Flames of Ruin

Rebirth and Resurrection #0.5

by Monique Shepherd

𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖔 - 𝕺𝖑𝖉 𝕰𝖓𝖌𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖍 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖔𝖓

Before rebirth, there is death.

And to the Dragon - there are people who must atone for their sins, to pay for the blood they have shed.

The night Raventown fell, is the day I died. For thirteen years, I have fought alone in the shadows to fight those who have become like a cancer to my city.

But now, that cancer has returned. I couldn’t save her that night, but her memory has played like a film reel in my mind. Haunting me.

I can save her now.

The elite world must first burn under my flames. A fire born from revenge and retribution.

There is always more to every story, and before we can see the rebirth, we must witness the destruction.

Genres: Dark

121 pages, ebook

First published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is described as a prequel novella, but it certainly feels like a full book. It’s a fast-paced adventure with danger, plotting, passion, and friendship.

Despite its somewhat shorter length, it includes both plot and character development. While there is still more to learn about the key characters, the story gives enough detail to help you become invested in them.

The main couple are good together and the ending is highly satisfying. While it certainly leaves you wanting more, it isn’t a big cliffhanger or incomplete ending. I thought it was really well done and I look forward to reading books set in this universe going forward.

This is somewhat of a dark romance, given the mafia setting, and some of the kinks in it, but it’s not too extreme. I don’t read a ton of really dark romances, and I found this book to be a great read and didn’t struggle with the darkness at all, so I think it’s very accessible to those who don’t typically read dark books.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Key Tropes & Triggers:
🛟 Protective MMC
☠️ Hurt Her and Die
🥷 Vigilante MMC
🚬 Mafia
💀 Unaliving
⛓️ Kidnapping
🔫 Gun Violence

[Karina Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay..

I already knew I was going to love this book.
I absolutely love Monique’s writing and this DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
It was a fast paced read, but it was packed with action, drama, & smutt.
I loved drake and how he always protected Cici.
He thought he wasn’t deserving of her love because of situations from the past.
According to him he was the big bad dragon.
Cici I loved her she was freaking bad a$$ she was stubborn, she was feisty, she wasn’t scared of anything, and trusted Drake 100%.
Shadow he’s so mysterious & I can’t wait to see what happens with him in book two!!

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Monique over here dipping her feet into some dark romance and woah she doesn't miss a beat! You totally rocked this book babe!

Okay, let me just say that this sweet little novella packs quite the punch and sets you up for the next book in such an amazing way!

We meet The Dragon and uhm, yes please 🫠 and CiCi is a force to be reckoned with! She's a beast and I absolutely love her character!

I'm literally on the edge of my seat impatiently waiting for the next book!!! Hurry up Monique 🤣

[Meka 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is merely the prequel then I cannot wait for the series! Monique Shepherd managed to hook, line and sink me into this less than 200 page introduction to her upcoming series and I can’t get enough of it.

I love the plot, the characters, the spice, all of it was very promising and a great indication at an up and coming series that’s sure to be a hit!

Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Angela Grigar · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a new author, Monique has yet to write a book that does not real me in. Every book leaves me not wanting to put it down and this one was no exception. The steamy Mafia romance prequel was short but still amazing. Great intro to a new series that I cannot wait to read more. Hope the next book comes soon because I do not like waiting and this one leaves you ready for more!

[Jordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I can't wait for the next book!! I need to know what happens next!!!!

[Morgan Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read into the mafia world, and 🥵🥵🥵! Monique has done it again! I'm obsessed with the story, the chemistry between the MC's, and I'm so anxious for the rest of the series to debut!

[Elizabeth Giordano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read a new series from this author. I am now impatiently waiting for the next book in this series. I loved the male character in the book and a glimpse of the other characters was a great way to start this series. I liked the dark nature of the book as well and it was very spicy!!!!

[Casey Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨

“Time to go burn the world down for you, beautiful” -Drake Reign

I love that this is from multiple POVs but mostly from Drake, you get to really understand the story and grow a soft spot for him too.
It has a great story line with plenty of spice 🌶️
CiCi is a strong female who isn’t afraid to help her man. There connection is so sweet, she likes to tease him.

I was hooked and I am very excited to see what comes next!

[Ellie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake 🥵 this man holy hell. He’s possessive, obsessive and he ain’t playing when it comes to Cici.

I love this prequel novella. It gives you insight into why Drake does what he does, why he is who he is and his love story with Cici. I absolutely loved all the side characters in Drake’s story.

Drake is a man possessed and he will do anything and everything to keep Cici safe once she worms her way into his heart. They are a power couple and I just love their journey is this little novella. I cannot wait for more in this world because I just know it’s going to be so good!

[Nicole Zarut · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Oh Lord! Monique never disappointments me, everything she writes I need to read. This books was a new one for her in her genre and let me tell you, she didn’t let me down, honestly she can write anything she wants at this point and she will succeed!
 
This is a very short novella, that follows CiCi & Drake, two opposites but not so much people that have suffer a loss in their life and are looking for revenge. Drake’s is one of the most notorious mafia king and everyone knows him as the “Dragon” when he was younger he witness something that will change the curse of things for him and he didn’t stop until he find out more, BUT that’s when he meets HER, after all this years there she was, also looking for him for more answers in the death of her parents. They both wanted to find the responsible person, specially him. CiCi has been in his mind for the last 13 years. Their chemistry is H O T and Drakes mouth is to die for. Ms. CiCi herself is a firecracker and let me tell you, she doesn’t let anyone walk over her. Just an amazing, short great novella that will have you curling your toes!

Can’t wait until Monique gives us more on this world!

[BasicBookBtch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me ma’am!!! That was not enough!!! I need so much more Drake and Cici!!! They were too hot for their own good and it felt like a tease! My girl over here testing out these dark romance waters and I’m👏🏻here👏🏻for👏🏻it👏🏻!

Drake is the not so villain we of course will all fall in love with. He does bad things, but to bad people so that makes it okay. No red flags here!

Cici is just trying to figure out who killed her parents. And it’s obviously she’s the female version of Drake. They were beyond made for each other.

Shado! Wow do I ever need to know more about him. What is he hiding?!?! Thankfully I don’t think we’ll have to wait that long to find out.

It’s a fast moving spicy story that will leave you wanting so much more. I thought the fast forward was PERFECT! But still….I. WANT. MORE. 😂

❤️‍🔥 Vigilante MMC
❤️‍🔥 Mafia
❤️‍🔥 Touch her and ☠️
❤️‍🔥 Unaliving
❤️‍🔥 Secrets

“You should run from me. You’re the delicate princess, and I’m the fire-breathing dragon that will engulf your castle in flames.”

“If this is your attempt at scaring me away, you’re failing miserably, Mr. Dragon. I dance among the flames.”

“Time to go burn the world down for you, beautiful.”

[Kristina Schurmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a lot of the classic lines that I loved. The book had some of my favorite tropes. I liked the story line. I loved that it was a Dual POV and it had flashback scenes. I loved the strong female main character.  I believe it also sets up future stories nicely.

There were certains things that I could not just get passed. First, I struggled with the sentence structure. There were so many spots while I was reading that I had to keep rereading the sentence to have it make sense. Secondly, there were a number of times where the language was just repetitive. It would have the same small phrase in the same sentence and it threw it off for me. Third, there were a number of grammar and, for lack of a better term, plural issues. 

This one is probably a me thing but I felt like the sex scenes were not that hot. I kept wanting more and they fell flat for me.

I read a lot of Mafia books so I kept an open mind with how women are used in your book compared to others. It was rather refreshing even though it was different compared to other series. That is the beauty of the author's ability to think differently which was nice. 

[Amanda Stromsness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical novella! It is fast-paced and packed with detail, with brilliant imagery, and the man with the dragon tattoo will steal your heart. Draco’s name is incredibly fitting for his alter ego, known as “The Dragon.” As you get to know CiCi, you will fall in love with her tenacity, fire, and the punches she isn’t afraid to throw. Drake and CiCi are an unmatched power couple, and their banter is unparalleled.

This is a great book to immerse you in the mafia world! It is easy to follow, and the key characters and elite leaders are easy to track. The story is rich with creativity and detail, particularly in explaining why Draco is set on taking down the elite. The flashbacks to Draco and his father, and their dealings on the docks, will keep you on the edge of your seat, yearning for retribution for an entire city.

Oh, and just wait until you learn about the secret password. This book has spice, action, passion, friendship, and a very protective MMC. You will be left wanting more of these characters—especially CiCi and her whirlwind of personality.

[Mickayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was soo good. I loved that banter between CeCe and Miranda, how CeCe isn't afraid to stick up for herself when it comes to Drake. I really enjoyed how Drake tried to stop what he father was doing, how he tried to avenge the innocent lives that were taken. For someone who keeps saying he's not a good man, sure seems to be a good man, in a messed up kind of way, but I loved it. Shado is quite the character too. He's like the annoying little brother that like to poke fun at you. I just love a sassy FMC and a possessive "bad boy" mafia man, mix those together and it's a great combination in my books. But also add "I'll burn the world for you"? Hot diggy. I'm looking forward to what the rest of the series has to hold.

[neus.dreamybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a short prequel but we get the base for the next books in the series without a hole plot with action and spicy scenes.

Monique gets to explain us the background of her characters well in this story so it doesn't seem fast or really short.

Drake has been a billionaire mobster by day and Draco/the Dragon, a vigilante by night the last 13 years. So to keep his secret night activities a secret he is a loner until CiCi or maybe Shado, who will be his partner in crime, arrive to his life.

I loved how feisty Cici is and how she and Shado get Drake/Draco to open himself to love and to friendship.

I'm really excited to read Shado story next and how this new dark mafia series continues.

- ARC review -

[Vianca (Vee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love mafia vigilante stories they are best especially when the morally grey mmc is doing all he can to protect the city he loves. I like the twisted perception that unaliving the men who wish to do harm to innocents is the road to peace. It’s crazy when you think about the irony of the story lol but it really makes for a good story. This story is on the shorter side but it’s packed with a lot of action, great world building, amazing characters and what’s seems to be an underlying plot that will probably run throughout the series. I enjoy books as such because each individual book is good but the overall curiosity of trying to solve the bigger issue throughout keeps the readers invested. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series!

[Matthew Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake is out each night to protect the city from mafia elements , to get revenge for an attack on the city thirteen years ago , hes kept a watch on one of the survivors ever since , while scoping a bar one night the woman hes been watching decides to wait on him .
CiCi , is on her first night as a waitress , and shes been dared by the others to go serve the quiet guy in the shadows, she has no idea of the events that are about to unfold
this short book feels like a novel , its exciting , dark , hot and full of action , i was hooked the whole way through , im looking forward to the next book !

[KyrieMacReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a wonderful thank you to Monique for letting me read her prequel novella.

Flames of Ruin is definitely an intro to a world where bad guys rule the streets, and vigilantes save the people. Not quite Batman, but somewhat similar (Our MMC has NO QUALMS about using guns). Drake works through the nights to ride his town of bad guys from years past to atone for not stopping a tragedy while moonlighting as a CEO.

I did appreciate the comic relief to his stoicism in other characters that were introduced. It's very well written and the spice was pretty good. It's a great opening to a series..

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a novella feels like a full-length novel, you know it's going to be GOOD.

Monique was a highly recommended indie author to me and I'm so glad I took a chance on reading Flames of Ruin by her. For a novella, she literally blew my whole mind. I absolutely loved the way she wrote the story, not many authors can pull off making a novella feel full of depth, but she did. I'm a sucker for a good blurb and it was one that really captivated my attention. Great storyline, plot and a great sneak peek into what's to come with the Rebirth and Resurrection series. I can not wait to see where she takes this, and will be reading every single book in it!

[Shere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favourite quote of this book

“I will burn the world down for you CiCi” pressing my lips quickly against his, I giggle “ you are my fire- breathing dragon after all”

Once you read this book it will all make sense!! I loved how the characters built their relationships . The spice was *chefs kiss* who doesn’t love an mmc looking for redemption with a dark side. With a mfc that will tell you where to go and how to get there.

This will keep you turning pages and counting down for the next release date in the series.

[Roisin Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flames of Ruin Review
Monique Shepherd

Rating 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 4🌶🌶🌶🌶

This is a prequel novella as well as being Monique’s first dark romance. It is a fantastic intro to her next series that I personally and looking forward to reading.

This prequel is not your typical novella, as it is action packed and full of detail. The book pulls you in and keeps you gripped from start to finish.

I highly Recommend this book and can't wait for the series to come out. As always with dark romance please check trigger warnings.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flames Of Ruin is the prequel to the Rebirth And Resurrection series and brings us a cast of characters that'll keep us intrigued for quite some time and a storyline that keeps it's readers on the edge of our seats. Drake, CiCi, Shado and Miranda as well as the secondary characters are fantastic. This exciting, fast paced story is full of danger, drama, action and definitely didn't fall short with steamy moments. I can't wait to see where this series goes!

[Sierrarayaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a prequel like this, I know this series is about to be FIRE 🔥

This was a first reading a mafia, darker romance book. I didn’t know what to expect. Monique did AMAZING. She grabbed us by the throat.. haha
Great spice 🌶️ and great plot!
I can’t believe she got a good backstory, such wonderful character development, a spicy romance, and a thorough plot in such a short book. I’m sooo excited to see what’s next!

[SandsBookBarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

GO READ THIS BOOK NOW💯💯💯

This book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥‼️
The characters and passion between the pages are on point. The is my first book by this author and she has one hell of an imagination. In order for me to enjoy a book , I need to imagine everything in my head and this author has an amazing imagination. I was sweating 💦 💦 {if you know, you know} 😉 if you want to get h*rny, read it asap👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is a dark mafia 💦 romance 📚 My first of a bad boyhero💓🤟🏻👏🏻

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 💓 this book. I couldn't put it down. 💓 this dark romance. 💓 Drake and CiCi. This book is a prequel novella. This book will not Disappoint you.
This book has Dark romance, short, very interesting book, mafia, kidnapping, gun Violence, fast paced, she an Bad@$$, stubborn, mysterious, Dragon, wonderful characters, unpredictable entertaining and so much more. I want more, of this couple. Can't Wait, for the next book.

[Jennifer W. G. Hitchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!! This book gets you hooked RIGHT AWAY! It is a very quick read; the author writing style is amazing. She can turn a scene quickly into spicy and then action the action. Truly love this author! The book is mafia, but revenge mafia. The main female character is cute. The book is short so not a ton of character development across the board. But it doesn’t take away from the story line. She gives you just enough about each main character to want more. I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Noemi Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book i have read by this author, and i was very impressed. i was drawn to it from the very start, starting with the dedication. Dragon witnessed injustice and the look of a girl whose parents were the victim of the injustice. He has haunted him for 13 years until he finds her and helps her all while compromising his secret identity. I devoted this prequel and patiently waiting for the next book.

[Brittany Azari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been much into books with a mafia based storyline but Monique has changed that completely! This book has just the right amount of action coupled with some very spicy spiciness that makes for a great read. Drake is the dark and broody man of any romance readers dreams and Cici is the best complement to him. With this book being the prequel to the rest of the series (Rebirth and Resurrection), I have been left wanting and begging for more and can’t wait for what’s to come!

[Kacie Catlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is FIRE!!! Intriguing, captivating, fast-paced storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end, then will have you pining for more! Intense and drama filled is an understatement! Monique drew me in hook, line and sinker! Drake and CiCi are the definition of THE power couple and the spice in this book is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!!! HOT, HOT, HOT on all levels!!! Grab your copy NOW!!!