LOVE HER MADLY (Mafia Kingdom #2) by JESSICA RUBEN

‘When I arrived, I was terrified of Darius. He had taken me from my home and forced me into this life. I know that it’s his fault I’m here.’

Love Her Madly by Jessica Ruben was quite the intense, thrilling and dark ride, we just couldn’t put down Darius and Gini’s story. The subject matter is not easy to read, the setting and traditions not ones we were overly familiar with. However, there is a glossary and we have to say it made this romance stand out as it was unique exactly because of this. We all know that woman are not equal to men in one way or another in most societies, however in Love Her Madly it is quite disturbing how little a woman’s life is valued except for what can be gained from her. Sex trafficking is quite the ‘hot potato’ right now and needs complete transparency so that it can be pushed to the top of every nation’s agenda.

“It’s my job to find men to pay for you. Whether it’s one night or one year or one hundred fucking years.”

The way in which Jessica Ruben wrote this novel enabled us to feel fully immersed in the culture, the sights, the smells and sounds. The imagery was vividly potent. Kids snatched of the poverty-stricken streets, stolen from their lowly homes under false pretences; brought up to please and follow strict draconian rules, be it under duress, violence or even the finality of death. It breaks our hearts to know that for millions of children this is an actuality not just a work of fiction. It is clear that Jessica Reuben has done tremendous research into a very difficult and horrific aspect of human life and with it she shines a naked light on traditions, religion and the culture within which they are set.

“Do as I say, Gini. If you care for me at all, you will not force my hand against you. It’s a strong, strong hand.”

Gini was a wonderful character who we immediately took into our hearts. A beautiful, inquisitive and slightly naïve girl who wants to learn, yet craves the quiet simple life. She has stars in her eyes, but sadly they are ripped out when she realises that what she’s been sold into is not what her father was promised. As she slowly discovers a whole new world, she also slowly finds love and protection from the enigmatic enforcer and brothel guardian, Darius.

‘I’ve killed. I’ve abused. I’ve taken what isn’t mine. I’ve been a thief. I’ve committed adultery, using women who are already married and taking them for all they are worth.  I’ve taken many women at one time. I’ve used guns to bring fear into those around me and shot dead those who refused to listen…I’ve helped to buy and sell women under the guise of religiously sanctioned prostitution. And I have told myself that it is acceptable, even while my morality tells me that it isn’t so.’

The last thing Darius expects is for his whole life and the ingrained values in him to change, when he collects the sweet natural beauty, Gini. Growing up on the streets as a child he was rescued, we use that term loosely, by one of the most sought after brothel owners of The Mansion in Mumbai, India. Here he teaches and protects the ‘stolen and found’ girls, trained to obey. We fell in love with the strong and powerful Darius as he really did have a good heart underneath his misguided morality and feelings of obligation.

“Please, Gini, swear you won’t let anything break who you are.”

Gini and Darius’s story was a slow burn, intense and seductive love story in a sea of horror. Whilst Love Her Madly can absolutely be read as a standalone we recommend reading this series in order so you meet Nico first as he features heavily in Light My Fire.

“I do not know how to change my fate or yours without incurring death for us both.”