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Dark Descendants #3
The Carnage We Keep
Love is patient. Love is kind.
Love leaves no witnesses behind...
I’m a killer who hunts killers. And despite my therapist calling it an “antisocial personality disorder”—I mean, God forbid a girl have hobbies—I have a pretty good thing going.
Until he steps on my turf.
Damiano Barone is a control freak with a stick so far up his rectum it’s practically load-bearing. A cold, criminally gorgeous rule-master with a body built for war and a gift for making me even stabbier than usual.
Honestly, that’s almost impressive.
But when we—allegedly—kill the heir to a vicious mafia king and both our families end up in the crosshairs, there’s only one way to ensure neither side stands alone: Marriage.
To Damiano.
Because apparently nothing fixes a disaster like shackling two blood-soaked homicidal enemies together and hoping for the best.
Our vows are supposed to mean mutual protection. Instead, there’s a decent chance one of us ends up dismembered or dissolved in acid before anyone gets around to asking about honeymoon plans.
Damiano thinks a ring on my finger means he can control me. That I’ll behave. Follow his rules. Be his dutiful, obedient little wife.
How cute.
He has rules.
I have knives.
Because you know what they say: something borrowed, something blue. Someone buried if he tells me what to do.
And all’s fair in love and gore.
The Carnage We Keep is a fully standalone dark mafia romance. No previous books in the Jagger Cole Universe need to be read before diving into this book or series. Readers are HIGHLY advised to read the TW inside.
Love leaves no witnesses behind...
I’m a killer who hunts killers. And despite my therapist calling it an “antisocial personality disorder”—I mean, God forbid a girl have hobbies—I have a pretty good thing going.
Until he steps on my turf.
Damiano Barone is a control freak with a stick so far up his rectum it’s practically load-bearing. A cold, criminally gorgeous rule-master with a body built for war and a gift for making me even stabbier than usual.
Honestly, that’s almost impressive.
But when we—allegedly—kill the heir to a vicious mafia king and both our families end up in the crosshairs, there’s only one way to ensure neither side stands alone: Marriage.
To Damiano.
Because apparently nothing fixes a disaster like shackling two blood-soaked homicidal enemies together and hoping for the best.
Our vows are supposed to mean mutual protection. Instead, there’s a decent chance one of us ends up dismembered or dissolved in acid before anyone gets around to asking about honeymoon plans.
Damiano thinks a ring on my finger means he can control me. That I’ll behave. Follow his rules. Be his dutiful, obedient little wife.
How cute.
He has rules.
I have knives.
Because you know what they say: something borrowed, something blue. Someone buried if he tells me what to do.
And all’s fair in love and gore.
The Carnage We Keep is a fully standalone dark mafia romance. No previous books in the Jagger Cole Universe need to be read before diving into this book or series. Readers are HIGHLY advised to read the TW inside.
679 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2026
About the author
Jagger Cole
97 books6,236 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 269 reviews
October 19, 2026
Jagger Cole has written some unhinged characters in the past but the unhinged attitude of both Damanio and Bella was just brilliant and chaotic.
This book follows Bella (the daughter of Hades and Elsa Drakos) and Damanio (the son of Carmine & Lyra Barone). What these two characters have in common is they are both serial unalivers and they happen to be working their way through the same list. While they may both attend the same university it is because of this how they come across each other. Bella is quite intrigued of Damiano and much to his dismay she gets under his skin quite easily.
Both these characters carry a dark past that they keep sealed off and working through their list is how they release their demons so to speak. Bella also has an unofficial therapist in this book who goes by the name of Dr. Fallon and when I say unofficial she drops in unannounced and whenever she sees fit to discuss her thoughts, and this usually occurs around 3/4am but Dr. Fallon indulges her. Tbh I think Bella quite enjoyed these unofficial sessions.
Due to the pair’s competitive nature to due said list they must create an united front through marriage at the demand of their parents, because these two drew the attention of someone they shouldn’t have when they removed a target. Of course marriage is the last thing on their minds but that makes their relationship even more interesting to say the least.
I don’t want to give too much away about Bella and Damiano’s story but expect all the chaos and possessiveness. Bella and Damanio may try to play off that they are unaffected but this was far from the truth as their actions showed quite a different story.
Thank you so much to the author and VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
This book follows Bella (the daughter of Hades and Elsa Drakos) and Damanio (the son of Carmine & Lyra Barone). What these two characters have in common is they are both serial unalivers and they happen to be working their way through the same list. While they may both attend the same university it is because of this how they come across each other. Bella is quite intrigued of Damiano and much to his dismay she gets under his skin quite easily.
Both these characters carry a dark past that they keep sealed off and working through their list is how they release their demons so to speak. Bella also has an unofficial therapist in this book who goes by the name of Dr. Fallon and when I say unofficial she drops in unannounced and whenever she sees fit to discuss her thoughts, and this usually occurs around 3/4am but Dr. Fallon indulges her. Tbh I think Bella quite enjoyed these unofficial sessions.
Due to the pair’s competitive nature to due said list they must create an united front through marriage at the demand of their parents, because these two drew the attention of someone they shouldn’t have when they removed a target. Of course marriage is the last thing on their minds but that makes their relationship even more interesting to say the least.
I don’t want to give too much away about Bella and Damiano’s story but expect all the chaos and possessiveness. Bella and Damanio may try to play off that they are unaffected but this was far from the truth as their actions showed quite a different story.
Thank you so much to the author and VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
August 3, 2026
*ARC Review*
5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️
this was exquisiteeee
the amount of nicknames this man had for Bella was hilarious, so many variations and these were only 11% in😭
“stabby little gremlin”
“little miss menace”
“murder muppet”
“wednesday addams on fucking bath salts”
“murderpixie”
“pint-sized shadow demon”
“princess psycho”
“princess stabby-pants”
“little miss homicide”
“satan’s emotional support gremlin”
“stabby menace”
“little nightmare”
Kirill and Adrik being like big brothers for Bella AGHHHHH “Kirill is guaranteeing I don't miss out on having an annoying, pestering older brother. Adrik is making sure I don’t lose out on having an ultra-protective one” loved thatttt
And damn if Damiano wasn’t a control freak lmao like you could tell by his showering and shaving routine and thought-process with tactics so methodical that he was off his rocks 💀 definitely signs of a serial killer haha
5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️
this was exquisiteeee
the amount of nicknames this man had for Bella was hilarious, so many variations and these were only 11% in😭
“stabby little gremlin”
“little miss menace”
“murder muppet”
“wednesday addams on fucking bath salts”
“murderpixie”
“pint-sized shadow demon”
“princess psycho”
“princess stabby-pants”
“little miss homicide”
“satan’s emotional support gremlin”
“stabby menace”
“little nightmare”
Kirill and Adrik being like big brothers for Bella AGHHHHH “Kirill is guaranteeing I don't miss out on having an annoying, pestering older brother. Adrik is making sure I don’t lose out on having an ultra-protective one” loved thatttt
And damn if Damiano wasn’t a control freak lmao like you could tell by his showering and shaving routine and thought-process with tactics so methodical that he was off his rocks 💀 definitely signs of a serial killer haha
October 23, 2026
Actually, 100 ⭐ out of 5!!!
This book... THIS BOOK IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! As simple as that...
And I have to say it!!! Bella hates astrology but loves astronomy, and she's a Virgo like yours truly... and there you have it: "Classic Virgo rage"!
Bella is a killer who hunts killers, and Damiano Barone... Damn, Dame! This man has won the genetic lottery. He's a control freak, a rule-master, and the perfect fictional boyfriend... I mean, husband!
These two are both killers on a mission, but their methods are completely different! Bella thinks Damiano lacks the creative spirit while she makes fine art! She has vision. He doesn't. At least according to her! And their banter and nicknames for one another... another level!!!
When their families are threatened, they have no choice but to marry. Because apparently, nothing says romance quite like a forced marriage between two homicidal enemies!
Behind all the sarcasm, playful moments, and absolutely unhinged violence, there's so much more. The chemistry, tension, slow burn, and scorching-hot scenes were everything! The killing scenes were graphic, gruesome, and completely crazy. The kind that make you stare at the page thinking, WTF?! And that one shocking scene... I still can't get it out of my head!
Despite her murderous nature, Bella broke my heart. No one goes through something that horrible and comes out untouched. And then comes the last person you'd expect, someone you don't have to hide your darkest parts from because he has darkness of his own. There is something intoxicating about finding that person!
Bella is defiance until she decides not to be. FOR HIM. They both need control, and this man is not negotiating! But she's willing to let go for him. Not because she's weak or submissive, but because she chooses to. Being around him makes her feel grounded, strong, and safe.
This was a true "I'd die for you" kind of story, especially when Bella believed she didn't deserve that kind of love. I knew there would be an HEA, but that didn't stop me from aching, holding my breath, and CRYING at the end!!! My heart actually stopped! And somehow, Jagger managed to add a funny moment to an incredibly heartbreaking event!
Despite all the darkness and pain, this book gave me laughter and hope. It made my heart sing. It made me laugh, ache, cry, and fall in love with these two. The suspense, the emotional depth, the sarcasm, the violence, the tenderness... WOW. Just WOW!
And Jagger Cole? He is the king of dark romance!!!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity. I'm genuinely honored to have had the chance to read this book. ❤️
This book... THIS BOOK IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! As simple as that...
And I have to say it!!! Bella hates astrology but loves astronomy, and she's a Virgo like yours truly... and there you have it: "Classic Virgo rage"!
Bella is a killer who hunts killers, and Damiano Barone... Damn, Dame! This man has won the genetic lottery. He's a control freak, a rule-master, and the perfect fictional boyfriend... I mean, husband!
These two are both killers on a mission, but their methods are completely different! Bella thinks Damiano lacks the creative spirit while she makes fine art! She has vision. He doesn't. At least according to her! And their banter and nicknames for one another... another level!!!
When their families are threatened, they have no choice but to marry. Because apparently, nothing says romance quite like a forced marriage between two homicidal enemies!
Behind all the sarcasm, playful moments, and absolutely unhinged violence, there's so much more. The chemistry, tension, slow burn, and scorching-hot scenes were everything! The killing scenes were graphic, gruesome, and completely crazy. The kind that make you stare at the page thinking, WTF?! And that one shocking scene... I still can't get it out of my head!
Despite her murderous nature, Bella broke my heart. No one goes through something that horrible and comes out untouched. And then comes the last person you'd expect, someone you don't have to hide your darkest parts from because he has darkness of his own. There is something intoxicating about finding that person!
Bella is defiance until she decides not to be. FOR HIM. They both need control, and this man is not negotiating! But she's willing to let go for him. Not because she's weak or submissive, but because she chooses to. Being around him makes her feel grounded, strong, and safe.
This was a true "I'd die for you" kind of story, especially when Bella believed she didn't deserve that kind of love. I knew there would be an HEA, but that didn't stop me from aching, holding my breath, and CRYING at the end!!! My heart actually stopped! And somehow, Jagger managed to add a funny moment to an incredibly heartbreaking event!
Despite all the darkness and pain, this book gave me laughter and hope. It made my heart sing. It made me laugh, ache, cry, and fall in love with these two. The suspense, the emotional depth, the sarcasm, the violence, the tenderness... WOW. Just WOW!
And Jagger Cole? He is the king of dark romance!!!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity. I'm genuinely honored to have had the chance to read this book. ❤️
October 30, 2026
Damiano and Bella happen to both be serial unalivers and find out that they have the same people on their list. They're both just as unhinged as the other. Trouble happens when they take out the wrong person and in order to survive they need both their families to fight together. Which means they have to marry!
I could feel a connection between the two right from the start, even if their actions showed different. The banter was fun and they were both very unhinged, possessive and intense. I loved how they fit together and the way they both worked out their need for control.
The story itself will have you on the edge of your seat.
Also, I love seeing characters from other books!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Damiano & Bella
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Dark Descendants Series - The Carnage We Keep: Book 3
Ending Type: HEA
*Elite mafia college
*Antisocial personality disorder
*Mental Health
*Forced Marriage
*Mafia
*Unalivers
*Secret societies
*Second-gen series
*No cheating or sharing
"Dark Descendants is a fully standalone new second-gen series featuring the heirs of families from the Dark Hearts, Venomous Gods, Memento Mori, Savage Heirs, and Darkest Dance series. Readers do not need to read any previous Jagger Cole books to fully enjoy and be immersed in this series" -From GR's
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
I could feel a connection between the two right from the start, even if their actions showed different. The banter was fun and they were both very unhinged, possessive and intense. I loved how they fit together and the way they both worked out their need for control.
The story itself will have you on the edge of your seat.
Also, I love seeing characters from other books!
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Damiano & Bella
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters throughout the series
Title: Dark Descendants Series - The Carnage We Keep: Book 3
Ending Type: HEA
*Elite mafia college
*Antisocial personality disorder
*Mental Health
*Forced Marriage
*Mafia
*Unalivers
*Secret societies
*Second-gen series
*No cheating or sharing
"Dark Descendants is a fully standalone new second-gen series featuring the heirs of families from the Dark Hearts, Venomous Gods, Memento Mori, Savage Heirs, and Darkest Dance series. Readers do not need to read any previous Jagger Cole books to fully enjoy and be immersed in this series" -From GR's
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
Review of advance copy
*M/F Romance
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Dark - TWs
*Serial Unaliver MMC & FMC
*Vigilantes
*Trauma responses
*Forced Marriage
*Enemies to Lovers
*Mid Burn
*High Heat
*Standalone
*Wider Universe
FRICKING ADORED THESE TWO 😍
Oh my gosh I have actually laughed out loud at the antics Damiano and Bella get up to when trying to one up the other and antagonise each other! The way the get under each others skin to prove whose the best serial 💀💀 and best way at being a psychopath is honestly hilarious 😆 it really might not be for some people as there really is some gruesome scenes and it touches on considerably dark themes but it that’s your thing it’s so worth a read! This is a fast paced standalone, with plenty of antics and action these two create in their search to take down the monsters of the world! It’s very much centred on them and their relationship ‘issues’ until the last quarter of the book when an outside entity is introduced that brings serious drama!! 😮.
What worked
• I adored the development of these characters relationship! They honestly are two peas in a pod and the epitome of will get on like a house on fire or will 💀 each other, let’s just say when they connect they really bring the heat 🔥 and fireworks between them 🎇🎇🧨 there’s plenty of spicy scenes for you to enjoy!
• Bella aka ‘Murder Muppet’ is a sassy snipey 🔪y little spitfire with walls so high and stupidly thick no-one can get close! Lamiano or ‘@£&hole’ is a total control freak with a stick so far up his … I’m surprised he can move let alone bend 😂 yet he is also madly possessive 🚩 they clash in the best way so you see them move from enemies as such into acquaintances to accomplices to something more meaningful….we can see it from the outside but those two are oblivious or just refusing to acknowledge 😅 it happens slowly as we start to see them bend a little and realise the benefits of having someone around who truly understands them 😍 but when they start to soften for each other you can help but feel a bit mushy even if they would eviscerate you for noticing it 🤣 they become each others truly safe space ❤️
“You’re still that vicious, impossible little nightmare. You’re just choosing to trust me with another piece of you.”
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Dark - TWs
*Serial Unaliver MMC & FMC
*Vigilantes
*Trauma responses
*Forced Marriage
*Enemies to Lovers
*Mid Burn
*High Heat
*Standalone
*Wider Universe
FRICKING ADORED THESE TWO 😍
Oh my gosh I have actually laughed out loud at the antics Damiano and Bella get up to when trying to one up the other and antagonise each other! The way the get under each others skin to prove whose the best serial 💀💀 and best way at being a psychopath is honestly hilarious 😆 it really might not be for some people as there really is some gruesome scenes and it touches on considerably dark themes but it that’s your thing it’s so worth a read! This is a fast paced standalone, with plenty of antics and action these two create in their search to take down the monsters of the world! It’s very much centred on them and their relationship ‘issues’ until the last quarter of the book when an outside entity is introduced that brings serious drama!! 😮.
What worked
• I adored the development of these characters relationship! They honestly are two peas in a pod and the epitome of will get on like a house on fire or will 💀 each other, let’s just say when they connect they really bring the heat 🔥 and fireworks between them 🎇🎇🧨 there’s plenty of spicy scenes for you to enjoy!
• Bella aka ‘Murder Muppet’ is a sassy snipey 🔪y little spitfire with walls so high and stupidly thick no-one can get close! Lamiano or ‘@£&hole’ is a total control freak with a stick so far up his … I’m surprised he can move let alone bend 😂 yet he is also madly possessive 🚩 they clash in the best way so you see them move from enemies as such into acquaintances to accomplices to something more meaningful….we can see it from the outside but those two are oblivious or just refusing to acknowledge 😅 it happens slowly as we start to see them bend a little and realise the benefits of having someone around who truly understands them 😍 but when they start to soften for each other you can help but feel a bit mushy even if they would eviscerate you for noticing it 🤣 they become each others truly safe space ❤️
“You’re still that vicious, impossible little nightmare. You’re just choosing to trust me with another piece of you.”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“We’re not monsters, baby. We’re the ones who slay the monsters.”
Unhinged, gory, and fast-paced right until the very end. I loved every second of it. What an absolutely wild ride! The characters and storyline had me completely captivated, questioning my own morals more than once. The plot was well-executed, and I was practically on the edge of my seat while reading the last few chapter. The action, the twists, the sheer chaos… I was hooked.
Bella and Damiano truly belong together. Despite their completely opposite personalities, they crave the same depraved things and share the same goal: getting rid of the vile people poisoning their society. Damiano may be a man who thrives on control, but the second Bella enters his orbit, all bets are off. And Bella? Self-deprecating, strong-willed, and determined, she challenges and antagonizes him at every turn, effortlessly getting under his skin.
Their interactions are absolutely ridiculous in the BEST way: gory, unhinged, and downright hilarious. Their banter is endlessly entertaining, and their chemistry? Explosive. I especially loved watching Bella, despite everything she's been through, slowly learn to let go of control and put her trust in Damiano. There was something so satisfying about seeing her allow herself to be vulnerable with him, including in the spicy scenes.
And let's talk about the tropes because this book knows exactly what it's doing.
Marriage of convenience? ✔️
One bed? ✔️
“My wife”? ✔️
“Eyes on me”? ✔️
“Good girl”? OH, I'M SOLD. ✔️✔️
Unhinged, gory, and fast-paced right until the very end. I loved every second of it. What an absolutely wild ride! The characters and storyline had me completely captivated, questioning my own morals more than once. The plot was well-executed, and I was practically on the edge of my seat while reading the last few chapter. The action, the twists, the sheer chaos… I was hooked.
Bella and Damiano truly belong together. Despite their completely opposite personalities, they crave the same depraved things and share the same goal: getting rid of the vile people poisoning their society. Damiano may be a man who thrives on control, but the second Bella enters his orbit, all bets are off. And Bella? Self-deprecating, strong-willed, and determined, she challenges and antagonizes him at every turn, effortlessly getting under his skin.
Their interactions are absolutely ridiculous in the BEST way: gory, unhinged, and downright hilarious. Their banter is endlessly entertaining, and their chemistry? Explosive. I especially loved watching Bella, despite everything she's been through, slowly learn to let go of control and put her trust in Damiano. There was something so satisfying about seeing her allow herself to be vulnerable with him, including in the spicy scenes.
And let's talk about the tropes because this book knows exactly what it's doing.
Marriage of convenience? ✔️
One bed? ✔️
“My wife”? ✔️
“Eyes on me”? ✔️
“Good girl”? OH, I'M SOLD. ✔️✔️
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
""𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔,""
Special thanks to @valentine_pr_ @jaggercoleauthor for the #gifted epub in exchange for an honest review.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have LOVED both book 1 and book 2 of the dark descendants series, which is my first series by Jagger. I was beyond ready to jump back into Knightsblood University.
Bella and Damiano aka Murder Puppet and Lamiano. A match made in a psych facility. This book starts out w a jaw dropper and I'm equal parts horrified, intrigued, and entertained by these two, and I was only in chapter 4.
As this progresses, I fell even more in love with each character seperatly and together. I also love how this series plays out during the same timeline as the past 2 books. But its so interesting and fun to see all the main events collide between the different couples.
But this fcking book yall. Had me going through all the emotions. I loved every single page and wish it never ended. Fantastic. Easy 5vstars like always! I cant wait to read more of this series!
🥀Mafia
🥀Dark academia
🥀Pitch black
🥀Dark romcom
🥀Arranged marriage
🥀Knife Play
🥀Blood Play
𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Oct 22, 2026
ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️Airport three hours early or running to the gate?
.
.
.
🏷
Jagger Cole . Dark Romance . Mafia Romance . Dark Academia . Enemies to Lovers .
#JaggerCole #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #ContemporaryRomance RomanticSuspense DarkAcademia College Mafia Knifeplay EnemiestoLovers SerialKiller BloodPlay
.
Special thanks to @valentine_pr_ @jaggercoleauthor for the #gifted epub in exchange for an honest review.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have LOVED both book 1 and book 2 of the dark descendants series, which is my first series by Jagger. I was beyond ready to jump back into Knightsblood University.
Bella and Damiano aka Murder Puppet and Lamiano. A match made in a psych facility. This book starts out w a jaw dropper and I'm equal parts horrified, intrigued, and entertained by these two, and I was only in chapter 4.
As this progresses, I fell even more in love with each character seperatly and together. I also love how this series plays out during the same timeline as the past 2 books. But its so interesting and fun to see all the main events collide between the different couples.
But this fcking book yall. Had me going through all the emotions. I loved every single page and wish it never ended. Fantastic. Easy 5vstars like always! I cant wait to read more of this series!
🥀Mafia
🥀Dark academia
🥀Pitch black
🥀Dark romcom
🥀Arranged marriage
🥀Knife Play
🥀Blood Play
𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Oct 22, 2026
ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️Airport three hours early or running to the gate?
.
.
.
🏷
Jagger Cole . Dark Romance . Mafia Romance . Dark Academia . Enemies to Lovers .
#JaggerCole #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #ContemporaryRomance RomanticSuspense DarkAcademia College Mafia Knifeplay EnemiestoLovers SerialKiller BloodPlay
.
October 26, 2026
I hated everything about Bella… except her opinions on astrology. “Astrology is what happens when gullible people look up at billions of galaxies containing trillions of stars and make it about themselves.”
Cheers to Jagger for calling out horrible men. Jeers for putting the period outside the quotation mark.
Cheers to Jagger for calling out horrible men. Jeers for putting the period outside the quotation mark.
Want to Read
July 31, 2026Whose book is this!??? I loved Lochie and Galina so much i hope this is Wren and Laz’s book but that’s a far cry 😢
Review of advance copy
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚆𝚎 𝙺𝚎𝚎𝚙
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
5/5 ⭐️
↓↓
This was chaos. Pure and utter chaos and I ate every last bit of it up. I flew through this so quick.
We rarely see where the FMC is the completely unhinged one but my goodness Jagger wrote Bella so perfectly unhinged. There were times that I was just laughing at her absurdity of ALL the things. Seriously from tying up her therapist for emergency sessions at one in the morning, her comedy acts during her k!lls, she is chaos personified.
Under all that chaos though, there is something that is truly heartbreaking. She has been through so much and she feels as if she is broken and doesn’t deserve love. I wanted to wrap her in a hug so many times throughout the book.
Now Damiano, whew that man can getttttttttt it. He has his reasons for being the way he is and once you learn more about him, you can't help but love him.
Those wife moments 😮💨
These two were a slow burn as much as Jagger can give us but once things heated up, my GOODNESS, was it hotttttt🥵
These two push each others button to no end but I LOVED watching them slowly open up to each other. They were never afraid or felt the need to hide who they truly were and the love they both received was well deserved.
I have never read a book where I hit a limit but this one, events in Chapter 18, IYKYK, that was pushing it pretty close to a no go for me 🫣
I reallllllllly want Laz and Wren and I hope they are the next couple. That little snippet we got, I HAVE to know if it was Wren or not!
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forced Marriage
🖤 Serial Unaliver x Serial Unaliver
🖤 Control Freak MMC x Stabby Tiny Menace FMC
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Forced Proximity
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
5/5 ⭐️
↓↓
This was chaos. Pure and utter chaos and I ate every last bit of it up. I flew through this so quick.
We rarely see where the FMC is the completely unhinged one but my goodness Jagger wrote Bella so perfectly unhinged. There were times that I was just laughing at her absurdity of ALL the things. Seriously from tying up her therapist for emergency sessions at one in the morning, her comedy acts during her k!lls, she is chaos personified.
Under all that chaos though, there is something that is truly heartbreaking. She has been through so much and she feels as if she is broken and doesn’t deserve love. I wanted to wrap her in a hug so many times throughout the book.
Now Damiano, whew that man can getttttttttt it. He has his reasons for being the way he is and once you learn more about him, you can't help but love him.
Those wife moments 😮💨
These two were a slow burn as much as Jagger can give us but once things heated up, my GOODNESS, was it hotttttt🥵
These two push each others button to no end but I LOVED watching them slowly open up to each other. They were never afraid or felt the need to hide who they truly were and the love they both received was well deserved.
I have never read a book where I hit a limit but this one, events in Chapter 18, IYKYK, that was pushing it pretty close to a no go for me 🫣
I reallllllllly want Laz and Wren and I hope they are the next couple. That little snippet we got, I HAVE to know if it was Wren or not!
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forced Marriage
🖤 Serial Unaliver x Serial Unaliver
🖤 Control Freak MMC x Stabby Tiny Menace FMC
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Forced Proximity
October 22, 2026
5 ⭐️/3 🌶️
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! 🙌🏼
I went into this one completely blind after reading nothing but the trope list and trigger warnings, and let me tell you, BEST DECISION EVER! 🙌🏼
Bella is an absolute icon of an FMC. Funny, stabby, and so freaking cray cray, I loved every single second she was on the page!🔪 . And Damiano? The perfect complement to her chaos. He was the calm to her crazy, and I absolutely loved these two together! 🖤
The plot, the writing, the banter, everything was just so good! And the spice? 🥵🔥 I genuinely don’t even know what I was feeling during that one chapter 👀 (iykyk)
I’m keeping this review short because I refuse to accidentally spoil anything, but please, read the trigger warnings before diving in. This one is significantly darker than the previous books, so go in prepared! 🚨
I cannot wait to find out whose book we’re getting next in this series!
Tropes: stabby fmc and mmc, forced marriage
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! 🙌🏼
I went into this one completely blind after reading nothing but the trope list and trigger warnings, and let me tell you, BEST DECISION EVER! 🙌🏼
Bella is an absolute icon of an FMC. Funny, stabby, and so freaking cray cray, I loved every single second she was on the page!🔪 . And Damiano? The perfect complement to her chaos. He was the calm to her crazy, and I absolutely loved these two together! 🖤
The plot, the writing, the banter, everything was just so good! And the spice? 🥵🔥 I genuinely don’t even know what I was feeling during that one chapter 👀 (iykyk)
I’m keeping this review short because I refuse to accidentally spoil anything, but please, read the trigger warnings before diving in. This one is significantly darker than the previous books, so go in prepared! 🚨
I cannot wait to find out whose book we’re getting next in this series!
Tropes: stabby fmc and mmc, forced marriage
October 30, 2026
Talk about battle of the wits. Bella and Damiano trying to outdo each other just added a extra level to their game. Bella calling Damiano "Lamiano" is hilarious. Although, it is nothing like Damiano calling Bella "Princess Psycho" or "Murder Muppet"
Clear your schedule, take the day off, or prepared to pull an all nighter. Whatever is your poison. This book is going to claim all your attention. OBSESSED! This is the best word to describe my feelings about this book. I could not get enough of it. If you are a highlighter, you will find yourself highlighting the whole book. The snarky banter is pure gold between Damiano and Bella.
Clear your schedule, take the day off, or prepared to pull an all nighter. Whatever is your poison. This book is going to claim all your attention. OBSESSED! This is the best word to describe my feelings about this book. I could not get enough of it. If you are a highlighter, you will find yourself highlighting the whole book. The snarky banter is pure gold between Damiano and Bella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a rollercoaster ride of insanity. Bella is a firecracker and a knife wielding fierce woman. Damiano is all alpha male. Cold, calculating, and a fierce man. And the two of them together are pure untethered chaos. These two were so wild, so crazy, you couldn’t help but love them. There was so much going on with these two that I thought I was going to get whiplash. But I ate up every twist, every turn. I was obsessed with these two. Such a freaking awesome story.
October 23, 2026
The nickname "Murder Muppet" is actually one of the funniest things I've read all year and every time Damiano said it, I cackled.
October 22, 2026
Now THis BOOK is the reason why I read and obsess over DARK MAFIA ROMANCE!!
I cackled, cried a little, swooned, blushed, and had to take several breathers because HOLY SHIT! To my imaginary friend sitting beside me in my room, I was like "Are we reading and seeing the same thing?!!"
CHAPTER 22 had no reason to be that F** ing HOT!!🥵❤️🔥🥵 Y'all DAMIANO can EAT!!!🫦👅 He devours like his next breath depends on it... The spice was steamy hot..Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I need a breather!
The plot twists were perfection! The romance?? Aaaahh, I am the first in my generation to find serial unalivers romantic for dressing up for a party that they end up turning into a blood bath. Also, Damiano is so romantic and I won't even list everything he did because, after all whatever his wife wants, HIS WIFE GETS.
The balance of darkness and chaos was chef's kiss. Not to forget, the darkness in this book had me seriously questioning my morals but I loved it!
Both Damiano and Bella are so similar when it comes to their nature, yet so different when it comes to their personalities, and I loved how they complemented each other. I was obsessed with how much Damiano compromised when it came to Bella. Hell, that man was fully committed.
And Bella is amazing, i loved her unhinged and unfiltered attitude! She gave as good as she got and their chemistry was mind-blowing. And it's the way they went from actively being on the verge of unaliving each other out to actively seeking out and jumping each other's bones.
I loved and enjoyed reading this book so much, that i don't know what to say and what to leave out! At this rate,I might accidentally spoil the book... Anywho, the enemies-to-lovers and the "my wife" were absolutely WELL DONE!
🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
✨️I bury my face in her dark hair and inhale her scent. She smells like home, and feels like forever in my arms.
✨️“We’re not monsters, baby. We’re the ones who slay the monsters.”
✨️“You make me fucking insane, Bella.”
✨️I’m crying because in this moment, in his arms at my most cut open and laid bare, I feel at home. And for the first time in a long time, I feel free.
✨️“ What you are, Bella , is perfect . Perfect, and mine, and strong, and powerful, and beautiful, and fucking extraordinary .”
✨️“And you're the only mess I've never wanted to clean up."
✨️Somewhere along the way, without my permission, without me even realizing it, that’s what Bella has become. My family.
✨️She might be pure fucking chaos and the most dangerous, infuriating, ridiculous person I've ever met. She might leave severed heads on my pillow and bags of dicks in front of the date I only took out in the first place because this little demon had already carved her way into my chest and set up shop there. But I know without a single hesitation that I’d burn the whole fucking world down before I let anybody take her from me.
✨️"I live in this house with my wife ,”
“And I will be sleeping in this bed with her."
✨️“You might not be able to stand me, and this marriage might not be real,”
“That doesn’t make this mouth any less mine .”
✨️“ You can do it, ”“Open up for me, baby. Show me how well you can take my fucking cock. Show me how my greedy fuck-toy takes my dick. Show me what a good cock slut you can be for me, wife .”
✨️“Be a good fucking girl and ride my face, little nightmare.”
✨️“ I’m going to devour you, little nightmare ,”
“You wanted me to lose control? You wanted to see the thing underneath all the fucking rules ?”
“ Well, here it is, baby, ”
“Here’s the fucking monster you get so wet and messy and desperate for, like a greedy little slut.”
🩷Dark Mafia Romance
🩷Enemies-to-Lovers
🩷Forced Marriage
🩷Secret Marriage
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Both are Serial Unalivers
🩷One Bed
🩷Touch Her & D!e
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
I cackled, cried a little, swooned, blushed, and had to take several breathers because HOLY SHIT! To my imaginary friend sitting beside me in my room, I was like "Are we reading and seeing the same thing?!!"
CHAPTER 22 had no reason to be that F** ing HOT!!🥵❤️🔥🥵 Y'all DAMIANO can EAT!!!🫦👅 He devours like his next breath depends on it... The spice was steamy hot..Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I need a breather!
The plot twists were perfection! The romance?? Aaaahh, I am the first in my generation to find serial unalivers romantic for dressing up for a party that they end up turning into a blood bath. Also, Damiano is so romantic and I won't even list everything he did because, after all whatever his wife wants, HIS WIFE GETS.
The balance of darkness and chaos was chef's kiss. Not to forget, the darkness in this book had me seriously questioning my morals but I loved it!
Both Damiano and Bella are so similar when it comes to their nature, yet so different when it comes to their personalities, and I loved how they complemented each other. I was obsessed with how much Damiano compromised when it came to Bella. Hell, that man was fully committed.
And Bella is amazing, i loved her unhinged and unfiltered attitude! She gave as good as she got and their chemistry was mind-blowing. And it's the way they went from actively being on the verge of unaliving each other out to actively seeking out and jumping each other's bones.
I loved and enjoyed reading this book so much, that i don't know what to say and what to leave out! At this rate,I might accidentally spoil the book... Anywho, the enemies-to-lovers and the "my wife" were absolutely WELL DONE!
🎀𝕱𝖆𝖛 𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
✨️I bury my face in her dark hair and inhale her scent. She smells like home, and feels like forever in my arms.
✨️“We’re not monsters, baby. We’re the ones who slay the monsters.”
✨️“You make me fucking insane, Bella.”
✨️I’m crying because in this moment, in his arms at my most cut open and laid bare, I feel at home. And for the first time in a long time, I feel free.
✨️“ What you are, Bella , is perfect . Perfect, and mine, and strong, and powerful, and beautiful, and fucking extraordinary .”
✨️“And you're the only mess I've never wanted to clean up."
✨️Somewhere along the way, without my permission, without me even realizing it, that’s what Bella has become. My family.
✨️She might be pure fucking chaos and the most dangerous, infuriating, ridiculous person I've ever met. She might leave severed heads on my pillow and bags of dicks in front of the date I only took out in the first place because this little demon had already carved her way into my chest and set up shop there. But I know without a single hesitation that I’d burn the whole fucking world down before I let anybody take her from me.
✨️"I live in this house with my wife ,”
“And I will be sleeping in this bed with her."
✨️“You might not be able to stand me, and this marriage might not be real,”
“That doesn’t make this mouth any less mine .”
✨️“ You can do it, ”“Open up for me, baby. Show me how well you can take my fucking cock. Show me how my greedy fuck-toy takes my dick. Show me what a good cock slut you can be for me, wife .”
✨️“Be a good fucking girl and ride my face, little nightmare.”
✨️“ I’m going to devour you, little nightmare ,”
“You wanted me to lose control? You wanted to see the thing underneath all the fucking rules ?”
“ Well, here it is, baby, ”
“Here’s the fucking monster you get so wet and messy and desperate for, like a greedy little slut.”
🩷Dark Mafia Romance
🩷Enemies-to-Lovers
🩷Forced Marriage
🩷Secret Marriage
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Both are Serial Unalivers
🩷One Bed
🩷Touch Her & D!e
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓵: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
October 22, 2026
Five star fan-fucking-tastic, I have never had such a bloody good time reading a Jagger Cole book! The wit is sharp and biting, the barbs that fly are pointed, laugh out loud funny, and never fail to hit their target with a resounding thud, it goes from slow burning potentially explosive chemistry to scorching in a flash and just keeps raging like an inferno, the joy Bella gets from every kill and the heart she does with it is psychotically contagious and makes your heart happy dance, and my favorite new obsession, Damiano Barone, makes touch her and die extra sexy, plans feel like foreplay, my wife sound like a gritty seductive song, and unhinged dissociative behavior a freaking siren’s call that I will never get enough of and always answer to. Ten out of ten, no notes, this is a riot of a read, a dark romance lovers dream, and a must read in every way!
Okay, for real, how happy this book makes me is unreal. Not only did I have the best time reading it, because to say Bella and Damiano are entertaining is putting it mildly, but underneath all the stabbiness and murder and really brutal but kind of hilarious one upmanship, this is two people who kill with a moral compass that is pointed true North, with scars and broken pieces and the idea that no one could love them, who by incredibly ironic and totally mafia-ish circumstances are forced to marry and find themselves face to face with their other half. Bella and Damiano are polar opposites on the surface, more alike than they’d ever guess inside, and deep down underneath all that exactly what the other needs. I am totally feral for the way they get under each other’s skin, jealousy rages even when they swear they can’t stand each other, and not only would they stab, choke, and happily beat a person to death for touching what’s theirs, they would die for each other. My heart legit explodes just thinking about these two, their story is gonna live rent free in my head for eternity, and if Jagger Cole announced tomorrow he was releasing a book about these two bickering over laundry I’d snap it fast enough to make your spin, they’re just that good together and I love them that much.
Okay, for real, how happy this book makes me is unreal. Not only did I have the best time reading it, because to say Bella and Damiano are entertaining is putting it mildly, but underneath all the stabbiness and murder and really brutal but kind of hilarious one upmanship, this is two people who kill with a moral compass that is pointed true North, with scars and broken pieces and the idea that no one could love them, who by incredibly ironic and totally mafia-ish circumstances are forced to marry and find themselves face to face with their other half. Bella and Damiano are polar opposites on the surface, more alike than they’d ever guess inside, and deep down underneath all that exactly what the other needs. I am totally feral for the way they get under each other’s skin, jealousy rages even when they swear they can’t stand each other, and not only would they stab, choke, and happily beat a person to death for touching what’s theirs, they would die for each other. My heart legit explodes just thinking about these two, their story is gonna live rent free in my head for eternity, and if Jagger Cole announced tomorrow he was releasing a book about these two bickering over laundry I’d snap it fast enough to make your spin, they’re just that good together and I love them that much.
October 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Jagger Cole, what in the beautifully unhinged chaos did I just read?!
The Carnage We Keep was everything I love about dark romance and then some! The violence, the tension, the twisted humor, the chemistry, and two completely unhinged characters who probably shouldn't be allowed near sharp objects, let alone each other. I ate up every single second of it!
Can we talk about Damiano for a minute? The man is controlling, dangerous, ridiculously hot, and thinks he can tame a woman who literally has murder as a hobby. Sir, good luck with that!
And Bella? Oh, I absolutely LOVED her! She's sarcastic, deadly, unapologetically crazy, and has absolutely no problem reminding Damiano that she's nobody's obedient little wife. I love a strong FMC, but Bella takes it to a whole different level. Her personality, her dark humor, and her complete disregard for Damiano's rules had me obsessed!
The banter between these two was everything. One minute I was laughing at their ridiculous exchanges, and the next I was completely consumed by their chemistry. They are both walking red flags, but somehow together they just make sense.
What I loved most was that Bella never lost herself in the relationship. Damiano might be used to having control, but Bella was never going to be the woman who simply fell in line. Their relationship is messy, bloody, completely unconventional, and honestly, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
This book was dark, deliciously twisted, funny in all the wrong ways, and packed with the kind of tension that makes me remember exactly why I love dark romance so much.
Jagger Cole absolutely nailed this one! And if loving fictional psychopaths is wrong, I have absolutely no intention of being right!
Five bloody, beautifully chaotic stars from me!
Jagger Cole, what in the beautifully unhinged chaos did I just read?!
The Carnage We Keep was everything I love about dark romance and then some! The violence, the tension, the twisted humor, the chemistry, and two completely unhinged characters who probably shouldn't be allowed near sharp objects, let alone each other. I ate up every single second of it!
Can we talk about Damiano for a minute? The man is controlling, dangerous, ridiculously hot, and thinks he can tame a woman who literally has murder as a hobby. Sir, good luck with that!
And Bella? Oh, I absolutely LOVED her! She's sarcastic, deadly, unapologetically crazy, and has absolutely no problem reminding Damiano that she's nobody's obedient little wife. I love a strong FMC, but Bella takes it to a whole different level. Her personality, her dark humor, and her complete disregard for Damiano's rules had me obsessed!
The banter between these two was everything. One minute I was laughing at their ridiculous exchanges, and the next I was completely consumed by their chemistry. They are both walking red flags, but somehow together they just make sense.
What I loved most was that Bella never lost herself in the relationship. Damiano might be used to having control, but Bella was never going to be the woman who simply fell in line. Their relationship is messy, bloody, completely unconventional, and honestly, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
This book was dark, deliciously twisted, funny in all the wrong ways, and packed with the kind of tension that makes me remember exactly why I love dark romance so much.
Jagger Cole absolutely nailed this one! And if loving fictional psychopaths is wrong, I have absolutely no intention of being right!
Five bloody, beautifully chaotic stars from me!
October 22, 2026
The Carnage We Keep by Jagger Cole is an unhinged, dark mafia romance masterpiece that delivers non-stop tension, brilliant banter, and unexpected emotional depth. While this is the third standalone book in the Dark Descendants legacy series, reading the previous books adds even more rich context, though you can easily jump in here.
This story follows Damiano Barone and Bella Drakos, two rival serial unalivers who cross paths at university while targeting the same list of corrupt individuals. When their dangerous hobbies draw unwanted attention, a forced arranged marriage becomes their only defense. Damiano is regimented and obsessed with control, while Bella is a whirlwind of self-deprecating humor and sharp edge.
What made me so invested in this reading experience was the delicate balance between high stakes dark romance and genuine vulnerability. Beneath Bella's unhinged persona lies a heartbreak that shattered me. Her struggle with trauma and her belief that she is merely tolerated rather than loved makes her connection with Damiano so satisfying. Damiano matching her energy, taking care of her, and giving her a safe space to release control created an incredible character arc.
Jagger Cole clearly put an extraordinary amount of research and care into the writing. The banter is razor-sharp, the therapy sessions with Dr. Fallon at 4 AM are wildly entertaining, and the family loyalty adds such warmth to a dark narrative.
You should pick this up immediately if you want a dark romance that seamlessly blends depraved dark humor, intense chemistry, deeply flawed characters, and a true partner-in-crime connection.
Will Laz and Wren be getting the next book? Because I am completely hooked on this world.
This story follows Damiano Barone and Bella Drakos, two rival serial unalivers who cross paths at university while targeting the same list of corrupt individuals. When their dangerous hobbies draw unwanted attention, a forced arranged marriage becomes their only defense. Damiano is regimented and obsessed with control, while Bella is a whirlwind of self-deprecating humor and sharp edge.
What made me so invested in this reading experience was the delicate balance between high stakes dark romance and genuine vulnerability. Beneath Bella's unhinged persona lies a heartbreak that shattered me. Her struggle with trauma and her belief that she is merely tolerated rather than loved makes her connection with Damiano so satisfying. Damiano matching her energy, taking care of her, and giving her a safe space to release control created an incredible character arc.
Jagger Cole clearly put an extraordinary amount of research and care into the writing. The banter is razor-sharp, the therapy sessions with Dr. Fallon at 4 AM are wildly entertaining, and the family loyalty adds such warmth to a dark narrative.
You should pick this up immediately if you want a dark romance that seamlessly blends depraved dark humor, intense chemistry, deeply flawed characters, and a true partner-in-crime connection.
Will Laz and Wren be getting the next book? Because I am completely hooked on this world.
October 28, 2026
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖣𝖺𝗆𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖡𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺
4 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Bella, when she was eleven, she went through something truly traumatic. It gave her one purpose, becoming someone that is feared by people who believe they are the hunters.
She just didn't know that her second year in university will be the year that she meets someone just like her.
Damiano, he is leader of the The Order & future heir to the Barone family. Behind the charm, is a man who hunts the cruelest men. His methods are precise, efficient and...clean!
After going through a horrifying experience when he was younger, he can't stand any form of mess, hence his psychological need for neatness.
...Well, that's until he meets the female version of himself and she's rather... creative in her...methods!
Okay, book three in the Dark Descendants series, and I knew this couple was going to 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦 endgame, and holy hell... where they f*cking endgame.
Damiano and Bella, brought the banter, the tension and chemistry was oh so good, and the spice..dang explosive and Bella's jealousy! Gah, it was next level...I mean 𝑵𝑶 𝑶𝑵𝑬 is allowed near her man...
The possessiveness that Damiano had for Bella 🤌🏻 ...and getting revenge for her!
...those last few chapters though!!! Had me hooked, I was waiting for shit to hit the fan, and oh man did it ever.
(The one thing I would say, just like the previous book...this could have been shorter, there was so much inner monologue and at times I had to go back and re-read a statement or question!!)
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔪⚔️🔪⚔️🔪⚔️
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖣𝖺𝗆𝗂𝖺𝗇𝗈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖡𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺
4 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Bella, when she was eleven, she went through something truly traumatic. It gave her one purpose, becoming someone that is feared by people who believe they are the hunters.
She just didn't know that her second year in university will be the year that she meets someone just like her.
Damiano, he is leader of the The Order & future heir to the Barone family. Behind the charm, is a man who hunts the cruelest men. His methods are precise, efficient and...clean!
After going through a horrifying experience when he was younger, he can't stand any form of mess, hence his psychological need for neatness.
...Well, that's until he meets the female version of himself and she's rather... creative in her...methods!
Okay, book three in the Dark Descendants series, and I knew this couple was going to 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦 endgame, and holy hell... where they f*cking endgame.
Damiano and Bella, brought the banter, the tension and chemistry was oh so good, and the spice..dang explosive and Bella's jealousy! Gah, it was next level...I mean 𝑵𝑶 𝑶𝑵𝑬 is allowed near her man...
The possessiveness that Damiano had for Bella 🤌🏻 ...and getting revenge for her!
...those last few chapters though!!! Had me hooked, I was waiting for shit to hit the fan, and oh man did it ever.
(The one thing I would say, just like the previous book...this could have been shorter, there was so much inner monologue and at times I had to go back and re-read a statement or question!!)
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔪⚔️🔪⚔️🔪⚔️
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can I give this more than five stars? Because I absolutely need to rate this higher!
When I tell you that I thought I knew what we were going to get with Bella and Damiano, I could not have been more wrong! And I am completely fine with being wrong! Jagger Cole went completely unhinged and feral with these two and I am obsessed!
From the get-go these two were butting heads and antagonizing each other. The creative and downright hilarious names that he uses to describe Bella had me laughing out loud. But she was not to be outdone and gave back as good as she got.
This book will have you laughing, crying, possibly cringing (lol), and rooting for the serial killers. It was exciting, heartbreaking, steamy (oh so steamy), and with a wild ending.
I have said it before and I'll say it again. The scenes with the older characters I love so much. They bring the generations together and give you a different look at the dynamics now that there are younger people in their lives. Bella and Cillian, Bella and Hades and Damiano and Vito were all wonderful additions to the story.
When you find your person and their crazy matches your crazy...
Damiano’s hand around my throat tightens, and I choke out another breathless whimper. “I could take your life right here, little nightmare,” he hisses quietly. I swear, I feel his hips grind into me. “Snuff it right out.” My pulse jangles. “Swallow your fucking soul.”
When I tell you that I thought I knew what we were going to get with Bella and Damiano, I could not have been more wrong! And I am completely fine with being wrong! Jagger Cole went completely unhinged and feral with these two and I am obsessed!
From the get-go these two were butting heads and antagonizing each other. The creative and downright hilarious names that he uses to describe Bella had me laughing out loud. But she was not to be outdone and gave back as good as she got.
This book will have you laughing, crying, possibly cringing (lol), and rooting for the serial killers. It was exciting, heartbreaking, steamy (oh so steamy), and with a wild ending.
I have said it before and I'll say it again. The scenes with the older characters I love so much. They bring the generations together and give you a different look at the dynamics now that there are younger people in their lives. Bella and Cillian, Bella and Hades and Damiano and Vito were all wonderful additions to the story.
When you find your person and their crazy matches your crazy...
Damiano’s hand around my throat tightens, and I choke out another breathless whimper. “I could take your life right here, little nightmare,” he hisses quietly. I swear, I feel his hips grind into me. “Snuff it right out.” My pulse jangles. “Swallow your fucking soul.”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🖤 THE CARNAGE WE KEEP | JAGGER COLE 🩸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love leaves no witnesses behind... and apparently, it also gives us a five-star read. 😭🖤
I mean, it's Jagger Cole. Do I even need to explain myself at this point?! Every single book, EVERY SINGLE ONE, has me obsessed. And the fact that we're now getting into the SECOND GENERATION?! I absolutely love being able to follow this universe and see how everything evolves. There's something so special about having read every single book Jagger has ever written and getting to experience it all as it unfolds. 🥹🖤
Now, let's talk about Bella and Damiano Barone. 👀 A control freak MMC with all that possessive "my wife" energy, paired with a stabby little menace who absolutely refuses to be controlled? The CHAOS. The banter. The unhinged energy. I was here for ALL OF IT. 😂🩸
And the spice? PIPING. FREAKING. HOT. 🔥 Chapter 18?! Oh. My. LORD. 🫠 I genuinely don't even know what to say about that chapter, other than I was NOT prepared. A tiny bit unhinged? Absolutely. But we were warned, weren't we? And was it kind of hot? Unfortunately for my dignity... YES. DON'T JUDGE ME. 😭😂
This book was everything I wanted and more. Dark, twisted, chaotic, ridiculously spicy, and exactly why Jagger Cole remains an automatic five-star author for me. 🖤
WHAT TO EXPECT 🖤
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forced Marriage
🖤 Serial Unaliver x Serial Unaliver
🖤 Control Freak MMC x Stabby Tiny Menace FMC
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Forced Proximity
🩸 Available on Kindle Unlimited from 22 October!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love leaves no witnesses behind... and apparently, it also gives us a five-star read. 😭🖤
I mean, it's Jagger Cole. Do I even need to explain myself at this point?! Every single book, EVERY SINGLE ONE, has me obsessed. And the fact that we're now getting into the SECOND GENERATION?! I absolutely love being able to follow this universe and see how everything evolves. There's something so special about having read every single book Jagger has ever written and getting to experience it all as it unfolds. 🥹🖤
Now, let's talk about Bella and Damiano Barone. 👀 A control freak MMC with all that possessive "my wife" energy, paired with a stabby little menace who absolutely refuses to be controlled? The CHAOS. The banter. The unhinged energy. I was here for ALL OF IT. 😂🩸
And the spice? PIPING. FREAKING. HOT. 🔥 Chapter 18?! Oh. My. LORD. 🫠 I genuinely don't even know what to say about that chapter, other than I was NOT prepared. A tiny bit unhinged? Absolutely. But we were warned, weren't we? And was it kind of hot? Unfortunately for my dignity... YES. DON'T JUDGE ME. 😭😂
This book was everything I wanted and more. Dark, twisted, chaotic, ridiculously spicy, and exactly why Jagger Cole remains an automatic five-star author for me. 🖤
WHAT TO EXPECT 🖤
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Forced Marriage
🖤 Serial Unaliver x Serial Unaliver
🖤 Control Freak MMC x Stabby Tiny Menace FMC
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Forced Proximity
🩸 Available on Kindle Unlimited from 22 October!
October 23, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
If you love serial killers, then you are going to love this book. It is the story of Bella and Damanio. The thing they have in common is the fact that they both love to unalive people. These are two of the most unhinged character's I have ever read. And that's saying something. The crazy thing is that they seem to be working their way through the same list. They too attend the same college, and this is where they meet. She gets under his skin easily and this is surprising to him, while she is intrigued by him. The way both of them deal with all they have been through is working through their list. It is a release for them and keeps them both sane in all honesty. The moments that cracked me up is her three or four a.m. drop ins with her therapist when she needed to get some things off her chest. Dr. Fallon must be a saint. I don't even know that I could comprehend what she was trying to say at that time in the morning. But I am a night owl at heart. However, when these two draw the attention of someone they never should have, their parents insist that they get married. This is the last thing these two wanted, but oh the entertainment for us readers. I loved this book. I had the best time reading and rarely laid it down. This is a book that you do not want to miss.
If you love serial killers, then you are going to love this book. It is the story of Bella and Damanio. The thing they have in common is the fact that they both love to unalive people. These are two of the most unhinged character's I have ever read. And that's saying something. The crazy thing is that they seem to be working their way through the same list. They too attend the same college, and this is where they meet. She gets under his skin easily and this is surprising to him, while she is intrigued by him. The way both of them deal with all they have been through is working through their list. It is a release for them and keeps them both sane in all honesty. The moments that cracked me up is her three or four a.m. drop ins with her therapist when she needed to get some things off her chest. Dr. Fallon must be a saint. I don't even know that I could comprehend what she was trying to say at that time in the morning. But I am a night owl at heart. However, when these two draw the attention of someone they never should have, their parents insist that they get married. This is the last thing these two wanted, but oh the entertainment for us readers. I loved this book. I had the best time reading and rarely laid it down. This is a book that you do not want to miss.
October 24, 2026
Two absolutely fantastic characters, one brilliant book, and enough banter to keep me thoroughly entertained! 😂❤️
I loved this! The back-and-forth between Dame and Bella was everything. Their chemistry was fantastic, their interactions had me laughing, and honestly, I could happily read an entire book of them just winding each other up. Dame is an absolute favourite, and Bella was fab! Together, they were comedy gold. 🥰
I do have one little sidenote, though, which kept niggling at me. Ariana and Dame are actually cousins, yet this never seems to get mentioned! There’s plenty of talk about Dame’s feels-like-cousins cousins, but his actual cousin Ariana appears to have been forgotten in the family tree! 😂 And whenever the family is mentioned, Dante seems to get left out, too, despite the fact that he should be one of Dame’s uncles. I was beginning to wonder if I’d accidentally wandered into an alternative family universe! 🤣
That aside, I absolutely adored this book. The humour, the chemistry, the characters… all fantastic! I’m so looking forward to Ariana’s book, and I genuinely cannot wait for the next instalment in January.
I’m absolutely loving this series and am firmly seated on the bandwagon. Roll on January! ❤️📚
I loved this! The back-and-forth between Dame and Bella was everything. Their chemistry was fantastic, their interactions had me laughing, and honestly, I could happily read an entire book of them just winding each other up. Dame is an absolute favourite, and Bella was fab! Together, they were comedy gold. 🥰
I do have one little sidenote, though, which kept niggling at me. Ariana and Dame are actually cousins, yet this never seems to get mentioned! There’s plenty of talk about Dame’s feels-like-cousins cousins, but his actual cousin Ariana appears to have been forgotten in the family tree! 😂 And whenever the family is mentioned, Dante seems to get left out, too, despite the fact that he should be one of Dame’s uncles. I was beginning to wonder if I’d accidentally wandered into an alternative family universe! 🤣
That aside, I absolutely adored this book. The humour, the chemistry, the characters… all fantastic! I’m so looking forward to Ariana’s book, and I genuinely cannot wait for the next instalment in January.
I’m absolutely loving this series and am firmly seated on the bandwagon. Roll on January! ❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Chaotic, Addictive, and Full of Chemistry!
Wow, this book took me on a ride!
Damiano is organized and calculated, while Bella is a complete ball of chaos. But one thing they both have in common? Their shared hobby of being serial deleters.
I really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game between Damiano and Bella. Their constant back-and-forth was so entertaining, and the banter was top-notch. I loved how they kept challenging each other, and their chemistry made everything even more enjoyable.
One thing that stood out to me was the amount of research Jagger put into this book. You could tell a lot of work went into the story, and the writing was beautifully done.
I also loved how Damiano and Bella loved each other and how they expressed their love in their own ways. Their relationship was chaotic, but it was also beautiful to read.
Another thing I absolutely loved was how their parents had their backs. This book is the true definition of there is love at home, and I loved seeing how supportive their families were.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Jagger and Valentine PR for this ARC.
Wow, this book took me on a ride!
Damiano is organized and calculated, while Bella is a complete ball of chaos. But one thing they both have in common? Their shared hobby of being serial deleters.
I really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game between Damiano and Bella. Their constant back-and-forth was so entertaining, and the banter was top-notch. I loved how they kept challenging each other, and their chemistry made everything even more enjoyable.
One thing that stood out to me was the amount of research Jagger put into this book. You could tell a lot of work went into the story, and the writing was beautifully done.
I also loved how Damiano and Bella loved each other and how they expressed their love in their own ways. Their relationship was chaotic, but it was also beautiful to read.
Another thing I absolutely loved was how their parents had their backs. This book is the true definition of there is love at home, and I loved seeing how supportive their families were.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Jagger and Valentine PR for this ARC.
October 22, 2026
Thank you to Valentine PR for the complementary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am obsessed with this book. Hands down, ten out of ten, this is the BEST unhinged dark romcom I have dived into in ages. I should know better than this, I love the authors work, but I had the grandiose idea that I could simply read a single chapter at 9pm at night.
Let the record show, that I read 75% of the book that night. SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT. THIS BOOK IS 660 PAGES LONG. When my alarm went off at 7am I didn't even have regrets. I immediately finished the rest of the book the moment I had free time and now here we are.
Sleep deprived, obsessed, and regretting nothing. This book is insane. Unhinged. Grotesque. Perfect.
It has two psychotic characters who are the same and yet opposites. They're funny and weird and I was SO immediately invested in both their rivalry and their love story. Also the spice was spicinggggggg. I will say there is a questionable tampon scene, but just lean into it, you'll be fine.
All in all, this is my new Roman Empire. I will not be taking any questions at this time. READ IT
I am obsessed with this book. Hands down, ten out of ten, this is the BEST unhinged dark romcom I have dived into in ages. I should know better than this, I love the authors work, but I had the grandiose idea that I could simply read a single chapter at 9pm at night.
Let the record show, that I read 75% of the book that night. SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT. THIS BOOK IS 660 PAGES LONG. When my alarm went off at 7am I didn't even have regrets. I immediately finished the rest of the book the moment I had free time and now here we are.
Sleep deprived, obsessed, and regretting nothing. This book is insane. Unhinged. Grotesque. Perfect.
It has two psychotic characters who are the same and yet opposites. They're funny and weird and I was SO immediately invested in both their rivalry and their love story. Also the spice was spicinggggggg. I will say there is a questionable tampon scene, but just lean into it, you'll be fine.
All in all, this is my new Roman Empire. I will not be taking any questions at this time. READ IT
October 26, 2026
ARC Review
I am absolutely devouring this series! It's just soooo good! This one follows Bella and Damiano's story, and it's a dark-romance lover's dream. Bella is a serial unaliver, who hunts predators. She's always known she was a little different since she was young. And I thought she was spectacular. She was funny, smart, a little psycho (lol), a certified badass, and essentially chaos in a bottle. I loved every part of her. Damiano is her polar opposite. He's defined, structured, and follows the same steps each time. They run into each other because they share the same purpose: hunt the hunters. Together, they are enemies-to-lovers personified. The push-and-pull tension and the banter were absolutely amazing. I loved every second of it. I loved how they slowly opened up to each other and ultimately fell in love. And that ending! Holy cow, I was on the edge of my seat. It really showed how much they loved each other. Aside from Bella and Damiano, I found Bella's sessions with the therapist hilarious. I also loved seeing Bella open herself up to some of the girls at the school. All in all, this book and series have been five stars all the way around.
I am absolutely devouring this series! It's just soooo good! This one follows Bella and Damiano's story, and it's a dark-romance lover's dream. Bella is a serial unaliver, who hunts predators. She's always known she was a little different since she was young. And I thought she was spectacular. She was funny, smart, a little psycho (lol), a certified badass, and essentially chaos in a bottle. I loved every part of her. Damiano is her polar opposite. He's defined, structured, and follows the same steps each time. They run into each other because they share the same purpose: hunt the hunters. Together, they are enemies-to-lovers personified. The push-and-pull tension and the banter were absolutely amazing. I loved every second of it. I loved how they slowly opened up to each other and ultimately fell in love. And that ending! Holy cow, I was on the edge of my seat. It really showed how much they loved each other. Aside from Bella and Damiano, I found Bella's sessions with the therapist hilarious. I also loved seeing Bella open herself up to some of the girls at the school. All in all, this book and series have been five stars all the way around.
October 23, 2026
Bella and Damiano are a hot mess. Two opposite personalities with a shared goal even if they dont want to achieve it together. I loved Bella's chaos. That is something I felt relatable in my own relationship even if I dont have her thirst for blood. Bella was juat the right amount of a bold, tough heroine that has moments of softness to peek through. Her relationship with her therapist was a highlight, always making me softly giggle at the very Bella way of life. Damiano is methodical and controlled to the same degree that Bella is an unhinged tornado. I loved how he softens for Bella and embraces her for who she is without making her conform to his needs. He was sexy and domineering when needed making him thr perfect foil for Bella. I liked this one and enjoyed how different this couple was compared to others in the series. This has a unique stamp to it. Am I hooked more than ever for the next book...you better believe it.
October 22, 2026
Jagger most unhinged book yet. The Carnage We Keep is a story about Bella & Damiano, two psycho vigilantes that love spilling the blood of the most depraved predators.
What happens when two serial unalivers meet unexpectedly? Chaos. Oh and then they get married? Utter mayhem. This book was absolutely crazy but so freaking good.
I won’t lie some of the stuff in here is gruesome but the humor that accompanied it was perfect. There were countless laugh out loud moments, the shit that came out of Bella was so funny.
I ate this up and it’s not a short book either. It’s fast past and action packed & everything I love in a jagger Cole book. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a dark romance with two unhinged mmcs with a thirst for vengeance.
Thank you Jagger Cole and his team for the advanced copy. I’m so grateful!!
4⭐️ | 3.5🌶️
What happens when two serial unalivers meet unexpectedly? Chaos. Oh and then they get married? Utter mayhem. This book was absolutely crazy but so freaking good.
I won’t lie some of the stuff in here is gruesome but the humor that accompanied it was perfect. There were countless laugh out loud moments, the shit that came out of Bella was so funny.
I ate this up and it’s not a short book either. It’s fast past and action packed & everything I love in a jagger Cole book. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a dark romance with two unhinged mmcs with a thirst for vengeance.
Thank you Jagger Cole and his team for the advanced copy. I’m so grateful!!
4⭐️ | 3.5🌶️
October 23, 2026
[arc review]
this is the most unhinged jagger cole book i’ve read. i told my friends this and explained why it was more unhinged and psychotic than usual and even they said “that’ll do it.”
bella has so much fire in her and i loved how different she was compared to the other girls in this series so far. each girl has their own dark secrets but exploring bella’s serial killer character was so much fun. and pairing her up with damiano, who also happens to be a serial killer? perfection. i could not think of anything better for these two. i won’t get into the gore, but it was also interesting to see how they both approached their murderous side. bella thrives in chaos, whereas damiano might exhibit a little bit of OCD.
all in all, a much darker tone than i’m used to seeing from jagger, but still flew through the book like any other of his.
this is the most unhinged jagger cole book i’ve read. i told my friends this and explained why it was more unhinged and psychotic than usual and even they said “that’ll do it.”
bella has so much fire in her and i loved how different she was compared to the other girls in this series so far. each girl has their own dark secrets but exploring bella’s serial killer character was so much fun. and pairing her up with damiano, who also happens to be a serial killer? perfection. i could not think of anything better for these two. i won’t get into the gore, but it was also interesting to see how they both approached their murderous side. bella thrives in chaos, whereas damiano might exhibit a little bit of OCD.
all in all, a much darker tone than i’m used to seeing from jagger, but still flew through the book like any other of his.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
That was disturbingly delightful and sometimes diabolical.
Bella was charmingly certifiable. Fucking funny as fuck. Girl with the gallows humor. I’m talking she had me cackling at 3% in and didn’t stop until the end. And since she loves a vibe so much, which is very millennial coded of her, she gives Harley Quinn with a dash of may have watched one too many Slasher franchises for inspo.
Dame is everything opposite of Bella’s chaotic nature. He’s Controlled. The Man with a plan. Meticulous. & gives the Dexter vibe.
These are just your two above average serial killers that complement each-other. Ya know, the kind that slay together stay together.
What a time to be a Jagger stan!!! FIVE ✨bloody✨ STARS. (this pun is intended for Chapter 18)
have so much fun reading!! <3
Bella was charmingly certifiable. Fucking funny as fuck. Girl with the gallows humor. I’m talking she had me cackling at 3% in and didn’t stop until the end. And since she loves a vibe so much, which is very millennial coded of her, she gives Harley Quinn with a dash of may have watched one too many Slasher franchises for inspo.
Dame is everything opposite of Bella’s chaotic nature. He’s Controlled. The Man with a plan. Meticulous. & gives the Dexter vibe.
These are just your two above average serial killers that complement each-other. Ya know, the kind that slay together stay together.
What a time to be a Jagger stan!!! FIVE ✨bloody✨ STARS. (this pun is intended for Chapter 18)
have so much fun reading!! <3
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