.
⚪
⚪
You see Vincent and Eve aren't your normal couples with normal fights. Eve has been brought up from a place where seeing the next day or the next hour is a high priority. It's a horror show where she lives & her mom let's says she is the other kind of nightmare. The only goal she has for survival is to keep her head down & walk off until she reaches the destination.
-
{“You’re a siren on a quiet street. You’re all I hear.” His words tune and bind me to him.}
-
Curious minds leads to destruction & humans are said to be curious creatures- this curiosity didn't end well for Eve as it was a secret to her Destruction.
⚪
As I was saying about curious minds Eve had one too & somehow it led her to Vincent- "The Bull". A mysterious person that somehow woven his way into Eve's life.
-
{He may be dominating, but he isn’t cruel.}
-
Vincent has a ruthless, broody & enticing personality that will lure the sin out of you he's known as "The BULL" & he's ready to trample everything that's in his path - so be ready.
⚪
⚪
Vincent & EV have been bounded by their roots. They were never supposed to happen and yet their path crossed.
I was feeling so bad for both of them my heart ached for the cruelty of the society & this unlucky life they lived in. It was unfair!
⚪
⚪
This unknown love is forbidden as it is against the morals & rules of both Vincent & Eve, its bound to get testy, as For them to have a future is not a certain possibility.
⚪
So If you love a story that's revolving around survival and instincts to fullfill the goal while conquering the nightmare that's harshly trying to destroy the one thing you want, with a heartbreaking forbidden root that's blossoming into love -
Then Rising is for you...😊
May 1, 2018
I struggled a bit wth how to sort out my thoughts on how to review this story so I had to sit on it a few days. After a bit of reflection I'll tell you that Rising is a good book. It's well layered and peppered with a healthy dose of drama. I thought some parts were a bit predictable but other things came as a surprise. It's different, which I appreciated. So often debut authors come out and jump right on a bandwagon in an attempt to replicate what's already been done so I very much appreciated that Jessica Ruben is making her own way in the romance genre with a story that felt refreshing and different.
While I was definitely into the story, I didn't get the overwhelmingly giddy feels that my reader friends got. In hindsight, I wish I'd gone in blind. I had high hopes for nostalgic 2012 book feels after reading some reviews so that might be why I came away marginally underwhelmed. I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't feel all the things they felt while reading. It could totally be blamed on my own headspace going into the book, having just come down from an epic book high after reading one of my top favorite books of the year. Or it could just be that Rising didn't push me as far as it could have. I definitely got some feels from this book, there's a lot of intense moments and a there's a hot fighter that I was pretty into. The feels just weren't the epic feels I wanted to feel. Still, I'll definitely be reading the second book because Rising ended on a high note that has me pretty eager to see what's to come.
For a debut, the writing is pretty solid in this book, but there's some nuances to it that definitely wouldn't let me forget that I was reading a debut, if that makes sense. It's not as polished as it could be. Overall, I'd say that this book is worth the read. It's been a long time since I've read a trilogy so that aspect of it took me back a few years to when romantic trilogies were all the rage. A good cliffhanger always makes me nostalgic for the romances from back in the day when we eagerly anticipated the next book. I'm officially anticipating book 2. I do hope the chemistry between Vincent and Eve is developed a bit more in the next book as I didn't get much in this book, just a taste, just enough to keep me interested. I hope the next book delivers the feels I'm craving.
Jessica Ruben is definitely an author to keep an eye on. If this is her debut, I look forward to whatever she still has in store.
While I was definitely into the story, I didn't get the overwhelmingly giddy feels that my reader friends got. In hindsight, I wish I'd gone in blind. I had high hopes for nostalgic 2012 book feels after reading some reviews so that might be why I came away marginally underwhelmed. I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't feel all the things they felt while reading. It could totally be blamed on my own headspace going into the book, having just come down from an epic book high after reading one of my top favorite books of the year. Or it could just be that Rising didn't push me as far as it could have. I definitely got some feels from this book, there's a lot of intense moments and a there's a hot fighter that I was pretty into. The feels just weren't the epic feels I wanted to feel. Still, I'll definitely be reading the second book because Rising ended on a high note that has me pretty eager to see what's to come.
For a debut, the writing is pretty solid in this book, but there's some nuances to it that definitely wouldn't let me forget that I was reading a debut, if that makes sense. It's not as polished as it could be. Overall, I'd say that this book is worth the read. It's been a long time since I've read a trilogy so that aspect of it took me back a few years to when romantic trilogies were all the rage. A good cliffhanger always makes me nostalgic for the romances from back in the day when we eagerly anticipated the next book. I'm officially anticipating book 2. I do hope the chemistry between Vincent and Eve is developed a bit more in the next book as I didn't get much in this book, just a taste, just enough to keep me interested. I hope the next book delivers the feels I'm craving.
Jessica Ruben is definitely an author to keep an eye on. If this is her debut, I look forward to whatever she still has in store.
August 14, 2018
DNF. Terrible writing. Just terrible.
May 12, 2018
There are times when it’s hard being a blogger. I’ve seen all the five (and four) star reviews and I feel like a failure because it’s not a five star story for me. It’s not even a four. The beginning started out great; but as soon as Eve met Vincent, I lost all interest. I’d like to point out that it’s a pet-peeve of mine for a heroine to suddenly become “awakened” once she meets the “hero”. Maybe I could have made an exception if I actually felt the chemistry between them but I didn’t.
All I saw was a young, naive girl falling in lust for the first time in her life. It didn’t work for me. And I get it, she’s an eighteen year old young woman who has no experience with men because her first priority has always been getting into college. If there was anything I did love about Eve, it was her ambition and determination to get out of poverty and into an Ivy League school. I just felt like I was in a 12 year old’s head watching as she explained her first ever crush.
“You’re different from other girls I know.”
That is one of the quotes that Vincent said to Eve. I hate that statement with a passion. You know who said those same exact words to me? Douchebags who only wanted in my pants. Not just one...several. Now Vincent isn’t a douche at all but why did he have to go and say that? That’s the most cliche pickup line any man could say.
“I want to be special to him; I want to be unlike the other girls before me. Because to me, Vincent is all I can see.
Insert major eye-roll here. This particular scene, the two had gone for pizza and a friend/owner of the place said something on the lines of “you always bring the the prettiest girls here with you”. Causing Eve to automatically think about wanting to be the “special snowflake” for Vincent. Bleh.
I guarantee you that this is a bad case of it’s not you, it’s me. I didn’t mesh well with the book in the least and no one is more disappointed about it than me. I spent most of it rolling my eyes. While her story didn’t work for me, I know most will probably end up loving it. Especially if you like elements of MMA, the Mafia, and a dominant alpha hero who more than takes care of what is his.
All I saw was a young, naive girl falling in lust for the first time in her life. It didn’t work for me. And I get it, she’s an eighteen year old young woman who has no experience with men because her first priority has always been getting into college. If there was anything I did love about Eve, it was her ambition and determination to get out of poverty and into an Ivy League school. I just felt like I was in a 12 year old’s head watching as she explained her first ever crush.
“You’re different from other girls I know.”
That is one of the quotes that Vincent said to Eve. I hate that statement with a passion. You know who said those same exact words to me? Douchebags who only wanted in my pants. Not just one...several. Now Vincent isn’t a douche at all but why did he have to go and say that? That’s the most cliche pickup line any man could say.
“I want to be special to him; I want to be unlike the other girls before me. Because to me, Vincent is all I can see.
Insert major eye-roll here. This particular scene, the two had gone for pizza and a friend/owner of the place said something on the lines of “you always bring the the prettiest girls here with you”. Causing Eve to automatically think about wanting to be the “special snowflake” for Vincent. Bleh.
I guarantee you that this is a bad case of it’s not you, it’s me. I didn’t mesh well with the book in the least and no one is more disappointed about it than me. I spent most of it rolling my eyes. While her story didn’t work for me, I know most will probably end up loving it. Especially if you like elements of MMA, the Mafia, and a dominant alpha hero who more than takes care of what is his.
May 2, 2018
Muito bom o livro. Pensei que seria um livro desse casal e os outros de outros. Mas... não, pelo que vi, então agora estou entendendo por que a personagem principal é tão inocente e boba, morando em um local completamente barra pesada e não sabe muito da vida.
Mas agora entendi tudo, vai haver uma evolução da sua personagem. Gostei.
Adorei a escrita dessa autora. Me surpreendeu.
Vale a leitura.
Mas agora entendi tudo, vai haver uma evolução da sua personagem. Gostei.
Adorei a escrita dessa autora. Me surpreendeu.
Vale a leitura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2018
Oh my goodness!!! There is NO WAY Jessica Ruben is a debut author... Just no way. This book was FANTASTIC!! I was sucked right into this story and I LOVE that we have more to come from these characters and this author. The writing was solid, the story line fluent. The angst and suspense and intensity was EVERYTHING. I loved it!!!
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
April 17, 2018
Rising (Vincent & Eve #1) by Jessica Ruben
4.5 stars!!!!
For a debut author, Jessica Ruben is certainly stamping her mark on the indie book world with Rising. If I didn’t know before hand I would have thought this was written by a seasoned professional. I love the fact that Jessica Ruben took a lot of my favourite tropes and blended them effortlessly to deliver one unputdownable read. We have MMA fighting, mafia and a YA/NA vibe, with the prospect of a college style romance coming in subsequent books. I am practically giddy with excitement. My mind is awash with theories, potential plot lines and excitement with what is to come. I cannot wait to see where this author takes this story.
Our heroine is an innocent eighteen-year-old girl called Eve. Eve comes from the wrong side of the tracks but is trying to make the most of her life and getting the hell out of the “Blue Houses,” a crime-ridden, down-trodden area of New York. Eve is extremely intelligent, studious and quiet, she keeps herself to herself and walks in baggy, hooded clothes to not draw attention to herself. With gangs in the neighbourhood all vying for dominance, the Blue Houses is not a safe place to be and she cannot wait to escape. I am intrigued by her family dynamic, I love her relationship with her sister, but her mother is another matter. I have a few theories regarding this relationship and I’m on tenterhooks.
Vincent is certainly the enigma, and while I guessed who and what he is, it did nothing to quell my interest and that constant need to know more. Jessica Ruben dangles Vincent like a carrot throughout the book and you are the rabbit, frantically chasing it down. Vincent is also known as The Bull; an underground MMA fighter and it is at one of these fights where he first meets Eve. As soon as these two meet, you feel their connection, but Vincent, knowing what his life entails tries to keep Eve at arms-length, but at times it is impossible.
Despite Vincent being quite scarce at times whenever his presence is on the page, you feel him. Vincent exudes that chemical attraction to the reader and you cannot help but be drawn into his story and I bet he will top many a BBF list by the end of this book. As I said above, he is certainly the enigma, but in all the scenes between him and Eve, you get to see the real Vincent. The fiercely protective side of him, the side that wants to do the right the thing, the generous, loving side of him and it is this side that has left me frantically wanting more. Vincent is quite the contradiction and it is the internal war that he fights that keeps him from doing what his heart wants.
This is a trilogy, so there is a lot more to this story than just this book, but Jessica Ruben did a fantastic job in setting the scene and building a solid foundation to what I am sure will be one hell of an entertaining and action-packed trilogy. The ending of this book is in a good place and will definitely leave the reader salivating for the next book, I know I am. There is still so much we don’t know and I for one am eager to find out.
I adored our heroine, the quiet brainiac and I loved the fact that Vincent was just as well read as her and their conversations over books, in particular, had my heart to fit to burst. These two have so much in common and yet so little. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes, I for one will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one, bring it on…and quickly. I cannot recommend this book enough.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!!!
“I love how delicate you are. Soft. You’re a siren on a quiet street. You’re all I hear.”
For a debut author, Jessica Ruben is certainly stamping her mark on the indie book world with Rising. If I didn’t know before hand I would have thought this was written by a seasoned professional. I love the fact that Jessica Ruben took a lot of my favourite tropes and blended them effortlessly to deliver one unputdownable read. We have MMA fighting, mafia and a YA/NA vibe, with the prospect of a college style romance coming in subsequent books. I am practically giddy with excitement. My mind is awash with theories, potential plot lines and excitement with what is to come. I cannot wait to see where this author takes this story.
Our heroine is an innocent eighteen-year-old girl called Eve. Eve comes from the wrong side of the tracks but is trying to make the most of her life and getting the hell out of the “Blue Houses,” a crime-ridden, down-trodden area of New York. Eve is extremely intelligent, studious and quiet, she keeps herself to herself and walks in baggy, hooded clothes to not draw attention to herself. With gangs in the neighbourhood all vying for dominance, the Blue Houses is not a safe place to be and she cannot wait to escape. I am intrigued by her family dynamic, I love her relationship with her sister, but her mother is another matter. I have a few theories regarding this relationship and I’m on tenterhooks.
“I’m the listener. The dreamer. The girl with her head in a book at all times. But even I know that in order to survive here, I’ve got to belong. Loners get picked on and picked off.”
Vincent is certainly the enigma, and while I guessed who and what he is, it did nothing to quell my interest and that constant need to know more. Jessica Ruben dangles Vincent like a carrot throughout the book and you are the rabbit, frantically chasing it down. Vincent is also known as The Bull; an underground MMA fighter and it is at one of these fights where he first meets Eve. As soon as these two meet, you feel their connection, but Vincent, knowing what his life entails tries to keep Eve at arms-length, but at times it is impossible.
“It’s just a trace of something unique, and it doesn’t make him look kind. In fact, his face and entire demeanor is absolutely feral.”
Despite Vincent being quite scarce at times whenever his presence is on the page, you feel him. Vincent exudes that chemical attraction to the reader and you cannot help but be drawn into his story and I bet he will top many a BBF list by the end of this book. As I said above, he is certainly the enigma, but in all the scenes between him and Eve, you get to see the real Vincent. The fiercely protective side of him, the side that wants to do the right the thing, the generous, loving side of him and it is this side that has left me frantically wanting more. Vincent is quite the contradiction and it is the internal war that he fights that keeps him from doing what his heart wants.
“We’re quoting poetry right now and my heart is so full I want to jump up and down and scream. Who the hell is this man? No, really. Who? An MMA fighter from an underground fighting ring? A poet?”
This is a trilogy, so there is a lot more to this story than just this book, but Jessica Ruben did a fantastic job in setting the scene and building a solid foundation to what I am sure will be one hell of an entertaining and action-packed trilogy. The ending of this book is in a good place and will definitely leave the reader salivating for the next book, I know I am. There is still so much we don’t know and I for one am eager to find out.
“When we’re together, I feel like we’ve got something more than just attraction. It’s deep; I can feel it. But he disappears. And then he’s back. I’m having emotional whiplash.”
I adored our heroine, the quiet brainiac and I loved the fact that Vincent was just as well read as her and their conversations over books, in particular, had my heart to fit to burst. These two have so much in common and yet so little. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy goes, I for one will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one, bring it on…and quickly. I cannot recommend this book enough.
www.theromancecover.com
May 2, 2018
This book ends in a cliffhanger. It's not huge, very predictable. And I'm not urgently awaiting the next book.
The story was all right I guess. Writing style too. There was only one POV, the Heroines.
I found her family to be totally whacked. Even her sister. Taking drugs, partying, abandoning her 18 year old sister at a fight-club party and playing down her sisters nearly rape. It was if she had two sides of her.
The Heroine was all right. A virgin of course, and the (very experienced) Hero liked this fact very, very much. Living her life in books and wanting to go to college. I wanted her not to be so naive.
The Hero was elusive. Shady. 3 years older than her. A man-whore. College student and very rich. They only met for a few times in as many months. They weren't dating or anything. There weren't any promises made. No one fell in love. There was no romance at all. He just kept appearing from time to time, going out to eat and making out. He was nice I guess. But he had so many secrets, was living a double life.
Then there were the girls. Right at the beginning he was seen with a "beautiful redhead". And the scene at the end was well, not hopeful for book II.
This book read like a prequel to the main story of those two. It was all right. But I hoped for more. Definitely for the romance/relationship department.
I'm not going to read book II, because I see all these OW drama in the future, and possibly more family drama. Perhaps even a long separation.
The story was all right I guess. Writing style too. There was only one POV, the Heroines.
I found her family to be totally whacked. Even her sister. Taking drugs, partying, abandoning her 18 year old sister at a fight-club party and playing down her sisters nearly rape. It was if she had two sides of her.
The Heroine was all right. A virgin of course, and the (very experienced) Hero liked this fact very, very much. Living her life in books and wanting to go to college. I wanted her not to be so naive.
The Hero was elusive. Shady. 3 years older than her. A man-whore. College student and very rich. They only met for a few times in as many months. They weren't dating or anything. There weren't any promises made. No one fell in love. There was no romance at all. He just kept appearing from time to time, going out to eat and making out. He was nice I guess. But he had so many secrets, was living a double life.
Then there were the girls. Right at the beginning he was seen with a "beautiful redhead". And the scene at the end was well, not hopeful for book II.
This book read like a prequel to the main story of those two. It was all right. But I hoped for more. Definitely for the romance/relationship department.
I'm not going to read book II, because I see all these OW drama in the future, and possibly more family drama. Perhaps even a long separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
This was an enthralling yet frustrating book. I thought that Eve's struggles to survive as a book-smart girl focused on her future while living in a dangerous neighborhood was really well done. Especially her relationship with her sister. The addition of the sexual tension with the enigmatic Vincent was a nice touch. Though I thought Eve should be asking him a lot more questions about his background given her own upbringing, but maybe she just didn't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. What frustrated me was the ending, because it wasn't an ending. The author just seemingly wrote a long book and decided here would be a good spot to cut the book into separate books - this first book being the "before college" section. There was no real narrative arc to this piece. But I really want to find out what happens next, because who would stop reading a book 1/3 of the way through it? Especially one they liked so far. So on to the next book I go. But I am annoyed that this wasn't just edited down a bit and made into a single book.
May 2, 2018
I really tried to like this book as I had high hopes for the plot. But the way the author told the story was absolutely not my taste. There will be lots of people out there loving the story this way but I am not one of them.
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May 19, 2018
This is probably the worst book I've read so far this year. I feel like I read a completely different book then everyone else did based on the majority of the reviews. This was just awful though. This is the same trope you've already read thousands of times, just with different names, bad grammar and atrocious editing.
May 1, 2018
I have had my eye on this book for months now, so imagine my excitement when i got the opportunity to read it early! A fairly quick read, this was part one in the story of Vincent and Eve, and from the off-set, i was drawn into the suspense and drama. Jessica Ruben doesnt ease you in gently, chapter 1 starts off with a bang, and i found myself terrified for Eve. Our heroine comes from a run-down, crime-ridden part of New York, and i felt her struggle as she desperately clings to her dream of escaping and going to college, against the wishes of her cruel, unsupportive mother.
Eve is taken to an abandoned warehouse by her sister, Janelle, to an underground fighting ring, and here is where we meet “the bull” otherwiswe know as Vincent. *swoons*
“He has something I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it’s the slight slant in his eyes or his razor-cut cheekbones and chiseled square jaw. It’s just a trace of something unique, and it doesn’t make him look kind. In fact, his face and entire demeanor is absolutely feral.”
Vincent is a bit of a contradiction. He is a monster of a man, mean looking and dangerous, yet he is ridiculously intelligent; quoting poetry and discussing literature. Most importantly though, he is hiding secrets and is determined not to get close to Eve. The more we get to know Vincent, we can see that he is completely at war with himself, he feels something for Eve, but knows that he isn’t right for her. He is so protective of her yet he keeps his distance, disappearing for weeks on end.
Vincent and Eve have amazing chemistry and i found myself just willing them to give into their feelings. RISING ends with quite a big cliffhanger, so be warned!! I am already dying to find out where this is going to go...and I know that Jessica Ruben won’t disappoint!
If you like your romance books with a sexy, smart MMA fighter, lots of suspense and a side of Mafia, then this one is definitely for you!
Eve is taken to an abandoned warehouse by her sister, Janelle, to an underground fighting ring, and here is where we meet “the bull” otherwiswe know as Vincent. *swoons*
“He has something I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it’s the slight slant in his eyes or his razor-cut cheekbones and chiseled square jaw. It’s just a trace of something unique, and it doesn’t make him look kind. In fact, his face and entire demeanor is absolutely feral.”
Vincent is a bit of a contradiction. He is a monster of a man, mean looking and dangerous, yet he is ridiculously intelligent; quoting poetry and discussing literature. Most importantly though, he is hiding secrets and is determined not to get close to Eve. The more we get to know Vincent, we can see that he is completely at war with himself, he feels something for Eve, but knows that he isn’t right for her. He is so protective of her yet he keeps his distance, disappearing for weeks on end.
Vincent and Eve have amazing chemistry and i found myself just willing them to give into their feelings. RISING ends with quite a big cliffhanger, so be warned!! I am already dying to find out where this is going to go...and I know that Jessica Ruben won’t disappoint!
If you like your romance books with a sexy, smart MMA fighter, lots of suspense and a side of Mafia, then this one is definitely for you!
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