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… 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.
Rising is book 1 in the Vincent and Eve trilogy.
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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!!
Great series. must read.
CLIFF HANGER TORTURE
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR CLIFF HANGER TORTURE
I started this book 2 hours ago, and have read it none stop, my poor darling Eve, the scene #spoiler#when she gets dragged by Carlos, has my heart in my mouth and my nails biting into my skin, Her sister Janelle I hope she gets a story, her mother My god, but Vincent, I truly thought you were going to be marrying him off to some Italian girl,
Eve I have fell in love with, her mother that’s a story coming to a head, I have my theories on who is her Daddy, but will keep quiet.
#This book is brilliant and the description of the poverty and the no light at the end of the tunnel was horrific, I have no idea if live is really like that over there, but Jessica has brought it to life and it’s sickening.
I have only one question HOW LONG FOR BOOK 2 ????????????????????Rising (Vincent and Eve Book 1)
Oh my goodness I just loved Vincent and Eves book I just wished it would have another book to it but I couldn’t put it down for anything
I love the story and was instantly hooked. This novel has a unique plot and it was nice to find something different that I haven’t read before. I finished the story quickly. The only problem I have is the heroine of the story instantly becomes whiny and insecure as soon as her male counterpart enters the story. I have issues reading that in stories. It tends to make me a little crazy.
Smart, witty, strong, raw, gritty, sexy and suspenseful are just some of words that come to mind when I finished Jessica Ruben’s debut novel. This is a unique telling of two people from vastly different walks of life. Vincent is powerful, mysterious and utterly swoon worthy. Eve is incredible strong and smart. She is fighting tooth and nail to get out of her current situation. The story is solid with twist and turns. A phenomenal debut that had me downloading book 2 and book 3 before I even finished book 1.
What a surprisingly f@@@@ amazing story! I started it because I thought it was a mafia tale but it has it all… mafia, gangs, underground fights and top of that is a suspense romance!! I LOVED it…the story captivates you from the first chapter! It was an exceptional read! Definitely this book will be added to my favourites!!
OMG. This was the type of book that I never knew I missed! Jessica Ruben is an author to look out for.
P L O T
Do not be deceived by the cover, or maybe it’s just me. It gave me the impression that this book would be dark with lots of murder, rough bed scenes, blood spilled everywhere, but it’s not. Quite the opposite exactly. It’s a new adult romance with main characters from two different worlds.
I devoured this book. I didn’t think I would be able to read the ARC on time but Jessica pushed me to read it and TA-DA! I almost regretted my decision for not requesting an ARC earlier.
Filled with so many sweet and romantic scenes that I couldn’t help but smile and giggle in my room as I read on. I was even reading it in a coffee shop and I wanted to scream my heart out. THE FEELS.
C H A R A C T E R S
The last time I read a book with super sweet scenes was I think Paper Princess by Erin Watt.
Vincent
Vincent is such a mystery, though it was never a mystery to me. He’s so sketchy and people keep telling Eve to be careful around him but he’s hot and surprisingly super sweet, nothing else matters right? I was having a hard time imagining him in my brain until I asked the author for her inspiration photo and HOT DAMN he’s a god.
Eve
Eve is your innocent eighteen-year old, super smart kid who also has anxiety issues. I love how she has issues with anxiety because I too have issues with that and it gets in the way of a lot of things unless I face it head on. There’s so much she needs to learn and see of the world and it’s what makes her such an interesting character to read.
W R I T I N G
Written solely in the point of view of Eve we see where she’s raised. It could be the sketchiest place to live in New York City. The book doesn’t show the beauty of New York City but it focuses on the lives of the less privileged and the dangers that lurk in corners. It’s not the typical story you read about NYC.
O V E R A L L
I love this book, I love how it made me feel. Giddy, excited, jealous of Vincent’s sweetness, and pure happiness. This book surely is in the running for my top 10 for best reads this year. I cannot wait for the next installment because the way this book ended!
Rising is book 1 of Vicent and Eve Trilogy. This story has a bit of everything. First love, forbidden love, MMA fighting, gangs, mafia, an unbelievable sexy as sin man and a sweet, intelligent and beautiful young woman.
Ruben starts this story with a BIG BAMB. I was so scare for this young woman, Eve. She has been trying hard to escape the life of gangs, danger and poverty she was born into. She is a bookworm, so intelligent, sweet and good. Her way of getting out of that hell she calls life is getting into college. All her time she spent between the pages of a book. Nothing else catch her eyes until one night. Eve is drag by her sister to an MMA fight and there he was, Vincent.
“My whole life, I’ve never asked for anything. Nothing has truly ever belonged to me. But for the first time, I see something I want.”
They experience an instant attraction. He was big and dangerous with so many secrets. Vincent tried hard to stay away from Eve. She was too good for him but he felt the need to be near and protect her even if it was from the distant and himself.
“You deserve more than this. So much more. I’ve done enough selfish shit in my twenty-one years on this earth. And for all the messed-up things I’ve done, I’m going to do right by you.”
This was a great start to their love story and that cliffhanger left me ready to dive into book 2 which actually my current read.
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What a surprisingly wonderful story! I shelved this because I thought itvwas a mafia romance. I bought it because it was on sale, I am reviewing it because I LOVED IT!
This was nothing like I was expecting, it is a beautiful story with strong and interesting characters. The mafia is light, but I could feel everything in this story; the violence, the depression, the hope and joy!! I am hoping that book 2 has more action and gruffness. Not because thus book lack anything, but because I want (need) more! I might have squealed with joy a few times, it has been quite awhile since I have read such an amazing story.
There were a few editing errors, but I did not let that ruin my reading experience. They were mostly missing quotes, punctuation, and continuity errors when font chanced from thoughts to text and vice versa. Off to read book two! And at full price! That rarely happens for me, that I get so excited tgat I immediately buy the next book. I have been known to leave a series for years waiting for the next book to reduce in price. That is how I know I really loved this story! Buy, read, enjoy!!
I can’t remember what blog I saw Jessica Ruben’s books on, but they looked intriguing. I love the rich-poor theme as well as mafia/gangs but this is so much more than that. It’s real life in a fiction book. It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s edgy, and I love it! I’m heading over to dive into book 2. Eve is fascinating and Vincent, well, he’s more than he seems. I can already tell. A. MUST. READ
Holy knock my socks off. For a debut novel, Jessica Ruben knocks it out of the ball park with this one. The concept alone keeps you on your toes and wanting to devour the pages, which I completely did once I started it. The one thing that will keep you engrossed in this story is Eve. How much of a fighter she is regardless of everything she is going through. Her homelife, school, everything. It is very gritty but is also very real to me. The raw emotions that go through Eve as she tries to navigate out of the cycle was completely brilliant. She may act meek but she is a tiger who will claw her way out if needed. Enter Vincent. That boy is completely swoon worthy but so mysterious to Eve. But they complete each other. The way they mold into each other is stunning. I was only speechless as I read this story. The way Vincent is there for her is amazing and endearing but also makes you wonder why he keeps her at arms length. Then you find out and are going what just happened?!?!?
This is one of those stories that will grip you tight. That ending will blow your mind but will make sense but it will also make you beg for more. When it ended, I was blown away. I need more. I cannot wait till there is more. This whole ride was insane. The flow of the story, as well as the ups and downs with the passion was amazing. The character build was brilliant as you watch Eve grow from this girl who is hiding to a girl who is breaking the chains to escape her past life. I highly recommend this book as it will be one of my top reads of 2018. Bring on the second please though, I need it stat!!!
So one day I was on Facebook minding my business when I got a private message from a book friend telling me I HAD TO READ THIS BOOK!!!! So I clicked on the link with the book info and said to myself okay this sounds good. A few minutes later I get another pm from the same person saying are you going to read it? It had old school indie feels that we both LOVE!! So at that point I look over my calendar and I was able to squeeze it in after all! This was one of the best decisions I have ever made! This book was refreshing, real and raw.
Eve is living in a bad neighborhood and is trying to make it out the hood so to speak. Eve keeps to herself and loves to read book. If I’m being honest I could totally see myself as Eve if my Mom never moved us out of the Bronx. Thanks Mom! Speaking of mothers her mother is much to be desired but I love the support she gets from her older sister Janelle. On a rare night out Eve meets Vincent and yes there is an initial attraction but the story doesn’t go your typical route. It’s clear that Vincent has a secret but what could it be?? That’s what I loved the most! I never knew what I was going to get and it MADE me want to keep reading! This was a well written, fast paced novel that was definitely needed to reset my book mojo! I can’t wait to see what happens next for Vincent and Eve!
5 I CAN’T Believe THIS Is A Debut Novel Stars!!!
I am just COMPLETELY in AWE of this author…Jessica Ruben is a BRILLIANT star shining in the Indie author sky!!! This book TOTALLY BLEW. ME. AWAY!!! Jessica drew me in from the first chapter, evoking sooooo many emotions throughout this MAGNIFICENT read…everything from sympathy to outrage, from fear to lust, from shock to heart-shattering angst!
I fell in love with Eve! Sweet and innocent in some ways, yet wise-beyond-her-years in others. She wants nothing more than to bust out of the “projects” and go to college and study to become a lawyer to make a better life for herself! The road to getting there is fraught with danger and obstacles…will Eve live long enough to realize her dreams? As for Vincent…gorgeous, mysterious, ALPHA-TO-THE-MAX, very closed off and self-contained. Until he meets Eve and fate has her way with them!
I LOVED everything about this book….other than that it ended and I have to wait for the NEXT one!!! You MUST read this ENTHRALLING, RIVETING, INSANELY good book!!! It’s going up on my TOP reads of 2018!!! I simply can’t WAIT to see where Ms Ruben will take this CAPTIVATING story in the future!
Seriously.. You need to read this book!
I have been eyeing for Rising for awhile. The blurb was intriguing , simple words yet its very alluring.. The story began with the life of a young woman name Eve who live in a Blue Project house. The girl who love to hide behind baggy clothes, pages of many books who dream a big future..Living in the most dangerous place.. it wasnt by choice …
I love the purity soul from Eve… naive yet curious.. smart.. sassy.. caring …
Vincent, a mysterious man who peaked everyone curiosity.. A man who wasnt easy to forget..charismatic…ooze power.. OMG im out of words to describe this Man.
Rising was a stunning stuning debut for this series.. it shown what a young person can do to survive on many situation.. the chemistry is rocking!! Its a slow burn romance with some pent up emotions.. I love how the story roll.. gaahhhhhh this boook is awesome!!! Lets move on with the next chapter.. i cant wait!!
You might think it’s a fighter book… it’s not.
You might think it’s a mobster/gang book… it’s not.
You might even think it’s a poor girl meets rich guy to save her, but believe me, it’s not.
This book is raw, full of emotion and holy sh*t heart pounding obsession. I need to know more. I want to know more. That ending… yes! Bring it on girl!
Take a bow Ms. Ruben, job well done!
This was blowing up my feed so I thought I would check it out. I just went for it and dove right in. I didn’t realize that it was the authors debut and that it’s a trilogy. That’s pretty cool and it explains why I couldn’t figure out the relationship between Eve and Vincent. I mean, you can figure it out who he is, I just didn’t understand why they weren’t spending a lot of time together. There’s some intense moments and Eve has to grow up way too fast. I’m so glad she’s got a couple of people in her corner wanting her to succeed. There’s a pretty good cliffy so I’ll for sure check out the next book.
This is Jessica Ruben’s debut book. This story seemed to draw me in. I was not disappointed when I started reading the book; since the first page it had me hooked and it never let me go! I never thought I was going to love this book as much as I did… I finished it in one sitting; I just couldn’t put it down! I think I might need some help after reading this book because there were a few parts that almost gave me a heart attack. I also caught my self holding my breath a few times while reading it. What a way with words Jessica has. I always say books transport you to other places. Jessica knew exactly how to do that with this book…I can’t wait to read more of her books. I need more of Vincent and Eve!
“I know I’m young, but something tells me that he is IT. He is the one. I’m trying to ignore the nagging feeling that Vincent is love, but it won’t stop knocking on my heart.”
This book is EVERYTHING!!! Up till 2am with monster feels in every direction, it took me days to figure out how to even relay this all in a review. First of all, it’s unconventional, intelligent as all get out, makes you think, delves into real world problems that aren’t necessarily even romantic, and to top it all off, the couple is REAL. You’re getting real, raw, gritty excellence that made me get my reading mojo back.
Vincent is mysterious, the Author makes you think he is an outsider from the deeper story having to do with Eve’s struggles, then the Author lays you a few bread crumbs to make you wonder exactly who he even is because you see so many facets of him, it’s unreal. He is a force of nature, and I fell for him maybe even faster than Eve did.
But here’s where the Author scored the highest points in my opinion…Eve is smart and a survivor, considering her upbringing…she may have fallen in love, but she still recognizes that there is a more pressing issue at hand. When things went a little south for this couple, she remained focused on her future and where she wanted to be and I appreciated that so much in a young, female character!
Ultimately, while I was cheering for Eve and wondering if we were going to find out more about the elusive Vincent, the Author drops something at the end that leaves you speechless!! I absolutely love when that happens and can’t wait for more!! My heart broke, healed, raged, and soothed so many times throughout this book…if you’re looking for a journey rather than just a read, this is it!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
“I hate how he looks at me like I matter. Like, I mean something to him. I love him. I love him so much.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Eve lives in an unsafe area and she tries to stay invisible, and away from most just wanting to get out of where she lives and go to college, which works until one night, and it’s only by coincidence that she’s saved from the gang and the leader that works out she’s a virgin and promises to come back for her.
When her sister invites her to an underground fight she decides to go, when she spots the man across from her, she realises her gorgeous, then she sees him go into the ring to fight and win. Her sister tells her his name is Bull, no one knows who he is, when she’s at the bar and he introduced, himself as Vincent, Eve wonders why.
Eve continues to see Vincent and their chemistry is amazing, Eve’s employer offers to fix the leader or the gang, not wanting to start a gang war Eve begs him not too. After a panic attack, Vincent gets Eve to tell him about the attack and he promises to fix it, and no one will hurt her ever, he lets her know she deserves more than what he can give her and a man like him, and promises never to lie to her, but after an amazing night and Eve losing her virginity with Vincent she leaves, and they become distant with each other
Eve finally gets accepted to college after putting Vincent out of her mind, when she starts making friends and they all start to look at something, Eve turns and sees Vincent, when they tell her who he is she is speechless. Can’t wait for the next book to see what happens.