Cage of Thorns & Blood

by S.R. Jones, Silla Webb

From USA Today Bestselling Authors SR Jones and Silla Webb comes a twisted Dark Mafia Romance.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2024

About the author

Redeeming dark and dangerous heroes one book at a time.
Skye Jones is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling Author.
She writes dark mafia and contemporary romance as SR Jones, and angsty paranormal romance as Skye.

When not writing Skye can be found reading, dog herding, or watching gritty dramas on Netflix with her husband. She lives in the grey, windswept north of England, which fuels her taste for the dramatic and the gothic.

For a free read sign up for her reader club here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ca20ewxx71

Reviews

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cage of Thorns and Blood was such a deliciously dark and exciting book. The Shattered Ever After series has me obsessed with each couple and book. Cage of Thorns and Blood has drama, angst, spice, and more drama; that kept me turning the pages until the end. I might have lost a few hours of sleep, but this book is worth it. This book is a dark mafia romance with a hint of enemies-to-lovers mixed in and touches on dark themes and topics. The book's storyline was original and beautifully written with vivid details. The world the authors created was filled with excitement, twists and turns, and great banter between all the characters. The main characters had a heartbreaking history and only had one objective in this book. The chemistry between the main characters was from one extreme to the other, and I loved every minute of their interactions.

Matteo was broody, intense, driven, and a total Alpha. He had one goal in mind, and nothing could side-track him from getting what he wanted. Renata was a firecracker. I loved her independence, stubbornness, and her wit. She was smart and knew what she wanted. I loved their intentions in the beginning. They were very focused on getting what they wanted and pulled out all the stops to do just that. I laughed, cried, and fist-pumped a few times throughout this book. I can't wait to see what SR Jones and Silla Webb bring next in this series.-By Brooke

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series. 1, because it's a retelling of fairy tales and 2, because the spice is soooo good.
This was Renata's story, she is Nico's sister from book 1.
Renata is slightly unhinged, left from feeling unloved by everyone.
I did feel sorry for her, she has horrible parents which left her relationship with her brother on bad levels too. When she was a teenager, Mateo was the only one that made her feel happy and loved until he broke her heart. Renata was actually very interesting, smart, funny and strong.
Mateo is just as unhinged but lately he has been obsessed with Renata's from afar. Not because he loves her (yeah you tell yourself that Mateo) but because he wants to get revenge on her for her betrayal and broken heart when they were young. Also to take down her family, as both family have been rivals for years.
They both go into this with revenge on their mind. It was very toxic but their old feelings was stirring.
I loved their back and forth flirting, banter and the electric chemistry.Oh and Mateo has a Jacobs Ladder 😉.
Can they really look ahead and give love a go?
Will her family accept or cause more problems?
Romeo and Juliet was a tragedy, will Renata and Mateo find HEA or will it end in tragedy? Drama, action, secrets, rivalry, heartbreak, revenge, hot spice.
Can wait to see what these two wonderful authors have next in line. I do hope we get James story one day.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book

I really enjoyed these stories. The authors worked really hard and it shows. Each book centered around one couple and each book had Easter eggs of previous characters. I love seeing glimpses of the characters from other books.

I'll admit this story made me mad frequently. The main characters had so many secrets and the lies they told themselves and each other kept getting piled on and building up. For a while I really didn't know how they would come back from some of those lies and secrets.

Renata, in previous stories, came across as bratty and snobbish (in my opinion). She outwardly had those characteristics but I enjoyed her POV chapters. It helped see her differently and it was easier for me to forgive some of her poor choices.

The same could be said about Matteo. His inner thoughts helped explain his poor choices.
But I found myself wanting to shake them both and tell them to stop being dumb.

I've read other stories by both of these authors. I love how they bring books to life where I get so invested in the characters and hate the end of the books. I kind of wanted to see a more specific future. Renata wanted to be taken seriously and given a chance. Matteo wanted to spoil her and give her, her own chance to build something. I would have liked to see what she became when she had support and love.

Definitely go back to book 1 of the Shattered Ever After series, House of Ash and Glass.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about teenage lovers who are pulled apart due to family commitments. Matteo had to marry a DeLuca daughter, a marriage of convenience and it breaks Renata's heart. To get back at Matteo, she sleeps with his best friend. Years pass, Matteo's wife sadly passed away and Renata's marriage to a very minor royal ended up in a divorce. Matteo decides he wants revenge for what Renata did to him and comes up with a clever scheme, he thinks on his part. At the same time Renata's parents want revenge on the Mancini's who they hate and use Renata as bait to tempt Matteo. Both think they have their feelings under control and both are just in it for revenge but what may have seemed like teenage crushes have left both with with deeper feelings than they didn't acknowledge at the time and have deepened with age. Now Both, have to face the truth, do they follow down the path of revenge or deal with their feelings for each other. Or has the deception gone too far and there is no coming back from the fallout?

This is the first story I've read by these authors and really, really enjoyed. It was well written, read smoothly, great characters, strong alpha male and fiesty female. I will definitely be reading more by them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[S.L.Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When I picked up this book from BookSirens I saw 'Strong FMC' with a plot of her and the LI were trying to seduce and ruin each other. For me, that meant the female character was going to get the upper hand. Instead, I got a typical 'feisty' FMC who puts up with some horrible behavior from her love interest.

I wanted Renata to be stronger, a lot stronger. She's doubting herself the whole time and it's boring to see the female character do that. If you like the male character to always be a step ahead of the FMC, this will be a good book for you. I wasn't looking for that.

I'm putting this book lower because I'm Pro BDSM and having BDSM shown in realistic and healthy ways. Renata is spanked, against her will. It's sudden, and there is no talk about boundaries or anything when it happens. For me Matteo is too much of an asshole to like. I love horrible monsters, but he is horrible to Renata and she doesn't stand up for herself.

If you're into Mafia romances this might be a fun read, but if you want a strong female character, hot love interest who's a monster to everyone but the FMC, this isn't the book for you.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renata and Matteo have a history that has left a bitter taste in both their mouths. With their families being enemies and both of them shattering their hearts when they were younger it set them up to hate each other and all they’ve both have done was stew on the pain, hurt, and regrets. Now years later they are both wanting revenge thinking that they both can pull the wool over the other’s eyes, but when things come to a head the hatred burns with a passion and that passion burns in other ways that they neither can let go of. While the twists of the story kept me glued I’m not sure I was a fan of Renata. I understood her hurt and her family’s intent with using her, but she was just too over the top, too willing to run into another man’s arms if she thought it would make Matteo mad, and I honestly felt Matteo’s anger was a little more justified rather than hers. I know I’m in the minority here but the facade she put on to appear tough made her weak in my eyes and her confidence was a show she liked to put on not caring about her own safety. Overall the intensity and hatred kept me glued in but I just wasn’t sold on Renata.

[Katie MacLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, this whole book was a game of cat and mouse, tit for tat. While being the third book, you don’t have to know the plot lines of the first two to enjoy this book. Being the whole plot is revenge, being not only the main characters but also their families, there is a lot of back and forth of love and hate. Also throw in that it is a second chance romance, and this whole book just explodes. Matteo and Renata dated as teenagers but were from warring families and would never be allowed to marry so when arranged marriages happened, both were hurt in more ways than they were willing to admit. So this long standing grudge spurred all of this conflict now as they both need something from the other. The chemistry between these two was fire and when they finally gave in to each other (both physically and emotionally), it was perfect. This was a great book to see some old favourites in and to have another installment of this collection. It was a true enemies to lovers and a great second chance romance - so pick it up if these are your favs!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Renata gets told to meet with Matteo and get him to fall in love with her and while doing this get the secrets of his family, Renata is sure she can do it. The only thing she’s concerned with is her heart he broke it once and she won’t let him do it again.
Matteo wants the one thing he knows he shouldn’t, he’s been keeping track of her after she broke his heart, which everyone knows, the problem he’s having is once he traps her will he keep her. Matteo shouldn’t have been surprised when he sees that she’s taken the fake information that he left for her, but it still doesn’t stop him wanting to keep her.
Reneta can’t deny that Matteo makes her feel what no other man has been able to, the bigger issue is she knows that her heart is going to be broken and she needs to walk away before it happens.
When Matteo realises that Reneta is struggling to stay, he proposes another deal that they both can survive, a deal that neither of their families will like and won’t agree to.

[Norma Mojica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cage of Thorns and Blood is Book 3 and Renata's story. Renata is Nico's sister from House of Ash and Glass. Renata and Matteo were from rival mafia families and teenagers in love. Renata is left feeling hurt and used after finding out Matteo is going to marry another woman and is out for revenge. Matteo was never able to realistically keep Renata waiting for him while he dealt with his own family's expectation of him and they are both left angry and heartbroken.

Years pass and life goes on. Renata has a complicated relationship with her family who wants her to seduce and spy on Matteo. Matteo has never really gotten over Renata and has plans to win her back. This well-written, page-turning, steamy, enemies to lover, dark mafia romance has many twists and turns. Loved it and wanted more!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He’s the boy who broke my heart. My first crush. My first love. My first hate."

Matteo and Renata are completely, utterly toxic together but completely, utterly perfect for each other at the same time. Renata is a force to be reckoned with and Matteo is the one who can calm those savage storms inside her. Cages Of Thorns And Blood is an excellent story that has Romeo And Juliet vibes, it's intense, intriguing and absolutely consuming. It's also a beautiful second chance romance that has plenty angst, emotion and heat. I couldn't stop once I started. Be sure to read the prequel Bones Of Revenge And Reckoning first. It has all the great background of these characters. What another great adventure this is!

[Christina Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renata and Matteo had a "forbidden" relationship as teenagers. Misunderstanding, failure to communicate, and hot headedness drive these two apart. But anyone who reads Silla's books know that when this type of situation occurs there is always Fate that intervenes. These two are brought back together and find that themselves in the precarious position of revenge and using each other. But old habits die hard and communication is still lacking at times. I love their spiciness and internal struggle. I do wish that there was so.e closure and clarification on what truly happened when they were younger from the prequel. I do feel like more could have been explored with Nico and Renata as well. I still rate this a high 5 and love how characters reappear from other books within this universe!!

[LHS · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third story in the Shattered Ever After Series - This is the story of Renata and Matteo who were teenage sweethearts from two rival mafia families who broke each others hearts and are hellbent on getting revenge.

What they don't count on is their passion for each other and the constant emotions that they have throughout their journey. The book will keep you wondering whether or not their second chance at a relationship will be successful or will they end up hurting each other a second time.

The book has plenty of steamy scenes, but also emotional at times. Read this in one session and was a decent read.

Received this book as an ARC and am giving my honest and true opinion.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, this was a fantastic book to read I couldn't put the book down, it sucks me in from the start until the very end, the story was well developed and these characters were sensational. Matteo is out for revenge from the person that broke his heart and left him soulless their family's are enemies. Renata is out for revenge from the one person that betrayed her, her family tried to keep them apart but now her family wants her to seduce him to steal from him. Renata and Matteo ended up falling for each other again until Renata finds out something's that she shouldn't have. Their relationship was like a yo-yo, hot and cold. The chemistry between them was electric.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is a dish best serve cold but how can that happen when you have two character that are pure fire. Matteo and Renata have a history, a history that both have never forgotten and sure as heck forgiven. These two hung the moon on one another until their perfect bubble was shattered by Matteo. Now I knew there had to be more to the story that we didn’t know because there was no way Matteo was giving up Renata let alone completely breaking her without a reason. These two were destined for one another but right now all they can see is red and revenge. This book gave me everything I needed and I couldn’t put it down.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, this story will have you captivated from the very first page. Matteo and Renata have a history that neither of them was supposed to want. They had a secret love that ended in a misunderstanding and being young. Now when they see each other for the first time in years, well it will not be what it seems. Renata is hell-bent on even against Matteo and she will get it. What she doesn't know is Matteo is about to show her whose boss. As these two go one for one they will realize the love they had is still there. However, things explode and you will have to see who will be standing when the dust settles. Love the chemistry and story of these two.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25🍁 | 1.75🌶️

Revenge, drama, plotting, lust mixed with love (or the other way around) betrayal and second chance! This book had everything! A MMC with so much delulu hell bent on revenge or possessing his old flame he wasn’t sure what to choose.

I loved Renata, i did want her to be a bit more badass and to condemn her family way earlier but that transformation of hers was absolutely amazing!

This is the third book on the series, but you don’t need to read the first two book to understand the plot. Matteo and Renata were great characters always at each other’s throats and that was so refreshing to read about!

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cage of Thorns and Blood is second chance dark mafia romance between Matteo and Renata who are members in rival families and secretly see each other as teenagers until Matteo's family planned an arranged marriage for him. Their breakup leaves Renata heartbroken and filled with revenge. Years later, Renata's family constructs a plan for her to seduce him as Matteo's power increases. This excellent and well written book has plot twists, drama, revenge, secrets, intrigue, steamy passion, and true love.
I received a free copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sandy Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on the edge...
I loved this story, it's one of those where you are on pins and needles waiting for something to happen. Years ago, Matteo and Renata were young, they were together until they weren't. And now he's seen her, and he wants her back. He's the boss of a crime family, enemies of her parents from another crime family. Matteo has a plan on how he is going to get her back except, as the saying goes "Payback's a Bit*h". They are each playing a game, and somebody is going to lose. SR Jones and Silla Webb never disappoint. Read this book today!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series and they saved the best till last. Hate and love are two sides of the same coin and this was never as true as for Matteo and Renata. They are incendiary and yet they spend so much time trying to get revenge on the other. Loved that several characters from previous books make an appearance and also help avert a war. Renata’s parents are awful but eventually Nico stands up for her and she so deserves the recognition of her strength and abilities, something Matteo has always understood. A lovely ending to the story and the series.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a prequel to this read which you may enjoy before diving into this book called Bones of Revenge and Reckoning, which is not necessary for the enjoyment of this read, however. This is Renata and Mateo’s story, and it is fast-paced, and action packed. They fell for each other even though they were from rival families and now years later Renata is sent by her parents to destroy him. Will she get her revenge or more than she bargained for? Great characters with lots of depth and emotion. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAGE OF THORNS AND BLOOD will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with plenty of drama, touches of angst, intrigue, and violence, and enough hot, steamy passion that you are not going to want to put it down. The emotional twists and turns will keep you turning its pages from start to finish. There will be times when it seems there is no way Matteo and Renata’s relationship will survive and yet … Well, you will have to read it to find out how it all plays out. I guarantee it will be worth it!

[M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He groans my name, and I cry out as he comes just as I do. My eyes drift shut. “Eyes on me,” he demands. I snap them open, and we stare at one another as we ride the waves."

If you love your H to be extremely possessive, this is a book for you. If you love your h with sass, a smart mouth, who only likes to submit in bed, this book is for you. If you love your scenes so hot they make you want to fan yourself, this book is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so dark and a wonderful book!!

When Matteo sees Renata singing he wants her back, but doesn't know that their history is going to bite back.

Dark, so dark and brutal at times with an intensity all is own. The action and emotional turmoil these two characters hold against each other make for a tough time for each. But their attraction and attention hold so well.

Very well done on all levels. I can't quite grasp the intensity of the book and that will stay with me for some time. A great book for Mafia or even dark romance lovers.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This was such a well written book and these authors are able to create an exciting and dramatic story that flows from start to finish . This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I do feel that the whole series is worth reading and enhances everything.
Matteo and Renata did date in the last but as their families were not fans of each other it didn’t last. Yet times and circumstances bring these two together and what a story that unfolds. Action, buildup and drama. Wonderful dark mafia romance.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’m about to enter a game where I don’t even know the rules and my opponent is the devil himself."

YES, YES, YES!!! I loved it!

I have not read many stories by this duo, but I HAVE TO !!

Matteo and Renata's story drew me in, and I didn't want to stop reading until the very end!

Steam. INDEED!

A secret love that died when they were younger.

Now it's revenge.

OR, is it a second chance to rekindle their love?

I really enjoyed this story. Very, very good!

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a prequel to this story (which I’ll be reading next!). It’s a second chance story of revenge and betrayal, with Renata Andretti and Mateo Mancini both playing each other. There’s Romeo & Juliet vibes, with warring families and a connection for the ages. It’s a love/hate, can’t stay away from each other story I couldn’t put down. Loved catching up with characters from the author’s other series.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Conclusion of Shattered Ever After Series!!

Renata Andretti is asked to “get close to” the one man who broke her heart. Matteo Mancini is ready to use Renata to bring down her family, as he believes she betrayed him. Complicated, emotional, gritty and a riveting read.

Both are out for revenge. Both have unresolved feelings. It is fascinating for the reader as events transpire. Totally recommend this one!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading Renata's story, she's been such a strong character int he previous books in the series however, this one just kind of fell a bit flat to me. It lacked substance and I felt that there wasn't much of an emotional connection between the MCs. It was still a good read but it didn't blow me a way like I was hoping it would. Liked it but didn't love it, and I say that as a long-time S.R. Jones fan who's read almost the entire collection. Check your trigger warnings and happy reading!

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 stars
mafia romance
enemies to lovers
forbidden love


this book was great. i devoured it in a day. literally couldnt stop reading it. matteo and renattas banter had me laughing like a school girl. renatta wasnt no meak woman she was stubborn smart and gorgeous. matteo was ruthless and possessive of what is his. this story had it all romance spice violence and a hea. def recommend for mafia lovers
did i mention he is pierced

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark mafia romance of second chances and heated passions.
Matteo plans his revenge on his teenage love, Renata and nothing will stop him from achieving his goal of having her.
As family enemies tend, there is lies, betrayals and secrets all mixed with danger and steam.
This is the first book I have read in the series and I am now forever hooked! I read it in one sitting and quickly one clicked the rest of the series! Totally worth the lack of sleep!!!