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Bratva's Claim #0

The Bratva's Hostage

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Taking her was only the beginning…

A hit gone wrong. My partner, the future King of the Kashenko Bratva, bleeding out. There’s only one choice left for me:

Kidnap the daughter of the rival mob boss, and take her as my hostage.

Now, she’s my temptingly innocent, beautifully forbidden bargaining chip.

Talia is a pretty little bird, trapped all her life in a gilded cage. Too good for me. Too young for me, too. A softness I’ve never touched. A sweetness I’ve never tasted.

We’re trapped together, and time is running out.

But the solution might be just as forbidden as she is…


This extra-steamy novella is a *standalone* prequel to the Bratva’s Claim series. Absolutely no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happy ever after.

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 2021

17 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read

About the author

Jagger Cole

72 books5,504 followers
A 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

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Community Reviews

5 stars
114 (12%)
4 stars
211 (23%)
3 stars
304 (34%)
2 stars
185 (20%)
1 star
78 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for becs ౨ৎ⋆.˚ (semi-ia + comment restriction).
81 reviews63 followers
October 3, 2025
okay the covers are killing me oml 😭 it’s my fault really for always wanting to read things in the author’s suggested reading order which usually starts with their older work 🫩 i had high hopes for this author (seen great things about his more recent works) but it seems like i’ll have to get though a good chunk of these before i can get to the books of his that are recommended by everyone… wish me luck 😞

this was a novella so it’s expected to be short and fast paced but the insta-lust and insta-love in this was insane lmaoo?? we jump from a shootout scene to him taking her as a hostage upstairs and then them instantly falling for each other and saying i love you… writing was not my taste either, i’ll push through to get to the series that i wanted to read but man will it take some effort. i really hope the witting style changes as we progress 🥲
Profile Image for Mairi Swan.
520 reviews43 followers
October 20, 2024
If you want something without plot to pass your evening then this is your thing. It was ridiculous but at the same time enjoying.
Profile Image for ♡Naz♡.
417 reviews
August 29, 2025
Such an amazing and easy read and am not at all surprised by it. JAGGER COLE is an artist with his words just pure perfection ❤️ 👌
Profile Image for Autmn Reader.
890 reviews93 followers
September 26, 2023
You can grab the boom from the author's website.

It's Insta love, whar do I expect? 😂
Too rush coz this book just has 56 pages based on my device and at some point this story a little bit cringe for me, yet the story quite interesting so I want to know the other stories from this series.
Profile Image for Ada.
102 reviews
April 25, 2025
I knew what I was getting into.
Profile Image for remy | readwithremy 🤍🫶🏼.
299 reviews145 followers
April 18, 2024
3.25/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

A fun, fast-paced, and spicy novella! This was my introduction into Jagger Cole and I can’t wait to read more from him!!

Tropes/Themes:
-Dark mafia romance
-Insta-love
Profile Image for Alina Kravets.
198 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2025
Коротенький приквел до серії, мені сподобалось, хоч тут прям кохання з першого погляду.
Цікаво почитати наступну книгу, бо автор кинув затравочку на майбутню пару.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,520 reviews130 followers
February 21, 2022
3.5 stars. Thus was good. Hot and even kinda sweet. I liked Roman. And Talia was badass.
Profile Image for Jahni.
127 reviews35 followers
October 31, 2024
well.. i hope they burn in hell
Profile Image for Sara.
222 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2024
I usually enjoy the insta-lust/love that comes with mafia romance, but this one just wasn't for me. I will likely read the next in the series and hope it pulls me in a bit more.
Profile Image for Denim ♡.
281 reviews
March 5, 2024
That was just the beginning, and then it got straight to the end, dont mess around...
Profile Image for Rose.
2,725 reviews26 followers
March 6, 2022
I really liked this story a lot. It was entertaining and enjoyable with an exception. The characters were interesting and likable except for Gio. Gio was a complete jerk and deserved the comeuppance that he received. Roman was loyal and protective. He knew that he wanted to keep Talia as soon as he saw her. Talia was smart but she felt trapped in her life. When she saw Roman she was knocked for a loop by her attraction to him. Roman and Talia were really sweet together but still steamy. I loved their happily ever after. I recommend listening to this story. I listened to it on Read Me Romance and I'm hoping that it will come out in ebook soon.
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,717 reviews31 followers
February 21, 2022
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.

This was short, but oh so spicy! Talia and Roman connected INSTANTLY and sparks were flying between them.

I love getting right into the thick of the story with short stories, but then I'm always left wanting way more lol. Oh well, I still really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for more by this amazing writer!
824 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2024
His to take by MeemsAngel82

I loved that Jagger did this story! This was before a certain Russian boss came into his role. It was so fun for us fans especially those of us that have been following his stories for literally years! This was a book for his newsletter fans and I want to review this out of my own will because I loved it. The writing was action packed and high heat as usual. There are ties here that will take root and truly grow his Mafia style world. I love the characters and the chemistry and the plot.

They were stuck behind enemy lines and he had the future of the Bratva to protect. But he couldn't help him just yet. During their standoff he'll meet someone he'll never let go of.

Fantastic, fun writing. Such a cool treat to see the beginning of an empire being built! The connections that would come are so fun and I loved the action here. This man was so good and deserved this delightful girl! They both had great chemistry and I loved how she was worthy of him despite his own doubts. Also that he valued her when her own dad didn't...so sweet! This was a quick one but a fun one. What a sexy, fun and sweet ride.
Profile Image for Christi Fowler.
1,644 reviews16 followers
March 31, 2023
Title: The Bratva’s Hostage
Author: Jagger Cole
Format: Audio
Narrator Jarmin Day
Genre: Romance, Mafia, Age Gap, Kidnapping Suspense, Forced Proximity, Virgin
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Prequel to the Bratva Claim series
POV: Roman, Talia
Steam Level: Steamy
5/5

I listened to this audiobook on the Read Me Romance podcast. OMG What fun I enjoy mafia romance and this one was a bunch of fun. I love that there was an epilogue which always makes a story feel complete. I’m not sure I’ve read Jagger Cole before but I’ve definitely heard of him and now I want to devour his books, sparring with this series. The chemistry between Roman and Talia was instantaneous and over the top hot. This book was a ton of fun and I loved Talia and Roman.
Profile Image for BahiyYih.
25 reviews
February 8, 2025
OMG, this book… To be honest, I didn’t expect much since it’s a novella, but OH MY GOD it was so cringy. I still shudder thinking about it. I really tried to finish it (I mean, it’s only 61 pages!), but I just couldn’t. It was that bad.

Now, usually, I’m a sucker for an age gap but only when it’s done right. And this one? Not it. Especially with the FMC being 18, super innocent, and pink princess-coded yeah, no thanks. I swear I could feel my precious brain cells disappearing while reading it hhhh. That’s how bad it was.

But since I’ve read other Jagger Cole books, I know what he’s capable of. And considering this is probably one of his first books, I’m just gonna pretend I never read this or even crossed paths with it.
Profile Image for Angelita Cardona Verano.
262 reviews
March 16, 2024
Totalmente innecesaria esta precuela, nos muestra a Roman uno de los hombre de Viktor qué junto con él se ven envueltos en un efrentamiento con una familia rival, a lo qué Roman toma de rehén a la hija del lider rival, por supuesto ya sabemos qué pasa cuando los mafiosos toman de prisioneras a damiselas jóvenes, así es tienen s3x0 y después de 2 días están profundamente enamorados.

No entiendo porqué el autor retrata a las protaginistas cómo inocentes e inmaduras, en este caso Talia, ni siquiera había besado a nadie y tiene 18 años, adicional, qué en todos los libros a los tipos les importa muy poco si las mujeres planifican, ni siquiera usan condón -_-
Profile Image for Kirsten_BookRants.
288 reviews18 followers
July 23, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

This was my introduction to Jagger Cole and he didn't disappoint. He dropped us right into this story and I was captivated from the first page.

Taila and Roman knew nothing about each other, so the instalove made absolutely no sense in this case. But I ate this novella up. And I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

Talia got her black knight to come rescue her and Roman found someone worth living for. I hope to see them through out the other books.

Short, sweet (well spicy) and to the point. Jagger Cole just helped me get out of my current reading slump. And I'm thoroughly looking forward to this seemingly wild ride.
Profile Image for Kiki_HeartReader.
261 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2025
It was really good. However, It was a novella so of course, way too fast development in a way too short a time. Therefore, I cannot give it a full 5 stars. There was an I love you b/w characters that was unecessary especially that quickly. Maybe in the epilogue it couldve been said. It was too soon and wow just NO. lol.

I loved it though and I wished They didnt leave the mafia world so i could see more of them in this coming series. I guess this was an origin story lol for Viktor. Was a pretty sweet novella.
Profile Image for Fabi♡.
4 reviews
July 1, 2025
I don't like insta-love books and this one isn't an exception. The presence of so many typos and repetitions, and the speed of the narration made me bored immediately. And let's not even talk about how many embarrassing scenes I've read.
I wish I could say that I've probably just gotten used to the slow pace of my beloved High Fantasy books, but I like dark romance and I like the pace of most dark romance books...
This is my first impression of Jagger Cole, and I'm truly disappointed.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,524 reviews65 followers
December 17, 2021
2.5 stars.
I really wanted to like this, but just didn't ever connect. Mafia (especially Bratva) and kidnap/hostage situations are my jam, but instalove is not, and here, that outweighed any of the good for me. If this were fleshed out into a full story, one where he isn't professing his love to her in under 24 hours of meeting, I might have enjoyed it more.
Profile Image for Aly.
64 reviews
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️

The insta lust was poppin and I’m not complaining. This was my intro book into the world of Jagger Cole and I’m excited to read more!

Insta love
Dark mafia romance
Age gap

Roman was actually nice and seems like he is a good guy at heart. Talia is sheltered and controlled by her father who quite literally doesn’t care for her. She’s just a pawn to him.
Profile Image for Samantha || Fictionally Sam.
256 reviews40 followers
January 11, 2022
Listened to audiobook on RMR podcast!

This was a fun and faced paced one! Loved the dynamic between our two MCs and the kidnap/hostage turned insta-love moment. Would love to see these two on the page again! Definitely adding the next book in the series to my TBR.
4,000 reviews7 followers
March 18, 2022
Good prequel to this series. Roman and his friend are pinned down by an enemy when opportunity walks out in the form of his rival's daughter. But Talia is more than a bargaining chip to Roman she is his future.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,861 reviews22 followers
June 20, 2022
This is a Cinderella love story between a Bratva soldier and a mafia princess that is highly unlikely in that world but it’s a short read. There are lots of typos and not much substance but it’s free. If this is your jam you will be entertained.
Profile Image for Beth  Buswell.
731 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2022
A great start to the series. Talia is no wilting daisy that's for sure. Roman is older and a dominant presence. The story was engaging and the characters were well rounded. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews

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