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Capturing Christmas
I never thought I’d see him again.
Until he kidnapped me.
Russell James was always untouchable.
Too dangerously beautiful. Too old for me. Too much my brother’s best friend.
But he was mine once—just for one night.
Then, he was gone.
Now, four years later, he’s kidnapping me off the street in a case of mistaken identity.
My cousin is married to the most notorious Bratva kingpin in Chicago.
Russell thinks I’m her.
Now, we’re on the run—from the Bratva, from the law, and from whoever wants my cousin—the real Mrs. Komarov—dead.
But Russell doesn’t just want to save me.
He wants to consume me.
He wants to finish what we started four years ago.
And God help me, I might just let him…
Until he kidnapped me.
Russell James was always untouchable.
Too dangerously beautiful. Too old for me. Too much my brother’s best friend.
But he was mine once—just for one night.
Then, he was gone.
Now, four years later, he’s kidnapping me off the street in a case of mistaken identity.
My cousin is married to the most notorious Bratva kingpin in Chicago.
Russell thinks I’m her.
Now, we’re on the run—from the Bratva, from the law, and from whoever wants my cousin—the real Mrs. Komarov—dead.
But Russell doesn’t just want to save me.
He wants to consume me.
He wants to finish what we started four years ago.
And God help me, I might just let him…
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2021
379 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Jagger Cole
72 books5,441 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 165 reviews
December 23, 2021
A kidnapping gone wrong? Or right? Russell and Novelle knew eachother in the past now he spots her again thinking and assuming she's Viktor wife and he has to kidnap her. Well he's wrong shes the wives cousin and he was jealous for no reason but now he has his girl back and won't let her go. There is some drama in there way because of the kidnapping beside that this novella was pretty sweet.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins (they were eachothers first)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
Seperation
Second chance
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
No ow/om drama, no cheating, Drama, slight secondary character, sexy times, no virgins (they were eachothers first)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
Seperation
Second chance
No condom
Violence
Hea
Epilogue
November 15, 2025
The novella is 94 pages. Russell is Noelle's brother’s best friend. She’s always crushed on him despite the big age difference. The story jumps timelines, and it’s a bit of a second-chance romance in the present time. He’s 35. In the past timeline, Noelle is in college, and she and Russell have they’re first time together. When they reconnect years later, it’s mentioned that neither one of them has been with anyone else since that first time. Also, because of an autoimmune disorder, Russell has white/silver hair. The story has good spice.
December 12, 2021
A hot bite-sized morsel filled with mafia goodness! I'll have to look into reading more by this author. 😍😍
December 24, 2025
Notes for me
Short and I enjoyed it.
Safety
Both celibate the 4 years they are apart!
Short and I enjoyed it.
Safety
Both celibate the 4 years they are apart!
December 5, 2023
I’d like to take from another reviewer and open this with “a kidnapping gone wrong… or right?”
Noelle grew up in Georgia, but moved to Chicago to be closer to her cousin Fiona who is married to a mafia man, Viktor. In a way she (Noelle) is running from her past because her brothers best friend, Russell, took her virginity then broke her heart and skipped town on her. Noelle doesn’t let thoughts of Russell enter her mind, if she can help it. She looks at Chicago as a chance to start over. Free from the familiarity of Russell memories, her up-to-no-good brother, Jason, and her childhood.
Russell’s trying to clear his name so he can eventually get back to Noelle. It takes a stupid, crazy ass job to get that done. He has been tasked with kidnapping Fiona… but Fiona and Noelle look exactly alike…
This little novella was really good! I went into it blind, which I think is the best way to go. So I’m not going to spoil this one.
4.25 Stars from me!
Noelle grew up in Georgia, but moved to Chicago to be closer to her cousin Fiona who is married to a mafia man, Viktor. In a way she (Noelle) is running from her past because her brothers best friend, Russell, took her virginity then broke her heart and skipped town on her. Noelle doesn’t let thoughts of Russell enter her mind, if she can help it. She looks at Chicago as a chance to start over. Free from the familiarity of Russell memories, her up-to-no-good brother, Jason, and her childhood.
Russell’s trying to clear his name so he can eventually get back to Noelle. It takes a stupid, crazy ass job to get that done. He has been tasked with kidnapping Fiona… but Fiona and Noelle look exactly alike…
This little novella was really good! I went into it blind, which I think is the best way to go. So I’m not going to spoil this one.
4.25 Stars from me!
July 27, 2025
listen idk I just wanted something short so I could read it in one sitting & feel accomplished
June 28, 2023
This is a very short book. A novella/novelette, I don’t know the difference. Under 100 pages. Despite the length, I felt that it was well developed. The characters didn’t feel rushed, the plot was entertaining and focused on one main event with a bit of a background event to support the characters and aid with their relationship. The history of the two romantic leads made the shortness of the relationship make sense because their relationship was already developed. The only thing that felt sort of glossed over was the mafia/crime syndicate or whatever it’s called and honestly, that was okay with me. The two characters are involved but not leaders. Got it. Enough said.
I recommend this story. I’ve been really down lately. I needed a book I could just consume quickly and that wouldn’t piss me off. This ticked both those boxes and I’m satisfied. I feel like a book that fits the needs of a reader is a success.
I recommend this story. I’ve been really down lately. I needed a book I could just consume quickly and that wouldn’t piss me off. This ticked both those boxes and I’m satisfied. I feel like a book that fits the needs of a reader is a success.
December 12, 2021
3.5 stars.
This was actually more than I was expecting it to be. In a good way.
It was sexy. It had action and danger and some tension. It was also quick, so the resolution to those problems was super simple.
I’m not complaining.
I also really enjoyed the little bit of Christmas cheer that was in it. It was cute, and not overly done.
I definitely count this as a win.
I’m glad I read it.
This was actually more than I was expecting it to be. In a good way.
It was sexy. It had action and danger and some tension. It was also quick, so the resolution to those problems was super simple.
I’m not complaining.
I also really enjoyed the little bit of Christmas cheer that was in it. It was cute, and not overly done.
I definitely count this as a win.
I’m glad I read it.
December 31, 2021
3.5 star rating
Just had to get in a little extra reading before the new year, and this one was perfect to do just that! A little Russian Bratva was perfect to send me into 2022. Russell and Noelle have a past. And, when he kidnaps the wrong cousin, the reunion is just confusing and unexpected, but yet, amazing! Such a passionate and hot novella from author Jagger Cole…
Just had to get in a little extra reading before the new year, and this one was perfect to do just that! A little Russian Bratva was perfect to send me into 2022. Russell and Noelle have a past. And, when he kidnaps the wrong cousin, the reunion is just confusing and unexpected, but yet, amazing! Such a passionate and hot novella from author Jagger Cole…
December 14, 2021
Short Mafia Christmas Novella
A Mafia Christmas story about two people who get a second chance at love that comes with a happily ever after.
A Mafia Christmas story about two people who get a second chance at love that comes with a happily ever after.
December 19, 2025
I’m all for an age-gap romance, but this was not ok…
The 12 year age gap itself doesn’t bother me, if they were both older, but they first got together when she was 18 and he was 30?! Nope ✋🏼
And for anyone who’s gonna say that she was technically “legal”, how about the fact that he was obviously into her way before they got together, which was when she was a MINOR!
Some quotes from his POV:
“She was a girl back then. I wince. Well, a woman. Just a younger one”
“That night was the night the dam finally broke. The night the walls I’d desperately tried to keep up with plywood, duct tape, or anything I could find finally came crashing down. I’d wanted Noelle since… well, I won’t go there” 🤮
Not to mention that he talks about how he used to follow her when she went on dates and hated anyone she went out with! A grown man in his late 20s-early 30s is angry and jealous of TEENAGERS for going out with his best friend’s TEENAGE sister? Why are we romanticizing this crap?
It’s really disappointing because the book itself would have been a fun little read. I have so many books on my TBR from this author, and now I just don’t think I can go through with reading them
The 12 year age gap itself doesn’t bother me, if they were both older, but they first got together when she was 18 and he was 30?! Nope ✋🏼
And for anyone who’s gonna say that she was technically “legal”, how about the fact that he was obviously into her way before they got together, which was when she was a MINOR!
Some quotes from his POV:
“She was a girl back then. I wince. Well, a woman. Just a younger one”
“That night was the night the dam finally broke. The night the walls I’d desperately tried to keep up with plywood, duct tape, or anything I could find finally came crashing down. I’d wanted Noelle since… well, I won’t go there” 🤮
Not to mention that he talks about how he used to follow her when she went on dates and hated anyone she went out with! A grown man in his late 20s-early 30s is angry and jealous of TEENAGERS for going out with his best friend’s TEENAGE sister? Why are we romanticizing this crap?
It’s really disappointing because the book itself would have been a fun little read. I have so many books on my TBR from this author, and now I just don’t think I can go through with reading them
December 15, 2021
This was not my favorite at all. Russell is a weak hero, not Alpha in any way (maybe the author meant for us to think that being an exceptionally good shot, with no explanation on how he would be come such a great shot, was alpha?) and he is kidnapping innocent women for dumb reasons. Actually, his reason to take the job is never really disclosed. His reason for leaving Noelle and what he was doing for the four years made no sense. This book was way too short to sell me on this second chance relationship.
Finally, In what world, under any circumstances, would Viktor let the man that intended to kidnap his wife join his team? Nope.
Finally, In what world, under any circumstances, would Viktor let the man that intended to kidnap his wife join his team? Nope.
December 5, 2021
3.75 stars—CAPTURING CHRISTMAS by Jagger Cole is a contemporary, adult, stand alone MAFIA romance novella set in the author’s BRATVA’S CLAIM world, and part of the multi-authored FLIRTY DIRTY CHRISTMAS series. This is Noelle Morgan, and Russell James’ story line. CAPTURING CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary. Noelle is Fiona Morgan -Komarov’s (PAYING THE BRATVA’S DEBT 1) cousin.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Noelle and Russell) CAPTURING CHRISTMAS focuses on the abduction of Noelle Morgan, a mistaken identity kidnapping where the intended victim was Fiona Morgan-Komarov, Noelle’s cousin, and wife to the international head of the Kashenko Bratva. Russell James has been hired to do a job but never expected to face the woman he never stopped loving, the woman on whom he walked out four years earlier. On the run with the woman he loved, Russell knows he screwed up both todays and years before. What ensues is the quick, rebuilding relationship between Russell and Noelle, and the potential fall-out as Viktor Komarov comes searching for his wife’s cousin.
CAPTURING CHRISTMAS is a quick read, a fast paced second chance novella that covers but a few hours between abduction and rescue, and a proclamation of forever. The premise engaging and captivating-not as dark as some of the author’s previous work; the $ex scenes are intimate and intense; the characters are familiar and energetic. Several characters cross over by way of mention from the author’s SAVAGE HEIRS and BRATVA’S CLAIM series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Noelle and Russell) CAPTURING CHRISTMAS focuses on the abduction of Noelle Morgan, a mistaken identity kidnapping where the intended victim was Fiona Morgan-Komarov, Noelle’s cousin, and wife to the international head of the Kashenko Bratva. Russell James has been hired to do a job but never expected to face the woman he never stopped loving, the woman on whom he walked out four years earlier. On the run with the woman he loved, Russell knows he screwed up both todays and years before. What ensues is the quick, rebuilding relationship between Russell and Noelle, and the potential fall-out as Viktor Komarov comes searching for his wife’s cousin.
CAPTURING CHRISTMAS is a quick read, a fast paced second chance novella that covers but a few hours between abduction and rescue, and a proclamation of forever. The premise engaging and captivating-not as dark as some of the author’s previous work; the $ex scenes are intimate and intense; the characters are familiar and energetic. Several characters cross over by way of mention from the author’s SAVAGE HEIRS and BRATVA’S CLAIM series.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 6, 2021
Another Outstanding Book by Jagger...He never disappoints!
This was fast-paced and easy to read. The gang's all back with the Bratva boys. I absolutely love these Russian mob men. Good-looking, wealthy and take no prisoners. Russell and Noelle had one night together years ago and then nothing, he was gone. Now he's back he kidnaps her thinking she is her cousin. I loved this book because I love anything mob and Jagger Cole writes great mafia books. The ending is perfect, everything I hoped it would be.
This was fast-paced and easy to read. The gang's all back with the Bratva boys. I absolutely love these Russian mob men. Good-looking, wealthy and take no prisoners. Russell and Noelle had one night together years ago and then nothing, he was gone. Now he's back he kidnaps her thinking she is her cousin. I loved this book because I love anything mob and Jagger Cole writes great mafia books. The ending is perfect, everything I hoped it would be.
December 10, 2021
‘Tis the season to grab a book by one of my favorite authors and prepare to get all hot and bothered. Because Cole is giving us a Dirty Santa this year.
I will say, this was a pretty tame Cole book in my opinion. Not near as seductive and dirty as we are used to with his work. But it was still just as fabulous and it had everything I love when it comes to his stories: age gap, hella romance and hot, hot Bratva men. But Russell wasn’t raised in the Bratva life. So he wasn’t as hard and cold as what we have seen in the past when it comes to how these men live. I actually thought he was pretty sweet. Sexy and delicious, but sweet, none the less.
CAPTURING CHRISTMAS is a fantastic, quick read you will absolutely devour in one sitting. 5 Merry Stars!!
I will say, this was a pretty tame Cole book in my opinion. Not near as seductive and dirty as we are used to with his work. But it was still just as fabulous and it had everything I love when it comes to his stories: age gap, hella romance and hot, hot Bratva men. But Russell wasn’t raised in the Bratva life. So he wasn’t as hard and cold as what we have seen in the past when it comes to how these men live. I actually thought he was pretty sweet. Sexy and delicious, but sweet, none the less.
CAPTURING CHRISTMAS is a fantastic, quick read you will absolutely devour in one sitting. 5 Merry Stars!!
December 9, 2021
Second chances Christmas
You absolutely cannot go wrong with anything written by Jagger Cole!! This second chance love story is action packed, sweet, and steamy! Russell and Noelle are caught up in a dangerous war between the Bratva families. But with a case of mistaken identity, these two just might get their HEA in time for Christmas! I wish I could rate this way higher than five gold stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
You absolutely cannot go wrong with anything written by Jagger Cole!! This second chance love story is action packed, sweet, and steamy! Russell and Noelle are caught up in a dangerous war between the Bratva families. But with a case of mistaken identity, these two just might get their HEA in time for Christmas! I wish I could rate this way higher than five gold stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 8, 2021
This is a short read and filled with Bravta goodness. In a case of mistaken identity Noelle is kidnapped by Russell. Russell just so happens to be the person she had spent one magical night together four years ago, and then he disappeared. I absolutely adored Russell! A terrific read filled with action, betrayal, suspense, humor, romance, and plenty of steam. Highly recommend.
October 26, 2025
4 stars, 3.5 on the spice scale.
This was a short Christmas mafia story and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. At just 94 pages, it’s a no-frills, high-drama, low-logic romp that knows exactly what it is. I had fun with it.
Russell and Noelle grew up together. He’s her brother’s best friend, a few years older, and they were kind of in love. But after taking her virginity, he vanished. Years later, Noelle’s living in Chicago and is close with her cousin, who happens to be married to the head of the Bratva. Enter Russell, now working a job that involves kidnapping said cousin… except he grabs Noelle by mistake.
Once he realises his error, they go on the run because now both the Bratva and Russell’s boss are after him. Noelle doesn’t put up a fight (she knows him, after all), and the two reconnect, confess their feelings, and share a steamy night together.
Naturally the Bratva are going to catch up to them...
This was a short Christmas mafia story and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. At just 94 pages, it’s a no-frills, high-drama, low-logic romp that knows exactly what it is. I had fun with it.
Russell and Noelle grew up together. He’s her brother’s best friend, a few years older, and they were kind of in love. But after taking her virginity, he vanished. Years later, Noelle’s living in Chicago and is close with her cousin, who happens to be married to the head of the Bratva. Enter Russell, now working a job that involves kidnapping said cousin… except he grabs Noelle by mistake.
Once he realises his error, they go on the run because now both the Bratva and Russell’s boss are after him. Noelle doesn’t put up a fight (she knows him, after all), and the two reconnect, confess their feelings, and share a steamy night together.
Naturally the Bratva are going to catch up to them...
December 31, 2025
I didn’t like that the FMC was inexperienced or that the
MMC was only person the she has been sexually intimate with.
Second Chance
Age Gap (12 ears)
Obsessed & Possessive MMC
Separation (4 Years)
Celibate MMC & FMC (4Years)
Kidnapping
No OWD/OMD/Sharing/Cheating/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (First Person)
HEA
MMC was only person the she has been sexually intimate with.
Second Chance
Age Gap (12 ears)
Obsessed & Possessive MMC
Separation (4 Years)
Celibate MMC & FMC (4Years)
Kidnapping
No OWD/OMD/Sharing/Cheating/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (First Person)
HEA
December 14, 2025
cute quick read!
I’m making a list of good pallet cleansers and this is going on the list! Cute story. I’m interested in the rest of the series to see if they are good quick reads too! Sometimes we are in for a good time not a long time.
I’m making a list of good pallet cleansers and this is going on the list! Cute story. I’m interested in the rest of the series to see if they are good quick reads too! Sometimes we are in for a good time not a long time.
December 6, 2021
With the exception of the main character’s name being Noelle, I didn’t really feel this was a Christmas story. No big deal - just letting you know.
Noelle and Russell had one night together four years ago before he disappeared. She doesn’t know where he went or why he left, but she misses him everyday. Then one day someone mistakes her for someone else and kidnaps her. Imagine her surprise when it’s Russell. Can these two have a happily ever after???
Noelle and Russell had one night together four years ago before he disappeared. She doesn’t know where he went or why he left, but she misses him everyday. Then one day someone mistakes her for someone else and kidnaps her. Imagine her surprise when it’s Russell. Can these two have a happily ever after???
December 20, 2021
Star Rating: 4.5/5.
Spice Rating: 2.5/5.
Spice Rating: 2.5/5.
November 23, 2025
Oh we love a little Stockholm syndrome
December 9, 2021
It was a shorter, but no less satisfying read by this author. It was exciting to see the familiar faces from this authors two Bratva series. Noelle is Fiona‘s cousin but they could pass for sisters. Russell got caught up in some BS and they only had one night together when Noelle was younger. He had to flee and neither of them ever forgot that one night together. Russell, thinking he is grabbing Fiona, grabs Noelle instead and they are off for an adventure with bullets flying. Will they get a second chance at the HEA that was stolen from them?
December 10, 2021
This was a quick, enjoyable read. It's not really dark nor is it really dirty - either that or I'm pretty warped, ha!
Still, it was just enough. Hope there may be a future stand-alone full book about Lev. I always love a good steamy story about the second in command, as they have a bit more to prove - they tend to earn an "A+" for effort~
Still, it was just enough. Hope there may be a future stand-alone full book about Lev. I always love a good steamy story about the second in command, as they have a bit more to prove - they tend to earn an "A+" for effort~
October 29, 2024
Tried to do too much in too little time
Average. Cole is better than this / just hasn’t perfected the short story format. Still love him as an author…. Just expect better/more.
Average. Cole is better than this / just hasn’t perfected the short story format. Still love him as an author…. Just expect better/more.
February 6, 2025
This was my first Jagger Cole book, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ve been wanting to read his stuff for a while, and Capturing Christmas was the perfect way to start. It’s a short novella (under 100 pages) that helped me hit my reading goal, and it gave me a good feel for his writing. I’m excited to check out more of his books now!
Even though it’s short, the story feels pretty solid. The characters don’t feel rushed, and the plot is fun. The focus is mainly on one event, but there’s just enough background to give depth to the characters and their relationship. I liked that the two leads had a past together, which made their romance believable even with the short length.
The only thing I thought could’ve been explored a bit more was the mafia/crime syndicate part. It’s there, but it’s not the main focus, and honestly, I was fine with that. The main characters are involved in it but not in charge, so it didn’t need to take up too much of the story.
All in all, I really enjoyed Capturing Christmas. I’ve been feeling kind of down lately, and I needed a quick, easy read that wouldn’t stress me out. This book was exactly that. If you’re looking for something quick but satisfying, I totally recommend it.
I’m definitely looking forward to diving into more books by Jagger Cole!
Even though it’s short, the story feels pretty solid. The characters don’t feel rushed, and the plot is fun. The focus is mainly on one event, but there’s just enough background to give depth to the characters and their relationship. I liked that the two leads had a past together, which made their romance believable even with the short length.
The only thing I thought could’ve been explored a bit more was the mafia/crime syndicate part. It’s there, but it’s not the main focus, and honestly, I was fine with that. The main characters are involved in it but not in charge, so it didn’t need to take up too much of the story.
All in all, I really enjoyed Capturing Christmas. I’ve been feeling kind of down lately, and I needed a quick, easy read that wouldn’t stress me out. This book was exactly that. If you’re looking for something quick but satisfying, I totally recommend it.
I’m definitely looking forward to diving into more books by Jagger Cole!
December 29, 2022
The writing was bad and the story wasn't all that good either. He gets jealous and mad of her possibly being with someone else, but he left her and he never looked for her. It was an accident that they met after those years. The heroine was pathetic and let him walk all over her. Also, she kept blushing for stupidest reasons. And the age gap made me uncomfortable here. It looked like she was looking for attention and love, and he took advantage of her. She was barely 18, and he was in hi late twenties, early thirties, I'm not exactly sure. I wouldn't call it grooming exactly, but he definitely took advantage of her.
June 19, 2023
I loved it.
This might be one of my favorite novellas from this series. Who doesn’t love a good mafia Christmas love story? I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but this was so much more than that. Noelle and Russel have history.. so when he kidnaps her accidentally.. they have a lot to figure out. Talk about a roller coaster ride.
This might be one of my favorite novellas from this series. Who doesn’t love a good mafia Christmas love story? I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but this was so much more than that. Noelle and Russel have history.. so when he kidnaps her accidentally.. they have a lot to figure out. Talk about a roller coaster ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews