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Darkest Dance #6
Dance of Thorns
I’m forced to marry my dead best friend’s fiancé.
Most people call me a freak. Damaged goods. Addict.
The outcast daughter of the Marchetti crime family.
A black sheep with a dark soul.
But then one night, I fall into a darker one.
Bane Antonov, the cold, villainously beautiful crown prince of the Antonov Bratva.
A man covered in scars and ink.
A man who was supposed to marry my now dead and buried best friend.
The night we crash together, we talk each other off the literal edge.
I should’ve jumped.
Because somehow, Bane knows my every dark secret. Every scar. Every inky black desire.
He’s a villain and a monster.
The thing is, I might be, too.
There are things I don’t remember.
Like why he hates me. Why I crave his venomous touch and poisonous lips anyway.
Now, he has me locked in his cage with his ring on my finger.
We’re in a war, ‘til death do us part.
But we'll see who falls first.
And it’s a
Long
Way
Down.
Dance of Thorns is a standalone dark mafia, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, untamable black cat heroine, and an ultra possessive morally gray hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
Most people call me a freak. Damaged goods. Addict.
The outcast daughter of the Marchetti crime family.
A black sheep with a dark soul.
But then one night, I fall into a darker one.
Bane Antonov, the cold, villainously beautiful crown prince of the Antonov Bratva.
A man covered in scars and ink.
A man who was supposed to marry my now dead and buried best friend.
The night we crash together, we talk each other off the literal edge.
I should’ve jumped.
Because somehow, Bane knows my every dark secret. Every scar. Every inky black desire.
He’s a villain and a monster.
The thing is, I might be, too.
There are things I don’t remember.
Like why he hates me. Why I crave his venomous touch and poisonous lips anyway.
Now, he has me locked in his cage with his ring on my finger.
We’re in a war, ‘til death do us part.
But we'll see who falls first.
And it’s a
Long
Way
Down.
Dance of Thorns is a standalone dark mafia, forced marriage, enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, untamable black cat heroine, and an ultra possessive morally gray hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
1683 people are currently reading
1593 people want to read
About the author
Jagger Cole
72 books5,459 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
December 14, 2025
Dance of Thorns (Darkest Dance, #6) by Jagger Cole
3.5/5 stars
I just finished this book. And it was an enjoyable book overall. But I loved the previous one in this series. Dance of Defiance was a bloody masterpiece. Addictive, all-consuming, it grabbed my heart and held it all the way through. And while this is a fun book. This one did not have that effect on me. I could easily put it down and I wasn't mesmerized. And maybe that effect was bigger because I love the previous one so much. It's the weakest book in this series so far. But all in all another great book by Jagger Cole and I am glad I read it.
The book starts with Dove Marchetti. Her memories are scrambled and she has fleeting memories of an attack. She got hit in the head and lost most of her memories. Her family tells her she is Dove Marchette and slowly she is remembering bits and pieces. Dove lost her best friend Lark in the attack. They were attacked because of Dove. And her death was the catalyst for addiction and automutilation. Dove is fighting hard, takes her medication diligently and goes to therapy. She does everything in her power to stay clean. But when the anniversary of Lark's death comes up, she goes to Lark's favorite building and is standing on the ledge. Ready to jump. Suddenly the door opens and she darts away. A man is now standing on the ledge, ready to end it himself. She stops him and for a second they are about to jump together. When he counts down and she's ready until he says 'f*ck this' and grabs her as she falls. When their eyes meet she sees how ready he is to drop her. It's Bane Antonov, the ex-fiance of Lark, the friend she got killed. He pulls her up and they decide to return tomorrow to talk about Lark.
When she returns he grabs her, violently kisses her and whisper-screams: 'you should have jumped, little bird'. She sees people filming their encounter and suddenly the world believes they are dating. Both are part of powerful mafia marriages and both their fathers decide that they have to get married. Bane's father wants control of the shipping port and through his son's marriage he will get that access.
And that is what this book is about. It's about a forced marriage where both parties seem to fall hard for the other person. They connect sexually and he is able to bring her back to life. But Dove is also trapped by the past and her lost and fleeting memories. Things change when she finds Lark's diary and suddenly she goes on a quest to find answers. What truly happened? And when she finds a tape her world turns upside down and changes irrevocably.
The premise of this book is soooo good. The tropes are top notch. Memory loss, forced proximity and arranged marriage. But I truly missed their chemistry. There is some chemistry, but it should have burnt a lot brighter. Compared to Jagger's other books their connection isn't as strong as in the other couples. And I really missed that. I also think they didn't have enough scenes together. A lot is about their separate lives and I just didn't feel them organically grow closer. I didn't feel the switch from hate to love. It was just there and I was like, huh, already?
I just wish this story shined more. It felt a bit rushed and the emphasis wasn't always always on the right topics. So it is a bit of a missed opportunity. I think this one could have been way more addictive than it was.
But all in all it was still a fun book. And if you love Jagger Cole's books you'll enjoy this one as well.
3.5 out of 5 stars from me for Dance of Thorns.
3.5/5 stars
I just finished this book. And it was an enjoyable book overall. But I loved the previous one in this series. Dance of Defiance was a bloody masterpiece. Addictive, all-consuming, it grabbed my heart and held it all the way through. And while this is a fun book. This one did not have that effect on me. I could easily put it down and I wasn't mesmerized. And maybe that effect was bigger because I love the previous one so much. It's the weakest book in this series so far. But all in all another great book by Jagger Cole and I am glad I read it.
The book starts with Dove Marchetti. Her memories are scrambled and she has fleeting memories of an attack. She got hit in the head and lost most of her memories. Her family tells her she is Dove Marchette and slowly she is remembering bits and pieces. Dove lost her best friend Lark in the attack. They were attacked because of Dove. And her death was the catalyst for addiction and automutilation. Dove is fighting hard, takes her medication diligently and goes to therapy. She does everything in her power to stay clean. But when the anniversary of Lark's death comes up, she goes to Lark's favorite building and is standing on the ledge. Ready to jump. Suddenly the door opens and she darts away. A man is now standing on the ledge, ready to end it himself. She stops him and for a second they are about to jump together. When he counts down and she's ready until he says 'f*ck this' and grabs her as she falls. When their eyes meet she sees how ready he is to drop her. It's Bane Antonov, the ex-fiance of Lark, the friend she got killed. He pulls her up and they decide to return tomorrow to talk about Lark.
When she returns he grabs her, violently kisses her and whisper-screams: 'you should have jumped, little bird'. She sees people filming their encounter and suddenly the world believes they are dating. Both are part of powerful mafia marriages and both their fathers decide that they have to get married. Bane's father wants control of the shipping port and through his son's marriage he will get that access.
And that is what this book is about. It's about a forced marriage where both parties seem to fall hard for the other person. They connect sexually and he is able to bring her back to life. But Dove is also trapped by the past and her lost and fleeting memories. Things change when she finds Lark's diary and suddenly she goes on a quest to find answers. What truly happened? And when she finds a tape her world turns upside down and changes irrevocably.
The premise of this book is soooo good. The tropes are top notch. Memory loss, forced proximity and arranged marriage. But I truly missed their chemistry. There is some chemistry, but it should have burnt a lot brighter. Compared to Jagger's other books their connection isn't as strong as in the other couples. And I really missed that. I also think they didn't have enough scenes together. A lot is about their separate lives and I just didn't feel them organically grow closer. I didn't feel the switch from hate to love. It was just there and I was like, huh, already?
I just wish this story shined more. It felt a bit rushed and the emphasis wasn't always always on the right topics. So it is a bit of a missed opportunity. I think this one could have been way more addictive than it was.
But all in all it was still a fun book. And if you love Jagger Cole's books you'll enjoy this one as well.
3.5 out of 5 stars from me for Dance of Thorns.
December 8, 2025
ARC Review: Dance of Thorns
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions]
[Content Warning: This story explores sensitive themes such as family-loss, consensual/non-consensual play, kidnapping, suicide and addiction. If these topics are triggering or uncomfortable for you, please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed.]
THE WHAT: Dove is dealing with survivor’s guilt and ongoing mental health struggles after she and her best friend, Lark, were kidnapped and abused. Lark didn’t survive. Coming from a mafia family, Dove is then required to marry Bane, Lark’s fiancé, as part of a business deal between their families. This marriage forces Dove to confront hidden family issues, long-buried lies, and the truth behind the decisions that shaped her life.
THE VIBE: Consensual non-consensual play, impact play, somno activities, trauma bonding, dark romance, morally gray MMC, crime/mafia families.
THE HOW: This novel provides a dual point of view from both the FMC’s and MMC’s perspectives. We follow the FMC as she works through trauma, adjusts to her forced marriage to Bane, and uncovers the truth behind her family’s decisions.
THE HIT: I loved all the twists and turns woven into this story. The author handles mental health with care, honesty, and a level of openness that really helps advocate and break stigmas. I also appreciated the slow-building, deeply emotional connection between Bane and Dove. I feel like this added so much connection to the darker themes.
THE MISS: There were a few things that confused me. The antler mask Bane wore in one scene felt out of place and didn’t fit the tone of the moment. I also felt the writing style in the first half didn’t match my preferences, though it seemed like the author’s confidence strengthened as the story went on. Also, the shift from enemies to lovers happened so quickly that I couldn’t pinpoint when their feelings actually changed. There were a lot of different story lines going on in this book which I felt were disconnected and hard to follow.
THE REC: The book was okay for me. It’s not a must-read or something I’d rave about, but it might hit the mark for readers who enjoy dark mafia romances and don’t mind a faster emotional shift between characters.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 3/5
🔥Spice Rating : 4/5
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions]
[Content Warning: This story explores sensitive themes such as family-loss, consensual/non-consensual play, kidnapping, suicide and addiction. If these topics are triggering or uncomfortable for you, please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed.]
THE WHAT: Dove is dealing with survivor’s guilt and ongoing mental health struggles after she and her best friend, Lark, were kidnapped and abused. Lark didn’t survive. Coming from a mafia family, Dove is then required to marry Bane, Lark’s fiancé, as part of a business deal between their families. This marriage forces Dove to confront hidden family issues, long-buried lies, and the truth behind the decisions that shaped her life.
THE VIBE: Consensual non-consensual play, impact play, somno activities, trauma bonding, dark romance, morally gray MMC, crime/mafia families.
THE HOW: This novel provides a dual point of view from both the FMC’s and MMC’s perspectives. We follow the FMC as she works through trauma, adjusts to her forced marriage to Bane, and uncovers the truth behind her family’s decisions.
THE HIT: I loved all the twists and turns woven into this story. The author handles mental health with care, honesty, and a level of openness that really helps advocate and break stigmas. I also appreciated the slow-building, deeply emotional connection between Bane and Dove. I feel like this added so much connection to the darker themes.
THE MISS: There were a few things that confused me. The antler mask Bane wore in one scene felt out of place and didn’t fit the tone of the moment. I also felt the writing style in the first half didn’t match my preferences, though it seemed like the author’s confidence strengthened as the story went on. Also, the shift from enemies to lovers happened so quickly that I couldn’t pinpoint when their feelings actually changed. There were a lot of different story lines going on in this book which I felt were disconnected and hard to follow.
THE REC: The book was okay for me. It’s not a must-read or something I’d rave about, but it might hit the mark for readers who enjoy dark mafia romances and don’t mind a faster emotional shift between characters.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 3/5
🔥Spice Rating : 4/5
December 15, 2025
Would you believe I’m still in a slump because of this book? Because I am.
I haven’t been able to truly move on so I’ve just reread and man rereading it after all those plot twists is soooooo rewarding.
Bane & Dove are a dark romance dream. He’s dark and angry and possessive and she’s broken and mean and pushes everyone away. These two can only actually heal each other.
The history between them seems insurmountable because what do you mean she was best friends with the love of his life who died tragically?!? How could they move on?!?
Trust the process. What follows is the angstiest love story with an intricate plot that’s full of twists and turns. We get cameos from some of our favorites but this is Bane & Doves story and they’re perfect. Jagger Cole does an impeccable job with this storytelling. These are compelling characters in a deeply complex world. He weaves in the perfect amount of spice and angst to make a truly thought provoking love story.
I’m obsessed with this book. One of the best dark romance stories I’ve read in a long long time.
🩰
WTF DID I JUST READ?!?!
TWIST ON TOP OF TWIST
🩰
Because I got an arc for this book I’m reading this series and I’m angry at myself that I never read it before.
I’ve got 7 days to read 5 books before the arc drops.
Let’s do this.
I haven’t been able to truly move on so I’ve just reread and man rereading it after all those plot twists is soooooo rewarding.
Bane & Dove are a dark romance dream. He’s dark and angry and possessive and she’s broken and mean and pushes everyone away. These two can only actually heal each other.
The history between them seems insurmountable because what do you mean she was best friends with the love of his life who died tragically?!? How could they move on?!?
Trust the process. What follows is the angstiest love story with an intricate plot that’s full of twists and turns. We get cameos from some of our favorites but this is Bane & Doves story and they’re perfect. Jagger Cole does an impeccable job with this storytelling. These are compelling characters in a deeply complex world. He weaves in the perfect amount of spice and angst to make a truly thought provoking love story.
I’m obsessed with this book. One of the best dark romance stories I’ve read in a long long time.
🩰
WTF DID I JUST READ?!?!
TWIST ON TOP OF TWIST
🩰
Because I got an arc for this book I’m reading this series and I’m angry at myself that I never read it before.
I’ve got 7 days to read 5 books before the arc drops.
Let’s do this.
December 7, 2025
I just wasn’t a fan unfortunately
December 6, 2025
While I generally give Jagger a minimum of 4 ⭐️s, this book is an exception to that rule. It needed more of Bane’s POV, less repetition which was a sign of poor editing and not a literary tool, and more of the threads that weaved this series together (aka that fight/flight masked mafia club that I love).
December 10, 2025
Jagger Cole should stop writing MF romance and stick to MM, because that’s the one he does pretty well. I guess he just cannot get out of the way of his own misogyny to write a good MF couple.
Once again, the men have all the power, while women are there just to serve as puzzle pieces in the games men play.
For a second there, right in the beginning of the book, I thought that maybe, finally, Jagger Cole created a decent guy. Nope. Not even close.
Bane manipulates and coerces Dove, forcing her to sign an agreement, including cnc and we’re supposed to be ok with that, because she wanted some of it… Which he knows only because he disrespected her privacy by breaking into her computer. There’s nothing consensual about it and the fact that she enjoys it changes absolutely nothing, ffs.
Dove… well, she’s a weak, broken, overly medicated damsel in distress with no backbone who can be only put back together by a big dick. What an… utterly boring red pill man’s dream.
There’s no angst, no tension, no yearning and the power imbalance makes it all just sad.
Jagger Cole doesn’t have this problem when writing two men. With Val (who is similar to Dove in so many ways!) and Roman there was yearning, there was passion, there was push-and-pull.
Clearly, he knows how to write equal partners, he just doesn’t know how to treat women as equals.
And it’s truly pathetically sad.
The plot itself, with all its twists and turns was engaging as always, if a bit predictable.
After that series, though, I’m only reading Jagger Cole if he writes MM.
Once again, the men have all the power, while women are there just to serve as puzzle pieces in the games men play.
For a second there, right in the beginning of the book, I thought that maybe, finally, Jagger Cole created a decent guy. Nope. Not even close.
Bane manipulates and coerces Dove, forcing her to sign an agreement, including cnc and we’re supposed to be ok with that, because she wanted some of it… Which he knows only because he disrespected her privacy by breaking into her computer. There’s nothing consensual about it and the fact that she enjoys it changes absolutely nothing, ffs.
Dove… well, she’s a weak, broken, overly medicated damsel in distress with no backbone who can be only put back together by a big dick. What an… utterly boring red pill man’s dream.
There’s no angst, no tension, no yearning and the power imbalance makes it all just sad.
Jagger Cole doesn’t have this problem when writing two men. With Val (who is similar to Dove in so many ways!) and Roman there was yearning, there was passion, there was push-and-pull.
Clearly, he knows how to write equal partners, he just doesn’t know how to treat women as equals.
And it’s truly pathetically sad.
The plot itself, with all its twists and turns was engaging as always, if a bit predictable.
After that series, though, I’m only reading Jagger Cole if he writes MM.
December 2, 2025
this book is every single reason why I love a Jagger Cole book. It’s also the first jagger book to have me shedding a tear (bitch…aka me…is NOT a crier)
The mental health rep in this all around was done so well. But for me more specifically, the depression rep.
Dove, my god. Girl has gone through some shit.
Bane, may be giving broken boy after what had transpired in his childhood and then what happened in his teens but oh the man has such a beautiful soul.
sooo many plot twists you guys, it kept me guessing the ENTIRE time. So many what the fuck moments, for real.
For me, the book was sort of giving all of Jaggers characters rolled into one.
Dove reminded me so much of Tempest with Julianna rolled in and some of Taylor.
Bane reminded me a heavy mix of Mal with Dante and Deimos rolled in.
It was just such a good fucking book. Not enough words, soooo many feelings.
Thank you to VPR & the author for the eArc.
Incredible.
The mental health rep in this all around was done so well. But for me more specifically, the depression rep.
Dove, my god. Girl has gone through some shit.
Bane, may be giving broken boy after what had transpired in his childhood and then what happened in his teens but oh the man has such a beautiful soul.
sooo many plot twists you guys, it kept me guessing the ENTIRE time. So many what the fuck moments, for real.
For me, the book was sort of giving all of Jaggers characters rolled into one.
Dove reminded me so much of Tempest with Julianna rolled in and some of Taylor.
Bane reminded me a heavy mix of Mal with Dante and Deimos rolled in.
It was just such a good fucking book. Not enough words, soooo many feelings.
Thank you to VPR & the author for the eArc.
Incredible.
December 12, 2025
Let this be Bane and Dove's book!!!
5 stars for the plot alone.
5 stars for the plot alone.
January 3, 2026
» I don't think you're crazy. I think you're surviving.…..and you're fucking killing it at that, for what it's worth.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑫𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She‘s a twisted character with big mental health issues. Dove felt relatable and I liked her.
❥ 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒆 ⋆✮
First I had my problems with him but as I got to know him better I started to like him.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Another great dark mafia romance book by Jagger Cole. I love this whole series and I can‘t wait for the next book. It‘s dark and twisted with a lot of raw emotion, grief and darkness. The mental health topic was well done and the journey of grief and hatred felt realistic. Like all of Jaggers books this was dark with a lot of triggering subjects and heavy kinks. But don‘t like it don‘t read it.
Dove and Bane are full of grief and hatred. They have amazing tension and their story was interesting to read. This book is full of twists and turns although I must say the big plot twist was predictable. If you‘ve read a lot of books by this author you know how things will evolve. Regardless this was a thrilling story and I was glued to my kindle the whole day.
All in all the perfect dark romance!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, dark romance, bratva, hate to love, grief & healing, mental health issues, secrets & lies, found family, arranged marriage, dead best friends fiancé, bratva prince x ballerina
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...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑫𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She‘s a twisted character with big mental health issues. Dove felt relatable and I liked her.
❥ 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒆 ⋆✮
First I had my problems with him but as I got to know him better I started to like him.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Another great dark mafia romance book by Jagger Cole. I love this whole series and I can‘t wait for the next book. It‘s dark and twisted with a lot of raw emotion, grief and darkness. The mental health topic was well done and the journey of grief and hatred felt realistic. Like all of Jaggers books this was dark with a lot of triggering subjects and heavy kinks. But don‘t like it don‘t read it.
Dove and Bane are full of grief and hatred. They have amazing tension and their story was interesting to read. This book is full of twists and turns although I must say the big plot twist was predictable. If you‘ve read a lot of books by this author you know how things will evolve. Regardless this was a thrilling story and I was glued to my kindle the whole day.
All in all the perfect dark romance!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, dark romance, bratva, hate to love, grief & healing, mental health issues, secrets & lies, found family, arranged marriage, dead best friends fiancé, bratva prince x ballerina
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...
December 4, 2025
Drink every time Nathalie put her Kindle down and gasped and said “Bitch what the fuck”. We would all be drunk bc what the actual fuck did I just read. Probably if not most definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Maybe even one of my favorite jagger books?????? i read this book in one sitting. this is the reason why i love reading his books. this is what it feels like reading one of his books.
Dove is that girl period. Im so happy her story is out in the world bc she has been a mystery since the first book in the darkest dance series. The build up to her book was so well worth the wait TRUST ME. Oh god her past tore me up. What she went through with her best friend at such a young age broke my heart. Prepare the tissues bc the amount of times I had to stop and put my kindle down to cry I lost count. I love her and she is now one of my favorite fmcs that jagger has ever written. Bane im not going to lie to you, he took me by surprise. I did not see him coming at all. It’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about. THIS MAN I mean dominant, he tracks your internet history and he fulfills all of your darkest fantasies but he also has a tough past too and he is also dealing with mental health issues. jagger wrote the mental health rep here beautifully. He perfectly wrote what it’s like to have depression and anxiety and seeing in both the female and male main character was so refreshing. Listen bane and dove. BANE AND DOVE = soulmates LITERALLY.
I felt like there were 10 different plot twists just being thrown at our faces but they flowed so well together. did I see any of them coming? Maybe one of them but let’s be honest, I live in a state of delusion and I like it that way. i was pacing my room at 1am reading the last 30% of this book. I WAS FLOOORED with the plot twists genuinely one of the best plot lines ive ever read in a mafia book and im not saying this bc im biased and we all know how I feel about jaggers writing. I mean truly this was written so well. This was written for the mafia girlies, for the marriage of convenience girlies, for the girlies battling depression and anxiety, for the men battling their own mental health issues. we are truly seeing jagger grow into his own with his writing especially with this series as he is tapping into that emotional side as well as those heavy topics and I thought it was done respectfully and beautifully and I hope you see yourself in one of these characters and I hope it heals you in whatever way you see it. This was perfection. GOD TIER mafia romance book that has made it into my 6 star pile. I need everyone to stop what they are doing and start this series. You will not regret it. Jagger has been doing his BIG ONE with the Darkest Dance series and you can really tell when an author loves what he does bc this series is just proof of that.
Pls pls pls pls check your content trigger warnings for this one. Your mental health matters and pls if you need help seek someone out. You are not alone <3
Thank you so much to Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for the e-arc.
6 ☆
Dove is that girl period. Im so happy her story is out in the world bc she has been a mystery since the first book in the darkest dance series. The build up to her book was so well worth the wait TRUST ME. Oh god her past tore me up. What she went through with her best friend at such a young age broke my heart. Prepare the tissues bc the amount of times I had to stop and put my kindle down to cry I lost count. I love her and she is now one of my favorite fmcs that jagger has ever written. Bane im not going to lie to you, he took me by surprise. I did not see him coming at all. It’s always the quiet ones you have to worry about. THIS MAN I mean dominant, he tracks your internet history and he fulfills all of your darkest fantasies but he also has a tough past too and he is also dealing with mental health issues. jagger wrote the mental health rep here beautifully. He perfectly wrote what it’s like to have depression and anxiety and seeing in both the female and male main character was so refreshing. Listen bane and dove. BANE AND DOVE = soulmates LITERALLY.
I felt like there were 10 different plot twists just being thrown at our faces but they flowed so well together. did I see any of them coming? Maybe one of them but let’s be honest, I live in a state of delusion and I like it that way. i was pacing my room at 1am reading the last 30% of this book. I WAS FLOOORED with the plot twists genuinely one of the best plot lines ive ever read in a mafia book and im not saying this bc im biased and we all know how I feel about jaggers writing. I mean truly this was written so well. This was written for the mafia girlies, for the marriage of convenience girlies, for the girlies battling depression and anxiety, for the men battling their own mental health issues. we are truly seeing jagger grow into his own with his writing especially with this series as he is tapping into that emotional side as well as those heavy topics and I thought it was done respectfully and beautifully and I hope you see yourself in one of these characters and I hope it heals you in whatever way you see it. This was perfection. GOD TIER mafia romance book that has made it into my 6 star pile. I need everyone to stop what they are doing and start this series. You will not regret it. Jagger has been doing his BIG ONE with the Darkest Dance series and you can really tell when an author loves what he does bc this series is just proof of that.
Pls pls pls pls check your content trigger warnings for this one. Your mental health matters and pls if you need help seek someone out. You are not alone <3
Thank you so much to Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for the e-arc.
6 ☆
December 11, 2025
✨ ARC Review: Dance of Thorns by Jagger Cole ✨
I am not okay after this book 😭🔥 Dance of Thorns grabbed me by the hair, dragged me into the dark, whispered “you’re welcome,” and honestly I would go back willingly.
Our girl is a sharp-tongued black-cat heroine with trauma, grit, and a refusal to be saved 🖤😼 Everyone calls her damaged, freak, addict… but she is FERAL in the most iconic way and I love her for it.
And Bane Antonov…
Oh. My. GOD.
Villain coded. Inked. Scarred. Emotionally unavailable. Morally grey. Full “touch her and I’ll bury you alive” energy 🥵🖤
He was meant to marry her dead best friend and somehow still had me kicking my feet like an idiot. I blame Jagger Cole for my emotional instability.
Their dynamic is pure chaos: hate, heat, hurt, obsession… all wrapped up in a forced marriage neither of them wants but both of them feel way too much 💍🔥 Every scene is like waiting for a bomb to explode and trust me… it ALWAYS does.
The plot twists?
ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED 🤯
I kept saying “I’m sorry… WHAT?” out loud.
And the spice?
Bestie.
Piping. HOT.
Like I genuinely considered putting my IPad in the freezer 🌶️📱❄️
And listen… I’m already obsessed with this entire world and every book in this series, but this one might actually be my favourite. Something about Bane and our unhinged queen together just rewired me. And honestly? Every single thing Jagger Cole writes, I absolutely devour. I don’t read his books… I inhale them. The man has me in a chokehold and I’m thanking him.
Jagger Cole really said
You want darkness
You want trauma
You want obsession and chaos and tension that melts your soul
Here you go sweetheart 😈💋
And I devoured every messy, delicious page.
peep the triggers or I guess the menu on my post😜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A dark, chaotic, twisty masterpiece that wrecked me in the best possible way.
I am not okay after this book 😭🔥 Dance of Thorns grabbed me by the hair, dragged me into the dark, whispered “you’re welcome,” and honestly I would go back willingly.
Our girl is a sharp-tongued black-cat heroine with trauma, grit, and a refusal to be saved 🖤😼 Everyone calls her damaged, freak, addict… but she is FERAL in the most iconic way and I love her for it.
And Bane Antonov…
Oh. My. GOD.
Villain coded. Inked. Scarred. Emotionally unavailable. Morally grey. Full “touch her and I’ll bury you alive” energy 🥵🖤
He was meant to marry her dead best friend and somehow still had me kicking my feet like an idiot. I blame Jagger Cole for my emotional instability.
Their dynamic is pure chaos: hate, heat, hurt, obsession… all wrapped up in a forced marriage neither of them wants but both of them feel way too much 💍🔥 Every scene is like waiting for a bomb to explode and trust me… it ALWAYS does.
The plot twists?
ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED 🤯
I kept saying “I’m sorry… WHAT?” out loud.
And the spice?
Bestie.
Piping. HOT.
Like I genuinely considered putting my IPad in the freezer 🌶️📱❄️
And listen… I’m already obsessed with this entire world and every book in this series, but this one might actually be my favourite. Something about Bane and our unhinged queen together just rewired me. And honestly? Every single thing Jagger Cole writes, I absolutely devour. I don’t read his books… I inhale them. The man has me in a chokehold and I’m thanking him.
Jagger Cole really said
You want darkness
You want trauma
You want obsession and chaos and tension that melts your soul
Here you go sweetheart 😈💋
And I devoured every messy, delicious page.
peep the triggers or I guess the menu on my post😜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A dark, chaotic, twisty masterpiece that wrecked me in the best possible way.
December 3, 2025
5⭐️ | 3.5🌶️
THIS. BOOK. WAS. EVERYTHING. I am so obsessed. I literally inhaled it in one sitting last night because once I started it, my eyeballs stayed glued to my kindle until I finished 🤣 So many twists and turns had my head absolutely spinning!!
Per usual with Jaggers books, it was a spicy af good time but it was also so suspenseful & emotional.
Bane and Dove have both been through so much & have faced a great loss. I’ve been obsessed with Dove’s mysterious vibe since the first time she showed up in this series. I’ve always wanted to know who she really was.
And Bane?! I did NOT expect to love this man like I did but he had me in a damn chokehold.
There were so many emotional moments that made me tear up which has yet to happen in Jaggers books lol I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time. It’s safe to say this might be my favorite book of his next to Monstrous Urges.
Thank you so much Jagger Cole & VPR for this ARC🤍
THIS. BOOK. WAS. EVERYTHING. I am so obsessed. I literally inhaled it in one sitting last night because once I started it, my eyeballs stayed glued to my kindle until I finished 🤣 So many twists and turns had my head absolutely spinning!!
Per usual with Jaggers books, it was a spicy af good time but it was also so suspenseful & emotional.
Bane and Dove have both been through so much & have faced a great loss. I’ve been obsessed with Dove’s mysterious vibe since the first time she showed up in this series. I’ve always wanted to know who she really was.
And Bane?! I did NOT expect to love this man like I did but he had me in a damn chokehold.
There were so many emotional moments that made me tear up which has yet to happen in Jaggers books lol I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time. It’s safe to say this might be my favorite book of his next to Monstrous Urges.
Thank you so much Jagger Cole & VPR for this ARC🤍
December 3, 2025
Jagger Cole did it again! Bane & Dove was written to perfection and twist at the end ! Yall aren’t ready for that. If you are reading this and you are debating if you should read the book…. The answer is YESS ! Read this book!
December 2, 2025
We didn’t really get much of a backstory to of two MCs Dove and Bane in the previous books in the series so I was excited to see what Jagger was going to bring to the table and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
This book was just twist after twist after twist and I most certainly was not complaining about it. I initially thought I had the main twist down and while some of that came to pass another twist was then thrown on top- so long story short this book had me absolutely hooked🤭
What we did know about Dove, she is a mafia princess who was a part of the Ballet studio and she mainly kept to herself. Dove certainly didn’t have it easy and there were so many times I just wanted to jump between the pages to hug her. Bane is a part of the same secret society that our previous MMCs belonged to, but the thing about Bane was he had an agenda.
Dove and Bane have a long history, he best friend was also the woman that Bane only ever loved and she was present at the time she lost her best friend. In his eyes Dove was responsible for him losing the love of his life and when the opportunity arose he most certainly didn’t hesitate to make her pay, and that none the less is through an arranged marriage. But don’t be fooled this journey is not as straightforward as it seems as there’s a lot of secrets that come to light on this journey.
Over the course of the book Bane softens towards Dove and hate turns to something much much more. Dove initially feels guilt but then soon releases that her best friend wouldn’t want her to stop something she sees a future with. I liked as well that we see Dove open up not just with Bane but she also opens up to Evie😭😭
Overall I loved this book, the twists and turns and chemistry of this couple was chefs kiss. I cannot wait for Evie and Vaughn as those two will certainly be interesting. Thank you to VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
This book was just twist after twist after twist and I most certainly was not complaining about it. I initially thought I had the main twist down and while some of that came to pass another twist was then thrown on top- so long story short this book had me absolutely hooked🤭
What we did know about Dove, she is a mafia princess who was a part of the Ballet studio and she mainly kept to herself. Dove certainly didn’t have it easy and there were so many times I just wanted to jump between the pages to hug her. Bane is a part of the same secret society that our previous MMCs belonged to, but the thing about Bane was he had an agenda.
Dove and Bane have a long history, he best friend was also the woman that Bane only ever loved and she was present at the time she lost her best friend. In his eyes Dove was responsible for him losing the love of his life and when the opportunity arose he most certainly didn’t hesitate to make her pay, and that none the less is through an arranged marriage. But don’t be fooled this journey is not as straightforward as it seems as there’s a lot of secrets that come to light on this journey.
Over the course of the book Bane softens towards Dove and hate turns to something much much more. Dove initially feels guilt but then soon releases that her best friend wouldn’t want her to stop something she sees a future with. I liked as well that we see Dove open up not just with Bane but she also opens up to Evie😭😭
Overall I loved this book, the twists and turns and chemistry of this couple was chefs kiss. I cannot wait for Evie and Vaughn as those two will certainly be interesting. Thank you to VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
December 5, 2025
*M/F
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Mafia Romance
*Arranged Marriage
*Enemies to Lovers
*Amnesiac FMC
*Fast Burn
*Standalone
*Wider Universe
Twisted as Hell!
So enthralled with this book I read it in one night and stayed up till 1:30am just to finish it 😀
This follows Dove (briefly met in previous books and Bane Antanov) I will say this book didn’t have as many wider references to the rest of the crew as the previous books, very much felt singular. The story was very much focused on the relationship development between Dove and Bane, they’ve have somewhat of a shared past through her ☠️ best friend and due to some twisted machinations on Bane’s part are now engaged! They’re very much at odds with each other and he is out to own her whatever way he can 😳 but honestly the chemistry between them is off the charts and there are some 👌 kinks explored 🔥🌶️ as the story develops we learn of Dove’s past; the reasoning behind her amnesia and how dodgy her family dynamics truly are 😖 you also learn the depths of Bane’s obsessiveness; what he will do for Dove but also the dark secrets he’s keeping 😱!! The twists in this book though seriously got me - I suspected along the lines for one of them but the other 🤯 like I said it was engaging enough to get me to read it though the night 😃
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Mafia Romance
*Arranged Marriage
*Enemies to Lovers
*Amnesiac FMC
*Fast Burn
*Standalone
*Wider Universe
Twisted as Hell!
So enthralled with this book I read it in one night and stayed up till 1:30am just to finish it 😀
This follows Dove (briefly met in previous books and Bane Antanov) I will say this book didn’t have as many wider references to the rest of the crew as the previous books, very much felt singular. The story was very much focused on the relationship development between Dove and Bane, they’ve have somewhat of a shared past through her ☠️ best friend and due to some twisted machinations on Bane’s part are now engaged! They’re very much at odds with each other and he is out to own her whatever way he can 😳 but honestly the chemistry between them is off the charts and there are some 👌 kinks explored 🔥🌶️ as the story develops we learn of Dove’s past; the reasoning behind her amnesia and how dodgy her family dynamics truly are 😖 you also learn the depths of Bane’s obsessiveness; what he will do for Dove but also the dark secrets he’s keeping 😱!! The twists in this book though seriously got me - I suspected along the lines for one of them but the other 🤯 like I said it was engaging enough to get me to read it though the night 😃
December 5, 2025
4.5⭐️
[arc review]
y’all…the twists and turns in this book? they don’t end‼️ every time i felt like i maybe sorta had an idea of the direction it was heading in, it turned and went in a different one.
i think jagger did a great job in previous books portraying dove as a little standoff-ish and a girl that just keeps to herself but is insanely good at ballet because dove’s mind felt like a whole other world in this book. you’d never have any idea of the dark thoughts she has swirling in there or the wars she’s fighting against her own mind. dove’s strength is unlike any other.
bane is fighting his own mental wars too. but he’s found the one person he can’t live without and he will do anything to keep her around because if she goes, he goes. he’s really not as big and bad and scary as he appears.
i loved their story so much 😭 they deserve a few lifetimes of happiness.
[arc review]
y’all…the twists and turns in this book? they don’t end‼️ every time i felt like i maybe sorta had an idea of the direction it was heading in, it turned and went in a different one.
i think jagger did a great job in previous books portraying dove as a little standoff-ish and a girl that just keeps to herself but is insanely good at ballet because dove’s mind felt like a whole other world in this book. you’d never have any idea of the dark thoughts she has swirling in there or the wars she’s fighting against her own mind. dove’s strength is unlike any other.
bane is fighting his own mental wars too. but he’s found the one person he can’t live without and he will do anything to keep her around because if she goes, he goes. he’s really not as big and bad and scary as he appears.
i loved their story so much 😭 they deserve a few lifetimes of happiness.
December 2, 2025
5 ⭐️/2.5 🌶️
Oh wow! This book is full of twists after twists. Honestly, I went in with zero expectations and nothing could’ve prepared me for the ride it took me on. Bane and Dove are easily one of the strongest MCs in the series. Their chemistry, their broken edges, the way they fit together, it all just worked 🖤
What really stood out to me was how Jagger portrayed addiction and recovery. The depiction felt raw and honest and the way depressive thoughts were woven into the narrative without ever pulling away from the plot was incredible. It added so much depth without slowing down the story for even a second.🙌🏼
I’m keeping this short because it’s way too easy to spill spoilers by accident. This book is packed with twists I couldn’t have even dreamed of. All I’ll say is: buckle up.😉
And now…I cannot wait for Vaughn’s book!
Trope: mafia romance, amnesia
Oh wow! This book is full of twists after twists. Honestly, I went in with zero expectations and nothing could’ve prepared me for the ride it took me on. Bane and Dove are easily one of the strongest MCs in the series. Their chemistry, their broken edges, the way they fit together, it all just worked 🖤
What really stood out to me was how Jagger portrayed addiction and recovery. The depiction felt raw and honest and the way depressive thoughts were woven into the narrative without ever pulling away from the plot was incredible. It added so much depth without slowing down the story for even a second.🙌🏼
I’m keeping this short because it’s way too easy to spill spoilers by accident. This book is packed with twists I couldn’t have even dreamed of. All I’ll say is: buckle up.😉
And now…I cannot wait for Vaughn’s book!
Trope: mafia romance, amnesia
December 8, 2025
Jagger Cole with another 5 star banger!!! WHAT TYPE OF CRACK DO YOU PUT IN THESE BOOKS?!?!?! I absolutely loved Dove and Bane soo much!!! From the very beginning I was hooked! This was the craziest roller coaster ride of a book where I had to stop multiple times in shock with my jaw on the floor 😱 You will think you have the plot figured out… and then 🤯🤯🤯 Gahhh I’m still thinking about it… OBSESSED ♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 4, 2025
What in the world did I just read? I thought I was reading a story which would go it was supposed to but then twist it around and brings you into a whole different dimension. And again and again and again. Bane and Dove truly despise each other but for a valid reason. But the root of it all was something so freaking unexpected that I was not sure I was reading the same book cause it completely threw me upside down.
The intense way Bane is with Dove is a thing of beauty. It all goes out the window. I can truly say that this book is officially my favourite in this series. If I have mentioned in my previous reviews , I take it back. Bane and Dove are my fav couple in this series!
Jagger Cole will always be my fav mafia romance author.
The intense way Bane is with Dove is a thing of beauty. It all goes out the window. I can truly say that this book is officially my favourite in this series. If I have mentioned in my previous reviews , I take it back. Bane and Dove are my fav couple in this series!
Jagger Cole will always be my fav mafia romance author.
December 2, 2025
HOLY PLOT TWISTS!!
Right when I thought where the story was going Jagger said SIKE YOU THOUGHT. WOW this story was perfectly executed - had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Spice? HOT AF and the depth of Bane made me love him so much ugh 10/10
Right when I thought where the story was going Jagger said SIKE YOU THOUGHT. WOW this story was perfectly executed - had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Spice? HOT AF and the depth of Bane made me love him so much ugh 10/10
December 8, 2025
What. the. F*ck. 😮😮😮😮 Jaw on the floor....
December 12, 2025
Dance of Thorns
Darkest Dance Book 6
Jagger Cole
Bane & Dove
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Forced Marriage
Revenge
Enemies to lovers
Ballerina / Bratva
Morally Grey
Mystery
CNC / Somno / Free Use
Um, wow, ok, so my mind is officially blown
What did I just read?
Just go in blind to this.
Trust the process. Trust the author.
I could not put this down. The twists and turns and plot reveals … mind blown.
I can't even process what occurred in this book.
This was so well written I didn't see anything coming my way lol
Wowzers
This was fantastic.
This was incredible
I cannot wait for the next book
So thankful for this arc
Darkest Dance Book 6
Jagger Cole
Bane & Dove
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Forced Marriage
Revenge
Enemies to lovers
Ballerina / Bratva
Morally Grey
Mystery
CNC / Somno / Free Use
Um, wow, ok, so my mind is officially blown
What did I just read?
Just go in blind to this.
Trust the process. Trust the author.
I could not put this down. The twists and turns and plot reveals … mind blown.
I can't even process what occurred in this book.
This was so well written I didn't see anything coming my way lol
Wowzers
This was fantastic.
This was incredible
I cannot wait for the next book
So thankful for this arc
December 5, 2025
2.5. Did I enjoy the murder mystery element to this story? Yes. But I’m really getting sick of Jagger recycling the separated siblings/twins thing. He’s done it 2x in this series alone and also in Monstrous Urges. It’s tired and frankly boring and lazy writing. I would rather read the unexpected pregnancy cliche than about another set of twins / separated siblings.
December 4, 2025
⋆𝔇𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔯𝔫𝔰 | @jaggercoleauthor
#ᴀʀᴄʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 5★
ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ -
Okay so I was speechless like every other chapter there was so much going on and the twists and turns that kept happening oh I was gagged but did I put the book down? Nope not until those scene when I stared at the wall for like 10 minutes loll
I was definitely hooked from the first chapter because I just had to know what happened, the chemistry and tension between Bane and Dove was just chef kiss I couldn’t get enough of them and the push and pull had me screaming and crying lowkey
I have been wanting a Dove book since forever and I knew my pink haired ballerina wasn’t going to disappoint me. We get to know so much about Dove and her past, and oh my heartttt she has been through so much, I love her so much she’s literally my girl and I loved her and Evelina little sleepover it was amazing
The spice in this book was just amazing! Had me giggling and fanning myself the tension was just so high! Jagger never fails to make me question everything and I love that about his books especially this series
Bane oh bane, I love him so much loll he’s literally my man. He’s so possessive and dominant I couldn’t get enough of him, but he’s always so sweet like ughhh my heart!! These two literally belong together and were made just for each other.
The last 30% will have you had the edge of your wit every chapter because there’s going to be so much information thrown at you that will have you crying, screaming, speechless and definitely crashing out loll, this book was just amazing and Bane and Dove have my entire heart!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE LAST BOOK!! and then after that will be next gen hehehe so start your Jagger journey before the kids books! I will recommend starting with Dark Hearts!
Tropes- Forced Marriage, Enemies to lovers, Blackmail, Touch her and Die, Secret Society, Ballet/Bratva, Black Cat heroine, Morally Grey MMC
Thank you Jagger & @valentine_pr_ for giving me this arc 🎀
#ᴀʀᴄʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 5★
ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ -
Okay so I was speechless like every other chapter there was so much going on and the twists and turns that kept happening oh I was gagged but did I put the book down? Nope not until those scene when I stared at the wall for like 10 minutes loll
I was definitely hooked from the first chapter because I just had to know what happened, the chemistry and tension between Bane and Dove was just chef kiss I couldn’t get enough of them and the push and pull had me screaming and crying lowkey
I have been wanting a Dove book since forever and I knew my pink haired ballerina wasn’t going to disappoint me. We get to know so much about Dove and her past, and oh my heartttt she has been through so much, I love her so much she’s literally my girl and I loved her and Evelina little sleepover it was amazing
The spice in this book was just amazing! Had me giggling and fanning myself the tension was just so high! Jagger never fails to make me question everything and I love that about his books especially this series
Bane oh bane, I love him so much loll he’s literally my man. He’s so possessive and dominant I couldn’t get enough of him, but he’s always so sweet like ughhh my heart!! These two literally belong together and were made just for each other.
The last 30% will have you had the edge of your wit every chapter because there’s going to be so much information thrown at you that will have you crying, screaming, speechless and definitely crashing out loll, this book was just amazing and Bane and Dove have my entire heart!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE LAST BOOK!! and then after that will be next gen hehehe so start your Jagger journey before the kids books! I will recommend starting with Dark Hearts!
Tropes- Forced Marriage, Enemies to lovers, Blackmail, Touch her and Die, Secret Society, Ballet/Bratva, Black Cat heroine, Morally Grey MMC
Thank you Jagger & @valentine_pr_ for giving me this arc 🎀
December 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 Spice
I honestly didn't think I'd be reading anymore from this series since it's been my least favorite of any of Jagger's other series, but this was by far my favorite book in The Darkest Dance series. Don't get me wrong while I enjoyed it the most it still didn't capture what other Jagger books have for me, which is seriously disappointing, because I really enjoy his writing and storytelling.
This book had a really great storyline, which is what drew me in to read, however the relationship between Dove and Bane felt extremely rushed, along with the ending. The ballet company also took a complete backseat which felt odd compared to the other books and at times was also a bit disjointed. Also, things with Dove's father never really seemed liked it was fully fleshed out either, which leads me to believe he either doesn't have an alpha/beta team or he rushed to finish the book, because there was so much opportunity with this one.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the psychological aspect (gives me the same vibes Rina does), which I love. And the immense survivor's guilt that Dove struggles with comes through, so powerfully on page you can feel every raw emotion. I would have loved to see more of her healing journey on page, but again the book ending felt so rushed I would have almost preferred if this was a duet with more fleshed out story and relationship building.
I do plan to read the next one, but feel like this one could be read, as a complete standalone, because honestly outside some of the characters being friends the ballet studio which is supposed to be the center point is barely a part of the plot at all.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5 Spice
I honestly didn't think I'd be reading anymore from this series since it's been my least favorite of any of Jagger's other series, but this was by far my favorite book in The Darkest Dance series. Don't get me wrong while I enjoyed it the most it still didn't capture what other Jagger books have for me, which is seriously disappointing, because I really enjoy his writing and storytelling.
This book had a really great storyline, which is what drew me in to read, however the relationship between Dove and Bane felt extremely rushed, along with the ending. The ballet company also took a complete backseat which felt odd compared to the other books and at times was also a bit disjointed. Also, things with Dove's father never really seemed liked it was fully fleshed out either, which leads me to believe he either doesn't have an alpha/beta team or he rushed to finish the book, because there was so much opportunity with this one.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the psychological aspect (gives me the same vibes Rina does), which I love. And the immense survivor's guilt that Dove struggles with comes through, so powerfully on page you can feel every raw emotion. I would have loved to see more of her healing journey on page, but again the book ending felt so rushed I would have almost preferred if this was a duet with more fleshed out story and relationship building.
I do plan to read the next one, but feel like this one could be read, as a complete standalone, because honestly outside some of the characters being friends the ballet studio which is supposed to be the center point is barely a part of the plot at all.
December 4, 2025
Dove has royally messed up. In an attempt to end it all, she somehow becomes compromised and engaged to the one man who has hated her very existence since the day she survived, and his fiancée didn't. Now trapped in an arrangement she can't see a way out of, she's stuck wondering how crazy she really is to enjoy it.
*****
This was a wild ride! I was in it for the forced marriage and messed up dynamic between Dove and the man who hated her for the last seven years, I was not expecting the twists and turns that kept me burning through the night reading this.
Dove was such an intensely interesting character. Mentally unwell, depressed, seeing things or being threatened? The entire book was a mix of unreliable narration and background forces I'm not sure I saw coming. It was believing the truth from what we saw through Dove's eyes, and then instantly questioning them with Bane's perspective. It had me genuinely hooked and wondering how things would unfold.
When I finally got to one of the first big twists? Ooooh boy. I had inklings throughout, but it was such a satisfying turn. From there it's a barrage of reveals and revelations in a rush to the finish. It was unhinged and ridiculous and I loved it. Add in the delicious levels of spice and this was an instant five star read.
I had so much fun reading this and puzzling it out, and I can't wait to read more from the author!
*****
Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This was a wild ride! I was in it for the forced marriage and messed up dynamic between Dove and the man who hated her for the last seven years, I was not expecting the twists and turns that kept me burning through the night reading this.
Dove was such an intensely interesting character. Mentally unwell, depressed, seeing things or being threatened? The entire book was a mix of unreliable narration and background forces I'm not sure I saw coming. It was believing the truth from what we saw through Dove's eyes, and then instantly questioning them with Bane's perspective. It had me genuinely hooked and wondering how things would unfold.
When I finally got to one of the first big twists? Ooooh boy. I had inklings throughout, but it was such a satisfying turn. From there it's a barrage of reveals and revelations in a rush to the finish. It was unhinged and ridiculous and I loved it. Add in the delicious levels of spice and this was an instant five star read.
I had so much fun reading this and puzzling it out, and I can't wait to read more from the author!
*****
Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2025
"Because to me, you're perfect. Because your only flaw was loving me back."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with this ARC🩷🩷🩷
This book was a complete rollercoaster for my mind and I ate up EVERY SINGLE WORD.
Oh my gosh I don't even know where to start with this review. I loved every single thing about this book. The plot was so intriguing, there was something happening all the time in the best way. There was nothing predictable about this alright? When you think "oh this is so going to happen" THINK AGAIN BECAUSE NO IT IS NOT. It's very rare that a dark romance gives me all these feelings and this is literally in my top 5 now.
Bane needs to be protected at all costs. The way he loves Dove🥹🥹 and omg everything he went through, my heart broke for him. Dove was such a strong character, again she went through so SO much, and she still came out strong. The way they push through for eachother was beautiful. The writing was SO IMPECCABLE, I was literally enraptured.
I literally cant say much about this, without spoiling integral parts of the plot- as well as the highlights in the post, they're all along the same lines because I can't post the rest because ITLL SPOIL IT. SO TRUST ME WHEN I TELL YOU TO GO READ THIS BOOK. And I'll be posting all my other highlights when I feel it would be appropriate too because I can't contain my feelings on this book. Now I'll be going to read the entire series so 🫡
If you enjoy a dark romance that's going to mess with your head and have you gasping for air, add this to your TBR❗️❗️❗️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with this ARC🩷🩷🩷
This book was a complete rollercoaster for my mind and I ate up EVERY SINGLE WORD.
Oh my gosh I don't even know where to start with this review. I loved every single thing about this book. The plot was so intriguing, there was something happening all the time in the best way. There was nothing predictable about this alright? When you think "oh this is so going to happen" THINK AGAIN BECAUSE NO IT IS NOT. It's very rare that a dark romance gives me all these feelings and this is literally in my top 5 now.
Bane needs to be protected at all costs. The way he loves Dove🥹🥹 and omg everything he went through, my heart broke for him. Dove was such a strong character, again she went through so SO much, and she still came out strong. The way they push through for eachother was beautiful. The writing was SO IMPECCABLE, I was literally enraptured.
I literally cant say much about this, without spoiling integral parts of the plot- as well as the highlights in the post, they're all along the same lines because I can't post the rest because ITLL SPOIL IT. SO TRUST ME WHEN I TELL YOU TO GO READ THIS BOOK. And I'll be posting all my other highlights when I feel it would be appropriate too because I can't contain my feelings on this book. Now I'll be going to read the entire series so 🫡
If you enjoy a dark romance that's going to mess with your head and have you gasping for air, add this to your TBR❗️❗️❗️
December 3, 2025
I have been waiting on Dove’s backstory/ story since I first read about her and now it’s here. She has been a mystery and it’s time to find out all about her. Now Bane I also wondered what his story was after reading Dance of Defiance. I need to know everything. We are starting off hot with action and emotion. These two both have some unresolved trauma. Bane and Dove have a chance encounter that didn’t go as planned. So they meet again and that goes left. Did I mention Bane is Dove’s dead best friend’s fiancé? These two get entangled and words like marriage, CNC, free-use and contracts are discussed. Honey it was a lot. As I’m reading I’m starting to think someone is messing with Dove. I just don’t know how or who, I have theories. When she’s says she’s not crazy I believe her. Bane is also fighting his own demons so he can relate to Dove. The further I get into the this book the more I question myself. I’m thinking it one thing and then it turns out to be another. It keeping me on my toes. And just like Dove I have so many questions. All my questions were answered, some of my theories were right some were wrong. The last part of the book Jagger put his foot in the gas, things were happening left a right. Bane and Dove are two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. The banter, the emotions, the healing, the spice were all spectacular. As always well down Jagger. I think this one is apart of my top three from the series.
December 4, 2025
This book took me on a ride — it broke me, put me back together, and held my heart the entire time.
Dove and Bane’s story is so beautifully written (even though Bane definitely tested my patience at some point). One thing that truly stood out is how the author captured Dove’s addiction, mental health, and recovery. It was deeply researched, sensitive, and incredibly well put together.
I also loved Bane’s relationship with his father. Seeing a Bratva dad who prioritizes his son’s well-being before the “heir” role was such a breath of fresh air. You don’t see that often in mafia romance, and it made the story even richer.
Another thing I adore about Jagger’s writing is the cameos from his other books — it always feels like coming home.
The mental health representation in this book? Outstanding. And that twist… I didn’t see it coming at all. I won’t say more so I don’t spoil anything, but just know I was praying for a twist and Jagger delivered.
Every time I think Jagger can’t surprise me, he proves me wrong.
This is fighting hard for the top spot with Dance of Defiance.
It’s a solid 5-star read. It ate and left no crumbs.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
Dove and Bane’s story is so beautifully written (even though Bane definitely tested my patience at some point). One thing that truly stood out is how the author captured Dove’s addiction, mental health, and recovery. It was deeply researched, sensitive, and incredibly well put together.
I also loved Bane’s relationship with his father. Seeing a Bratva dad who prioritizes his son’s well-being before the “heir” role was such a breath of fresh air. You don’t see that often in mafia romance, and it made the story even richer.
Another thing I adore about Jagger’s writing is the cameos from his other books — it always feels like coming home.
The mental health representation in this book? Outstanding. And that twist… I didn’t see it coming at all. I won’t say more so I don’t spoil anything, but just know I was praying for a twist and Jagger delivered.
Every time I think Jagger can’t surprise me, he proves me wrong.
This is fighting hard for the top spot with Dance of Defiance.
It’s a solid 5-star read. It ate and left no crumbs.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for this ARC.
December 8, 2025
WOW JUST WOW. This book completely blew my freakin mind. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I had the time of my life reading this. This plot was so thrilling and intense from the first page of the prologue to the final page of the epilogue. Seven years ago, Lark died, and both Dove and Bane lost someone extremely important to them. Now, they’re both standing on the 83th floor of the Empire State Building ready to jump when everything changes. This book is an enemies to lovers dark mafia romance with an arranged marriage and sex contract that changes everything. Jagger Cole is the plot twist Queen! Because they followed one after the other, each with a more critical impact and by the end I was staring at my wall in complete and utter shock. And somehow it made me love the characters even more after everything they’ve been through. Both Dove and Bane have experienced major trauma but they survive, with each other. I absolutely adore Bane, he’s definitely red flag material and yes he does blackmail her but he’s also the most dedicated and loving man ever. And Dove, let’s just say she’s fcked up in her own ways. They compliment each other perfectly, it’s like Bane is a tether for her broken soul. And they also fit perfect in bed too, some major D/S dynamics even outside the bedroom, a lot of impact play and quite a bit of somnophilia (those were my fave!). This book is a must read, it’s most definitely a heavy one, and I bawled my eyes out, but it was so worth it because this book was mind blowing perfection and I give it a 5/5
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