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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I received an ARC of Dane of Ruin in exchange for my honest review. This was my first time reading Jagger Cole, and while there were elements of the story that had potential, I’m unsure if I would continue with more of the author's work.
My biggest concern with the book is the way it was marketed. Dane of Ruin is presented as a BDSM Mafia/Ballerina romance, but it doesn’t truly deliver on the BDSM aspect. Instead, the MMC blackmails the FMC and coerces her into sexual scenarios that mimic a dom/sub dynamic, but without genuine consent or trust, which are critical foundations of BDSM relationships.
The story also stretches believability in several areas. The FMC, portrayed as an innocent virgin, engages in intense sexual scenes—including anal sex—within a single weekend, with little to no difficulty, despite repeated emphasis on the MMC’s "thick" anatomy (a descriptor that was overused throughout the book).
From the mafia side of the plot, the story also lacked depth and credibility. The MMC is part of a secret organization in addition to his mafia ties, yet the FMC is able to easily sneak into a meeting where a murder takes place—something that felt highly unrealistic.
Additionally, the plot twist involving a side character was predictable from early on, and it was frustrating that neither the MMC nor FMC were able to piece it together.
While Dane of Ruin had an interesting premise and moments of intensity, overall, the execution left a lot to be desired for me.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What can I say??? Jagger Cole does it again!
An emotional roller-coaster, as they say! You want to shout at Naomi for being blind to the signs. You want her to run away! You want to scream at Nico for the way he acted. You want him to finally see the truth right in front of him. You cheer for the growth of their relationship, you root for their well-deserved happy ending, and you’re dying to solve the mystery of their common enemies.
Wow! You simply cannot put this book down!
An emotional roller-coaster, as they say! You want to shout at Naomi for being blind to the signs. You want her to run away! You want to scream at Nico for the way he acted. You want him to finally see the truth right in front of him. You cheer for the growth of their relationship, you root for their well-deserved happy ending, and you’re dying to solve the mystery of their common enemies.
Wow! You simply cannot put this book down!
This book was a little less intense than the first in the series, especially when it comes to the steamy scenes. Oh, they were hot — scorching hot — but more balanced this time, without compromising on the passion.
I loved this book.
Love you, Jagger Cole! Thank you for another unforgettable story!
Love you, Jagger Cole! Thank you for another unforgettable story!
medium-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dance of Ruin is a Dark Mafia Romance with Beauty and the Beast, enemies to lovers, touch her and ill end you sort of vibes.
Naomi and Nicos love affair didn’t quite start off as love at first sight. It started off more of Attraction with a lot of death and danger. Naomi is a ballet dancer, Nico is in the Barone Mafia and known to be unhinged and dangerous. Oh and the brother of one of Naomi’s closest friends. Once Naomis politicians father takes a step against the Barone family, Nico takes his on Naomi. Claiming her for everything she is and taking everything she can and wont give.
wouldn’t read this again
very rushed not as good as the first
very rushed not as good as the first
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank god for Jagger Cole books. My god, I know I can always count on him to deliver., and boy, ooh boy did he ever. I like every book and every series of his, I’m obsessed. No notes. Loved it, can’t wait for the next one, I don’t know how he does it, but each book manages to be just different enough to not feel the same and there’s always some fun twists. Check your trigger warnings and happy reading!
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As always Jagger has given us a story although very dark in places will keep you glued to it right up to the end. Nico is definitely a little unhinged and when an attack on his family nearly ends in tragedy he wants revenge. When he can't get to the culprit he goes after the next best thing. Naomi just wants to dance and escape the horrible reality that is her life. Nico is that guy you know you shouldn't like, yet he burrows under your skin. You will want to steal Naomi and hide her away, from the world. This is an amazing read as always from Jagger