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Darkest Dance #2
Dance of Ruin
Please note: this is the alternate cover print edition of the book Dance of Ruin.
He’s my villain, my ruin, my sweetest damnation.
I've always been a good girl.
The brilliant ballerina. The perfect politician’s daughter.
That is, until my father declares war on the Barone Mafia family, and I become the price to pay.
Now, the devil himself has his claws in me.
Nico Barone is a beautiful nightmare wrapped in leather and ink.
A criminal genius with malice in his veins and destruction on his lips.
He promises to break me.
To strip me until there’s nothing left.
To be the composer of my symphony of sin and ruin.
He thinks I’m the pawn in his game.
But this pawn will bring a king to his knees.
Even if it kills me.
Dance of Ruin is a standalone dark mafia romance with a smart heroine, and an ultra possessive hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. Readers are STRONGLY advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
He’s my villain, my ruin, my sweetest damnation.
I've always been a good girl.
The brilliant ballerina. The perfect politician’s daughter.
That is, until my father declares war on the Barone Mafia family, and I become the price to pay.
Now, the devil himself has his claws in me.
Nico Barone is a beautiful nightmare wrapped in leather and ink.
A criminal genius with malice in his veins and destruction on his lips.
He promises to break me.
To strip me until there’s nothing left.
To be the composer of my symphony of sin and ruin.
He thinks I’m the pawn in his game.
But this pawn will bring a king to his knees.
Even if it kills me.
Dance of Ruin is a standalone dark mafia romance with a smart heroine, and an ultra possessive hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. Readers are STRONGLY advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
446 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
About the author
Jagger Cole
97 books6,238 followersA reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 752 reviews
April 30, 2025
Jagger, why you gotta do Naomi like that? 🥺🖤
April 25, 2025
What in the actual symphony of sin was this??
Because wow, this book had me ping-ponging between hooked, confused, and lowkey yelling at fictional men.
Naomi is a prim-and-perfect ballerina, daughter of a power-hungry politician. Her world flips when her father messes with the wrong family—the freaking Barones. Cue Nico, a dark, tattooed villain with the energy of a mafia wolf who will set the world on fire if you even breathe near his girl. The tension? Thick. The vibes? Dangerous. The trauma? Heavy.
So here’s the thing:
I wanted to love this more. The premise? Deliciously dark. The enemies-to-lovers angle? Chef’s kiss. The mafia stakes? Wild. Nico’s possessiveness? Off the charts. BUT… there were moments where I just couldn’t suspend my frustration.
Tropes:
🩰 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🩰 Forced Proximity
🖤 BDSM
🩰 Found Family
🖤 Blackmail
🩰 Secret Society
🖤 Dual POV
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Naomi goes through something horrific, early on. And the book barely gives her room to process it. That just didn’t sit right with me. Her pain deserved space, her trauma deserved depth, and instead it kind of... breezes past until it’s suddenly important again.
And Nico? Dude. You're supposed to be a criminal mastermind. You didn't think to ask questions first??
He jumps to conclusions with zero hesitation, and yes, we get some groveling—but honestly? I wanted more. That third-act realization? Satisfying. But everything before that? Messy as hell.
That said... the last 30% went hard. Like, suddenly the chemistry finally showed up, the emotional stakes kicked in, and I was FINALLY rooting for them. Naomi found her fire. Nico started acting like more than just a leather-clad menace. It was chaotic, dramatic, a bit unhinged... but it worked.
Also, shoutout to Vaughn, that man is mysterious, violent, and 100% intriguing. I need his story like, yesterday.
So yeah—this wasn’t a total win for me, but it wasn’t a loss either.
It’s dark, steamy, twisted, and if you're into mafia men with obsessive streaks and heroines trying to claw back control in a world that’s taken too much? This might still hit.
Check TWs. Be prepared for heavy content. And go in knowing this one plays rough.
Will I read the next book? Absolutely.
Do I want more grovel from Nico in bonus scenes? YES.
Am I emotionally okay after this? No. But that’s kind of the point.
Now if you'll excuse me, I’ll be manifesting Vaughn’s book.
Because wow, this book had me ping-ponging between hooked, confused, and lowkey yelling at fictional men.
Naomi is a prim-and-perfect ballerina, daughter of a power-hungry politician. Her world flips when her father messes with the wrong family—the freaking Barones. Cue Nico, a dark, tattooed villain with the energy of a mafia wolf who will set the world on fire if you even breathe near his girl. The tension? Thick. The vibes? Dangerous. The trauma? Heavy.
So here’s the thing:
I wanted to love this more. The premise? Deliciously dark. The enemies-to-lovers angle? Chef’s kiss. The mafia stakes? Wild. Nico’s possessiveness? Off the charts. BUT… there were moments where I just couldn’t suspend my frustration.
Tropes:
🩰 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🩰 Forced Proximity
🖤 BDSM
🩰 Found Family
🖤 Blackmail
🩰 Secret Society
🖤 Dual POV
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Naomi goes through something horrific, early on. And the book barely gives her room to process it. That just didn’t sit right with me. Her pain deserved space, her trauma deserved depth, and instead it kind of... breezes past until it’s suddenly important again.
And Nico? Dude. You're supposed to be a criminal mastermind. You didn't think to ask questions first??
He jumps to conclusions with zero hesitation, and yes, we get some groveling—but honestly? I wanted more. That third-act realization? Satisfying. But everything before that? Messy as hell.
That said... the last 30% went hard. Like, suddenly the chemistry finally showed up, the emotional stakes kicked in, and I was FINALLY rooting for them. Naomi found her fire. Nico started acting like more than just a leather-clad menace. It was chaotic, dramatic, a bit unhinged... but it worked.
Also, shoutout to Vaughn, that man is mysterious, violent, and 100% intriguing. I need his story like, yesterday.
So yeah—this wasn’t a total win for me, but it wasn’t a loss either.
It’s dark, steamy, twisted, and if you're into mafia men with obsessive streaks and heroines trying to claw back control in a world that’s taken too much? This might still hit.
Check TWs. Be prepared for heavy content. And go in knowing this one plays rough.
Will I read the next book? Absolutely.
Do I want more grovel from Nico in bonus scenes? YES.
Am I emotionally okay after this? No. But that’s kind of the point.
Now if you'll excuse me, I’ll be manifesting Vaughn’s book.
May 15, 2026
this book was literally smut with a little plot.
Naomi got drugged and raped by her father’s enemies and they recorded it, and the flash drive got into Nico’s hands. he watched just 0.30 seconds of the video and thought it was a porn video, and he couldn’t watch the whole thing because he was jealous (don’t ask me how jealous because I don’t fucking know they only know each other because Nico’s sister is in the same ballet company as Naomi, and they had only met face to face once). so he blackmailed her with the video because her father did something to his family, and he used the video as leverage over her for 6 months to get what he wanted, literally threatening her with her own trauma. and when he learned the truth, he dropped to his knees and said, “please forgive me, I didn’t know.” fucking shit of XY, he didn’t even grovel. I wish she shot him when she pointed the gun at him.
Naomi got drugged and raped by her father’s enemies and they recorded it, and the flash drive got into Nico’s hands. he watched just 0.30 seconds of the video and thought it was a porn video, and he couldn’t watch the whole thing because he was jealous (don’t ask me how jealous because I don’t fucking know they only know each other because Nico’s sister is in the same ballet company as Naomi, and they had only met face to face once). so he blackmailed her with the video because her father did something to his family, and he used the video as leverage over her for 6 months to get what he wanted, literally threatening her with her own trauma. and when he learned the truth, he dropped to his knees and said, “please forgive me, I didn’t know.” fucking shit of XY, he didn’t even grovel. I wish she shot him when she pointed the gun at him.
April 24, 2025
Dance of Ruin (Darkest Dance #2) by Jagger Cole
4/5 stars
Dance of Ruin is another gem in Jagger Cole's brilliant collection of books he has written so far. It's dark, hot, all consuming and utterly addictive. I nearly read it in one go and thoroughly enjoyed it. Though there is one huge thing that I didn't enjoy nor understood. Hence the four instead of five stars.
The book starts with Naomi attending a party with her career driven father. He only cares for his advancement in politics and mistreats Naomi badly. She runs off and searches for a quiet place. She ends up on a balcony on the 30th floor and decides to climb around a divider to get on another, more beautiful, balcony. The second she is there she hears voices and sees Nico Barone having an argument with a man about who asks who The Black Court is, and whom he pushes over the balcony. She quickly turns and tries to climb back, falling in the proces, nearly getting squashed on the pavement below. Nico grabs her, forces her to say what she saw and claims her as his own.
Naomi has money issues, everything she earns goes back into her ballet career now that she has secured the role of Odette in Swan Lake. She accepted a photoshoot job to earn some cash. But things aren't what they seem and she gets drugged.
Meanwhile Nico is spending time with his family at his father's 70th birthday party. Things go amiss when a car explodes and his sister gets hurt.
And that is what this amazing book is about. The Barone family tries to figure out who is after them. And oh my heart. I loved Kratos' anger and passion so much. He is by far my favorite character in this entire universe.
And it's about Nico and Naomi who long and lust after each other. And quickly fall far deeper than either of them expected.
This book is more about the entire family than just an individual couple. And I really enjoyed that a lot.
SPOILER ALERT IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH:
The only thing I really, really disliked and not understood is how Cole dealt with the sexual abuse. Naomi gets drugged and used and wakes up with cum on her body. She didn't get penetrated, but severely abused nonetheless. There is one chapter where she feels traumatized. And the second Nico touches her she is turned on and ready for sex. That was so freaking unrealistic. Especially with how quickly it happened after the violation. That's why I deduced a point. I really wish Cole wrote it more respectfully and realistically.
If you love Jagger Cole's writing style, then you will love this one as well! Another brilliant book. 4 big stars from me for Dance of Ruin.
4/5 stars
Dance of Ruin is another gem in Jagger Cole's brilliant collection of books he has written so far. It's dark, hot, all consuming and utterly addictive. I nearly read it in one go and thoroughly enjoyed it. Though there is one huge thing that I didn't enjoy nor understood. Hence the four instead of five stars.
The book starts with Naomi attending a party with her career driven father. He only cares for his advancement in politics and mistreats Naomi badly. She runs off and searches for a quiet place. She ends up on a balcony on the 30th floor and decides to climb around a divider to get on another, more beautiful, balcony. The second she is there she hears voices and sees Nico Barone having an argument with a man about who asks who The Black Court is, and whom he pushes over the balcony. She quickly turns and tries to climb back, falling in the proces, nearly getting squashed on the pavement below. Nico grabs her, forces her to say what she saw and claims her as his own.
Naomi has money issues, everything she earns goes back into her ballet career now that she has secured the role of Odette in Swan Lake. She accepted a photoshoot job to earn some cash. But things aren't what they seem and she gets drugged.
Meanwhile Nico is spending time with his family at his father's 70th birthday party. Things go amiss when a car explodes and his sister gets hurt.
And that is what this amazing book is about. The Barone family tries to figure out who is after them. And oh my heart. I loved Kratos' anger and passion so much. He is by far my favorite character in this entire universe.
And it's about Nico and Naomi who long and lust after each other. And quickly fall far deeper than either of them expected.
This book is more about the entire family than just an individual couple. And I really enjoyed that a lot.
SPOILER ALERT IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH:
The only thing I really, really disliked and not understood is how Cole dealt with the sexual abuse. Naomi gets drugged and used and wakes up with cum on her body. She didn't get penetrated, but severely abused nonetheless. There is one chapter where she feels traumatized. And the second Nico touches her she is turned on and ready for sex. That was so freaking unrealistic. Especially with how quickly it happened after the violation. That's why I deduced a point. I really wish Cole wrote it more respectfully and realistically.
If you love Jagger Cole's writing style, then you will love this one as well! Another brilliant book. 4 big stars from me for Dance of Ruin.
April 25, 2025
This was a red pill man’s wet dream, not a romance book.
The mmc coerces and abuses the mfc (no, just because the author makes the mfc physically enjoy it, doesn’t suddenly make it consensual). And no, the fact that he grovels and deals with other abusers, doesn’t wipe out his own abuse.
There’s no reality in which someone who was willing to coerce and abuse an innocent person turns into a great, loving partner.
Also, the dude was supposed to be super smart and perceptive, yet he couldn’t connect the simplest dots and needed everything spelled out for him.
I’m not even gonna touch the fact that Jagger Cole can’t write emotional connection for shit (that’s also probably why Naomi’s trauma was completely ignored), because that’s a given at this point in his writing career, but this relationship really was a new low for him.
I’m disgusted and if Nico is your book boyfriend, you need help. And some self-esteem.
The mmc coerces and abuses the mfc (no, just because the author makes the mfc physically enjoy it, doesn’t suddenly make it consensual). And no, the fact that he grovels and deals with other abusers, doesn’t wipe out his own abuse.
There’s no reality in which someone who was willing to coerce and abuse an innocent person turns into a great, loving partner.
Also, the dude was supposed to be super smart and perceptive, yet he couldn’t connect the simplest dots and needed everything spelled out for him.
I’m not even gonna touch the fact that Jagger Cole can’t write emotional connection for shit (that’s also probably why Naomi’s trauma was completely ignored), because that’s a given at this point in his writing career, but this relationship really was a new low for him.
I’m disgusted and if Nico is your book boyfriend, you need help. And some self-esteem.
May 12, 2025
Should’ve thrown him off the balcony.
April 27, 2025
Dnf
The fmc got raped by her father’s enemies and they took a video of it as leverage. The mmc thought she made a porn video, and not that she was being raped bc he couldn’t bring himself to watch the full video bc of his jealousy (booohooo🙄) He then thought it was good idea to blackmail her with that video to demand sexual favours from her. He’s no different from the fmc’s rapists. He held her trauma over her head and this was just days after she got raped. She didn’t even get time to heal mentally before he started tormenting her but it’s fine since the fmc liked it 😖
Most of Jagger Cole’s mmcs are rapists and hide under the guise that it’s a kink and the fmc liked it and i’m so sick of it. I blame myself for giving this author chance after chance when half of his mmcs are all cut from the same cloth
The fmc got raped by her father’s enemies and they took a video of it as leverage. The mmc thought she made a porn video, and not that she was being raped bc he couldn’t bring himself to watch the full video bc of his jealousy (booohooo🙄) He then thought it was good idea to blackmail her with that video to demand sexual favours from her. He’s no different from the fmc’s rapists. He held her trauma over her head and this was just days after she got raped. She didn’t even get time to heal mentally before he started tormenting her but it’s fine since the fmc liked it 😖
Most of Jagger Cole’s mmcs are rapists and hide under the guise that it’s a kink and the fmc liked it and i’m so sick of it. I blame myself for giving this author chance after chance when half of his mmcs are all cut from the same cloth
April 30, 2025
DNF how do u go from a traumatizing moment to having sex scenes be so fr
April 24, 2025
When you are in the torture chamber and they make you read this book.
April 8, 2026
ALC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Dual POV
🖤BDSM
🖤Secret Society
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Virgin FMC
Just took a scroll to Goodreads and marked every single Jagger Cole book as “Want to Read.” Dance of Ruin by Jagger Cole is an addicting Dark Mafia Romance that posses you from the very start and does not let you go until the very end. Nico is a deliciously dark tatted mafia prince with possessive “look at her and ☠️ vibes.” I loved him! Naomi is a sweet caring ballet dancer playing the lead role in Swan Lake. Their relationship is toxic, heavy and so explosive once they finally get on the same page. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Emery Erickson and Stephen Dexter boosted the listening experience with their phenomenal voice acting skills. The narrator's passion was truly felt in every sentence that was spoke.
I would like to thank VPR Audio & Jagger Cole for the ALC copy, these are my honest opinions in exchange.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤Dual POV
🖤BDSM
🖤Secret Society
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Virgin FMC
Just took a scroll to Goodreads and marked every single Jagger Cole book as “Want to Read.” Dance of Ruin by Jagger Cole is an addicting Dark Mafia Romance that posses you from the very start and does not let you go until the very end. Nico is a deliciously dark tatted mafia prince with possessive “look at her and ☠️ vibes.” I loved him! Naomi is a sweet caring ballet dancer playing the lead role in Swan Lake. Their relationship is toxic, heavy and so explosive once they finally get on the same page. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Emery Erickson and Stephen Dexter boosted the listening experience with their phenomenal voice acting skills. The narrator's passion was truly felt in every sentence that was spoke.
I would like to thank VPR Audio & Jagger Cole for the ALC copy, these are my honest opinions in exchange.
April 19, 2025
Thank you Valentine PR for giving me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Actual rating 3.5⭐️
So... I'm new to Jagger Cole and his writing and I have to say I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I enjoyed this one too... but there was one thing that really annoyed me.
Naomi goes through something horrible at the beginning when two guys force themselves on her as a revenge and than there isn't much focus on her dealing with her trauma, which irritated me sooo much!!! Nico only finds out a lot later and I didn't really like that discussion between them... it's a little messy and a lot of miscommunication.
Either way it was a really easy read and I can't wait for the next book
Actual rating 3.5⭐️
So... I'm new to Jagger Cole and his writing and I have to say I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I enjoyed this one too... but there was one thing that really annoyed me.
Naomi goes through something horrible at the beginning when two guys force themselves on her as a revenge and than there isn't much focus on her dealing with her trauma, which irritated me sooo much!!! Nico only finds out a lot later and I didn't really like that discussion between them... it's a little messy and a lot of miscommunication.
Either way it was a really easy read and I can't wait for the next book
April 22, 2025
[arc review]
this book was a little bit of a hot mess for the characters 😗
nico gives me a little bit of an ick but that’s just kind of the person he is. he’s very much an act first, ask questions later and definitely don’t apologize type of guy. it’s part of his very stabby personality. still though, i find him jumping to a lot of conclusions and then him sorta being like oh 🧍♂️ later. nico is extremely protective and loyal though, i’ll give him that.
i would give ANYTHING to take away the pain and trauma that naomi went through. she’s innocent in all of this yet somehow outside forces decide to involve her in the crossfire. she’s an incredible dancer but the imposter syndrome on top of the pain and trauma from outside her career broke my heart.
nico is filled with a lot—and i mean A LOT—of lust so the book started to feel like plotless smut to me pretty early on in the book. but i was invested in the mafia bits so its no surprise i kept reading. also it’s jagger cole, i always know he’s got something up his sleeve, so like all of his other books i’ve read, i ate the book up.
this book was a little bit of a hot mess for the characters 😗
nico gives me a little bit of an ick but that’s just kind of the person he is. he’s very much an act first, ask questions later and definitely don’t apologize type of guy. it’s part of his very stabby personality. still though, i find him jumping to a lot of conclusions and then him sorta being like oh 🧍♂️ later. nico is extremely protective and loyal though, i’ll give him that.
i would give ANYTHING to take away the pain and trauma that naomi went through. she’s innocent in all of this yet somehow outside forces decide to involve her in the crossfire. she’s an incredible dancer but the imposter syndrome on top of the pain and trauma from outside her career broke my heart.
nico is filled with a lot—and i mean A LOT—of lust so the book started to feel like plotless smut to me pretty early on in the book. but i was invested in the mafia bits so its no surprise i kept reading. also it’s jagger cole, i always know he’s got something up his sleeve, so like all of his other books i’ve read, i ate the book up.
May 2, 2025
He wanted to break her. She made him unravel instead. 🦢🩰🖤⛓️
Dance of Ruin is dark romance at its finest—twisted, magnetic, and absolutely addicting. Nico is all sharp edges and dangerous intentions, but she is the storm he didn’t see coming.
She’s not just the pawn—she’s the game-changer. A graceful, brilliant force of her own who pushes back when he pushes too far. And the tension between them? Unholy.
We’re talking:
⛓️ power plays and whispered threats
🖤 obsession with a capital O
🩰 a fierce, elegant heroine who refuses to fold
🔥 possessive energy so thick it leaves bruises
This book had me spiraling—in the best way. It’s seductive, intense, and full of that delicious he’s dark, but only soft for her energy. If you love enemies-to-lovers that actually deliver on the danger and the desire? Welcome to your new favorite.
Dance of Ruin is dark romance at its finest—twisted, magnetic, and absolutely addicting. Nico is all sharp edges and dangerous intentions, but she is the storm he didn’t see coming.
She’s not just the pawn—she’s the game-changer. A graceful, brilliant force of her own who pushes back when he pushes too far. And the tension between them? Unholy.
We’re talking:
⛓️ power plays and whispered threats
🖤 obsession with a capital O
🩰 a fierce, elegant heroine who refuses to fold
🔥 possessive energy so thick it leaves bruises
This book had me spiraling—in the best way. It’s seductive, intense, and full of that delicious he’s dark, but only soft for her energy. If you love enemies-to-lovers that actually deliver on the danger and the desire? Welcome to your new favorite.
April 19, 2025
First thank you to Valentine PR for and ARC of this book. Sadly I had to DNF this one not far into it. I loved the first book and was so excited to receive the second but Naomi goes through something absolutely horrible and then Nico basically blackmails her and assaults her similarly to what she endured before. Even if supposedly enjoyed it from Nico it felt too unrealistic and I was just appalled by it all honestly so sadly this is a no from me.
July 26, 2025
»How long have you been there?«
»Long enough to know you don't fucking leave my head, even though I want you to.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑵𝒂𝒐𝒎𝒊 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She deserved so much better. Naomi is caring, lovely and overall just a nice woman.
❥ 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒐 ⋆✮
This man is a walking red flag and there were moments I truly hated him. I‘m glad he came to his right mind and saw Naomi for the wonderful woman she is.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Another dark and twisted masterpiece by Jagger Cole. This book is nothing for the faint of heart so please check the trigger warnings before reading. It‘s dark and full of red flags, don‘t like it don‘t read it. Jagger Cole is the king of mafia romance and he proved it again with this book. I inhaled the story and couldn‘t put my kindle down. It was addicting and well written.
Naomi and Nico have great tension and their story is full of twist and turns. Nico blackmails Naomi into a sexual relationship (I know… not the gentleman way) but soon their relationship becomes much more. Both of them develop feelings and it‘s a small line between love and hate. I adored Naomi and Nico redeemed himself in the end (wasn‘t a fan of him throughout the book). This is not a cute, little mafia romance - this book contains a toxic relationship and is not for everybody.
All in all this was an entertaining read with some plot twists I didn‘t see coming. An enjoyable dark mafia romance!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 4/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, mafia romance, past trauma, touch her and die, psychotic mmc, mafia prince x ballerina/politicians daughter, he blackmails her, virgin fmc, secret society, opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, masked men, enemies to lovers, one bed, forced proximity
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Dance of Deception ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Dance of Ruin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Dance of Madness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Dance of Devils ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Dance of Defiance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Dance of Thorns ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#7 Dance of Monsters ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
»Long enough to know you don't fucking leave my head, even though I want you to.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑵𝒂𝒐𝒎𝒊 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She deserved so much better. Naomi is caring, lovely and overall just a nice woman.
❥ 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒐 ⋆✮
This man is a walking red flag and there were moments I truly hated him. I‘m glad he came to his right mind and saw Naomi for the wonderful woman she is.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Another dark and twisted masterpiece by Jagger Cole. This book is nothing for the faint of heart so please check the trigger warnings before reading. It‘s dark and full of red flags, don‘t like it don‘t read it. Jagger Cole is the king of mafia romance and he proved it again with this book. I inhaled the story and couldn‘t put my kindle down. It was addicting and well written.
Naomi and Nico have great tension and their story is full of twist and turns. Nico blackmails Naomi into a sexual relationship (I know… not the gentleman way) but soon their relationship becomes much more. Both of them develop feelings and it‘s a small line between love and hate. I adored Naomi and Nico redeemed himself in the end (wasn‘t a fan of him throughout the book). This is not a cute, little mafia romance - this book contains a toxic relationship and is not for everybody.
All in all this was an entertaining read with some plot twists I didn‘t see coming. An enjoyable dark mafia romance!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 4/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, mafia romance, past trauma, touch her and die, psychotic mmc, mafia prince x ballerina/politicians daughter, he blackmails her, virgin fmc, secret society, opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, masked men, enemies to lovers, one bed, forced proximity
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Dance of Deception ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Dance of Ruin ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Dance of Madness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Dance of Devils ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Dance of Defiance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Dance of Thorns ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#7 Dance of Monsters ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 10, 2025
Ignoring that the FMC’s name was spelled wrong in one of the chapter titles, one of Jagger’s more well-written books! Though I didn’t need the constant reminder of his piercing in the first half of the book. I wasn’t going to forget … trust me!
April 22, 2025
Dance of Ruin is book 2 in the Darkest Dance series. This is a mafia romance with plot twists that will keep you on your toes! I really enjoyed this one.
There are aspects of this book that need to remain a secret so I don’t want to give too much away in my review. So I am going to keep this vague but still try to convince you to start the series lol.
Someone attempts to harm Nico’s family and that cannot go unpunished. He planned to use her to get what he wanted. He never expected for her to mean everything to him and he will stop at nothing to keep her.
Nico is unhinged and uninhibited. This man loves to cause trouble and he does it often. He’s the textbook bad boy. I loved his character, he was so funny and was a man obsessed. Seriously tho, this man was obsessed with Naomi & had no limit on the crazy things her would do for her and TO her.
Naomi is the good girl and the politicians daughter. She’s a devoted dancer that works herself to the bone and does little else outside of that. Unfortunately, our girl gets used as collateral as most good girls do in these mafia romances. But the difference here is that she just needed the bad boy (Nico) to help her release her inner bad girl.
Some heavy stuff does happy to Naomi in this book so please check TW before reading. Her character is so resilient and I loved that about her.
While I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t feel a deep connection between the two main characters. Yes, Nico was obsessed but I needed just a bit more of an emotional connection between them.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes. I love the secret society aspect in the series, it keeps a level of mystery going into each book.
Thank you Jagger and VPR for the opportunity to read the advanced copy! I am so grateful.
4 ⭐️ | 3🌶️
• mafia romance
• enemies to lovers
• bdsm
• anti-hero
• virgin heroine
• possessive mmc
• touch her and die
There are aspects of this book that need to remain a secret so I don’t want to give too much away in my review. So I am going to keep this vague but still try to convince you to start the series lol.
Someone attempts to harm Nico’s family and that cannot go unpunished. He planned to use her to get what he wanted. He never expected for her to mean everything to him and he will stop at nothing to keep her.
Nico is unhinged and uninhibited. This man loves to cause trouble and he does it often. He’s the textbook bad boy. I loved his character, he was so funny and was a man obsessed. Seriously tho, this man was obsessed with Naomi & had no limit on the crazy things her would do for her and TO her.
Naomi is the good girl and the politicians daughter. She’s a devoted dancer that works herself to the bone and does little else outside of that. Unfortunately, our girl gets used as collateral as most good girls do in these mafia romances. But the difference here is that she just needed the bad boy (Nico) to help her release her inner bad girl.
Some heavy stuff does happy to Naomi in this book so please check TW before reading. Her character is so resilient and I loved that about her.
While I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t feel a deep connection between the two main characters. Yes, Nico was obsessed but I needed just a bit more of an emotional connection between them.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes. I love the secret society aspect in the series, it keeps a level of mystery going into each book.
Thank you Jagger and VPR for the opportunity to read the advanced copy! I am so grateful.
4 ⭐️ | 3🌶️
• mafia romance
• enemies to lovers
• bdsm
• anti-hero
• virgin heroine
• possessive mmc
• touch her and die
April 23, 2025
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The dance series are my new favorite books. Every man is obsessed with their ladies! And I am here for it!
Noami’s only sin is who she was born too. Her politician dad who puts her in danger and allows her to become the target of Nico’s attention. And once he sees her he cannot look away. Unfortunately his obsession allows him to over look the details and that makes him hurt Noami. Will she forgive his darkness or walk away?
#danceofruin #jaggercole #jaggercoleauthor #DarkRomance #RomanticSuspense #MafiaRomance #AlphaHero #AntiHero #ArrangedMarriage #BandofBrothers #BDSM #BoyObsessed #CinderellaStory #EnemiestoLovers #FakeRelationship #ForcedMarriage #FoundFamily #JealousPossessive #Mafia #MaskedMen #OppositesAttract #Revenge #SecretSociety #Suspense #TorturedLead #TragicPast #Vigilante #VirginHeroine #valentinepr
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The dance series are my new favorite books. Every man is obsessed with their ladies! And I am here for it!
Noami’s only sin is who she was born too. Her politician dad who puts her in danger and allows her to become the target of Nico’s attention. And once he sees her he cannot look away. Unfortunately his obsession allows him to over look the details and that makes him hurt Noami. Will she forgive his darkness or walk away?
#danceofruin #jaggercole #jaggercoleauthor #DarkRomance #RomanticSuspense #MafiaRomance #AlphaHero #AntiHero #ArrangedMarriage #BandofBrothers #BDSM #BoyObsessed #CinderellaStory #EnemiestoLovers #FakeRelationship #ForcedMarriage #FoundFamily #JealousPossessive #Mafia #MaskedMen #OppositesAttract #Revenge #SecretSociety #Suspense #TorturedLead #TragicPast #Vigilante #VirginHeroine #valentinepr
April 24, 2025
I was counting down the days for this drop, but the fmc had no spice—just submissive and silence.
Like, have some fire! Not every woman needs to be soft and submissive, like come on girl!
Like, have some fire! Not every woman needs to be soft and submissive, like come on girl!
April 22, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dance of Ruin is the 2nd book in the Darkest Dance series. I was intrigued by Nico and interested in getting to his romance after reading the first book about his brother Carmine. He is the more playful and unhinged than his brother, but also extremely intelligent.
Naomi is the daughter of a politician and has landed the lead role in the Black Swan ballet. She has a difficult and cold relationship with her father and tries to do everything on her own, so she is in need of some money. She goes to a sketchy photo shoot to get some extra cash, and she is assaulted.
Nico's family is attacked, and he finds out Naomi's father was responsible. He also finds out about a tape of Naomi that could be damaging to her father's career, and he decides he is going to use her in his quest for revenge. He blackmails her and makes her his little plaything with that tape, unaware that this was from that horrible assault.
Nico becomes so obsessed with Naomi he decides to move her into his house so he can have easy access to her at all times. They have an intense sexual connection, and she enjoys both his degradation and praise. My main issue was that they only had sexual chemistry, and I needed more of an emotional connection. This has been an ongoing complaint of mine when it comes to some of Jagger's books because I want a little more intimacy between the characters.
Jagger Cole always delivers on an exciting mafia plot, though, with so many twists and turns. I continue to enjoy the Black Court, and I can't wait to read Nero's book next. Kir also shows up briefly in this book, and I am dying for his book!
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
TW: SA, drugging, murder, torture, degradation
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dance of Ruin is the 2nd book in the Darkest Dance series. I was intrigued by Nico and interested in getting to his romance after reading the first book about his brother Carmine. He is the more playful and unhinged than his brother, but also extremely intelligent.
Naomi is the daughter of a politician and has landed the lead role in the Black Swan ballet. She has a difficult and cold relationship with her father and tries to do everything on her own, so she is in need of some money. She goes to a sketchy photo shoot to get some extra cash, and she is assaulted.
Nico's family is attacked, and he finds out Naomi's father was responsible. He also finds out about a tape of Naomi that could be damaging to her father's career, and he decides he is going to use her in his quest for revenge. He blackmails her and makes her his little plaything with that tape, unaware that this was from that horrible assault.
Nico becomes so obsessed with Naomi he decides to move her into his house so he can have easy access to her at all times. They have an intense sexual connection, and she enjoys both his degradation and praise. My main issue was that they only had sexual chemistry, and I needed more of an emotional connection. This has been an ongoing complaint of mine when it comes to some of Jagger's books because I want a little more intimacy between the characters.
Jagger Cole always delivers on an exciting mafia plot, though, with so many twists and turns. I continue to enjoy the Black Court, and I can't wait to read Nero's book next. Kir also shows up briefly in this book, and I am dying for his book!
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing the ARC.
TW: SA, drugging, murder, torture, degradation
April 21, 2025
4⭐️|3🌶️
I had a great time with this book! Nico was immediately obsessed with Naomi. She is his sister’s best friend, but when a violent attack happens against his family, he decides to use blackmail on her for revenge. So many secrets get revealed that definitely had my jaw dropping.
While I did enjoy this book, I had a bit of a hard time really feeling that deep emotional connection between Nico and Naomi. There was also Naomi’s reaction to a big moment later on left me a little confused. It didn’t make sense why she would react the way she did.
I’m definitely excited to keep going with Nero’s book next, but let’s be real, I’m over here dying for Kir’s book!
Thank you so much VPR and Jagger Cole for the ARC🤍
I had a great time with this book! Nico was immediately obsessed with Naomi. She is his sister’s best friend, but when a violent attack happens against his family, he decides to use blackmail on her for revenge. So many secrets get revealed that definitely had my jaw dropping.
While I did enjoy this book, I had a bit of a hard time really feeling that deep emotional connection between Nico and Naomi. There was also Naomi’s reaction to a big moment later on left me a little confused. It didn’t make sense why she would react the way she did.
I’m definitely excited to keep going with Nero’s book next, but let’s be real, I’m over here dying for Kir’s book!
Thank you so much VPR and Jagger Cole for the ARC🤍
July 15, 2025
this is the first book I've read by this author and wowowowowowowowow. chef's kiss 💋 😘 magnificent, it was sooooo good am actually obsessed 👀😋🫦
December 12, 2025
Nico and Naomi
July 24, 2025
DNF: 50% I thought I could connect more with the characters , and to be honest, I don't understand how the fmc accepted everything about Nico when she had just gone through something traumatic
May 4, 2025
This was basically just a smut book and I like my books with a little more plot. It was too long. But I was hooked in a way
April 29, 2025
#Review: *Dance of ruin* - Jagger Cole - ARC [21+]
4.9/5✨
4/5🌶️
I've seen this author being recommended by a fellow bookstagrammer and I really wanted to read something by him. So, I need to thank Jagger and Valentine Pr for accepting me to read this e-book in advance!
Naomi is a super talented balerina, who, unfortunately, has seen something forbidden. That was something concerning Nico, a man with a really dark demeanor and who was part of a dangerous mafia gang called 'The Black Court'. Because of that incident, Naomi was now forced by Nico to be at his mercy, to do everything he requested. But why isn't she feeling guilty of everything she was doing with Nico? She had been through an life altering event which should have made her more affected by other men but Nico only brought alive something she never thought she would feel in those moments: pure lust and desire.
The obsessive behavior Nico was showing for Naomi was one which gave me mixt feelings about him. It terrified me and, at the same time, found it really endearing because he didn't realize how attached he became to her. By his own hand, by keeping her in close proximity and at his mercy, Nico got into the situation of becoming addicted to our ballerina, being like a drug to him. But what happens when people he loves get hurt? He transforms into a mad man with a single thought: of revenge.
Naomi was totally opposites to Nico, being a sweet, innocent girl who was forced to turn into a woman who was confident in herself, a woman who wasn't afraid of the man who kept her doing things she never imagined she'll ever do. But the life she was living wasn't as pure as she was and she had to adapt to it. And really fast.
Will all those secrets come tumbling down and destroy their lives? Will they succeed in finding the answers they were searching for?
This story had a very dark side, filled with violence, steamy scenes and manipulative parts. It had many triggers which, I believe, are not compatible with everyone. That's why I suggest to carefully check out the triggers of this book and make sure you are ok with everything that's about to unravel in this story before diving into those book.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#Mafia
#BoyObsessed
#EnemiesToLovers
#RomanticSuspense
#AntiHero
#Angst
#AlphaHero
#TouchHerAndDie
#VirginHeroine
4.9/5✨
4/5🌶️
I've seen this author being recommended by a fellow bookstagrammer and I really wanted to read something by him. So, I need to thank Jagger and Valentine Pr for accepting me to read this e-book in advance!
Naomi is a super talented balerina, who, unfortunately, has seen something forbidden. That was something concerning Nico, a man with a really dark demeanor and who was part of a dangerous mafia gang called 'The Black Court'. Because of that incident, Naomi was now forced by Nico to be at his mercy, to do everything he requested. But why isn't she feeling guilty of everything she was doing with Nico? She had been through an life altering event which should have made her more affected by other men but Nico only brought alive something she never thought she would feel in those moments: pure lust and desire.
The obsessive behavior Nico was showing for Naomi was one which gave me mixt feelings about him. It terrified me and, at the same time, found it really endearing because he didn't realize how attached he became to her. By his own hand, by keeping her in close proximity and at his mercy, Nico got into the situation of becoming addicted to our ballerina, being like a drug to him. But what happens when people he loves get hurt? He transforms into a mad man with a single thought: of revenge.
Naomi was totally opposites to Nico, being a sweet, innocent girl who was forced to turn into a woman who was confident in herself, a woman who wasn't afraid of the man who kept her doing things she never imagined she'll ever do. But the life she was living wasn't as pure as she was and she had to adapt to it. And really fast.
Will all those secrets come tumbling down and destroy their lives? Will they succeed in finding the answers they were searching for?
This story had a very dark side, filled with violence, steamy scenes and manipulative parts. It had many triggers which, I believe, are not compatible with everyone. That's why I suggest to carefully check out the triggers of this book and make sure you are ok with everything that's about to unravel in this story before diving into those book.
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#Mafia
#BoyObsessed
#EnemiesToLovers
#RomanticSuspense
#AntiHero
#Angst
#AlphaHero
#TouchHerAndDie
#VirginHeroine
April 23, 2025
Well hot dog I think Nico is my favorite Barone brother 🥵 couldn’t put this book down as soon as I started reading. Nico and Naomi were everythinnnngggg their dynamic was off the charts. Nico is crazy and Naomi is so fierce and strong only she’d be able to put up with him. The subplot of the Black Court and what’s going on picks up too which I love. Can’t wait to read Nero’s book bc Nico is crazy but Nero seems to be Crazy with a capital C 😮💨
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Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
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Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
April 26, 2025
I wanted to love this.. it was a very anticipated release for me but I don’t know 😭 I just couldn’t connect with these characters
October 2, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
📱
this was a wild ride. the dark mafia setting, the ballet-background heroine, the “bad boy” hero who’s equal parts dangerous and irresistible — it all pulled me in. and yes, the spice is very good. like, full-on intense scenes that made me blush and gasp.🥵
i loved the tension, the secret society angle, the stakes. at the same time, a few plot bits felt a bit too familiar and the emotional build could’ve landed a little stronger. still, if you’re in the mood for something dark, sexy, and messy in the best way, this hits.
🖤🔥🎭💋🎼😈
“he’s my villain, my ruin, my sweetest damnation”
4/5🌶️
📱
this was a wild ride. the dark mafia setting, the ballet-background heroine, the “bad boy” hero who’s equal parts dangerous and irresistible — it all pulled me in. and yes, the spice is very good. like, full-on intense scenes that made me blush and gasp.🥵
i loved the tension, the secret society angle, the stakes. at the same time, a few plot bits felt a bit too familiar and the emotional build could’ve landed a little stronger. still, if you’re in the mood for something dark, sexy, and messy in the best way, this hits.
🖤🔥🎭💋🎼😈
“he’s my villain, my ruin, my sweetest damnation”
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