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Mafia Kingdom #1
Light My Fire: A Mafia Kingdom Novel
He saved me from war.Fed me when I was in too much pain to eat.
Smuggled me and my family into America when it became too dangerous to stay.
But, Nico didn’t flee with us.While I began elementary school in the United States, he was building the greatest and toughest Mafia of the century.
The Mafia Shqiptare.
Nico is now King of all underground trades.
Sexy. Aggressive. Brilliant.
After years of nothing but silence, he’s back in my life,
Ready to do whatever it takes to bring me into his universe.
He isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.
Smuggled me and my family into America when it became too dangerous to stay.
But, Nico didn’t flee with us.While I began elementary school in the United States, he was building the greatest and toughest Mafia of the century.
The Mafia Shqiptare.
Nico is now King of all underground trades.
Sexy. Aggressive. Brilliant.
After years of nothing but silence, he’s back in my life,
Ready to do whatever it takes to bring me into his universe.
He isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.
Audio CD
First published September 30, 2019
1587 people are currently reading
2404 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ruben
21 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 323 reviews
January 5, 2024
Loved this mafia romance!!! Jessica ruben is a fabulous writer and these characters were awesome. Elira and nico were soul mates from the beginning at first nico who was just a kid when elira was born cared for her as if she was a little sister always looking out for her,but when her father who is leader of the Kosovo liberation Army is killed by the serbs nico helps elira and her mother and brother escape to american. For years she doesn't hear from nico,but when her brother gets in trouble with some very dangerous people nico knows this is his chance to bring elira back to him. He has always been in the background watching and waiting for elira to become a woman and now fate has stepped in and he is ready to make her his queen. When he has elira kidnapped and brought to him all hell breaks loose. He will help her brother but he wants her to pretend to be his wife so he can make better connections,but it's just a cover because nico wants her not only in his life but I'm his bed as well. When I first saw this cover and read the teaser blurb I knew I wanted to read this book!!! Nico is a dark ruthlessly dangerous dude,but with elira he's different and the chemistry between these two is kindle melting!! I loved their banter and their both very strong personalities neither backing down. The build up is slow but full of raw sensual moments that have you begging for more!!! I can't wait to read more from this series!!! Jessica promised more from this mafia world and I'm all in!!! Until next time Luv's 💋💞
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January 7, 2020Dnf @22%
The heroine is 10 years old at the start of the book, the hero is 18. I can't get that icky fact out of my head, plus the time jumps from 1998 to present day which I was assuming should be 2019 but is in fact only 10 years later.
At the time of dnf, the heroine still hasn't reconnected with the man she loved as a child, but is flirting with some greasy rocker she met at a frat party. Lots of things are not gelling for me so I am going to quit.
Would not recommend.
The heroine is 10 years old at the start of the book, the hero is 18. I can't get that icky fact out of my head, plus the time jumps from 1998 to present day which I was assuming should be 2019 but is in fact only 10 years later.
At the time of dnf, the heroine still hasn't reconnected with the man she loved as a child, but is flirting with some greasy rocker she met at a frat party. Lots of things are not gelling for me so I am going to quit.
Would not recommend.
October 2, 2019
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Wordsmith Publicity)
-“A rose is afraid to open its petals until light coaxes it open.”
Elira Berisha is a 21 yr. old college student studying finance in her fourth year at Green University. She moved to Pennsylvania when her family fled to America to escape a war, and have a chance at survival and peace. Now she’s a townie in Tobeho working to make ends meet and have the future she wants. Her life is thrown into chaos when she collides with a man from her past that she hasn’t seen in years.
Nico Shihu is suddenly back in her life, and she’s thrust into his universe. He was once her rock, and her protector. He was everything to her, and as a young girl she’d idolized him. He was her hero who gave her comfort, warmth, and safety. They shared a special friendship, and she’d believed he was her destiny. She was a child when she knew him, but to this day there were still parts of her heart only he knew. He always had a soft spot for her, but he’s no longer the eighteen year old boy she was so attached to. Now he’s a dark, powerful, respected Mafia boss in New York. She doesn’t want to get wrapped up in his dangerous life, but she can’t resist the undeniable connection that’s still between them.
-“You will always be safe. I swear it. And my oath is my bond, Elira.”
-Nico is dark. He’s also written into my history. Changed the course of my life.
-He’s dangerous, chiseled, and raw. He is physically everything a man should be. Tall, broad, and lethal.
-He’s everything I know in my heart he still is despite the fact that I haven’t seen him in years.
Light My Fire (A Sex Rock Mafia Novel) by Jessica Ruben is a captivating romance about love, loyalty, honor, family, and deep lasting bonds. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t get enough of the intense, demanding, delicious Nico. I look forward to reading more by this fabulous author!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2nokxnQ
(ARC provided by Wordsmith Publicity)
-“A rose is afraid to open its petals until light coaxes it open.”
Elira Berisha is a 21 yr. old college student studying finance in her fourth year at Green University. She moved to Pennsylvania when her family fled to America to escape a war, and have a chance at survival and peace. Now she’s a townie in Tobeho working to make ends meet and have the future she wants. Her life is thrown into chaos when she collides with a man from her past that she hasn’t seen in years.
Nico Shihu is suddenly back in her life, and she’s thrust into his universe. He was once her rock, and her protector. He was everything to her, and as a young girl she’d idolized him. He was her hero who gave her comfort, warmth, and safety. They shared a special friendship, and she’d believed he was her destiny. She was a child when she knew him, but to this day there were still parts of her heart only he knew. He always had a soft spot for her, but he’s no longer the eighteen year old boy she was so attached to. Now he’s a dark, powerful, respected Mafia boss in New York. She doesn’t want to get wrapped up in his dangerous life, but she can’t resist the undeniable connection that’s still between them.
-“You will always be safe. I swear it. And my oath is my bond, Elira.”
-Nico is dark. He’s also written into my history. Changed the course of my life.
-He’s dangerous, chiseled, and raw. He is physically everything a man should be. Tall, broad, and lethal.
-He’s everything I know in my heart he still is despite the fact that I haven’t seen him in years.
Light My Fire (A Sex Rock Mafia Novel) by Jessica Ruben is a captivating romance about love, loyalty, honor, family, and deep lasting bonds. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t get enough of the intense, demanding, delicious Nico. I look forward to reading more by this fabulous author!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2nokxnQ
June 10, 2022
I read 1 book from Miss Ruben. I remember I enjoyed it very much so I picked up Light My Fire. Now, I am bit disappointed with it.
The whole story is focusing on the heroine. All of the POV and inner dialog is from the heroine. And fo the hero, Nico, he only showed up in the middle of the book. His interaction with the heroine is more telling than showing. Nico also barely speaks or have meaningful conversation with the heroine.
Due to lack of Nico presence in the story, I sort of disappointed with Light My Fire.
3 stars
The whole story is focusing on the heroine. All of the POV and inner dialog is from the heroine. And fo the hero, Nico, he only showed up in the middle of the book. His interaction with the heroine is more telling than showing. Nico also barely speaks or have meaningful conversation with the heroine.
Due to lack of Nico presence in the story, I sort of disappointed with Light My Fire.
3 stars
September 25, 2019
Title: Light My Fire (Sex. Rock. Mafia #1)
Author: Jessica Ruben
After reading Jessica Ruben's Vincent and Eve series, I was excited to read Light My Fire.
Nico and Elira's story in Light My Fire sounded like it was going to be an epic one.
I have read my fair share of mafia romances so I'd like to believe I know what to expect when I am reading a mafia romance.
When I read a mafia romance, I want aggression, I want amazing chemistry between characters , I want suspense and most of all I want it to be dangerous!
When I started reading Light My Fire, the first few chapters had me..It was intense, suspenseful , scary, emotional and the danger in the air was addictive. After that, it lost me. I was constantly waiting for something to happen...I wanted the lust, the danger.
The action part of the story that took place towards the end wasn't all that exciting which really bummed me out because initially I was like "YES! FINALLY!!! "
Overall, Light My Fire was a disappointment for me having really enjoyed Jessica Ruben's previous book.
For an excerpt, click link below:
https://sentrancedjem.wordpress.com/2...
October 1, 2019
Let me just start with i was super excited about this book once i knew it was coming so let’s see what happens! But so far Jessica has never let me down with any of her books... diving in now!
Okay as soon as this book started i was completely sucked in because lets be real.. talk about the mafia always gets me going 😂 oooo I definitely found this being about Albanians interesting instead of the regular italian/russian/american mafia scenes i usually read about. Color me intrigued further!
I actually love how this book is going! Once it really gets started Elira is attending college and trying to find her way even though she’s struggling and her brother doesn’t make anything better.
Am i bad for inside my head going... where is Nico? Lol I’m totally being impatient here but i just can’t wait to meet him again!!
Eeekkk holy shittttt!!! I just caught the Vincent reference! Totally not related but Vincent is my MINE!
God damnit *enter Nico* holy helllll alpha on point! Y’all Nico is hot as hell! I feel like i should be doing some digging into the Albanian mafia 🤣
Elira definitely has sass and is definitely sarcastic as hell which I’m totally digging! One of my fave lines that had me bursting with laughter 👇🏼
“He looks freaking amazing, and i look exhausted, as though i was stolen and drugged. Oh yeah, i was actually stolen and drugged” 🤣
Seriously the chemistry between Elira and Nico is off the charts!
Omg wow! I’m absolutely in love with this book! Seriously it completely sucked me in! Gahh Nico is everything! You guys definitely have to start this series! I cannot wait for the second book!! This is definitely a 5 ⭐️ read and i highly recommend it!
Okay as soon as this book started i was completely sucked in because lets be real.. talk about the mafia always gets me going 😂 oooo I definitely found this being about Albanians interesting instead of the regular italian/russian/american mafia scenes i usually read about. Color me intrigued further!
I actually love how this book is going! Once it really gets started Elira is attending college and trying to find her way even though she’s struggling and her brother doesn’t make anything better.
Am i bad for inside my head going... where is Nico? Lol I’m totally being impatient here but i just can’t wait to meet him again!!
Eeekkk holy shittttt!!! I just caught the Vincent reference! Totally not related but Vincent is my MINE!
God damnit *enter Nico* holy helllll alpha on point! Y’all Nico is hot as hell! I feel like i should be doing some digging into the Albanian mafia 🤣
Elira definitely has sass and is definitely sarcastic as hell which I’m totally digging! One of my fave lines that had me bursting with laughter 👇🏼
“He looks freaking amazing, and i look exhausted, as though i was stolen and drugged. Oh yeah, i was actually stolen and drugged” 🤣
Seriously the chemistry between Elira and Nico is off the charts!
Omg wow! I’m absolutely in love with this book! Seriously it completely sucked me in! Gahh Nico is everything! You guys definitely have to start this series! I cannot wait for the second book!! This is definitely a 5 ⭐️ read and i highly recommend it!
September 16, 2019
Jessica Ruben has just delivered a deliciously dark mafia romance.
I will admit it took me a little while to get into Light my fire, I think this was because there was so much information packed into the start of the story and I just wanted it to move a bit quicker.
Light my fire was interesting, addictive and full of Alpha goodness with Nico.
If you love a dark mafia read then check out Light my Fire!
I will admit it took me a little while to get into Light my fire, I think this was because there was so much information packed into the start of the story and I just wanted it to move a bit quicker.
Light my fire was interesting, addictive and full of Alpha goodness with Nico.
If you love a dark mafia read then check out Light my Fire!
August 31, 2020
4.5 STARS
‘A hollowness seeps into my chest. The things I’ve seen and done have chipped parts of my psyche. I might have been a child in Kosovo, but I saw and remember enough that it continues to have an impact on my life.’
Light My Fire by Jessica Ruben had everything we love in a mafia romance. It was gritty, dark and bold. It was passionate and enticing. It also highlighted the realities of war and oppression, family, love and loyalty. It highlighted the work of freedom fighters. It was brilliantly written and had that ultimate suave bad arse mafia boss we love so much, as well as a sweet but feisty heroine! The way in which this slow burn romance was written was on point. Especially to be able to build the foundation of love in childhood, which can so easily go wrong. Jessica Ruben managed to build a connection so early on which grows and matures naturally. We fell in love with falling in love.
‘Nico left to Albania after Kosovo was freed. Using his connections from the Kosovo Liberation army, he grew the Albanian Mafia, also known as the Mafia Shqiptare.’
We also loved the fact this Author highlighted a nation’s history, a history which some people have never been taught in school. A history, which is so important to learn from, because it is the only step towards avoiding repetition and being aware of the horrific plights of countries and people, other than our own. To include politics, religion and the atrocities of history in romance is a daring move which we both admire and applaud. Education in fiction, whilst falling in love.
‘He isn’t beautiful or handsome. Nico is too rugged to be described with those words. He’s dangerous, chiselled and raw. He is physically everything a man should be. Tall, broad, and lethal.’
Light My Fire begins in a war-torn country with a family in peril – torn apart, and a band of freedom fighters, the Kosovo Liberation Army, led by the young, Nico. The story then takes us to the US, years later. Elira has loved her protector, her friend and her ‘hero’, Nico since forever. He may be a ruthless and aggressive Mafia Boss now, involved in illegal activities but he will always be her Nico. In the same vein, Elvira will always be the one woman who lives in Nico’s heart. Their story and romance certainly isn’t an easy journey, with all the twists and obstacles. However, it is so worth it and beautiful!
“You were a child when I knew you, but you’re a woman now. Men like me don’t play silly games. What I want, I take. What I hate, I kill. And what’s mine, I protect.”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
August 8, 2020
*ARC generously provided by author*
I’m struggling with this review...I was really looking forward to Light My Fire because I absolutely loved Vincent and Eve series..one of my favorite Mafia romances but Light My Fire fell short for me. I really liked the liked the direction and the idea of this story...a girl fleeing her country because of war and then years later being reunited with the man that helped her and finding out he is the powerful head of the Albanian Mafia. I felt like this story was very slow with not much happening. Considering the history that Nico and Elira had I felt no connection and chemistry between them. This was supposed to be a Mafia romance but for me it was lacking in both areas. I hate that I couldn’t get into Light My Fire but I guess that happens from time to time..sigh!!!
I’m struggling with this review...I was really looking forward to Light My Fire because I absolutely loved Vincent and Eve series..one of my favorite Mafia romances but Light My Fire fell short for me. I really liked the liked the direction and the idea of this story...a girl fleeing her country because of war and then years later being reunited with the man that helped her and finding out he is the powerful head of the Albanian Mafia. I felt like this story was very slow with not much happening. Considering the history that Nico and Elira had I felt no connection and chemistry between them. This was supposed to be a Mafia romance but for me it was lacking in both areas. I hate that I couldn’t get into Light My Fire but I guess that happens from time to time..sigh!!!
October 16, 2019
“What I want, I take. What I hate, I kill. And what’s mine, I protect.”
I do love Jessica Ruben's mafia men and while for me, this book started with oodles of promise, it fell a little flat for me at the end. I felt the ending was rushed, and I was struggling to really feel the chemistry between our hero and heroine. Considering all the history they had, I felt that this was a foregone conclusion. It seemed everyone else in the book could feel it, except the reader. However, the story was great, I loved the touches about their history and how they escaped the life they were born into, even if they ended up doing the same thing all over again, just in a different country.
“You loved me for reasons no one else did. I was addicted to it. Needed that love like I needed my next breath.”
September 17, 2019
Light My Fire is an incredible read! It's unique, and honest, deep, and soulful. Light My Fire gives you the steamy romance you crave, while delivering a story rich with culture and history.
Light My Fire is everything you didn't know you wanted, packed into the same book. Simply put, its unlike any other book you've read. Just hand over your heart now, because I promise you'll fall in love with Jessica Ruben's next release.
You need Light My Fire on your TBR shelf NOW! It gets all the stars, gives all the feels, and leaves you with a book hangover you won't forget!
Light My Fire is everything you didn't know you wanted, packed into the same book. Simply put, its unlike any other book you've read. Just hand over your heart now, because I promise you'll fall in love with Jessica Ruben's next release.
You need Light My Fire on your TBR shelf NOW! It gets all the stars, gives all the feels, and leaves you with a book hangover you won't forget!
September 1, 2020
4.5 STARS
‘A hollowness seeps into my chest. The things I’ve seen and done have chipped parts of my psyche. I might have been a child in Kosovo, but I saw and remember enough that it continues to have an impact on my life.’
Light My Fire by Jessica Ruben had everything we love in a mafia romance. It was gritty, dark and bold. It was passionate and enticing. It also highlighted the realities of war and oppression, family, love and loyalty. It highlighted the work of freedom fighters. It was brilliantly written and had that ultimate suave bad arse mafia boss we love so much, as well as a sweet but feisty heroine! The way in which this slow burn romance was written was on point. Especially to be able to build the foundation of love in childhood, which can so easily go wrong. Jessica Ruben managed to build a connection so early on which grows and matures naturally. We fell in love with falling in love.
‘Nico left to Albania after Kosovo was freed. Using his connections from the Kosovo Liberation army, he grew the Albanian Mafia, also known as the Mafia Shqiptare.’
We also loved the fact this Author highlighted a nation’s history, a history which some people have never been taught in school. A history, which is so important to learn from, because it is the only step towards avoiding repetition and being aware of the horrific plights of countries and people, other than our own. To include politics, religion and the atrocities of history in romance is a daring move which we both admire and applaud. Education in fiction, whilst falling in love.
‘He isn’t beautiful or handsome. Nico is too rugged to be described with those words. He’s dangerous, chiselled and raw. He is physically everything a man should be. Tall, broad, and lethal.’
Light My Fire begins in a war-torn country with a family in peril – torn apart, and a band of freedom fighters, the Kosovo Liberation Army, led by the young, Nico. The story then takes us to the US, years later. Elira has loved her protector, her friend and her ‘hero’, Nico since forever. He may be a ruthless and aggressive Mafia Boss now, involved in illegal activities but he will always be her Nico. In the same vein, Elvira will always be the one woman who lives in Nico’s heart. Their story and romance certainly isn’t an easy journey, with all the twists and obstacles. However, it is so worth it and beautiful!
“You were a child when I knew you, but you’re a woman now. Men like me don’t play silly games. What I want, I take. What I hate, I kill. And what’s mine, I protect.”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
January 12, 2020
I liked the authors previous series, Eve and Vincent but this was a DNF for me.
They start off she's 10 and he's 18.
She thinks she's in love with him and although he doesn't cross the line as such he seems as if he's thinking when she's older "we'll see". It just felt ick.
As with this genre when they are in each others lives since youth and age gap, he is with others before her, she hears about it, though doesn't understand.
There this weird stuff with a rock singer, it just doesn't work.
Not for me.
They start off she's 10 and he's 18.
She thinks she's in love with him and although he doesn't cross the line as such he seems as if he's thinking when she's older "we'll see". It just felt ick.
As with this genre when they are in each others lives since youth and age gap, he is with others before her, she hears about it, though doesn't understand.
There this weird stuff with a rock singer, it just doesn't work.
Not for me.
November 20, 2021
I found the H not alpha enough or possessive of the h.
August 16, 2020
"And don't even try to run. This entire place is fortified. And even with all the security I've got, if you were to get away, I'd scour the ends of the earth to find you," he threatens.
I don’t know where to begin writing my review. I finished reading Light My Fire late last night, and I cannot find the correct words to describe how utterly amazing this book was. I could praise and love on it all day long to anyone with a pair of ears/eyes, but I just don’t feel like I can do the book justice.
Light My Fire has been my most anticipated read of the year, and Jessica Ruben totally smashed it!!
The book evoked every imaginable emotion known to man, there was a moment when I was lying in my bed sobbing, then in the next, feeling all hot under the collar from the intense chemistry that these characters stirred.
"Who do you belong to?" he asks.
"You," I whisper, a beg trailing behind my voice.
I love the bond that Nico and Elira have, the trust, the honesty, and the loyalty was what made their connection so strong and therefore unbreakable. The story just called to me on so many levels. I was there, I was completely engulfed in their entire affair, and I did not want to leave.
Just one of the many things I love about Jessica’s work, is that from the very first page, you are thrown right into the story. I need this. I have a very short attention span. If the book doesn’t grip me within the first two chapters, I do tend to switch off. I know I am not alone in this, so I’m hoping you can relate when I say how important it is for a book to capture my attention from the start. Jessica Ruben has accomplished this with all her work, which I am incredibly thankful for, as she has quickly become an insta-one click author for me. I don’t even have to read the blurbs any more, because I know it’s going to blow me away.
I could rattle on about how incredible Light My Fire is until the cows come home, and how desperate I am for the next instalments release, but I must wrap this review up. All I want to say is, you have to read this book. You HAVE to read this book. If you are a fan of the Vincent & Eve series, then you are going to love this. I didn't think it was possible, but I actually love this book more. It may have something to do with Nico...oh who am I kidding, it has EVERYTHING to do with Nico!! That man, oh my lord, he is just so intense. I love him.
Light My Fire is not the type of book that you buy and then let sit on your Kindle for half the year. It's the book you pre-order, refresh your Kindle continuously until it appears on the screen, then lock yourself away, and lose yourself within the pages of the greatest book you will read this year.
I don’t know where to begin writing my review. I finished reading Light My Fire late last night, and I cannot find the correct words to describe how utterly amazing this book was. I could praise and love on it all day long to anyone with a pair of ears/eyes, but I just don’t feel like I can do the book justice.
Light My Fire has been my most anticipated read of the year, and Jessica Ruben totally smashed it!!
The book evoked every imaginable emotion known to man, there was a moment when I was lying in my bed sobbing, then in the next, feeling all hot under the collar from the intense chemistry that these characters stirred.
"Who do you belong to?" he asks.
"You," I whisper, a beg trailing behind my voice.
I love the bond that Nico and Elira have, the trust, the honesty, and the loyalty was what made their connection so strong and therefore unbreakable. The story just called to me on so many levels. I was there, I was completely engulfed in their entire affair, and I did not want to leave.
Just one of the many things I love about Jessica’s work, is that from the very first page, you are thrown right into the story. I need this. I have a very short attention span. If the book doesn’t grip me within the first two chapters, I do tend to switch off. I know I am not alone in this, so I’m hoping you can relate when I say how important it is for a book to capture my attention from the start. Jessica Ruben has accomplished this with all her work, which I am incredibly thankful for, as she has quickly become an insta-one click author for me. I don’t even have to read the blurbs any more, because I know it’s going to blow me away.
I could rattle on about how incredible Light My Fire is until the cows come home, and how desperate I am for the next instalments release, but I must wrap this review up. All I want to say is, you have to read this book. You HAVE to read this book. If you are a fan of the Vincent & Eve series, then you are going to love this. I didn't think it was possible, but I actually love this book more. It may have something to do with Nico...oh who am I kidding, it has EVERYTHING to do with Nico!! That man, oh my lord, he is just so intense. I love him.
Light My Fire is not the type of book that you buy and then let sit on your Kindle for half the year. It's the book you pre-order, refresh your Kindle continuously until it appears on the screen, then lock yourself away, and lose yourself within the pages of the greatest book you will read this year.
September 12, 2019
Jessica Ruben rocked this book! I devoured the pages as she had me fully hooked and I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I got to the very end.
Nico and Elira had such an intense chemistry. Even years apart never wavered the love they had for eachother. Nico seriously made me swoon. And Elira was such a strong heroine.
Light My Fire slayed. This book will have you captivated. Everything about this book will have you so consumed. It was lit! I look forward to more from Jessica and this series. This is a must read!!
Nico and Elira had such an intense chemistry. Even years apart never wavered the love they had for eachother. Nico seriously made me swoon. And Elira was such a strong heroine.
Light My Fire slayed. This book will have you captivated. Everything about this book will have you so consumed. It was lit! I look forward to more from Jessica and this series. This is a must read!!
May 27, 2021
When I get all butt-hurt that the H didn't kidnap her SOONER, I know I have a problem. 😅 Did I like this book? Yeah. Will you like it? Maybe... This is an Albanian Mafia book with a college aged h... so I was intrigued. I've read this author's Vincent and Eve series, and really enjoyed it. I finished this one in an evening, despite it not really conforming to my very narrow personal preferences. 😏 That's saying something. 🤷
What I liked:
• innocent-ish college aged h - she's smart and strong - not a v*rg*n, but not into casual smexx either
• H is the head of the NYC Albanian mafia - he is J/p in his way, but not OTT - he does keep tabs on her and has her followed, and he does have some j/p moments
• the h and H had a connection when he worked for her family in Serbia, even though he's 7 years older than her.
• OM drama - she's got a promising dude on the hook when the H re-enters her life
• well-written, well-paced - no noticeable plot holes
• kept my attention - not too much mafia business
• 1 standalone book 🙌 I really think we should get back to making this a standard thing. Every story doesn't require 7 books to tell the tale. 👀🙄
• just h's POV - for me, this really adds to the tension. I like the H to be mystery. ❤️ IMO, it works well here, because the questions about his motives and what he's been doing during their separation are an important part of the story.
• there is a 1-sentence "discussion" of condoms, where he basically says he won't continue to wear one. He's not asking. 😉
What I didn't like:
• so he is j/p, but not in the way that is very satisfying TO ME. At one point, he says "When I'm with a woman, I have to be the only man in her life. I do not share." 👀 I mean? 🥴 Swoony?? 👀 Kinda?? 🤷♀️ I've seen this a lot in mafia books (looking at you, Cora Reilly 👀), where the H is j/p, but it seems to be motivated by his ego and reputation, and not by his exclusive obsession with the h. And, that's a problem for me. But, maybe it's not a problem for you...
• The H is keeping tabs on her for the decade they are apart... and she loses her v-card to some other loser. Not gonna lie. This really cut back on his alpha points for me. #allthesideeye 😒 I had the same question as her... WHY YOU WAIT SO LONG, BRO??? #inquiringmindswanttoknow 👀🧐
• no significant OW drama - he is not celibate during their separation, which was a plus for me, since it made sense in the story (she was 11 when they parted ways), but he's got lots of women around him, and it was never used to add any angst or drama of any significance. #imadramahoooaar
• I wanted the OM situation to cause a bit more drama as well... and it does, but I wanted I bigger scene than what we were given. 🤷♀️
• she's a bit overly independent for my tastes 😬🙈 #badfeminist - he's crazy rich, but she insists on living alone and working a job 🙄 #youdoyouboo
• this is a SLOOOOOWWW burn. They don't do the deed till 90% - there's a bit of messing around, but it's not much, one messing around scene is even a subtle FTB... I was all... "Wait one cotton-pickin' minute. 👀 Did she just gloss over him going down on her??? at EIGHY-FIVE PERCENT??? 😳 Holy Sh*t" --- now I know there are some masochistic degenerates out there who luuuuurve a slow burn... but I am not one of them. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Bottom Line? Despite it not really being my flavor, I can't fault the writing, and it did keep my attention. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️For the Safety Squad⚠️
• no cheating once they are reunited
• no sharing
• OW exist in this story, but beyond a little short-lived and quickly smoothed over self-consciousness and a twinge of jealousy, they are mostly just window dressing. The H doesn't pay them any mind.
• the h does witness a bj between the H and an OW at the beginning of the book, but the h doesn't know the identity of the man she is observing at that time. They haven't seen each other in a decade. - she's turned on, not upset.
• no dubcon or noncon
• no shex trafficking and very little gory mafia business
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
What I liked:
• innocent-ish college aged h - she's smart and strong - not a v*rg*n, but not into casual smexx either
• H is the head of the NYC Albanian mafia - he is J/p in his way, but not OTT - he does keep tabs on her and has her followed, and he does have some j/p moments
• the h and H had a connection when he worked for her family in Serbia, even though he's 7 years older than her.
• OM drama - she's got a promising dude on the hook when the H re-enters her life
• well-written, well-paced - no noticeable plot holes
• kept my attention - not too much mafia business
• 1 standalone book 🙌 I really think we should get back to making this a standard thing. Every story doesn't require 7 books to tell the tale. 👀🙄
• just h's POV - for me, this really adds to the tension. I like the H to be mystery. ❤️ IMO, it works well here, because the questions about his motives and what he's been doing during their separation are an important part of the story.
• there is a 1-sentence "discussion" of condoms, where he basically says he won't continue to wear one. He's not asking. 😉
What I didn't like:
• so he is j/p, but not in the way that is very satisfying TO ME. At one point, he says "When I'm with a woman, I have to be the only man in her life. I do not share." 👀 I mean? 🥴 Swoony?? 👀 Kinda?? 🤷♀️ I've seen this a lot in mafia books (looking at you, Cora Reilly 👀), where the H is j/p, but it seems to be motivated by his ego and reputation, and not by his exclusive obsession with the h. And, that's a problem for me. But, maybe it's not a problem for you...
• The H is keeping tabs on her for the decade they are apart... and she loses her v-card to some other loser. Not gonna lie. This really cut back on his alpha points for me. #allthesideeye 😒 I had the same question as her... WHY YOU WAIT SO LONG, BRO??? #inquiringmindswanttoknow 👀🧐
• no significant OW drama - he is not celibate during their separation, which was a plus for me, since it made sense in the story (she was 11 when they parted ways), but he's got lots of women around him, and it was never used to add any angst or drama of any significance. #imadramahoooaar
• I wanted the OM situation to cause a bit more drama as well... and it does, but I wanted I bigger scene than what we were given. 🤷♀️
• she's a bit overly independent for my tastes 😬🙈 #badfeminist - he's crazy rich, but she insists on living alone and working a job 🙄 #youdoyouboo
• this is a SLOOOOOWWW burn. They don't do the deed till 90% - there's a bit of messing around, but it's not much, one messing around scene is even a subtle FTB... I was all... "Wait one cotton-pickin' minute. 👀 Did she just gloss over him going down on her??? at EIGHY-FIVE PERCENT??? 😳 Holy Sh*t" --- now I know there are some masochistic degenerates out there who luuuuurve a slow burn... but I am not one of them. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Bottom Line? Despite it not really being my flavor, I can't fault the writing, and it did keep my attention. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️For the Safety Squad⚠️
• no cheating once they are reunited
• no sharing
• OW exist in this story, but beyond a little short-lived and quickly smoothed over self-consciousness and a twinge of jealousy, they are mostly just window dressing. The H doesn't pay them any mind.
• the h does witness a bj between the H and an OW at the beginning of the book, but the h doesn't know the identity of the man she is observing at that time. They haven't seen each other in a decade. - she's turned on, not upset.
• no dubcon or noncon
• no shex trafficking and very little gory mafia business
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
November 14, 2020
4+ stars !! 👏🏻🌟👏🏻🌟👏🏻🌟
Well as a mafia books addict, Jessica Ruben is a special author for me!
If you have read Vincent and Eve series (one of my favourites books!) you will understand why!
Her writing style is simply amazing and this one had hooked me from prologue!!
I loved the background story, between Nico and Elira! The love, the bond, the feelings that they shared was perfect!
But I wanted a little bit more, specially in the last chapters, that’s why I gave 4 and not 5 stars!!
If you like mafia romances then you must read this one certainly!!
Well as a mafia books addict, Jessica Ruben is a special author for me!
If you have read Vincent and Eve series (one of my favourites books!) you will understand why!
Her writing style is simply amazing and this one had hooked me from prologue!!
I loved the background story, between Nico and Elira! The love, the bond, the feelings that they shared was perfect!
But I wanted a little bit more, specially in the last chapters, that’s why I gave 4 and not 5 stars!!
If you like mafia romances then you must read this one certainly!!
October 6, 2019
As a huge fan of Jessica Rubens “Vincent & Eve” series, it was a no-brainer when it came to deciding whether to read this new book or not. Now I’m not usually a big mafia romance reader, there’s just something about it that doesn’t appeal to me, but Jessica really does do it so well.
LIGHT MY FIRE is intense, steamy and full of unexpected twists and turns. Nico and Elira have known each other for years and the chemistry that surrounds them is electric, and I became so invested in their story that I just didn’t want to stop reading.
Be warned, this is no light and fluffy romance, it makes for some hard reading at times, but it’s so worth it. Nico is dark and dangerous, and has quite possibly become my favourite of Jessica’s book heroes to date!
LIGHT MY FIRE is intense, steamy and full of unexpected twists and turns. Nico and Elira have known each other for years and the chemistry that surrounds them is electric, and I became so invested in their story that I just didn’t want to stop reading.
Be warned, this is no light and fluffy romance, it makes for some hard reading at times, but it’s so worth it. Nico is dark and dangerous, and has quite possibly become my favourite of Jessica’s book heroes to date!
November 26, 2019
3.5
Ok read. I just wasn’t feeling it. I just didn’t seem to connect with everyone and it seemed rushed but drawn out too. Don’t really know what to say about it
Ok read. I just wasn’t feeling it. I just didn’t seem to connect with everyone and it seemed rushed but drawn out too. Don’t really know what to say about it
September 11, 2019
Oh where to start with this one. Jessica Ruben from the gate has given us raw and gritty stories that are unique and in depth. Light My Fire does just that as she takes us down the rabbit hole of the Albanian mafia wrapped in the tragedy that occurred in Kosovo in the early 90s. Nico and Elira have been intertwined since the day she was born and even with years apart, you can feel that connection that these two have when they meet again years later. How these two just meld together just leaves you in a pile of swoon worthy goo. While Nico is not the kind of guy you would bring home to your parents, he is sin in a stick that you cannot help but love. Elira is a spitfire. Her sass and attitude had me giggling so much. Their banter was hilarious at times too. Even with everything thrown at them, they are fighting for each other.
While I will always love Vincent from Ruben's previous series, Nico has a solid place in my heart. How he cares and wants to help even though he is one of the most dangerous men in the world was so stunning. I loved the maturity of Elira as well. How she fights for who she loves even if they are being a jerk! I love the concept and the build of this story as it takes you on a wild ride. The attention to detail and the depth of the story will draw you in and you will never want to leave! Once again, an epic read from Jessica Ruben!
While I will always love Vincent from Ruben's previous series, Nico has a solid place in my heart. How he cares and wants to help even though he is one of the most dangerous men in the world was so stunning. I loved the maturity of Elira as well. How she fights for who she loves even if they are being a jerk! I love the concept and the build of this story as it takes you on a wild ride. The attention to detail and the depth of the story will draw you in and you will never want to leave! Once again, an epic read from Jessica Ruben!
October 1, 2019
This story had me intrigued from the first page.
It is action packed, complex and unexpected twists.
Nico is the mafia boss that knew Elira when she was young and before they moved to America. They reconnect and Nico needs her for business however both may want more. “So much of me was made by you.”
Jack is the rock star she meets in college. He isn’t like the difficult men she grew up with. He is artistic and kind.
Her mother and brother are very protective of her and harbor their own secrets and motives.
Will she fall for the dangerous alpha hole Nico That she has known since she was a young girl. Or decide a kind and Creative singer is best for her.
“I don’t want a love like that in my life that’s dangerous and crazy. I want a love like this one could be—beautiful and kind.”
I loved this mafia, rock star, engaging page turner by Jessica.
“when you love something deeply, it becomes woven in your fabric. Disrespecting that thing is like disrespecting yourself.”
It is action packed, complex and unexpected twists.
Nico is the mafia boss that knew Elira when she was young and before they moved to America. They reconnect and Nico needs her for business however both may want more. “So much of me was made by you.”
Jack is the rock star she meets in college. He isn’t like the difficult men she grew up with. He is artistic and kind.
Her mother and brother are very protective of her and harbor their own secrets and motives.
Will she fall for the dangerous alpha hole Nico That she has known since she was a young girl. Or decide a kind and Creative singer is best for her.
“I don’t want a love like that in my life that’s dangerous and crazy. I want a love like this one could be—beautiful and kind.”
I loved this mafia, rock star, engaging page turner by Jessica.
“when you love something deeply, it becomes woven in your fabric. Disrespecting that thing is like disrespecting yourself.”
October 1, 2019
I have loved all of Jessica's books and Vincent was most definitely one of my all time favourite male characters, now I am afraid he has to move over (slightly) for Nico.
Jessica gave him and Elira, a gritty and very heartbreaking beginning to their love story, it starts in Kosovo in the late 90's, when the ethnic cleansing of the Albanian people was occurring. They both end up in the States and they meet again as adults, can't say too much more without giving away spoilers, but needless to say there is a mixture of College and Mafia goings on, the is chemistry between the two lead characters that is off the charts hot, as are the love scenes.
I thoroughly recommend this book, if you loved Vincent & Eve, then you are definitely going to love Nico & Elira.
Jessica gave him and Elira, a gritty and very heartbreaking beginning to their love story, it starts in Kosovo in the late 90's, when the ethnic cleansing of the Albanian people was occurring. They both end up in the States and they meet again as adults, can't say too much more without giving away spoilers, but needless to say there is a mixture of College and Mafia goings on, the is chemistry between the two lead characters that is off the charts hot, as are the love scenes.
I thoroughly recommend this book, if you loved Vincent & Eve, then you are definitely going to love Nico & Elira.
October 1, 2022
The heroine was insufferable at times. Kind of a pick me, not like the other girls and clearly has a problem with sex workers but won't admit it.
Nico compared the Kosovo War to the Palestine conflict. I let fictional man get away with a lot, but not zionism.
The whole musician thing took too much time for no actual weigh to the story. If Jack is not a main character in one of the sequels, I'm not sure why he is in this book in the first place.
I understand why people would feel icky by the age difference in the beginning, but no line was crossed when she was young, so I feel it's ok (the last love confession is weird though).
Also, a good chunk of the book is filled with mundane tasks such as brushing teeth, showering for no reason.
Nico compared the Kosovo War to the Palestine conflict. I let fictional man get away with a lot, but not zionism.
The whole musician thing took too much time for no actual weigh to the story. If Jack is not a main character in one of the sequels, I'm not sure why he is in this book in the first place.
I understand why people would feel icky by the age difference in the beginning, but no line was crossed when she was young, so I feel it's ok (the last love confession is weird though).
Also, a good chunk of the book is filled with mundane tasks such as brushing teeth, showering for no reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
Jessica Ruben did it again, she delivered one hell of a story again!
To begin with, I'm a huge fan of mafia romance and feel like I've read everything in this sub-genre and nothing can surprise me anymore, however this beautiful author keeps surprising me with unique story lines and unforgettable characters. You will fall in love with Nico and Elira immediately! I loved the dynamic of this book, it flowed and flowed and I literally devoured it one sitting. HUGE 5 STARS FROM ME.
To begin with, I'm a huge fan of mafia romance and feel like I've read everything in this sub-genre and nothing can surprise me anymore, however this beautiful author keeps surprising me with unique story lines and unforgettable characters. You will fall in love with Nico and Elira immediately! I loved the dynamic of this book, it flowed and flowed and I literally devoured it one sitting. HUGE 5 STARS FROM ME.
September 26, 2019
Oooh this book had me hooked! Right from the prologue, I was so intrigued by these characters and captivated by this story. It’s funny, suspenseful, and sexy. I enjoyed it so much and I’m looking forward to more books with this great cast of characters!
dnf-2024
November 8, 2024i always feel icky when it’s an age gap and the the H knew the heroine when she was a child
October 1, 2019
3.5 stars
Light My Fire by Jessica Ruben started with a great promising story. I was instantly hooked to the intriguing and thrilling story line full of danger and twists. And then I kind of got distracted. Overall I loved the dark and intense parts. But I wished there were more.
Elira's life started in the war fields of Kosovo when Nico , the dark and lethal leader of the liberation army saved her life and sent her family to USA after her father's death. And then he disappeared completely. I was craving for his appearance while Elira was trying to live the life of a typical American teenager. It was hard for her as she was battling with a lot of difficulties including her mother's sickness and money issues and her brother's problems. And his brother brings her in orbit of Nico, who is now the leader of the most powerful and notorious Mafia all ove the world. And he is going to claim Elira.
Let me tell you the positive things. First, Nico. He is the best part of the story. He is dominating, sometimes rude, cocky, arrogant, dangerous and oh so deliciously dirty. And when he goes into protective mode, that made me swoon and sigh so hard. Second, the chemistry between Elira and Nico once it gained momentum. Intense will not suffice. Last, Nico. Seriously I need more of this man. The story line could have been a bit more compact as Elira's life took a big part of it and the side stories did not capture my attention.
Received ARC for Honest review.
Light My Fire by Jessica Ruben started with a great promising story. I was instantly hooked to the intriguing and thrilling story line full of danger and twists. And then I kind of got distracted. Overall I loved the dark and intense parts. But I wished there were more.
Elira's life started in the war fields of Kosovo when Nico , the dark and lethal leader of the liberation army saved her life and sent her family to USA after her father's death. And then he disappeared completely. I was craving for his appearance while Elira was trying to live the life of a typical American teenager. It was hard for her as she was battling with a lot of difficulties including her mother's sickness and money issues and her brother's problems. And his brother brings her in orbit of Nico, who is now the leader of the most powerful and notorious Mafia all ove the world. And he is going to claim Elira.
Let me tell you the positive things. First, Nico. He is the best part of the story. He is dominating, sometimes rude, cocky, arrogant, dangerous and oh so deliciously dirty. And when he goes into protective mode, that made me swoon and sigh so hard. Second, the chemistry between Elira and Nico once it gained momentum. Intense will not suffice. Last, Nico. Seriously I need more of this man. The story line could have been a bit more compact as Elira's life took a big part of it and the side stories did not capture my attention.
Received ARC for Honest review.
October 3, 2019
He turns to move but then pauses, looking back at me. “And don’t even try to run. This entire place is fortified. And even with all the security I’ve got, if you were to get away, I’d scour the ends of the earth to find you,” he threatens.
***
I could never tire of Ruben’s Mafia men and the stories they tell. Very reminiscent of her Vincent snd Eve series, this series is similar but also so amazingly different. It holds it’s own.
I loved the sarcastic nature that was all Elira. She is definitely an easy to love character. Nico, though fierce and scary, you couldn’t help but fall quickly for him. He has this charisma that makes you melt for him. They were both fantastic characters in their own, but deliciously explosive when brought together.
I love a great mafia story, and this one was magnificent...filled with intrigue, suspense and of course, romance. A perfectly executed, slow burn romance. Ruben you are a genius and an impressive writer. My only complaint is the story ended. I am hoping we won’t have to wait long for the next one. The build up was worth the wait for LIGHT MY FIRE and it will be for the ones that follow. Of that, I have no doubt. I have yet to be let down by one of Ruben’s books.
5 Stars!
***
I could never tire of Ruben’s Mafia men and the stories they tell. Very reminiscent of her Vincent snd Eve series, this series is similar but also so amazingly different. It holds it’s own.
I loved the sarcastic nature that was all Elira. She is definitely an easy to love character. Nico, though fierce and scary, you couldn’t help but fall quickly for him. He has this charisma that makes you melt for him. They were both fantastic characters in their own, but deliciously explosive when brought together.
I love a great mafia story, and this one was magnificent...filled with intrigue, suspense and of course, romance. A perfectly executed, slow burn romance. Ruben you are a genius and an impressive writer. My only complaint is the story ended. I am hoping we won’t have to wait long for the next one. The build up was worth the wait for LIGHT MY FIRE and it will be for the ones that follow. Of that, I have no doubt. I have yet to be let down by one of Ruben’s books.
5 Stars!
October 20, 2019
Too inconsistent...
I have never been so happy to finish a book. This work lacks consistency in the most mundane manner. The most glaring is the fact that it starts in 1998 Kosovo when the main protagonist is 11 years old. Then it jumps to present day 2018? Which would make the protagonist 31. But the story states a 10 year jump instead of a 20 year leap. She is now 21! This is so distracting to me. Also, she has music taste that a 31 year old would have but the story lacks the proper buildup and context for a 21 year old. Then there is a scene in which she takes pills for a headache and immediately vomits. But the medication sill works? Umm, no. She just purged it. It is these inconsistencies as well as other small ones that really wear on you. I found the protagonist to be wishy washy and whiney. I definitely would not recommend this novel if you are looking for anything substantial. It is slapped together with a lot of unnecessary context just to fill a page. How many times do I need to be told that she showered, brushed her teeth, opened and closed a door, blah blah blah? Quality context, please. I’d like to recommend a team of readers and an excellent editor to better hone one’s craft.
I have never been so happy to finish a book. This work lacks consistency in the most mundane manner. The most glaring is the fact that it starts in 1998 Kosovo when the main protagonist is 11 years old. Then it jumps to present day 2018? Which would make the protagonist 31. But the story states a 10 year jump instead of a 20 year leap. She is now 21! This is so distracting to me. Also, she has music taste that a 31 year old would have but the story lacks the proper buildup and context for a 21 year old. Then there is a scene in which she takes pills for a headache and immediately vomits. But the medication sill works? Umm, no. She just purged it. It is these inconsistencies as well as other small ones that really wear on you. I found the protagonist to be wishy washy and whiney. I definitely would not recommend this novel if you are looking for anything substantial. It is slapped together with a lot of unnecessary context just to fill a page. How many times do I need to be told that she showered, brushed her teeth, opened and closed a door, blah blah blah? Quality context, please. I’d like to recommend a team of readers and an excellent editor to better hone one’s craft.
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