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Kings & Villains #1
Dark Kingdom
He’s my husband. I’m his prisoner.
Adrian Cross is the most ruthless kingpin in London’s criminal underworld.
Dangerous. Powerful. Undeniable. Venom wrapped in Savile Row linen.
He’s also my ex-husband.
Or rather, my not-quite-technically “ex” husband.
Now someone wants me dead, and the man I ran from might be my only chance of survival.
But his help won’t come for free.
In exchange for his protection, he gets all of me: body and soul.
No limits. No mercy. No catching feelings for the man who hates me for what I did.
I tell myself my heart isn’t part of our sinful pact.
But the deeper we sink into our twisted games, the more impossible that might be.
Because Adrian never gave it back in the first place.
Dark Kingdom is a dark mafia romance. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. This is a STANDALONE novel with a HEA
Adrian Cross is the most ruthless kingpin in London’s criminal underworld.
Dangerous. Powerful. Undeniable. Venom wrapped in Savile Row linen.
He’s also my ex-husband.
Or rather, my not-quite-technically “ex” husband.
Now someone wants me dead, and the man I ran from might be my only chance of survival.
But his help won’t come for free.
In exchange for his protection, he gets all of me: body and soul.
No limits. No mercy. No catching feelings for the man who hates me for what I did.
I tell myself my heart isn’t part of our sinful pact.
But the deeper we sink into our twisted games, the more impossible that might be.
Because Adrian never gave it back in the first place.
Dark Kingdom is a dark mafia romance. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. This is a STANDALONE novel with a HEA
ebook
First published January 14, 2023
1127 people are currently reading
2974 people want to read
About the author
Jagger Cole
74 books5,419 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 255 reviews
June 8, 2025
I truly needed and wished we had their past on page this time :(
I would've loved to see how they fell in love and how they were together back then, what made them get married etc. TBH i felt left out and i hated that.
Then those 4 years, i was mad at them for not trying to see the truth, to reach out..or something ..
but at the same time i get it, the circumstances where almost believable.
I wish we had a few chapters of them during those years too...
It was more telling than showing in this plot, which i truly minded because i wanted to feel more connected with them, it's like i missed pieces left and right .
I loved how crazy Adrian is. Love how OTT he is.
Love them together, i would've give the last star if the plot was complete.
sigh
Btw the lake name is Como not Cuomo , it annoyed me 😅
I would've loved to see how they fell in love and how they were together back then, what made them get married etc. TBH i felt left out and i hated that.
Then those 4 years, i was mad at them for not trying to see the truth, to reach out..or something ..
but at the same time i get it, the circumstances where almost believable.
I wish we had a few chapters of them during those years too...
It was more telling than showing in this plot, which i truly minded because i wanted to feel more connected with them, it's like i missed pieces left and right .
I loved how crazy Adrian is. Love how OTT he is.
Love them together, i would've give the last star if the plot was complete.
sigh
Btw the lake name is Como not Cuomo , it annoyed me 😅
January 30, 2023
4 solid stars
I really enjoyed this book. I did find it awhile to get into it though but enjoyed Adrian and Celeste as well as the secondary cast and look forward to the next in the series!
I really enjoyed this book. I did find it awhile to get into it though but enjoyed Adrian and Celeste as well as the secondary cast and look forward to the next in the series!
January 14, 2025
This book could of been a lot shorter if they would just communicate (:
January 18, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Adrian
Heroine : Celeste
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Plot Summary :
Adrian Cross is a man you don;t cross. And when he is also your ex-husband who now hates you?? You definitely don’t go to him for help. But that is what Celeste intended to do. If only she knew of the situation she was about to put herself into. But she has no choice. Adrian loved her once but that was before he broke her and destroyed her completely. What she did not know was how much he still hated her. And how much he would still like to destroy and possess whatever was left of her sanity. Helping her was the last thing on his mind. Once she was back with him , there was no escape for her.
Overall Opinion :
Another amazing read by Jagger Cole!! Seriously, Like seriously! I can never ever get enough of this author and his heroes. The way he writes , and the way all these characters are , it's just too addictive for a dark romance lover like me. If you love extremely possessive anti heroes , who are also some of the best dirty talkers , then pick up a single book by Jagger and I can bet you that you will be hooked!
Adrian and Celeste were like that for me. I just could not get enough of them. Seriously, one book is left for them lol , I hope we see them more.
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there.
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September 3, 2023
4 stars
Tropes : friends to lover to enemy to lover, estranged marriage, mafia romance
Ending : HEA with both of them expecting twins
Triggers : death (secondary characters and a parent), mention of child pornography (implied), name calling from the hero to heroine, rough sex, dubcon, attempted rape (FMC),rape (secondary characters)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst: 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama: yes (the h thought the H had a harem of women while they were separated; the H thought the h was intimate with her fake husband)
Celibate while separated: yes to both of them
There were some holes in this book for example one of H’s friends knew about the MI6 but the fact is the guy was a fake. But none of them knew that. Considering the bad woman was responsible for hiring the fake MI6 and she didn’t have the fund to pay him? That means the MI6 cover couldn’t be that deep to the point there were official agent database for him (idk how MI6 work). The point was the friend wouldn’t be asking the fake guy about his identity.
Everything else were great. The push and pull were not as bad as I thought it would be. The h as usual had a body betraying syndrome.
I enjoyed this book despite all the plot holes.
Tropes : friends to lover to enemy to lover, estranged marriage, mafia romance
Ending : HEA with both of them expecting twins
Triggers : death (secondary characters and a parent), mention of child pornography (implied), name calling from the hero to heroine, rough sex, dubcon, attempted rape (FMC),rape (secondary characters)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst: 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama: yes (the h thought the H had a harem of women while they were separated; the H thought the h was intimate with her fake husband)
Celibate while separated: yes to both of them
There were some holes in this book for example one of H’s friends knew about the MI6 but the fact is the guy was a fake. But none of them knew that. Considering the bad woman was responsible for hiring the fake MI6 and she didn’t have the fund to pay him? That means the MI6 cover couldn’t be that deep to the point there were official agent database for him (idk how MI6 work). The point was the friend wouldn’t be asking the fake guy about his identity.
Everything else were great. The push and pull were not as bad as I thought it would be. The h as usual had a body betraying syndrome.
I enjoyed this book despite all the plot holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
“Even though I've spent four years hating you and trying to carve you out of my soul,” he says, “I’d burn the fucking world for you.”
The blurb caught my attention and the book was entirely plot driven. Though sometimes it got a little boring and the twist was somewhat predictable to me. I wish there was more backstory of how Celeste & Adrian met so I could've felt more connected with them tbh. But overall it was a good read with some intriguing side characters. I am looking forward to read more from this world.
The blurb caught my attention and the book was entirely plot driven. Though sometimes it got a little boring and the twist was somewhat predictable to me. I wish there was more backstory of how Celeste & Adrian met so I could've felt more connected with them tbh. But overall it was a good read with some intriguing side characters. I am looking forward to read more from this world.
February 23, 2023
It’s a hard pass for me. Dragging it. Miscommunication. And if I read “fuck toy” again I probably wouldn’t have even left this review.
December 25, 2024
3/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
This honestly took me sooo long to get into and Adrian just wasn’t my fav mmc. He was almost too much of an asshole for my taste? 😭 Also, this one seemed to have a few plot holes and things that were not addressed again. I found it entertaining enough to complete, but I just didn’t like it as much as I hoped!
4/5🌶️
This honestly took me sooo long to get into and Adrian just wasn’t my fav mmc. He was almost too much of an asshole for my taste? 😭 Also, this one seemed to have a few plot holes and things that were not addressed again. I found it entertaining enough to complete, but I just didn’t like it as much as I hoped!
July 26, 2024
Jagger never disappoints
December 2, 2022
Dark Kingdom is a dark mafia, enemies to lovers, second chance, damsel in distress romance. Overall, the book is well paced and well written.
Adrian and Celeste knew each other as children and become lovers (and secret spouses!) as young adults. Thanks to a meddling and overly controlling parent which led to an ultimate misunderstanding on both parts, they were separated for four years prior to the beginning of this book.
Adrian has spent the intervening years working his way to the top of his uncle's criminal empire and has his fingers in all sorts of pies, both legal and not. His forced separation from Celeste has turned him into a bitter, jaded, and controlling crime boss.
Meanwhile, Celeste's father-in-law and husband were both murdered, and the killer is coming after her. She approaches Adrian as a last ditch effort to find safety for herself and her found family, consisting of a young child who appears to be Celeste's daughter and her nanny. After initially turning her away, Adrian eventually concedes to help her. For a price.
The subsequent relationship is one built solely on control and a mutual desire to hate each other. Celeste becomes Adrian's "toy" to be used at his discretion.
There is a lot to recommend Dark Kingdom. The verbal sparring between Celeste and Adrian isn't sparring so much as it's warfare. It's a lot of fun to watch them go at it. Adrian's over the top possessiveness hits all the right buttons. The fact that he consistently makes the doctor bring his nurse so he doesn't need to touch Celeste cracks me up and turns me on simultaneously, which is a very bizarre combination, I assure you. The sex scenes are smokin' hot. Due to the nature of their relationship, there is a running question of Celeste's consent, which if you're like me, you enjoy those moments of dub-con tremendously. Unfortunately, the appeal of the dubious consent is taken away as the author goes out of her way for Celeste to state clearly in her inner monologue that it was a consensual occurrence after each episode.
Celeste has grown into a woman who owns her sexuality like a badass - she knows exactly what she likes and Adrian remembers every button to push in order to get his desired result. While she frequently fights Adrian, Celeste never expressly tells him no or turns him down. There is no doubt that Adrian is taking full advantage of the situation to exact some payback, but even with the power imbalance, it never crosses the line into non-consent.
It is obvious that Celeste enjoys the nature of their physical relationship, but she repeatedly asserts that there's something wrong with herself for liking it. She never says it outloud. It's all done through her inner monologue, so there's no counterpoint to her way of thinking. There is never any indication that it completely acceptable and OK to enjoy and like whatever happens between two consenting adults. And that was the sticking point for me.
I don't know that the author intended to yuck my yum, but that is exactly how Celeste's reactions felt to me as the reader. It came across as a little judgemental in regards to a woman liking the unorthodox and rougher aspects of a sexual relationship. From a personal perspective, I have difficulty with this mindset, and that is reflected in my rating.
Adrian and Celeste knew each other as children and become lovers (and secret spouses!) as young adults. Thanks to a meddling and overly controlling parent which led to an ultimate misunderstanding on both parts, they were separated for four years prior to the beginning of this book.
Adrian has spent the intervening years working his way to the top of his uncle's criminal empire and has his fingers in all sorts of pies, both legal and not. His forced separation from Celeste has turned him into a bitter, jaded, and controlling crime boss.
Meanwhile, Celeste's father-in-law and husband were both murdered, and the killer is coming after her. She approaches Adrian as a last ditch effort to find safety for herself and her found family, consisting of a young child who appears to be Celeste's daughter and her nanny. After initially turning her away, Adrian eventually concedes to help her. For a price.
The subsequent relationship is one built solely on control and a mutual desire to hate each other. Celeste becomes Adrian's "toy" to be used at his discretion.
There is a lot to recommend Dark Kingdom. The verbal sparring between Celeste and Adrian isn't sparring so much as it's warfare. It's a lot of fun to watch them go at it. Adrian's over the top possessiveness hits all the right buttons. The fact that he consistently makes the doctor bring his nurse so he doesn't need to touch Celeste cracks me up and turns me on simultaneously, which is a very bizarre combination, I assure you. The sex scenes are smokin' hot. Due to the nature of their relationship, there is a running question of Celeste's consent, which if you're like me, you enjoy those moments of dub-con tremendously. Unfortunately, the appeal of the dubious consent is taken away as the author goes out of her way for Celeste to state clearly in her inner monologue that it was a consensual occurrence after each episode.
Celeste has grown into a woman who owns her sexuality like a badass - she knows exactly what she likes and Adrian remembers every button to push in order to get his desired result. While she frequently fights Adrian, Celeste never expressly tells him no or turns him down. There is no doubt that Adrian is taking full advantage of the situation to exact some payback, but even with the power imbalance, it never crosses the line into non-consent.
It is obvious that Celeste enjoys the nature of their physical relationship, but she repeatedly asserts that there's something wrong with herself for liking it. She never says it outloud. It's all done through her inner monologue, so there's no counterpoint to her way of thinking. There is never any indication that it completely acceptable and OK to enjoy and like whatever happens between two consenting adults. And that was the sticking point for me.
I don't know that the author intended to yuck my yum, but that is exactly how Celeste's reactions felt to me as the reader. It came across as a little judgemental in regards to a woman liking the unorthodox and rougher aspects of a sexual relationship. From a personal perspective, I have difficulty with this mindset, and that is reflected in my rating.
January 1, 2023
3 1/2 stars
Celeste Margaux and Adrian Cross have been childhood friends most of all their lives. But her father is the boss of Adrian’s father as their driver. One day as friend then the next they become more than that. On Celeste’s birthday things change, the one relationship that they both now changes. Yet 4 years later they are separated, but Celestes lofe is in danger and she needs his help. Will he help her? But she is not the only one who is danger. Who will step up to help them keep safe?
I had high hopes of this story. The prelude of their story had the teaser to get you wanting to read more. But, as the story of Adrian Cross who is the son of the driver of the Margaux family. They sneek around to be around each other and love one another. Then given the reason to break them up. Yet when they finally talk to one another Adrian just accepts it and doesnt try to explain how its not possible. Yet if he is a terrible kingping in London he doesnt harm the ones that harmed Celeste or to Adelle or Dahalia. I was a little disappointed in not seeing Adrian just touching those who hurt Celeste or tried to harm her. Shrugs..
Celeste Margaux and Adrian Cross have been childhood friends most of all their lives. But her father is the boss of Adrian’s father as their driver. One day as friend then the next they become more than that. On Celeste’s birthday things change, the one relationship that they both now changes. Yet 4 years later they are separated, but Celestes lofe is in danger and she needs his help. Will he help her? But she is not the only one who is danger. Who will step up to help them keep safe?
I had high hopes of this story. The prelude of their story had the teaser to get you wanting to read more. But, as the story of Adrian Cross who is the son of the driver of the Margaux family. They sneek around to be around each other and love one another. Then given the reason to break them up. Yet when they finally talk to one another Adrian just accepts it and doesnt try to explain how its not possible. Yet if he is a terrible kingping in London he doesnt harm the ones that harmed Celeste or to Adelle or Dahalia. I was a little disappointed in not seeing Adrian just touching those who hurt Celeste or tried to harm her. Shrugs..
December 3, 2022
Impressions…
This story largely held my interest due to the intrigue, romantic suspense of the storyline. An alpha antihero Adrian now re-encountering his more greatest love, Celeste and she needs him. Through their rekindling, what an attraction they share, steamy all the way.
For me, the story progression was a slower than I favor, some inner thought considerations too, though the danger and intrigue propelled the story. Additionally, it was not dark by my assessment, darker elements, I think, would have really fit within the story’s premise. It was also apparent there was a larger world given the side characters contributory nature to the plot line with the underworld backdrop.
Overall, good read with compelling characters.
This story largely held my interest due to the intrigue, romantic suspense of the storyline. An alpha antihero Adrian now re-encountering his more greatest love, Celeste and she needs him. Through their rekindling, what an attraction they share, steamy all the way.
For me, the story progression was a slower than I favor, some inner thought considerations too, though the danger and intrigue propelled the story. Additionally, it was not dark by my assessment, darker elements, I think, would have really fit within the story’s premise. It was also apparent there was a larger world given the side characters contributory nature to the plot line with the underworld backdrop.
Overall, good read with compelling characters.
February 2, 2023
5⭐️ 5🌶️
“Even though I’ve spent four years having you and trying to carve you out of my soul, I’d burn the fucking world for you.”
This was my first Jagger Cole read and will absolutely not be my last. It’s been a hot minute since I read a male author outside of the horror genre, and Jagger did. not. disappoint. This book was long but definitely didn’t feel it—I was hanging on every twist, turn, mystery, and white hot spicy scene and I could not seem to put this down. I’m so thrilled this is part of a series and can’t wait for more from the Kings and Villains world.
Celeste and Adrian’s story is dark, twisted, raw, emotional, and what enemies to lovers dreams are MADE of. While I wouldn’t consider this a bully romance, the absolute hatred that radiated between them was *chefs kiss* and was reciprocated on both sides, which I feel I’ve rarely seen, at least not done as well as this. The miscommunication trope typically isn’t my thing but this was also a fresh take on that as well and there was no part of me that was screaming “just talk to each other” like I typically am. Both Celeste and Adrian were firm in their reasons for hating one another and felt they had sufficient evidence for doing so—I can’t imagine feeling differently if I were in either of their shoes.
The chemistry between them was also OFF the charts. It was dark, depraved, and filthy and I absolutely ate it right up. I loved how much they didn’t want to want each other and how much that turned them both on even further. And once their issues were resolved, their chemistry and wild ravish me appetites didn’t stop or diminish. Listening to Adrian talk to Celeste with that dirty tongue was everything and the degradation and praise kink combined for such fantastic spice.
Finally, the epilogue was yet another fresh take I didn’t expect or see coming (though there were some hints dropped along the way) but it was a perfect ending to their story. It wasn’t the traditional “everything is great now and we have 2.5 kids while living behind a white picket fence and secretly having depraved and spicy encounters behind closed doors” that I’m used to seeing with dark romances and I loved Jagger for that. It’s absolutely a HEA but one that felt more earned and honest.
Please be sure to check all your TWs, as this was dark and there are definitely some tough moments to read, but I cannot recommend this read enough and can’t wait for more Kings and Villains in the future.
“Even though I’ve spent four years having you and trying to carve you out of my soul, I’d burn the fucking world for you.”
This was my first Jagger Cole read and will absolutely not be my last. It’s been a hot minute since I read a male author outside of the horror genre, and Jagger did. not. disappoint. This book was long but definitely didn’t feel it—I was hanging on every twist, turn, mystery, and white hot spicy scene and I could not seem to put this down. I’m so thrilled this is part of a series and can’t wait for more from the Kings and Villains world.
Celeste and Adrian’s story is dark, twisted, raw, emotional, and what enemies to lovers dreams are MADE of. While I wouldn’t consider this a bully romance, the absolute hatred that radiated between them was *chefs kiss* and was reciprocated on both sides, which I feel I’ve rarely seen, at least not done as well as this. The miscommunication trope typically isn’t my thing but this was also a fresh take on that as well and there was no part of me that was screaming “just talk to each other” like I typically am. Both Celeste and Adrian were firm in their reasons for hating one another and felt they had sufficient evidence for doing so—I can’t imagine feeling differently if I were in either of their shoes.
The chemistry between them was also OFF the charts. It was dark, depraved, and filthy and I absolutely ate it right up. I loved how much they didn’t want to want each other and how much that turned them both on even further. And once their issues were resolved, their chemistry and wild ravish me appetites didn’t stop or diminish. Listening to Adrian talk to Celeste with that dirty tongue was everything and the degradation and praise kink combined for such fantastic spice.
Finally, the epilogue was yet another fresh take I didn’t expect or see coming (though there were some hints dropped along the way) but it was a perfect ending to their story. It wasn’t the traditional “everything is great now and we have 2.5 kids while living behind a white picket fence and secretly having depraved and spicy encounters behind closed doors” that I’m used to seeing with dark romances and I loved Jagger for that. It’s absolutely a HEA but one that felt more earned and honest.
Please be sure to check all your TWs, as this was dark and there are definitely some tough moments to read, but I cannot recommend this read enough and can’t wait for more Kings and Villains in the future.
April 17, 2023
Phew, this one had potential to be great in misunderstanding, angst, grovelling, and more but it was so meh like when the truth came out it was so bland I couldn’t enjoy shit.
I really liked both characters like Adrian was an asshole thru and thru, and the hate was delicious 🤤 but I was idk, expecting grovelling from him even tho he didn’t do anything wrong but he really treated the heroine a bit harsh at time(all times), like I want my things balanced lol.
Celeste was also good, I liked that she was strong but ugh she was also weak for Adrian, and there was a moment when she thought Adrian cheated on her, she still had the body betrayal syndrome someone help this woman. But I liked she wasn’t shy typical woman.
The story was good, the plot twist was also good, and the hate fucking was 🔥🔥🔥
So, I wanted to give this 3 stars but because of the safety, imma give 4. Also because I couldn’t get into Deviant Hearts but this book kinda makes me want to continue the series.
Safety!
OW/OM: celibate during separation (4 years) which was such a chef kiss! OM was h’s “husband” but they didn’t really marry and were pretty much romies. Hero wasn’t with anyone - no bj, no kiss, no sex - me mentioned he had a lot of opportunities but he wasn’t interested, man obsessed.
No condoms.
I really liked both characters like Adrian was an asshole thru and thru, and the hate was delicious 🤤 but I was idk, expecting grovelling from him even tho he didn’t do anything wrong but he really treated the heroine a bit harsh at time(all times), like I want my things balanced lol.
Celeste was also good, I liked that she was strong but ugh she was also weak for Adrian, and there was a moment when she thought Adrian cheated on her, she still had the body betrayal syndrome someone help this woman. But I liked she wasn’t shy typical woman.
The story was good, the plot twist was also good, and the hate fucking was 🔥🔥🔥
So, I wanted to give this 3 stars but because of the safety, imma give 4. Also because I couldn’t get into Deviant Hearts but this book kinda makes me want to continue the series.
Safety!
OW/OM: celibate during separation (4 years) which was such a chef kiss! OM was h’s “husband” but they didn’t really marry and were pretty much romies. Hero wasn’t with anyone - no bj, no kiss, no sex - me mentioned he had a lot of opportunities but he wasn’t interested, man obsessed.
No condoms.
September 25, 2023
2.5 star. DNF. Made it 85% and was ready for the book to end. I didn’t care about the revenge at this point and it was easy to determine the ending.
PROS
- looked forward to them discovering they were set up.
CONS
- NOTHING mafia about this book.
- it’s anticlimactic. Th hero and heroine discover that they were lied to but there was never a shocked and furious reaction.
- there would never been an issue if they communicated. How does she not bring up the four kids he supposed to have?
- the whole middle part of the book is them having sex and trying not to hate each other.
- for some reason I thought her dad was dead or the ending would have been easy to determine.
- there was nothing intimidating about Adrian. We heard more about how terrifying the friends were.
PROS
- looked forward to them discovering they were set up.
CONS
- NOTHING mafia about this book.
- it’s anticlimactic. Th hero and heroine discover that they were lied to but there was never a shocked and furious reaction.
- there would never been an issue if they communicated. How does she not bring up the four kids he supposed to have?
- the whole middle part of the book is them having sex and trying not to hate each other.
- for some reason I thought her dad was dead or the ending would have been easy to determine.
- there was nothing intimidating about Adrian. We heard more about how terrifying the friends were.
Read
July 19, 2024DNF at 57%
WTF was this?
Honestly, I hated the MMC with passion. The guy is a cocky, arrogant and egotistical person but extremely dense. He is supposed to be a mafia leader but he is truly convinced that the FMC left him for a man with money. Even though these two idiots are married!
And then all the accusations. He is not allowing her to talk, to explain.
And the name callings. He kept calling the FMC a whore and a slut. 😖
Fuck, I kept going on for too long. I should have stopped when the MMC didn’t believe that the FMCs “husband” and her FIL was murdered.
And even though everything was out in the open, he still found ways to blame her… like WTF? 🤬
WTF was this?
Honestly, I hated the MMC with passion. The guy is a cocky, arrogant and egotistical person but extremely dense. He is supposed to be a mafia leader but he is truly convinced that the FMC left him for a man with money. Even though these two idiots are married!
And then all the accusations. He is not allowing her to talk, to explain.
And the name callings. He kept calling the FMC a whore and a slut. 😖
Fuck, I kept going on for too long. I should have stopped when the MMC didn’t believe that the FMCs “husband” and her FIL was murdered.
And even though everything was out in the open, he still found ways to blame her… like WTF? 🤬
December 31, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Really good, very enjoyable and dark.
💋💋💋
Really good, very enjoyable and dark.
December 19, 2022
I've recently discovered Jagger Cole's books and I am a fan! This was and dark lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers mafia story. These two had tension like none other and the spice was amazing! Highly recommend giving this a shot and I can't wait to read more of Jagger's world!
January 29, 2024
Lies tore them apart just as their love had bloomed and kept them drowning in hate for 4 years. Now in a desperate attempt to save her life and those of the friend she has kept near, she has returned to him for help. He's become a king in the underworld and his help isn't free. Action packed with murder attempts, rough and spicy bedroom aerobics and general mafia antics this book is a page turning delight! I'm intrigued to see what the next book in the series has for us!
April 23, 2025
My Thoughts: Adrian and Celeste are young and naive to the world they live in. Unexpected forces tear them apart. Years later, Adrian has risen to the top of the underworld, and Celeste literally runs into him, desperate for his help. He harbors deep anger toward her after her betrayal. I really enjoyed their story and was invested from beginning to end. This book has betrayal, lovers to enemies to lovers, twists, and spice. I can't wait to continue this series.
December 19, 2022
I love Jagger Cole's books, and I wanted to love this one. I normally give his books 4 to 5 stars. This one, I couldn't. The story is really well done, and Cole has grown a lot as an author. His books keep on getting better. I also really like the way he writes his female protagonists. Not all male authors are good and writing women, but he is. I enjoy his books, and I was enjoying this one up until he included anal s**. I was disappointed. I haven't read one of his that had it until this one. I thought I was safe from it while reading his books, I know it is becoming popular to include it. I don't know why. I hate it, and it is not romantic or sexy to me. Just my opinion, but I do wish book authors included warnings if they are going to include it in their romance or dark romance stories. I am not a prude. I just really hate anal. I will be more careful about Jagger's books in the future. So disappointing, but others can still enjoy it if it is their thing. Just thought I would give a heads-up if there are any who, like me, hate anal.
May 5, 2023
"Even though I have spent the last four years hating you and trying to carve you out of my soul," he says, "I'd burn the fucking world for you."
second chance is such a superior trope damn
second chance is such a superior trope damn
December 8, 2022
Dark Kingdom by Jagger Cole falls within the Kings and Villains series and delivers an intense, forbidden, second-chance romance between our two protagonists: Adrian Cross and Celeste Margaux. Their story is a symphony of fiery passion, raw lust and poisonous wrath.
Adrian's world shattered when Celeste was manipulated into leaving him. 4yrs later, she's come crashing back into his life, but he isn't the young boy she remembers. Adrian has become an aloof and hardened man; a king within London's dark underworld. And where Celeste is concerned he is full of dark and hungry intent.
These two play a dangerous game fueled by hate. Celeste craves his rough touch and unapologetically crude ways. There is no holding back their toxic attraction until eventually their defenses crumble, baring two broken souls desperate for one another. Be prepared for a racy and savage journey as they fight their way back to each other.
There is some mystery and a few surprises as Adrian uses his 'Kings and Villians' connections to uncover who is responsible for endangering Celeste's life. I love how all of JC's books exist within the same world. In Dark Kingdom we get to go back in time and learn more about many of our favorite characters from previous books/stories such as Noel Ransom from Burned Cinder , Kristoff Zima from The Hunter King , and Alfie Kane from Outlaw . I really hope we get to see more of Cillian Kildare; he's an interesting character that grabbed my attention. *fingers-crossed*
While I found Celeste and Adrian's story satisfying overall, I do wish that some of the misunderstandings that caused their initial separation were better addressed. Adrian simply brushed aside Celeste's heartbreak with a single sentence, and its never discussed or brought up again. If it truly was that easy to quell Celeste's doubts then why was there a 4yr separation to begin with?! For me, having such hollow conflict deflated a bit of the story's intensity.
Jagger Cole is an insta-buy for me. He excels at delivering a loyal, OTT possessive and jealous hero who will burn down the world for his love. And Dark Kingdom is another example of his amazing story telling; a great addition to the series and one I am sure many will enjoy!!
TW: this book contains darker themes involving a primal kink, CNC, past (off screen) SA and trauma, and suicide.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Adrian's world shattered when Celeste was manipulated into leaving him. 4yrs later, she's come crashing back into his life, but he isn't the young boy she remembers. Adrian has become an aloof and hardened man; a king within London's dark underworld. And where Celeste is concerned he is full of dark and hungry intent.
These two play a dangerous game fueled by hate. Celeste craves his rough touch and unapologetically crude ways. There is no holding back their toxic attraction until eventually their defenses crumble, baring two broken souls desperate for one another. Be prepared for a racy and savage journey as they fight their way back to each other.
There is some mystery and a few surprises as Adrian uses his 'Kings and Villians' connections to uncover who is responsible for endangering Celeste's life. I love how all of JC's books exist within the same world. In Dark Kingdom we get to go back in time and learn more about many of our favorite characters from previous books/stories such as Noel Ransom from Burned Cinder , Kristoff Zima from The Hunter King , and Alfie Kane from Outlaw . I really hope we get to see more of Cillian Kildare; he's an interesting character that grabbed my attention. *fingers-crossed*
While I found Celeste and Adrian's story satisfying overall, I do wish that some of the misunderstandings that caused their initial separation were better addressed. Adrian simply brushed aside Celeste's heartbreak with a single sentence, and its never discussed or brought up again. If it truly was that easy to quell Celeste's doubts then why was there a 4yr separation to begin with?! For me, having such hollow conflict deflated a bit of the story's intensity.
Jagger Cole is an insta-buy for me. He excels at delivering a loyal, OTT possessive and jealous hero who will burn down the world for his love. And Dark Kingdom is another example of his amazing story telling; a great addition to the series and one I am sure many will enjoy!!
TW: this book contains darker themes involving a primal kink, CNC, past (off screen) SA and trauma, and suicide.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author's ARC team; I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
March 23, 2023
Starting back at book one after reading Prince of Hate first. It was nice to get Adrian's side of things from 18 years earlier. This book was straight fire beginning to end and I finished it in 24 hours!
September 28, 2025
de los mejores libros de jagger cole lejos, y eso que leí bastantes, pero este definitivamente lo tiene todo, es que los protagonistas tienen una putisima químicaaa
December 22, 2025
in my mind, jagger cole is a woman because there’s no way a man is writing books this addictive.
January 9, 2025
I need to bleach my eyes after reading this. Jesus
January 11, 2023
I love the dark!
It was really enjoyable reading this story and not just because it was a great mystery that kept me on my toes. It was amazing to experience Noel, Oliver, Kristoff and Adrian in their younger years when they were just forming their lasting friendship. I rather liked getting a glance at the man who brought them all together. Thomas was a formidable man, and it was a joy to experience him in person, rather than a ghost that everyone spoke of. This has been an interesting, entertaining and steamy series!
It was really enjoyable reading this story and not just because it was a great mystery that kept me on my toes. It was amazing to experience Noel, Oliver, Kristoff and Adrian in their younger years when they were just forming their lasting friendship. I rather liked getting a glance at the man who brought them all together. Thomas was a formidable man, and it was a joy to experience him in person, rather than a ghost that everyone spoke of. This has been an interesting, entertaining and steamy series!
December 27, 2022
The last four years had taught Adrian Cross never to trust those around him, no matter how much he once thought differently. He joined forces with his criminal uncle, learned the trade, and became a major player in the underworld. After his uncle's death, he became the Kingpin and took over the powerful empire, which he ruled with an iron fist. And although he was the king, his queen still had a lesson to learn, and time had prepared Aiden to exact his revenge in a depraved manner. Especially when she asked for his help. Celeste had felt Adrian's betrayal in full, even though she wore his ring that was hidden from those around her. Forced to marry another, she forged her own path until everything around her began to implode. But when she became a target, she could only turn to the boy who had once broken her heart. As she accepted his terms, she realized how ruthless and cruel he could be, even while protecting her. Was it wrong that she had entered into this sinful pact? And who had made the attempt on her life? Will Adrian and Celeste be able to save what they once had, or will it be too late when all the pieces of the puzzle come together? Overall, I enjoyed the story, even if it was a bit predictable. The miscommunication worked for a while, but then it became a bit monotonous and I would have preferred if they had had a real heart-to-heart where they might both feel guilty for not believing in each other. They had chemistry, even if Adrian spoke in a derogative manner toward Celeste and she felt embarrassed for liking the kink. And yet, after each sizzling scene, she repeated her inner thoughts about her self-doubt, which was not necessary. As the story progressed, we got to know some secondary characters whose stories I would like to read. Overall, it was still an entertaining story and well-written.
December 2, 2022
Jagger Cole has delivered another epic story from his new series Kings & Villains. This is Book 1 and it follows the story of Adrian Cross & Celeste. Adrian is a cruel man in the underworld and we’ve met his friends in previous books which is awesome when some of our favorite characters make cameos to help each other in tough situations. Adrian is part of the Kings & Villains group of strong alpha men who all have a bit of darkness in them.
Adrian is a force to be reckon with and he is all powerful
and has darkness in his soul. His only light since he was a young boy was Celeste. She is the daughter of the powerful man his dad worked for before he died. Adrian had a choice stay on as the help or build something of himself to be worthy of a woman like Celeste. By forces out of their control their lives are torn apart and he loses the one woman who centers and focuses him. She is given to another by her father and all Adrian can do is let her go. This destroys him and makes his claim for power and violence that much stronger. He is consumed by Celeste but he moves on but never forgets her. She is by all sense of the word his wife but she is gone and he has to move on.
That is until Celeste reappears in his life and she desperately need his help & protection. Adrian doesn’t know if he can trust her and their past haunts him daily but he won’t let anything happen to her because she is light and he needs her even though he won’t admit to himself!
Celeste has been controlled by powerful men her entire life so when she is forced to leave Adrian and marry another man she knows her life is over. However, the man she is forced to marry is in love with another woman so their arrangement seems perfect until everyone close to her is either killed or being hunted to be killed. She has nowhere to turn and no one she can trust except for Adrian. It’s been years since she’s seen him but she hopes their love for each other will be enough for him to let her in. She has an uphill battle to allow Adrian back in her life. There has been so much betrayal, lies, death, deception, and denial that she’s not sue he’ll even listen to her.
This is an epic journey and there is some very dark and sinister plots throughout the book. There will be several moments of extremely hot, dark, and spicy scenes between her and Adrian. Adrian wants Celeste more than anything but can he trust her or believe anything she says??
Their past continues to haunt them both and until they can trust each other progress will be slow & tedious. This book is filled with a lot of action, secrets, and a love that is both mentally and physically a bit messed up. As always, Jagger Cole delivers an intense book with characters you will be drawn too but you may not like them all the time but when the plot unfolds the wait is worth everything. You will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to continue meeting these alpha men throughout this series and the women who bring them to their knees. Happy Reading!!
Adrian is a force to be reckon with and he is all powerful
and has darkness in his soul. His only light since he was a young boy was Celeste. She is the daughter of the powerful man his dad worked for before he died. Adrian had a choice stay on as the help or build something of himself to be worthy of a woman like Celeste. By forces out of their control their lives are torn apart and he loses the one woman who centers and focuses him. She is given to another by her father and all Adrian can do is let her go. This destroys him and makes his claim for power and violence that much stronger. He is consumed by Celeste but he moves on but never forgets her. She is by all sense of the word his wife but she is gone and he has to move on.
That is until Celeste reappears in his life and she desperately need his help & protection. Adrian doesn’t know if he can trust her and their past haunts him daily but he won’t let anything happen to her because she is light and he needs her even though he won’t admit to himself!
Celeste has been controlled by powerful men her entire life so when she is forced to leave Adrian and marry another man she knows her life is over. However, the man she is forced to marry is in love with another woman so their arrangement seems perfect until everyone close to her is either killed or being hunted to be killed. She has nowhere to turn and no one she can trust except for Adrian. It’s been years since she’s seen him but she hopes their love for each other will be enough for him to let her in. She has an uphill battle to allow Adrian back in her life. There has been so much betrayal, lies, death, deception, and denial that she’s not sue he’ll even listen to her.
This is an epic journey and there is some very dark and sinister plots throughout the book. There will be several moments of extremely hot, dark, and spicy scenes between her and Adrian. Adrian wants Celeste more than anything but can he trust her or believe anything she says??
Their past continues to haunt them both and until they can trust each other progress will be slow & tedious. This book is filled with a lot of action, secrets, and a love that is both mentally and physically a bit messed up. As always, Jagger Cole delivers an intense book with characters you will be drawn too but you may not like them all the time but when the plot unfolds the wait is worth everything. You will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to continue meeting these alpha men throughout this series and the women who bring them to their knees. Happy Reading!!
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