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๐•ฏ๐–—๐–†๐–ˆ๐–” - ๐•บ๐–‘๐–‰ ๐•ฐ๐–“๐–Œ๐–‘๐–Ž๐–˜๐– ๐–‹๐–”๐–— ๐•ฏ๐–—๐–†๐–Œ๐–”๐–“

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 couldnโ€™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.

171 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2024

13 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Monique Shepherd

7ย books161ย followers

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5 stars
76 (71%)
4 stars
26 (24%)
3 stars
3 (2%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
433 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2024
This book is described as a prequel novella, but it certainly feels like a full book. Itโ€™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 isnโ€™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 itโ€™s not too extreme. I donโ€™t read a ton of really dark romances, and I found this book to be a great read and didnโ€™t struggle with the darkness at all, so I think itโ€™s very accessible to those who donโ€™t typically read dark books.

Spice Level: ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ

Key Tropes & Triggers:
๐Ÿ›Ÿ Protective MMC
โ˜ ๏ธ Hurt Her and Die
๐Ÿฅท Vigilante MMC
๐Ÿšฌ Mafia
๐Ÿ’€ Unaliving
โ›“๏ธ Kidnapping
๐Ÿ”ซ Gun Violence
Profile Image for Karina Serrano.
225 reviews26 followers
May 17, 2024
Okay..

I already knew I was going to love this book.
I absolutely love Moniqueโ€™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 wasnโ€™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 wasnโ€™t scared of anything, and trusted Drake 100%.
Shadow heโ€™s so mysterious & I canโ€™t wait to see what happens with him in book two!!
Profile Image for Spicy BookNook Reviews.
346 reviews58 followers
May 11, 2024
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 ๐Ÿซ  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 ๐Ÿคฃ
Profile Image for Meka 🌸.
233 reviews42 followers
June 2, 2024
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 canโ€™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 thatโ€™s sure to be a hit!

Overall

โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ/5
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ/5
3 reviews
May 25, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Jordon.
36 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2024
AMAZING!!! I can't wait for the next book!! I need to know what happens next!!!!
Profile Image for Morgan Haynes.
5 reviews
May 25, 2024
This is my first read into the mafia world, and ๐Ÿฅต๐Ÿฅต๐Ÿฅต! 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!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Giordano.
32 reviews
May 21, 2024
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!!!!
Profile Image for Casey Turner.
18 reviews
May 8, 2024
ARC Review โœจ

โ€œTime to go burn the world down for you, beautifulโ€ -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 ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ
CiCi is a strong female who isnโ€™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!
Profile Image for Ellie Rae.
219 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2024
Drake ๐Ÿฅต this man holy hell. Heโ€™s possessive, obsessive and he ainโ€™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 Drakeโ€™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 itโ€™s going to be so good!
Profile Image for Nicole Zarut.
134 reviews9 followers
May 12, 2024

โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ.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 didnโ€™t let me down, honestly she can write anything she wants at this point and she will succeed!
ย 
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. Drakeโ€™s is one of the most notorious mafia king and everyone knows him as the โ€œDragonโ€ when he was younger he witness something that will change the curse of things for him and he didnโ€™t stop until he find out more, BUT thatโ€™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 doesnโ€™t let anyone walk over her. Just an amazing, short great novella that will have you curling your toes!

Canโ€™t wait until Monique gives us more on this world!
Profile Image for BasicBookBtch.
266 reviews12 followers
May 13, 2024
Excuse me maโ€™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 Iโ€™m๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿปhere๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿปfor๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿปit๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป!

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 itโ€™s obviously sheโ€™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 donโ€™t think weโ€™ll have to wait that long to find out.

Itโ€™s a fast moving spicy story that will leave you wanting so much more. I thought the fast forward was PERFECT! But stillโ€ฆ.I. WANT. MORE. ๐Ÿ˜‚

โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ Vigilante MMC
โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ Mafia
โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ Touch her and โ˜ ๏ธ
โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ Unaliving
โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ Secrets

โ€œYou should run from me. Youโ€™re the delicate princess, and Iโ€™m the fire-breathing dragon that will engulf your castle in flames.โ€

โ€œIf this is your attempt at scaring me away, youโ€™re failing miserably, Mr. Dragon. I dance among the flames.โ€

โ€œTime to go burn the world down for you, beautiful.โ€
Profile Image for Kristina Schurmann.
578 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2024
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.ย  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 sentenceย 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.ย 

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.ย 
Profile Image for Amanda Stromsness.
8 reviews
June 23, 2024
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. Dracoโ€™s name is incredibly fitting for his alter ego, known as โ€œThe Dragon.โ€ As you get to know CiCi, you will fall in love with her tenacity, fire, and the punches she isnโ€™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 charactersโ€”especially CiCi and her whirlwind of personality.
Profile Image for Mickayla Fiske.
7 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for neus.dreamybooks.
352 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2024
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 -
Profile Image for Vianca (Vee).
290 reviews
June 23, 2024
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. Itโ€™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 itโ€™s packed with a lot of action, great world building, amazing characters and whatโ€™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!
Profile Image for Matthew Cross.
422 reviews39 followers
May 17, 2024
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 !
Profile Image for KyrieMacReads.
166 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2024
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..
Profile Image for Tishana Wright.
526 reviews45 followers
May 28, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Shere.
247 reviews11 followers
May 12, 2024
Favourite quote of this book

โ€œI will burn the world down for you CiCiโ€ pressing my lips quickly against his, I giggle โ€œ you are my fire- breathing dragon after allโ€

Once you read this book it will all make sense!! I loved how the characters built their relationships . The spice was *chefs kiss* who doesnโ€™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.
Profile Image for Roisin Robbins.
264 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2024
Flames of Ruin Review
Monique Shepherd

Rating 5โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Spice 4๐ŸŒถ๐ŸŒถ๐ŸŒถ๐ŸŒถ

This is a prequel novella as well as being Moniqueโ€™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.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,317 reviews73 followers
May 7, 2024
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!
Profile Image for Sierrarayaa.
4 reviews
May 12, 2024
With a prequel like this, I know this series is about to be FIRE ๐Ÿ”ฅ

This was a first reading a mafia, darker romance book. I didnโ€™t know what to expect. Monique did AMAZING. She grabbed us by the throat.. haha
Great spice ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ and great plot!
I canโ€™t believe she got a good backstory, such wonderful character development, a spicy romance, and a thorough plot in such a short book. Iโ€™m sooo excited to see whatโ€™s next!
Profile Image for SandsBookBarn .
9 reviews
May 25, 2024
GO READ THIS BOOK NOW๐Ÿ’ฏ๐Ÿ’ฏ๐Ÿ’ฏ

This book is ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅโ€ผ๏ธ
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 ๐Ÿ’ฆ ๐Ÿ’ฆ {if you know, you know} ๐Ÿ˜‰ if you want to get h*rny, read it asap๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป
This is a dark mafia ๐Ÿ’ฆ romance ๐Ÿ“š My first of a bad boyhero๐Ÿ’“๐ŸคŸ๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป
Profile Image for Rose Helg.
2,899 reviews27 followers
May 28, 2024
I ๐Ÿ’“ this book. I couldn't put it down. ๐Ÿ’“ this dark romance. ๐Ÿ’“ 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.
Profile Image for Jennifer W. G. Hitchings.
92 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2024
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 doesnโ€™t take away from the story line. She gives you just enough about each main character to want more. I canโ€™t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Noemi Dominguez.
173 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2024
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.
4 reviews
May 29, 2024
Iโ€™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 canโ€™t wait for whatโ€™s to come!
Profile Image for Kacie Catlett.
6 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2024
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 ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ!!! HOT, HOT, HOT on all levels!!! Grab your copy NOW!!!
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