Vincent: Forgetting about Eve was the plan. Finding her at a party on my college campus was the last thing I expected.But letting her go again isn’t an option—not this time. Juggling the life I want with the one I was born into may be near impossible, but for her, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.My world has turned into a house of cards, where one wrong move can send it all crashing down…and us … crashing down…and us with it.
Eve: Finally at a prestigious university—and on the path to living my dreams—I’ve left the darkness of the Blue Houses behind. Still, a whole new host of problems await me.
Vincent is here.
He’s king of the school, complete with a society princess by his side. I thought I wanted to know what he was hiding, but unlocking his biggest secret leads me into entirely new territory laced with danger
and lust…one I’m not sure I’ll survive.
RECKONING is book two of the Vincent and Eve Trilogy. You will need to read RISING, book one in the Vincent and Eve trilogy, in order to enjoy this sexy and heart pounding romance.
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Recommended! Aghhh my Vincent
OMG this book ending left my heart in freaking pieces. Words after words had gone without a hitch… Jessica had delivered this book with a blowing punch.. Story between Eve and Vincent had compelled me with sadness.. Why this cant be a real thing? their love were forbidden.. raw.. lusting.. cried from the deepest of heart.. I envy their chemistry.. the willing to let go yet cant!
Their world cant be more apart to seperate the love.. Im bawling over these two.. Hello Hello Jessica.. you made me miserable… come on book 3!
This book had made me fallen in love… I wish have no part but I love it to pieces!
I really enjoyed this book and continued reading right through the series quickly! I liked the unique plot aspects in the story but still had a hard time with the heroine’s personality traits.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Beautiful and heart-wrenching. I got my high for drama.
SPOILER FREE
P L O T
Vincent and Eve in one school, his lies are catching up to him and his two lives are coming together. She’s been kept in the dark for so long but she’s clawing her way out from six feet under and playing a game she not equipped to take part in.
Exciting, thrilling, romantic, and dramatic, all in one! What more could you ask for? Fast-paced leaving no room for rest. Sacrifices are made, losing yourself in the process.
C H A R A C T E R S
Eve
I worry a lot for her in this book because she’s distracted by Vincent’s presence and the drama he brings that I’m scared it’ll ruin her scholarship. Love makes you blind, or it just helps you see past the darkness of a person and see their true light.
Vincent
Sweet, scary Vincent didn’t see anything coming. I’m glad he knows he’s not entirely a good person but he’s not entirely bad either. Selfish, yes, but all humans are.
Daniela
I love Daniela, I always love a good bitch. She’s the perfect crazy bitch! She’s crazy about her image and would stop at nothing to get her way. It’s not easy to manipulate people, it eats up your humanity and you have got to be a little cuckoo in the head to make a life out of it.
Tom annoys me most of the time but I understand he’s only looking out for his best friend – Vincent – and what’s best for everyone else. I love Claire, she’s this semi-wild, smart-ass best friend you’d want for the rest of your life.
W R I T I N G
Jessica Ruben’s stories just keep getting better. If I thought Rising was amazing, with that cliffhanger, I clearly haven’t seen anything yet.
Finally! We get to read Vincent’s POV and his mind is full of bloody flowers and guns and bullets.
O V E R A L L
I love how the author ends each book with the promise of a new adventure in the next one. I cannot wait for Redemption, I feel like it’s going to be such a painful ride for Vincent and Eve.
Okay, so I am going to be a little lighter in my review of this book because I know it is book two of a three part series. Had this book been a stand alone it would be getting thee stars from me rather then four. Let me explain:
I LOVED book one, like truly loved it. And while this book was well written, character driven, and an emotional ride; a few things didn’t quite work for me. When two characters enter into each others lives, there is a give and take, a learning curve. While these characters learned more about each other in this book, I do not think they grew. I might even say they stalled or deteriorated.
Eve: I get she had a hard life, but she was so whiney, so wimpy, so almost annying in this story that I lost some of my caring feelings for her. Where is her spine? Where was her determination to understand, too trust? I wanted more from her. I needed her to trust Vincent, to understand that if they were to be together sacrifices had to be made. I don’t believe for a moment she thought about anyone else but herself. She felt selfish to me.
Vincent: where was that strong, determined, gruff alpha male from book one? He got all sweet and gooey in this book and lost some of his magic. He needed more strength when it came to Eve and to his wretched “girlfriend.”
Plot: while I love that this story is character driven and “mafia light,” the choices that were made in that plot line seemed a bit too unrealistic for me. Not a big deal, but didn’t quite go with the rest of the story for me. Don’t get me started on Daniela’s story line lack of resolution. I am hoping she is in book three and gets her comeupins.
Now; having stated the basic reason for my four star rather then five star review; let me say this is still an amazing story and a wonderful book. I am hoping book three will balance out the previous books and complete the story for me. This is still a favorite series for me and I will still recommend it to others. I am immediately jumping into book three now. I am so happy to have discovered this series and this author!
I don’t even know where to being with this book. Eve sees Vincent at school just as she is finally starting to push him out of her head. Vincent left Eve alone before for her own good but seeing her again was part of that . Now he can’t let her go again. However Vincent has lied repeatedly to Eve , can she trust what he is telling her or is it all just more lies. Eve has worked hard he whole life to not get involved with exactly what Vincent is . Can they move beyond that or will other factors come into play.
This book captures you and makes you emotionally invested in the outcome of these two. Honestly you will flip from one wanting them to be together to not wanting that . I do like at the end how Eve finials because the strong woman we all know she is . This book also ends in a cliff hanger . It leaves you wanting and waiting for the next book . You will not regret picking this series up. Bring on Redemption .
OH MY STARS! This story. This author is beyond blowing my mind with her words. I am just floored at how this story rolled in the second book. My jaw dropped and so much more. The whole concept is one that makes you think and makes you wonder if it actually does happen but also makes you root for Eve and Vincent even though they are both living a lie essentially. My heart breaks for Eve as she tries to navigate her life with Vincent around. Things get insane and wow.
Overall, this story is one for the ages. I love the fluidity of the story and the concept alone is epic and unique. The emotions, the angst and the pain is just heartbreaking at times. Ruben has this way with words that wrap you up and make you beg for more. I am in love with this series and I know it will be one of my top reads of 2018. If you haven’t read these books yet, do so and do it quick. They are so beyond brilliant that you will be swept away in the world this author created. Vincent is waiting for you and you don’t want to be late!
I just finished this book and I don’t even know how to process what I just read! I enjoyed the first book but this book blew me away! There is so much chemistry, tension and angst between Vincent and Eve and I wasn’t sure how much my heart could take at times! It still blows my mind that this is Jessica Ruben’s second book!
This book picks up right where we left off and things are so tense and confusing! I felt deeply for both characters and I felt their emotions while reading and honestly I was torn. I understand Vincent’s issue but Eve was stuck in an hard place as well. I have to say I loved how Eve evolved throughout this story. It was nice seeing her becoming more confident and standing her ground even when she was scared.
What can I say about Vincent? I loved him and he was such a dominant, possessive and protective man. He has the weight of the world of his shoulders over the life that was chosen for him and the life that he wants to live. What is a man to do in his position?
I can’t stress how much I loved this book!! The writing, the story telling, was OFF THE CHARTS!!!! The pacing was perfect and the last few chapters had me glued to my kindle and left me filled with question as my heart was being ripped apart. I honestly don’t like to read trilogies because the future books in my opinion lack depth but this is NOT the case in this trilogy. I can’t wait to read “Redemption” and see how Vincent and Eve conclude! Well done, Jessica Ruben!!
ALL THE STARS!!!!
HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER!!! I thought Rising (Vincent & Eve #1) was a MONSTER of a debut novel from Jessica Ruben, but Reckoning??!! I’m feeling DESTROYED, just like Eve, after all that went down in this STUNNING 2nd book in a series that I’m POSITIVE will be in my TOP 5 series’ reads OF ALL TIME!!!
The FEELS, the ANGST, the DRAMA, the INCREDIBLE chemistry between Vincent and Eve, the HEART-CRUSHING circumstances that Eve finds herself in….All I can say is “Bring on Redemption NOW!!!! I NEED to find out what happens!!!” Do yourself a favor and start this series NOW!!! You can thank me later!
In Book 1 of Jessica Ruben’s Vincent and Eve series, Eve rose above her mother’s constant neglect and verbal abuse, the Blue Houses’ violence, and her poor girl circumstances; she achieved her goal, making it out of the ghetto and giving herself every advantage to never return, which means that she’s not going to abuse this chance, even when things become a lot more complicated due to Vincent’s celebrity status and presence on campus as well as Eve’s struggle to differentiate between what’s real and what’s show when it comes to who Vincent associates with and what his role is in the family business.
A day of reckoning seems inevitable for Vincent and Eve, not only because of the dangers of Vincent’s world and his status as a made man destined to takeover for his father, but also because of the reality of their feelings for each other and the threat that poses to their current lives as well as their futures.
Ruben makes sure that her readers understand the difficult position that Vincent is in; he’s attempting to prove to Eve that what they have is real and that he wants to be with her, while still doing what needs to be done to appease his father and honor the code he lives by. This is definitely not an easy feat given the circumstances he has to deal with when it comes to the various roles he must play, which means eventually something has to give.
Eve, once again, feels like she doesn’t belong, partly due to the duality of Vincent’s life and how it makes her feel but also because she continues to question her relationship with him as well as the superficiality of those around her. Eve is in an extremely tenuous position, and I can’t blame her for her feelings of insecurity or her inability to let Vincent go despite the knowledge of who he is and what he does.
At the end of Reckoning, things go down that will unequivocally alter both Vincent and Eve’s lives, but where that leaves them heading into book 3 is still unclear. There are a series of obstacles that at this seem insurmountable, but if readers have learned anything about Eve and Vincent throughout the first two books in the series it’s that they’ll fight for what they want and not allow anything or anyone to interfere, but what that means for their redemption is still too soon to tell.
The continuation ofVincent and Eve’s story illustrates exactly what these two are up against, and as Jessica Ruben provides readers with further insight into exactly who Vincent is and why he does what the does, we can’t help but understand the precarious position he’s in and while some will not condone his decisions or his actions, I can’t help but see everything from both Vincent and Eve’s perspectives, which means that once all truths are revealed and understood, I still hold out hope that they’ll both be redeemed.
4.5 Poison Apples
Absolutely one of the most well written, heart wrenching, best books of the year. Better than the first one. It had my heart soaring and then crashing. These characters have dug their way under my skin and to my heart. I felt everything they both were going through; the love, passion, conflict, anger, desperation, excitement, destruction, hope. I felt it all to my very core.
I won’t give anything from the story away because there is just too much that goes on and I refuse to spoil anyone’s journey with Vincent and Eve and the rest of the characters. Just know that you will fell everything!
This author has an amazing way with words. She will draw you into her world so easily and it will make you forget anything outside of it. I actually at one point forgot I was at work because I was so enthralled with what was going on with Eve and Vincent. I honestly cannot say enough about not only this book but Rising also, but especially about this author and her writing. Hands down a must read!!!
5 STARS
I was reeling after that ending in Rising and couldn’t wait to start Reckoning next. Again I was completely addicted to this story these characters and all that a going on. Eve is off to college and expects to start over and be happy and do well in college. What she doesn’t expect to find Vincent there. Not only is he the head of the campus but he is also the son of a mafia boss trying to come after her. The suspense in this one had me on the edge of my seat but I was also all consumed by Vincent and Eve and their relationship. Passion, heat and chemistry like I’ve never seen. This one has a lot of angst and drama. We learn a lot more about Vincent. He is ruthless, and cold in his dealings with his father in one moment and the next you see a sweeter softer side when he is with Eve. He will stop at nothing to ensure her safety and make sure she is protected. Eve and Vincent’s story is not done yet after another cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the final book, Redemption next.
This book seriously killed me!! So many different emotions. Jessica Ruben did an amazing job with this book and I’m so ready for the next one.
I’m on the 3.5 Stars fence. This one frustrated me to no end. I just felt they kept going in circles throughout the book. I also felt like Eve was such a doormat in this one. What’s up with that? I’m still going to check out the next book because I’m a sucker for the all the drama. I hope Eve straps on her shit kickers and kicks some ass in the next one.
Jessica Ruben did it again! Another 5 star read. I feel like the book finished too fast… I needed more of Vince and Eve. You will definitely want to know more about their life. There’s nothing I love more than reading a book that has a strong female character. She’s smart, caring, loving, and is willing to stand up for the ones she loves. The male character is willing to sacrifice his life for her and his family. I love that they tried to not give in to their feelings for each other. I can’t even tell you how many times I screamed to my kindle that it wasn’t fair! I laughed, I screamed, and I cried. I was on the edge with this book. Jessica Ruben has such an incredible talent to be able to make you feel all this in her books. This book was amazing, perfect, remarkable, shocking… Definitely a must read…I can’t wait for the next book!… Hopefully not too far away!
***Spoiler alert – You must read Rising before reading this review***
“Hell, I knew the consequences when I got into it with Eve, but I took the risk anyway. My day of reckoning has come.”
I have the biggest book hangover! Jessica Ruben’s debut book, Rising, took us on the journey of Eve & Vincent. For Eve, survival is her main focus. She lives in the Blue Houses, New York’s toughest housing projects. Gangs, crime, poverty are all part of her normal. Eve has dreams and goals of college but they will come at a price. Literally, I held my breath during chapter one of Rising, and the pace did not waiver.
Eve and Vincent have a deep connection. He becomes her savior, her friend, her protector. But there was always a part of himself that he held back. Vincent struggles with wanting Eve and knowing he should leave her alone. As Rising concluded, Eve discovers Vincent’s true identity and he lets her go.
Reckoning is no less turbulent. While the writing is smooth, the ride is wild! Discoveries are made. And once again, everything is not as it seems. Vincent’s true identity – Vincent Borignone, member of one of the largest crime families on the East Coast is a punch in the gut for Eve. This is what she strived so hard to flee from. Crime, drugs, poverty. Her goal was to get out alive. To become successful.
Vincent was born into a life that he cannot change. Family obligations and appearances are suffocating him. Loyalty is not optional. He must also deal with Daniela, daughter of a business associate that is key for their operations. But as things intensify with Eve, his birthright and life choices become objects of regret. Vincent breathes and lives for Eve. She is everything to him. She sees “him”.
And then I met Eve. She’s genuine and smart and somehow perfect for me. She got me. The real me.
Eve’s transition is difficult at times. This has been her goal for so long, but reality is not always the same. The culture around her is often volatile. But she is strong and determined. However, she is in over her head in every way. Actions have consequences. Eve & Vince have so many intense and strong feelings for one another. They consume each other.
In my heart, I’m still the poor girl from the ghetto. I know, technically, I’ve left my old life behind – I’m a student here, just like everyone else. But still, my past remains with me.
Jessica Ruben has written a story full of every namable emotion. Joy, anger, heartache, fear all come flowing onto the pages. She draws you in and then destroys you! It was painful to see the path that has been chosen for both Eve & Vincent. The wheels are in motion. Some will take the ride, and some will get run over. I want Redemption! And I cannot wait to read it! In the end, this has been an epic story.
This girl is mine. She can deny it all she wants, but I know what we have. “You think I’m letting you go again?”
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4.5 stars
Eve lives her dreams of going to college, she wasn’t expecting to see Vincent, or find out he’s the king of the school and mafia royalty, with a girlfriend, she decides to move on and put him out of her mind.
Seeing Vincent at a party their chemistry is still there, and he says he will explain it all to her and she can’t say no, something draws her to him.
Vincent only knows he wants Eve, he knows what he has to do for his family and what could happen, but it’s a risk he’s prepared to take, confident that nothing will go wrong, and he has plans in place. What happens neither of them will see coming, Vincent and Eve both think that love will get them though, but will it be enough, can’t wait to see what happens with Redemption.
“I’m lost to him. All of my pain and anger seems to have gone up in smoke. I want to stay lost in his eyes and simply savor the moment and the way he’s looking at me.”
I didn’t know what to expect after the stunning debut with Book 1, but this upped the ante and then some!!! At first, I felt like cheering Eve when she wanted to walk away from Vincent because all of the reasons made sense, but….Vincent. Vincent was showcased so much more in this book, and with all his many sides, facets, and different lives he’s attempting to manage, he got me right in the feels. There’s no denying him as a reader, so I suppose I can identify with Eve’s struggle. His intensity, ferociously magnetic and impossibly powerful as a presence and there was no stopping his tireless pursuit of what he wanted, consequences completely ignored.
“Vincent must have changed my DNA or something. Now that my body knows a man like him exists, nothing else is a match. Everything else is blatantly wrong.”
Assembled with a powerful punch, this story has you rooting for this couple even though there is angst, and obstacles that seem way too powerful to overcome. Their love shines through and my heart was just filled as they made their journey. Not to give too much away, but my anxiety of what’s to come with these characters has my heart skipping a beat after what happens at the end. I’m hooked on this series and I won’t rest until I see what happens!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
“My eyes move up to his dark eyes that see straight through me. In his gaze lives the most beautiful version of myself. It’s where my strength lives.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Reckoning is the second book in Jessica Ruben’s Vincent and Eve trilogy, and it is just as intense and enthralling as the first, Rising. This love story is fast paced, sexy and unpredictable, and the cliffhangers will have you gasping in surprise and impatient for the next book. Fortunately, the last installment is just a month away, so there is no reason to wait to start. I don’t want to say more now, because I do not want to spoil anything. Just trust me: You need Vincent and Eve in your life!
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
I loved, loved, loved this book so much!!!! I felt for both Eve and Vincent so much in this book. I could not put it down until I read it from cover to cover.
4.5 stars
Jessica Ruben is trying to ruin my life. It isn’t enough she thinks she can play God with Vincent and Eve-NO! Now she’s trying to ruin my life as well.
Am I bitter, um…possibly!?! I knew it was coming…well the end. I knew the end was coming and though I suspected what was going to go down…I still had hope. Lots of hope….
So now I’m sitting here contemplating whether to gorge on Chex Mix or ice cream because that was not how I wanted it to happen. I know there’s another book coming. I know but darn it!!!! I want to be happy now. I don’t want an emotional cliffhanger to slice me to shreds.
But we don’t always get what we want…
I better get my happy eventually. Or I can just cry more? Jessica Ruben,you don’t want me crying more, do you? Save a hopeless reader more heartache, give me more Vincent and Eve! Please?
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood