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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
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:
No
ARC Review
Rating: 4/5 stars
Spice: 3.5/5
Since reading Dance of Deception (book 1 in this series), I have been counting the days until I could read Dance of Ruin.
Nico was obsessed with Naomi from the second he met her, but she is his sister's best friend. However, when Naomi is involved in the attack against his family, he blackmails Naomi as a way to seek revenge on her dad. Little did Nico know that the blackmail he was using against Naomi wasn't what he thought it was.
I loved Nico in book 1, so knowing he was finally getting his book had me jumping for joy, and Jagger delivered. He was hot, impulsive, and dangerous. I also really loved Naomi, I think mostly because I understood her on a deeper level and related to the trauma she faced. The connection between Naomi and Nico was instant during their first meeting in the book. Neither of them knew what love was, and they slowly discovered it together, which had me tearing up. The plot twist was a great mix, it added more to the overall storyline.
The only reason this isn't a 5-star read for me was Naomi's reaction to the big reveal. It didn't make sense as to why a whole 360 in seconds. It didn't match up with where they were in their relationship.
I'm so excited for Nero's book, as he stole my heart during the small moments he was seen in the book. I suggest everyone read this book if you love a mafia dark romance. I do recommend checking TW beforehand.
Thank you so much to VPR and Jagger Cole for the ARC
Rating: 4/5 stars
Spice: 3.5/5
Since reading Dance of Deception (book 1 in this series), I have been counting the days until I could read Dance of Ruin.
Nico was obsessed with Naomi from the second he met her, but she is his sister's best friend. However, when Naomi is involved in the attack against his family, he blackmails Naomi as a way to seek revenge on her dad. Little did Nico know that the blackmail he was using against Naomi wasn't what he thought it was.
I loved Nico in book 1, so knowing he was finally getting his book had me jumping for joy, and Jagger delivered. He was hot, impulsive, and dangerous. I also really loved Naomi, I think mostly because I understood her on a deeper level and related to the trauma she faced. The connection between Naomi and Nico was instant during their first meeting in the book. Neither of them knew what love was, and they slowly discovered it together, which had me tearing up. The plot twist was a great mix, it added more to the overall storyline.
The only reason this isn't a 5-star read for me was Naomi's reaction to the big reveal. It didn't make sense as to why a whole 360 in seconds. It didn't match up with where they were in their relationship.
I'm so excited for Nero's book, as he stole my heart during the small moments he was seen in the book. I suggest everyone read this book if you love a mafia dark romance. I do recommend checking TW beforehand.
Thank you so much to VPR and Jagger Cole for the ARC
challenging
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
Okay but a well written mafia romance mixed with ballet? I’m here for it. Let’s just say the stage scene (iykyk) will live rent free in my head for a while! Nico and Naomi were an unlikely pairing but it turned out SO SO good! This book kept me going from page one and actually pulled me out of a pretty good slump I was in. I will absolutely be reading some of Jagger Cole’s backlist!
There are quite a few triggers so please please keep that in mind as you read though.
There are quite a few triggers so please please keep that in mind as you read though.
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was definitely spicy.
In Short: Decadently dark and spicy. Everything dark romance should be.
Memorable Lines:
~I'm not sure if she's created a monster in me, or if it's the other way around."
~I cling to him, boneless. Ruined in the most beautiful way.
General Thoughts: Jagger Coles has been an auto-read author for me for a while. His books are always a decadently dark and spicy ride--exactly what you want in a dark mafia romance. I have read every book of his that I have loved. To the point where I go into each book with very high expectations. I know I'm going to get a messed-up but good story.
This series feels different than other series by him. I can't put my thumb on why, they just do. I thought that with the first in this series, and I thought so again here. I think it's the Black Court, hidden identities piece, maybe?
Anyway, there was one plot element in this book I didn't love, which is why I'm going to give this four stars. I thought one element should have been explored more.
However, I still enjoyed the book, and as always, I'm very curious to see where he goes with the next book. You can be sure I'll be reading it.
If you're looking for spicy, dark, messed-up but somehow beautiful love stories, then Jagger Cole is for you. I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Valentine PR.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-dark mafia
-contemporary
-romantic suspense
-forced/close proximity
-hidden identity
-virgin/inexperienced FMC
-check your triggers
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was definitely spicy.
In Short: Decadently dark and spicy. Everything dark romance should be.
Memorable Lines:
~I'm not sure if she's created a monster in me, or if it's the other way around."
~I cling to him, boneless. Ruined in the most beautiful way.
General Thoughts: Jagger Coles has been an auto-read author for me for a while. His books are always a decadently dark and spicy ride--exactly what you want in a dark mafia romance. I have read every book of his that I have loved. To the point where I go into each book with very high expectations. I know I'm going to get a messed-up but good story.
This series feels different than other series by him. I can't put my thumb on why, they just do. I thought that with the first in this series, and I thought so again here. I think it's the Black Court, hidden identities piece, maybe?
Anyway, there was one plot element in this book I didn't love, which is why I'm going to give this four stars. I thought one element should have been explored more.
However, I still enjoyed the book, and as always, I'm very curious to see where he goes with the next book. You can be sure I'll be reading it.
If you're looking for spicy, dark, messed-up but somehow beautiful love stories, then Jagger Cole is for you. I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Valentine PR.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-dark mafia
-contemporary
-romantic suspense
-forced/close proximity
-hidden identity
-virgin/inexperienced FMC
-check your triggers
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Dance of Ruin is the second book in the Darkest Dance series, and after meeting Nico in the first book, I couldn’t wait for his story. Jagger’s dark mafia romance is unmatched—his writing pulls you straight into a world full of danger and suspense. With unexpected twists and intense chemistry, this one kept me hooked from start to finish.
This book has some intense moments and heavy themes, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Naomi is the FMC I adore—sweet, kind, but with a fiery streak that makes her unforgettable. Her journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. She’s complex, heartbreakingly strong, and every moment of struggle had my heart aching for her. Life never gave her a break, yet she never crumbled. She carried it all and kept going. Watching her rise and grow into her strength felt earned, and I was right there with her.
Then there’s Nico. He’s sharp, calculated, always ten steps ahead—until emotion throws him off. That’s when he becomes the most human. His decisions aren’t always clean, but they’re always real—rooted in survival, in instinct. It’s in those rare moments of vulnerability that he stole the show. The possessiveness? The jealousy? Perfect. Intense, but never overbearing. I ate it up. Nico’s devotion to Naomi was everything.
The dynamic between Naomi and Nico hit all the right notes. The good girl and bad boy trope? Delivered flawlessly. Every intense stare, quiet moment, and explosive interaction—it was addictive.
What made the story even more intriguing was the secret society element. The Black Court is cloaked in just the right amount of mystery to keep me obsessively curious. I’m dying to peel back more layers, to see behind the masks, to uncover every secret. It added such a fun and dangerous edge to the plot, and I’m already itching for more.
Seeing familiar faces from previous books made my heart do somersaults. Every cameo felt like a little gift. It’s always such a treat when authors make the world feel this interconnected and alive.
As for the ending? It wrapped up perfectly. The epilogue was sweet, spicy, and exactly what I needed. And speaking of spice—the toe-curling kind—it was perfectly delivered. Intense, steamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Every time I read a new Jagger book, it slides straight into my favorites. This one? No different. This author creates fictional men specifically to ruin me—and I’m not mad about it.
This book has some intense moments and heavy themes, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Naomi is the FMC I adore—sweet, kind, but with a fiery streak that makes her unforgettable. Her journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. She’s complex, heartbreakingly strong, and every moment of struggle had my heart aching for her. Life never gave her a break, yet she never crumbled. She carried it all and kept going. Watching her rise and grow into her strength felt earned, and I was right there with her.
Then there’s Nico. He’s sharp, calculated, always ten steps ahead—until emotion throws him off. That’s when he becomes the most human. His decisions aren’t always clean, but they’re always real—rooted in survival, in instinct. It’s in those rare moments of vulnerability that he stole the show. The possessiveness? The jealousy? Perfect. Intense, but never overbearing. I ate it up. Nico’s devotion to Naomi was everything.
The dynamic between Naomi and Nico hit all the right notes. The good girl and bad boy trope? Delivered flawlessly. Every intense stare, quiet moment, and explosive interaction—it was addictive.
What made the story even more intriguing was the secret society element. The Black Court is cloaked in just the right amount of mystery to keep me obsessively curious. I’m dying to peel back more layers, to see behind the masks, to uncover every secret. It added such a fun and dangerous edge to the plot, and I’m already itching for more.
Seeing familiar faces from previous books made my heart do somersaults. Every cameo felt like a little gift. It’s always such a treat when authors make the world feel this interconnected and alive.
As for the ending? It wrapped up perfectly. The epilogue was sweet, spicy, and exactly what I needed. And speaking of spice—the toe-curling kind—it was perfectly delivered. Intense, steamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Every time I read a new Jagger book, it slides straight into my favorites. This one? No different. This author creates fictional men specifically to ruin me—and I’m not mad about it.
As far as I’m concerned Jagger Cole is one of the best authors currently writing dark mafia romance and with his latest series pairing dark mafia with the pristine world of ballet, the contrast of the darkness against the supposed purity of ballet was a stroke of pure genius even when the ballet company has so many ties to that world not least of all the company’s owner, the ultimate Bratva Pakhan. Naomi Kim wasn’t even on Nico Barone’s radar even after she saw something she shouldn’t have but when an attack on his family leads to him straight to her politician father, realising he’s out of his reach, Nico turns his thirst for vengeance on the daughter.
With blackmail seemingly the current theme running through this series, Nico forces Naomi into doing his bidding in an attempt to break her but as much as I love everything this author writes, Dance of Ruin just wasn’t one of my favourites and that’s down to the heroine Naomi. She felt a bit flat and one-dimensional and even the traumatic experience she underwent didn’t seem to affect her to any great depth. I also didn’t sense any chemistry or passion between her and Nico, and their dialogue fell flat with little resistance on her part. Perhaps I’m used to more conflict between the hero and heroine, but overall, their romance just wasn’t as dark and taboo as I’ve come to expect from Jagger Cole. I did however love the character of Nico who was obviously crazy but what made him more dangerous was he had method to his madness and when he found out he had misread Naomi he definitely gave good grovel, nothing says I’m sorry like ‘unaliving’ your assailants. The overall plot was fabulous, fast-paced and full of drama, suspense, and intrigue with all the plot twists, secrets, and revelations I could possibly want, with not only more from the Black Court but the emergence of another secret society, the Obsidian Brotherhood out to make their mark on the underworld of New York not caring if they upset the existing hierarchy but hopefully meaning a lot more books to come.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
She arches for me. Whines like she hates herself for it.
And I smile when I hear it, because that—that—is what I’ve been waiting for.
Not her obedience.
Her surrender.
UPDATE : 3 days after review posted
So I haven't stopped thinking about this book and I'm already 3 books later and it still is sitting with me. Hence I'm upping my 4 stars to 5 in the actual rating. This book is that good.
*
If super obsessed ad possessive, slightly unhinged, dirty talking, dark alphas are your thing then this book is for you. Once again Jagger Cole draws us in to the New York mafia world in a way that I haven’t experienced before. It’s gritty and addicting. Without giving spoilers, this book has corruption, secret societies, death threats, all leading Naomi into the spider’s web centered around Nico. He now owns her and he wants revenge. She’s in too deep and she can’t see a way out.
Naomi starts out timid but really grows some sassy attitude and strength. I loved this journey she takes and as Nico falls harder for her we see the scales even out somewhat and she holds her own. Nico is one of those men that if he tried to date me IRL I’d run for the hills. LOL. His egotistical controlling arrogance is mind boggling. But in a dark mafia romance? It is sexy as hell, delicious and I ate this up like a woman starved. The steam is off the charts with some serious dirty talk that rivals the best of them.
Another great Mafia dark romance by Jagger Cole. I’m addicted to this series and can’t wait for book 3. Please check your trigger warnings. This is a dark romance and the Mafia does what the Mafia does, if you get my drift.
5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I knew this was going to be a 5 ⭐️ read going into it.
Nico is my favorite type of mafia man - possessive, obsessed with Naomi & utterly unhinged.
This man is filthyyyy 😮💨.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I knew this was going to be a 5 ⭐️ read going into it.
Nico is my favorite type of mafia man - possessive, obsessed with Naomi & utterly unhinged.
This man is filthyyyy 😮💨.
dark
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced