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Jagged Thorns

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The Isle of Crow is elusive, exclusive and untouchable.
Only the richly beautiful, and the beautifully rich are allowed in.
But, a century has passed, and they want to open their doors,
and I’m the new tour guide.

I’m to work for the latest generation of Thorn billionaires
on the stormiest island in the British Isles.
Home to the cruellest hearts that ever lived
and the most thunderous eyes I’ve ever seen.
He says he never wanted me there,
but when his hands catch my hips,
his dark stare tells a different story.

The Thorns are enigmatic, cunning and dangerous,
And keeping one of the world’s deepest, dirtiest secrets.
I can’t unsee it. I can’t unlearn it. And I can’t forget it.
Because I’ve just fallen for the brightest, most beautiful Thorn of them all.

340 pages, ebook

First published March 21, 2023

159 people are currently reading
866 people want to read

About the author

January James

17 books285 followers
Hi there!

I am a Brit indie romance author who writes about love worth fighting for.

I live in the rural south of England with my husband, daughter and crazy sprockapoo.

Until recently, I inhabited the fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled workplaces I write about, as a communications professional. Now I spend my days dreaming up new characters and stories and trying not to lose my marbles as the mother of a spirited preschooler.

Stalk me here:
Join my mailing list ➜ https://dl.bookfunnel.com/macv5nqr3q
Facebook ➜ http://www.facebook.com/januaryjamesa...
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Website ➜ www.januaryjamesauthor.com

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5 stars
186 (52%)
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111 (31%)
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39 (10%)
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16 (4%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
Profile Image for Bryneyre The Book Eater.
57 reviews59 followers
May 31, 2023
EDIT: I forgot to mention this was a free ARC I received from the author in exchange for an honest review. I always try to be transparent about those things 😅♥️

This book surprised me in the beginning. I expected some billionaire romance with a sprinkle of mystery, but it started even better. Who would have thought I would encounter criticism of capitalism, Big Pharma, classism, ableism, and corruption inside the government from page 1?

This book hooked me from the start due to the mystery, the dark themes, and the drama in Rupert's family and Vivian's as well, but I think it didn't work that well in the romance department.
The protagonists were okish, Rupert was just... boring and barely showed any interest in Vivian apart from her being smoking hot. There was no chemistry apart from repressed horniness :/
The smutty scenes were entertaining but there wasn't much romance to speak about.

The pacing was unbalanced, and the dialogues weren't that great either during many chapters.

I think the romance was more of a very secondary subplot, and that's the primary problem I have with this book since that's what I came for.

The ending saved most of the book. Although I firmly believe the book needs more editing and polishing, the potential and the idea were great, and I'm hooked enough to the story and the drama that I would give the next book a chance. This one didn't convince me, but I'm hopeful for book 2.
18 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2023
ARC review

I have devoured this book in 24 hours.

Vivian is an amazing and sacrificing sister who has committed her life to take care of her sister. An amazing opportunity to make everything better is now on her sights and her lovely family convinces her to take it.

Taking this opportunity was an adventure in itself, but the true adventure begins the moment she’s in close proximity of tall, dark, and broody… The nickname the MMC gave her made my heart flutter due to the cleverness of it. (I’m trying not to spoil it, so I’ll leave it vague)

The tension as more secrets unravel and the unexpected continues to happen had me unable to let go of my phone. I had to know what was coming next. Viv goes through so much for her sister, but also other things you’ll figure out as you read.

The ending was most definitely not expected, at some point a similar theory popped in my head but never to that degree. I will “patiently” wait for more, the need to know what will happen is too strong. Definitely taking the rest of the evening to recover.
Profile Image for KelsBookstagram.
738 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2023
HOLYFRIGGINAMAZEBALLS!

This book and series is going to be phenomenal. I am utterly speechless with the first installment. I INSTANTLY fell in love with Rupert and Viv. Hold on to your knickers because the lies, unknown and secrecy of the island will keep you on your toes and the DRAMA and suspense is EVERYTHING. January James you are a queen and this book is one of my instant favs!

I absolutely adore how selfless Viv is and how she is doing this for her sister. But her sassiness and characteristics really stand out for me.

Rupert is an overbearing billionnaire and damn i am in swoonworthy terroritory. He is over protective, possessive with what i feel is big heart.

This storyline and plot is different to any book I've read and i am so *patiently* 👀 waiting for the next instalment because that motherfrigginending gahhhh........

My lips are sealed. Sorry this is vague but YOU NEED TO READ!
Profile Image for Clarice.
558 reviews134 followers
June 8, 2023
A dark, gothic romance located on a suspiciously remote island? Sign me up.

6/7/2023 update:

DNF 15%, not my thing. Interesting concept, but poor execution. The writing was lacking, gothic romances should be mysterious and atmospheric, which this was not.
Profile Image for Wishy Reads.
374 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2023
*ARC
Title: Jagged Thorn
Author: January James
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Billionaire
Spice: 🥵yes
Series: Thorn Trilogy, book 1


Thoughts - holy shit! Wow… the reveal … I’m shook on the best way. It’s been a while since a book has made me think ‘what the fuck!’ And I did not see the reveal coming no matter how I looked at it! The characters are all complex and your left knowing who’s good and bad but also wondering who is playing both sides. Vivian the MFC doesn’t know her own beauty which makes me love her even more and Rupert is the morally grey alpha we all love to love. The tension is off the charts. It’s a bit of a slow burn but also not as there’s spice sprinkled throughout but then from Chapter 30 onwards had my emotions all over the place, literally reading on the edge of my seat. Definitely read this if your after secret society’s, touch her and die vibes, morally grey alphahole, strong MFC, billionaire, dark romance!

Plot - Vivian is desperate, her sisters sick and she needs access to a wonder drug that could transform her life. The problem is the drug is made on a island full of pompous billionaires and isn’t open to the general public. Lying on her CV she applies for a job and gets it, she’s off to the island. Except all is not as it seems. There’s something sinister afoot and her boss might be her saving grace or her biggest regret.


* ⚠️ Trigger Warnings
* Forced proximity
* Forbidden romance
* That yellow dress
* Chapter 30 😮
* Workplace romance
* When he calls you ‘Butterfly’ 🫠

“I’m not letting anyone else take you home when you’re dressed like that.”… “What I mean is, you look fucking lethal in that dress… butterfly.”
Profile Image for Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads).
777 reviews1,274 followers
June 30, 2023
The rich are totally depraved and deadly in this romantic thriller!! When the Thorn family one of the oldest and wealthiest on Crow Isle go in search of a tour guide Vivian applies for the job. Her sister is dealing with chronic pain that has made her life hell and even after several drugs and therapies she's still in constant pain but the Thorn's have a drug that they created from special mushrooms that grow only on Crow Isle and if she can just get some of these pricey and high demand pain killers maybe they will help ease her sisters pain. But first she must get past Rupert Thorn. He's dark and intimidating and totally against her or any other stranger being on Crow Isle. Because the Thorns are sitting on a deep dark secret that if found out will be the ruin of their legacy and their are some who are willing to kill to keep their secrets safe. The chemistry between Vivian and Rupert is a slow burn but when it heats up its quite hot! This had twists and turns with great suspense and many suspects and the Isle has a gothic feel brought to life by January's great writing. Their are many interesting characters that you will either love or hate and a great solid storyline. The cliffhanger and reveal had me stunned and saying WTF did I just read!! And yes I read the last few pages again to make sure I read it right! Awesome job January! I will most definitely be reading book two! until next time Luv's💕💋
Profile Image for Jordan Welch.
18 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2023
Nobody talk to me for the rest of today. Seeing as I am in no way getting enough sleep after binging this book in one sitting and will inevitably be in a book hangover. (Currently 4:40am and my alarm is set for 715🙃). That being said. Absolutely recommend. Once I got a couple chapters in I literally couldn’t put it down.

Rupert & Vivian: Billionaire gothic dark romance, forbidden love, & and I live for an over-protective man who will put me in my place and let me sass back. (Swoon)

This wasn’t overly violent, some downright indecent *self* play, mutual that had my mouth dropped wide open 😏 and a good night of love & passion.

The story itself was really intriguing and not like something I’ve ever read before. Family ties run deep and secrets must be kept…until…

I knew it was coming but the CLIFFHANGER?! Literally fuck off 😂 I need the next book immediately. Thanks @thejanuaryjames for the ARC!
Profile Image for Bailey (Myveinsbleedink).
470 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2023
RIP ….me. I am dead. THIS. BOOK. I honestly had to take a couple of days before writing my review as I was left broken and bleeding on my bedroom floor.

I’m not giving a breakdown of the book you can read that but I was definitely an interesting storyline. I wasn’t sure where it was headed and wow I was 100% not prepared for that damn cliffhanger!!

The chemistry between Rupert and Vivian right from the start was off the charts. His personality left a bit to be desired but he progressed perfectly throughout the book putting him on my “book boyfriend” chart only for me to come crashing down to earth and reconsidering everything I thought of this delicious man.

Vivian’s love and loyalty to her sister endears you to her right away and you’re rooting for her to get the guy and the cure.

I always love an authors portrayal of the “Billionaire Society” out there of just cold, vapid and untrustworthy and in this case…spot on. I enjoyed all of the characters in the book, eliciting a lot of emotions throughout.

If you love a thrilling page turner with twists and turns and that steamy build up, you’ll love this book.

I’m counting down the days until the next instalment comes out because I won’t be the same until then!

Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda The.Caffeinated.Bibliophile .
41 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2023
ARC Review 4⭐️

There’s no shortage of affluence amongst the elite on the Isle of Crow, and it makes keeping their dark secrets that much more important. Dark vibes and forbidden romance made this book a delectable read.

I tried to slow down my reading on this one so that I could prolong my enjoyment (torture) longer. I knew it was going to end with a cliffhanger and I wanted just a little more time with the characters before I was left wanting… January does an excellent job of building the plot and providing just enough background that you are invested in seeing what happens next. She cultivates just the right balance of emotions amongst her characters… and their chemistry is fire. I do wish there would have been just a little more depth given to the relationship dynamic between the main characters, though I’m sure we will be seeing them again
Profile Image for mybookishtravels.
33 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2023
What can I say aside from this is brilliant and you should read it. If you love dark, mysterious islands...you should read this. If you love romantic tension that you can feel illuminating itself off the page...you should read this. If you need something that makes you not want to stop reading until you get to the end, read this. If all you want to know is should you read this...READ IT!!!!! The writing is amazing and I have so many quotes I love from this story. Book 2, I am so ready for you!
Thank you to January James for providing me a free ARC of this in exchange for my free and honest thoughts. I loved (and sometimes felt all the feels) spending my time with these characters!
Profile Image for belle♡.
84 reviews56 followers
March 16, 2023
ARC review:

WOW just WOW.

I would fight an army of soldiers JUST to see this series continue.

I absolutely love the chatracters AND OMG DON’T get me started on their dynamic. JUST WOW.

I finished this book in ONE SITTING WOW. I loved it SO much.😩🤍🫶🏼

AND THE NICKNAME HE GAVE HER.😩🤍

I AM A PUDDLE.🫠🤍🫶🏼


Thank you so much January James for giving me an ARC copy of this absolute masterpiece. I CANNOT waittt for the next book in this trilogy.🤍🫶🏼❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Cassandra.
228 reviews67 followers
March 23, 2023
ARC Review:

Holy freaking crap! The cliffhanger! 🤯

Let me tell you what! I devoured this book & I couldn’t stop! It kept me engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen. The spice was 🔥

I cannot wait to continue reading the series to find out what happens!

This is my first book by January James and I cannot wait to read more!
Profile Image for sincity_bookworm.
271 reviews56 followers
June 28, 2023
Rupert & Vivian

Wow. Just WOW! I had to gather my thoughts to write this review because they were all over the place. First, this is the sloooowwwwweesssstttttttt burn I've ever, EVER read! I almost want to add the % just to prove my point, but I won't. If you go into this book knowing you won't have a Happily Ever After, you'll be good. If you're also looking for a dark romance with tons of smut, this isn't it.

"I closed my eyes. "What did you say?" "Once," he whispered. "Just once."

Jagged Thorns reminds me of when you watch a show and you don't get everything in the first episode. They have to lay down the ground work, introduce the characters, let them unfold a little, then start inserting their claws into you so you're hooked. THAT is how this book unfolded for me. I wasn't sure in the beginning, but as the bread crumbs were dropped, I kept following. Eventually I was hooked and had to know what the hell was happening.

"I keep telling myself it's a good pain," he said, his voice tinged with desperation. "At least if we feel some pain, we know we've lived."

There is a magical drug on an island full of millionaires and no one is allowed to go. Until now. Vivian has been hired to be a tour guide for their first visitors ever, but she has ulterior motives. Her little sister is in chronic pain and in dire need of ANYTHING to help her live a normal life. As her caretaker, Vivian is determined to do anything to help her.

"But you are the only thing worth keeping."

Rupert is a handsome man from one of the most prominent families on this secret island. He has obligations and duties to fulfill, but has a hard time because of greedy hearts in the family. He wants to make the world a better place. He is also promised in a sort of arranged marriage setup between the prominent families to keep the money from leaving their bloodlines.

"You were the most delicious-looking creature in that room, butterfly."

My heart was breaking by the end of the book. I die for that happy ending, but seeing as how there was a GIANT cliff hanger, I'll have to wonder for the next 6 months. Will I be reading the next book? Yes, yes I will.

TROPES:
- Arranged Marriage
- Billionaire Romance
- Suspense
- Forbidden Love
- Slow Burn
Profile Image for Margos.library.
32 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2023
ARC REVIEW

I finished this book in one sitting and it was amazing. My honest rating would be a 4.5⭐️. It wasn’t like any other book that I’ve read so far and it cured my book slump and I CANT WAIT for the next one to come out.

Forbidden love, mystery, violence, and some spicy scenes girl sign me up!! I love a man who is overprotective and makes it known to that he will hurt anyone who tries to hurt her.

Profile Image for Tanya.
657 reviews37 followers
March 21, 2023
4.5 Stars

Jagged Thorns is my first book by January James, and I am excited to say it will NOT be my last. January's writing style captured this ADD brain and kept it engaged in the book the entire time. I have a terrible habit of skipping dull or slow parts of a book, but I was not tempted here! I feared I would miss the tiniest details and couldn’t risk it.

Jagged Thorns follow narration from Vivian and Rupert in this dual PoV book. Vivian (FMC) is the full-time caregiver to her sister Peggy, who has chronic pain and cannot get out of bed more days than not. She has put her life on hold while trying to manage her sister’s pain, but when she is presented with a possible pill that could all but cure Peggy’s condition, she jumps on it, but there is a big catch. The catch is that it is only produced on a small, notoriously exclusive well guarded isle, and only the richest of people can pay the price. She must devise a plan to get her on that isle and get this miracle drug at any cost.

Rupert (MMC) is one of three sons of Sinclair Thorn, the wealthiest, most powerful family on the Isle of Crow and the maker of the drug Basidiomine. Unlike his older brother, Ossian and his father, Rupert wants no part in the dirty dealings of the drug industry, preferring to focus on other family matters. When Vivian and Rupert meet, it isn’t on the best of terms, and they are forced to work together, creating tension and, shall we say, other interests have peeked.

Blackmail. Secrets. Mysteries. Deceit. Danger. Murder. Spicy. This book has it all. The twists and turns and the incredible cliffhanger leave you begging for book two!

Thank you, January James, for gifting me a digital copy of Jagged Thorns. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Gigi ✨.
259 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2023
Oh Lord this freaking book! I inhaled it!
JJ did an absolutely wonderful work with this one! You get hooked from page 1! The plot, the characters, the spice, the details. Everything was on point! Love Rupert and Vivian, they're like magnets, pushing and pulling! The whole gothic vibe is a really nice touch!

Vivian is one resilient gal, she'll get what she puts her mind into, no matter what!
Rupert becoming Viv's protector was inevitable, he knew she'd be the one since he ever laid eyes on her!

The spice was so good !!

I can't really fathom the freaking finale, what was that! I need the next book asap ❤️‍🔥

January Thank you so much for the ARC 🙏🏻
Profile Image for Izzy (acourtofbookreviews).
66 reviews81 followers
March 25, 2023
Review: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 💫(4.5/5) ⬇️

Short review: Get this, you’ve suddenly found yourself employed by a broody but delicious billionaire MMC on an exclusive island. Just one problem, everyone here has secrets, and someone’s trying to run you away as the only outsider. This first installment in the Thorn Trilogy will have you all in your feels with the forbidden romance and eerie vibes!

Spice: 2🌶️ It’s the sweetest of slowburn. There’s a few steamy scenes throughout but the real spice comes in the last 25% of the book.

Plot/Pace:
There’s kind of two plot lines going here, maybe even 3 and they’re all done really well. First, is that the FMC, Vivian, needs to steal the exclusive medicine for her sister who has chronic pain. Second, is the romance plot. Third is the mysteries of the island. They all come together beautifully to form one big picture of what is going on in Rupert, the MMC’s life and then how that may be affecting what’s happening with Vivian, and Vice versa. Definitely read the official synopsis for this one, it does a great job exposing the book!

Pace was great. Something was always happening either with the romance aspect or with the secrets of the island aspect. The only place I’m taking off is the pacing of the romance. It seemed like it went from like 70 to 100 really quickly in the best of an eye. That being said I’m used to romantasy where things like falling in love are drawn out.

Characters:
Rupert is our MMC. I liked reading Rupert’s POV chapters. I think they were done well and allowed the character depth to form as well as it did. He’s broody, moody, handsome as h*ll, protective and you’ll just keep on wanting more of him!
Vivian is our FMC. I really related to her because of the whole big sister thing. I liked her POVs and seeing the secrets of the island unfold from her POV. She’s vulnerable yet she’s fierce which makes her relatable but also an FMC to look up to.
There’s many supporting characters in this story and some that I have very strong feelings for. Which means that they were done right!

Setting: FINALLY. A billionaire romance book that doesn’t take place in some big city *cough cough NYC*. The world building for the island was done really well! I enjoyed the gothic and eerie vibes of it. There was even a ball!
Profile Image for Sian .
221 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2023
ARC REVIEW

This book was just wow!! I seriously didn't know what to expect.

The plot/story was face paced, and there was enough backstory as well as general information that intrigued me to keep reading. SECRETS! so many secrets that ran deep within the Thorn family that kept it interesting. There are so many characters introduced, some I couldn't stand and some I really liked.

This is definitely a slow burn. The chemistry and tension between the main characters, Vivian & Rupert Thorn was 🔥🔥
They instantly had a connection from the beginning of the story even though there was angst and hostility between the two.

Vivian is a strong caring character, taking a tour guide job on the mysterious island 'Isle of Crow' (full of elite billionaires) to help her sister. I loved how she had Sass and was not afraid to speak her mind and be defiant.

Rupert is a billionaire and heir to the Thorn family who are feared by most. He is a morally grey alpha which I loved 😍 swoon!!

This story ended on a cliffhanger which I didn't expect it to end on, exposing a massive secret that was so unexpected 😳

Cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Lacey Stephens.
347 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶-🌶🌶🌶
Rupert is the 2nd son born to the Thorn family; the Billionaire family that heads up the Consortium on the elusive Isle of Crows.

His family has many businesses, but he disagrees with the newer Pharmaceutical Drug his older brother and father are determined to expand, despite the environment, or whoever gets in their way. That is until the new Tour Guide Vivian gets in the way.

Vivian will do anything to get the drug that may help ease her younger sister’s pain, but doing so may just get her killed. She discovers a horrible secret ending in a MAJOR cliffhanger!

🍄
This was a great start to a trilogy.

Vivian will do anything for her sister. Rupert will do anything to stop his family. And the two of them are drawn to each other in a way that they can not resist.

There is: Forbidden love, Forced Proximity, billionaire romance, arranged marriage, mystery, blackmail, just-one-night, I will hurt anyone who touches her.

This is not appropriate for under 18
🍄
This one ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger! But the good news is that book 2 is supposed to be released in early summer and book 3 should be released towards the end of the summer.
Profile Image for Rae.readingroom.
180 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2023
Dark British Romance

Tropes
Dark romance
Billionaire
Suspense
Forbidden romance
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Dark Secrets
Cliffhanger

Vivian gets a job working on a remote British isles, for the company that produces ‘Bas’ A drug. A drug that she need a to help her sister manage her constant pain. A drug that is extremely rare and extremely expensive.
The job is to be a tour guide for the company a new idea they had brought forward and she hopes she will get close to the drug itself.
Unfortunately not everyone is happy about the tours happening. Or the fact a new pretty young woman has landed on the shore. Especially the boss’ son Rupert (morally grey).

The whole book kept you on edge of your seat. Between the danger Vivian put herself in, the slow burn, strong sexual chemistry with Rupert and just dark secrets constantly surrounding the strange island it made you not want to put the book down.

It does end on a cliffhanger, (which OMG!)
I can’t wait for the next book!

(Thank you for the ARC)
Profile Image for Bourbon Bibliophile.
87 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2023
Jagged Thorns is the first in the Isle of Crow series by January James. This book had it all mystery, suspense, tension,  forbidden romance, so much packed into this book!

Vivian has landed the job that will help her sister, or so she hopes. She is now the tour guide of the isle of Crow, an illusive island of billionaires. The people who live there don't leave even the ones who work on the island.

Rupert Thorn second son to the Thorn empire is tasked to work closely with Vivian, and he holds many secrets that Vivian desperately needs to uncover so she can help her sister.

The twists and turns combined with the suspense of trying to figure out the Thorn secret along side of Vivian kept me engaged in this book. The enemy to lovers, forbidden romance, and steamy spots made this book a homerun!
Profile Image for Kandace_Bookaholic_.
353 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2023
Billionaire
Black Mail
Secretes

This book is a MUST read!! I started and it and it took a hold of me. All the twist and turns and secrets its full of so much and the suspense its insane!! A family of billionaires who live on an island and earn the money by making a drug that is wanted world wide and only grows on there island. Viv goes there for work and she doesn’t know exactly what she has just stepped into.

That ending has left me speechless, this book had me in a death grip and wow what a freaking journey the suspense the angst and the mystery! Well done January i cant wait for this next book in this series i need answer ASAP.

“You were the most delicious looking creature in the room, butterfly.”
Profile Image for Books.of.steph.
225 reviews10 followers
March 12, 2023
This book was so good I did not want to put it down. The atmosphere of the island and the story, the main characters depth in their way of thinking and feelings, the tension....I mean the TENSION you could cut with a knife, the vibe of the story and all the mysteries. The author really nailed it. I also have to give major props for how well the spice was written. I like spice but often the scenes end up being too much or cringey and I end up skipping over them but not in this case they were perfect. I loved how there's an actual plot and story other than just the romance aspect and that ending....WOW I never saw it coming. Now I need to collect myself while I wait for the next chapter.
Profile Image for Emily.
43 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2023
I just finished the book and I am speechlessssss😨
Let’s get into it shall we:
Beginning story building, Sizzling Main Character connection, Mysterious, Spicy, Billionaire Scrumptiousness!
The only disappointing thing about this book is that I can’t get my hands on the next one yet!

I absolutely enjoyed this book and will be buying the last two when they come out. I would suggest you do the same.


I’ll leave you with this, “I want to see your soul when you come for me” 🥵

This is an ARC review. But let me tell you, I’d buy this book with my own money.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025
When you go back to see the top reviews and realize most of them are ARC reviews...





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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
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18 reviews
March 12, 2023
What have you done January James. This book had me entrigued from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat. Totally different to anything else this accomplished author has delivered. Ughh Rupert is everything!
I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Destanie.
8 reviews
March 14, 2023
my first ARC from this author and wow it did not disappoint! The world building, the characters, the plot ALL of it is spot on! absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for book two!! will be counting down the days with a cliffhanger like that 😳😳
Profile Image for Laura .
1,016 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2023
"I like it here. The Isle of Crow is beautiful. It deserves to be seen.

First things first, THAT CLIFFHANGER! Ugh. January James you're torturing me! It cannot end that way!

Let's back up though. I can understand why Vivian applied for this job. It was what she felt she needed to do. So while yay for getting a job on this mysterious island, I can also imagine how difficult it was for her to leave home. Only to be thrust into this new location, this new job, and know no one. All this for one reason. Then there is Rupert. He is determined to push back as much as he is able to get away with. That is his focus. That whole married by 27 thing isn't even at the front of his mind. Stopping his brother, or at least slowing him down, is.

I really liked the instant connection that Rupert felt with Vivian. It was very hate to love, and I'm here for it. I love the mysteriousness of the island. I love how January had me hating Ossian early on. I'm intrigued by Minty. She seems like a good sidekick. I have many questions regarding the consortium. Okay fine, I just have many questions, and the consortium part is just one.

Now I will say that the first quarter of this book was a struggle for me. I get that a new world is being created, these characters need to be introduced, and the stage needs to be set. Yet at the same time it was a lot to get through. Once that was done though, or at least the majority of it was done, the book became really interesting. I found myself looking at all the details to try and figure out what was happening, as well as who could be behind it.

I need the next book as soon as possible, because I need to know what happens after that cliffhanger. That was intense, and I have so many questions!
Profile Image for Jenn | literaryaffair.
56 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2023
Guys. This book!!!! This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but it definitely won’t be the last…excuse me while I go through January James’ backlist and add every last title to my TBR pile.

Wow, Jagged Thorns was incredible — A delicious gothic forbidden romance with loads of passion and even more tension that had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter. I need more of Vivian and Rupert ASAP. This is the first book in the Thorn Trilogy and I’m already on pins and needles, anxiously awaiting the second installment.

It is SO beautifully written—the plot, the world building, the characters; all of it is perfection—chef’s kiss😘 I was sucked in from the second we set foot on the mysterious Isle of Crow until the very last page—the book ends with the most epic cliffhanger (you’ve been warned). It’s got suspense, mystery, romance, spice, a morally grey MMC that gives off ‘touch her and die energy,’ and have I mentioned the tension?!

This gives off Limitless meets Virgin River vibes, but make it dark, mysterious, and morally grey.

Read if you like:
Dual POV
Dark gothic romance
Billionaire
Forbidden love
Enemies to lovers
Small, mysterious town
Grumpy x sunshine
Blackmail
Secrets, lies and suspense
Slow burn
Cliffhanger ending

Thank you so much to January James for the ARC. Once I started I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I’m fully invested in the series and ready for book 2!
Profile Image for Shyla S.
393 reviews
Read
March 30, 2023
Jagged Thorns is book one in January James' new series, the Thorn Trilogy. This story is a delicious gothic forbidden romance with loads of passion, tension and suspense! I was hooked from page 1 and cound not put this down till the very very end! AND then January ends with a CLIFFHANGER! What the!?!?! Leaving me on the edge... I. Need. More. NOW!!

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Rupert & Vivian
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes!!
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = This is book 1 of a trilogy.
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Billionaire Romance * Dark, Gothic romance * Forced proximity * Forbidden romance * Workplace * Opposites Attract * Enemies to Lovers * Suspense * Dual POVs
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language * Sexual Content * Blackmail * Secrets/Lies * Murder
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Welcome to the Isle of Crow...the mysterious illusive island of a billionaire family who make/made their money by making a drug that is wanted world wide and only grows on there island. Our heroine, Vivian ends up working there as tour guide to get closer to this drug since her sister is in need of it. But little did she know what exactly she has just stepped into.
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