What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkest Dance #7
Dance of Monsters
I made a huge mistake.
I’ve always been the good girl and the dutiful mafia daughter.
So when my devil of a father is in trouble, I ask the help of a worse one.
Vaughn Bancroft is a demon in a three-piece suit.
A monster with the body of a god and the mind of a villain.
The first time we cross paths, he tells me to run away and never look back.
I should have listened.
Because taking his help means entering his world of power, control, and deviant games, and giving him my body and soul.
I thought I could handle his brutal touch. I thought I could weather his storm.
But I never accounted for the monster waking something monstrous inside of me.
Something that refuses to go back to sleep.
Something that craves his darkness.
Something that may destroy everything I am.
Dance of Monsters is a fully standalone dark mafia romance with a good-girl heroine and a morally gray hero. Readers are highly advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
I’ve always been the good girl and the dutiful mafia daughter.
So when my devil of a father is in trouble, I ask the help of a worse one.
Vaughn Bancroft is a demon in a three-piece suit.
A monster with the body of a god and the mind of a villain.
The first time we cross paths, he tells me to run away and never look back.
I should have listened.
Because taking his help means entering his world of power, control, and deviant games, and giving him my body and soul.
I thought I could handle his brutal touch. I thought I could weather his storm.
But I never accounted for the monster waking something monstrous inside of me.
Something that refuses to go back to sleep.
Something that craves his darkness.
Something that may destroy everything I am.
Dance of Monsters is a fully standalone dark mafia romance with a good-girl heroine and a morally gray hero. Readers are highly advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
584 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
90 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Jagger Cole
74 books5,502 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Want to read
January 8, 2026I just signed up for the ARC. Let’s hope I get one.
February 6, 2026
5th February could not just come faster and also YAAYYYY THE MMC IS VAUGHN
I LOVE EVIE SO SO MUCH IM SO EXCITED
I liked this book Evie was so cute and her character development was INSANELY GOOD
Vaughn is so so so HOT
There was chemistry there was banter THE SMUT!!!!???? Out of this world
But that’s it
That’s all there was
There was so much of smut the story couldn’t develop properly
The plot had potential but couldn’t be carried to its fullest….
3.5/5 ✨✨
Good book
Also lowkey it felt like it was inspired by RK’s Legacy of gods mixed with Royal elites series
The inner circle of The Syndicate
Vaughn- Aiden king
Sebastien - Xander Knight
Carson king- Ronan Astor
Gideon - Cole Nash
Maybe it’s just me but Evie felt a lot like Cecily blended with Ava’s social butterfly pink princess vibes
I LOVE EVIE SO SO MUCH IM SO EXCITED
I liked this book Evie was so cute and her character development was INSANELY GOOD
Vaughn is so so so HOT
There was chemistry there was banter THE SMUT!!!!???? Out of this world
But that’s it
That’s all there was
There was so much of smut the story couldn’t develop properly
The plot had potential but couldn’t be carried to its fullest….
3.5/5 ✨✨
Good book
Also lowkey it felt like it was inspired by RK’s Legacy of gods mixed with Royal elites series
The inner circle of The Syndicate
Vaughn- Aiden king
Sebastien - Xander Knight
Carson king- Ronan Astor
Gideon - Cole Nash
Maybe it’s just me but Evie felt a lot like Cecily blended with Ava’s social butterfly pink princess vibes
February 4, 2026
5⭐️|4🌶️
Vaughn Bancroft…the absolute unhinged man that you are 👏🏻😮💨 I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The inner demons…literally…that this man battles are insane. I wasn’t expecting so many of the twists and turns that came my way.
Sweet, innocent little Evie…girl you just got your whole world rocked and I loved every minute 🤣🤣 I love a corruption era and our girl isn’t a little fragile princess anymore. I loved her and Vaughn together. These two are polar opposites in so many ways but have so much chemistry it’s insane and it’s so palpable on every single page.
This book gives such good insight into what’s to come for second gen and I cannot freaking wait. As always, Jagger doesn’t disappoint. This book had hot as hell spice, plot and suspense. Highly recommend to all my dark romance, mafia lovers!
Thank you so much Jagger Cole for this ARC🤍
Vaughn Bancroft…the absolute unhinged man that you are 👏🏻😮💨 I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The inner demons…literally…that this man battles are insane. I wasn’t expecting so many of the twists and turns that came my way.
Sweet, innocent little Evie…girl you just got your whole world rocked and I loved every minute 🤣🤣 I love a corruption era and our girl isn’t a little fragile princess anymore. I loved her and Vaughn together. These two are polar opposites in so many ways but have so much chemistry it’s insane and it’s so palpable on every single page.
This book gives such good insight into what’s to come for second gen and I cannot freaking wait. As always, Jagger doesn’t disappoint. This book had hot as hell spice, plot and suspense. Highly recommend to all my dark romance, mafia lovers!
Thank you so much Jagger Cole for this ARC🤍
February 3, 2026
Man oh man I can’t believe this series is over 😭 ending it with Vaughn and Evelina though was perfect. Not only was the smut so hot and straight up filthy, but the plot was so good too. The twists and turns had me stressed out and once again Jagger loves to just drop bombs on us that leave us shocked! Every time I think I know what’s going on, Jagger shows me I definitely DON’T.
.
.
.
.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
.
.
.
.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHAT.THE.F*CK.
😲😲😲😲<-- My actual face for literally 99% of this book. Jaw On Floor. Wow. just... Wow. I'm sorry. I really dont even know what to say 🤣
😲😲😲😲<-- My actual face for literally 99% of this book. Jaw On Floor. Wow. just... Wow. I'm sorry. I really dont even know what to say 🤣
February 5, 2026
Holy plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. This was DARK and intense and I loved every second.
Vaughn and Evie were the two characters I’ve been holding out hope for ever since Vaughn came on the scene and they did not disappoint.
You want fated soulmates? It’s these two.
Evie has been the good girl who blushes at any mention of sex. Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what Evelina is made of. She was sweet and innocent that the entire friend group has lovingly teased her and kept her in a protective bubble.
Enter Vaughn.
Vaughn is the dark and mysterious figure who stepped on the scene and exuded all the red flags, but red is our favorite color isn’t it?
When these two interact the chemistry is EXPLOSIVE.
Their banter is insane. And their sexual connection is perfect. They match each others freak to a t. She takes (and wants) every depraved thing he wants to do. So of course he becomes fully obsessed and addicted to her and we love to see it.
The love these two have for each other is obsessive, possessive, gentle, and pure.
This book is by far the darkest book of the series. Make sure you check the content warnings and triggers because the spice is off the charts. But it serves a purpose because it’s imperative to them and their relationship. It draws these two together on a soul deep level where they finally have someone to show their true selves to.
I loved this book, every single dark, depraved, and ugly edge to it, I loved it all.
I’m so sad this series has come to an end but I will always come back for a reread.
Eternal gratitude to Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for the arc. It was an honor to read this early.
Vaughn and Evie were the two characters I’ve been holding out hope for ever since Vaughn came on the scene and they did not disappoint.
You want fated soulmates? It’s these two.
Evie has been the good girl who blushes at any mention of sex. Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what Evelina is made of. She was sweet and innocent that the entire friend group has lovingly teased her and kept her in a protective bubble.
Enter Vaughn.
Vaughn is the dark and mysterious figure who stepped on the scene and exuded all the red flags, but red is our favorite color isn’t it?
When these two interact the chemistry is EXPLOSIVE.
Their banter is insane. And their sexual connection is perfect. They match each others freak to a t. She takes (and wants) every depraved thing he wants to do. So of course he becomes fully obsessed and addicted to her and we love to see it.
The love these two have for each other is obsessive, possessive, gentle, and pure.
This book is by far the darkest book of the series. Make sure you check the content warnings and triggers because the spice is off the charts. But it serves a purpose because it’s imperative to them and their relationship. It draws these two together on a soul deep level where they finally have someone to show their true selves to.
I loved this book, every single dark, depraved, and ugly edge to it, I loved it all.
I’m so sad this series has come to an end but I will always come back for a reread.
Eternal gratitude to Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for the arc. It was an honor to read this early.
February 2, 2026
4.25-4.5
Full RTC!
Full RTC!
February 1, 2026
Final rating: 4.25/5
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jagger Cole for an Advance Reader Copy of Dance of Monsters in exchange for an honest review.
I have been patiently waiting for both Vaughn and Evelina's stories, and Cole did not disappoint.
Evalina has been portrayed throughout The Darkest Dance books as very sheltered and naive, despite being in one of the leading Bratva families. Vaughn, well, he has been portrayed as being dark, dangerous, and a complete psychopath, so you can only imagine how things will go when their lives intersect.
In a bid to try and help her exiled father, Evelina turns to the last person she can think of that may be able to offer her assistance - the Marquis of the Syndicate himself. Vaughn does everything he can think of to scare Evelina off, but she will not be deterred (despite the things that her father has done to not only her own brother, but Vaughn's as well).
But what Vaughn shows on the surface, does not even scratch the depths of his character. Without giving any spoilers, all I will say is that you will not expect what else Vaughn has to offer.
As with all Jagger Cole books, the spice is on point (please read the triggers at the beginning of the book to get a feel for what will be involved. This is not a PG romance book). I loved how Evelina really came into her own in this book, and started to stand up for herself and what she wanted. Even when things got tough, she didn't let anyone else tell her what to do, especially Vaughn.
I also really loved the depth of character we got from Vaughn, from more of what he went through as a child, his mental state, and the steps he started to take to heal from his past trauma. But don't worry - he didn't lose his dark and twisty side that Evelina loves so much.
And of course we got more Roman and Val given the interwoven familial relationships.
I cant wait for everyone to be able to read Dance of Monsters when it releases on February 5. And the second gen series coming this spring? Sign me the f*ck up.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jagger Cole for an Advance Reader Copy of Dance of Monsters in exchange for an honest review.
I have been patiently waiting for both Vaughn and Evelina's stories, and Cole did not disappoint.
Evalina has been portrayed throughout The Darkest Dance books as very sheltered and naive, despite being in one of the leading Bratva families. Vaughn, well, he has been portrayed as being dark, dangerous, and a complete psychopath, so you can only imagine how things will go when their lives intersect.
In a bid to try and help her exiled father, Evelina turns to the last person she can think of that may be able to offer her assistance - the Marquis of the Syndicate himself. Vaughn does everything he can think of to scare Evelina off, but she will not be deterred (despite the things that her father has done to not only her own brother, but Vaughn's as well).
But what Vaughn shows on the surface, does not even scratch the depths of his character. Without giving any spoilers, all I will say is that you will not expect what else Vaughn has to offer.
As with all Jagger Cole books, the spice is on point (please read the triggers at the beginning of the book to get a feel for what will be involved. This is not a PG romance book). I loved how Evelina really came into her own in this book, and started to stand up for herself and what she wanted. Even when things got tough, she didn't let anyone else tell her what to do, especially Vaughn.
I also really loved the depth of character we got from Vaughn, from more of what he went through as a child, his mental state, and the steps he started to take to heal from his past trauma. But don't worry - he didn't lose his dark and twisty side that Evelina loves so much.
And of course we got more Roman and Val given the interwoven familial relationships.
I cant wait for everyone to be able to read Dance of Monsters when it releases on February 5. And the second gen series coming this spring? Sign me the f*ck up.
February 3, 2026
We’re starting off with a bang. Our sweet Evelina is at Club Venom looking for Vaughn but why? Our girl blushes at the mention of something sexual so I just know her cheeks are red. Miss Evie is in over her head with the situations she keeps getting into and they keep happening left and right. Evie is a bit of princess but she is also that girl. People may think she scares easy but miss mama is up for a challenge. Vaughn is absolutely unhinged and I love it. I think he might be the most unhinged, he makes Carmine look like a puppy. Vaughn has his trusted inner circle, two of the I am skeptical about( each for different reasons). Evie got her some d**k and started acting up. I mean our girl is cursing and saying dirty words. And I am living for it! This man has our girl covered in “love bites”, he is just throwing her around and down. Evie is finding herself and a back bone. Vaughn is struggling with his inner demons( and sometimes they come out play). There is a part in this book that shocked the mess out of me. I have to put my kindle down. A Jagger Cole book never misses and this was no exception. Honey it was a roller coaster ride. Jagger had my mind playing tricks on me, I had to go back a reread a few times to make sure I read what I read. Evie and Vaughn’s relationship started off unconventional but turned into something beautiful. These two had to overcome a lot and they did( and there was a lot of drama in between). It was like a telanovela. This was a banger. I loved this entire series and I had a favorite but I think Dance Of Monsters may have taken the top spot.
February 3, 2026
Oh my! Evie and Vaughn’s story was absolutely well worth the wait🤭.
Evie has come across in the series as meek and sweet but when she wants to help her father she is willing to do anything even if that means being at the mercy of a man who terrifies her. Evie had such a great character development from the woman we saw at the beginning of the series. She most certainly develops a back bone and becomes fierce in this book and Vaughn most certainly brings this out of her.
When Evie crashes a party to sign up to become a member for the syndicate Vaughn is instantly aware. He tries to scare her off but he soon comes to realise she won’t be persuaded. Vaughn especially becomes her mentor so to speak for her membership trials. Vaughn is a morally grey and controlled man who has a lot of darkness and inner demons and you will understand what I mean when you reach this book, but he is ever so shocked when he realises that Evie is the one woman who will match that darkness.
This book was definitely twist after twist and I was absolutely living for it- normally I would have an idea about where the plot would go but I couldn’t predict this. Our couple’s chemistry was impeccable and the smut was delicious as always.
While I’m sad to be saying goodbye to this series this was definitely a great book to finish up with. I cannot wait to explore more in the Jagger universe in the near future. Thank you to VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Evie has come across in the series as meek and sweet but when she wants to help her father she is willing to do anything even if that means being at the mercy of a man who terrifies her. Evie had such a great character development from the woman we saw at the beginning of the series. She most certainly develops a back bone and becomes fierce in this book and Vaughn most certainly brings this out of her.
When Evie crashes a party to sign up to become a member for the syndicate Vaughn is instantly aware. He tries to scare her off but he soon comes to realise she won’t be persuaded. Vaughn especially becomes her mentor so to speak for her membership trials. Vaughn is a morally grey and controlled man who has a lot of darkness and inner demons and you will understand what I mean when you reach this book, but he is ever so shocked when he realises that Evie is the one woman who will match that darkness.
This book was definitely twist after twist and I was absolutely living for it- normally I would have an idea about where the plot would go but I couldn’t predict this. Our couple’s chemistry was impeccable and the smut was delicious as always.
While I’m sad to be saying goodbye to this series this was definitely a great book to finish up with. I cannot wait to explore more in the Jagger universe in the near future. Thank you to VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
February 2, 2026
LOVED. I’ve had the privilege of arc reading this entire series and i’m so sad to see it end but can’t wait for the second gen series this spring!!
I’ve been obsessed with Evie from the beginning, something about the truly innocent character in a universe full of criminals was sooo good but i kind of wanted to throttle her for the stuff with her dad in this book 🥴
ANYYYYWAYY we’ve met both characters during the other books. Evie is seemingly a good girl - no swearing, no drinking, no drugs. But she has a dark side she didn’t even know existed until she comes face to face with Vaughn and her trials to join the syndicate..
“i actually want to dig my nails into his skin and open him up to crawl inside to be closer to him. and yes, i realize how utterly psycho that sounds”
Evie fell for Vaughn pretty quickly and even though he doesn’t do “we”, Vaughn fell right along with her no matter how hard he tried not too… and he’ll kill anyone who tries to get between them.. no matter the cost.
-good girl x bad boy
-ballerina FMC
-boy obsessed
-forbidden love
-grumpy x sunshine
-OTT possessive/protective/jealous
-masked men
-BDSM
-stalker
-touch her and die
-virgin FMC
-mental health rep
I’ve been obsessed with Evie from the beginning, something about the truly innocent character in a universe full of criminals was sooo good but i kind of wanted to throttle her for the stuff with her dad in this book 🥴
ANYYYYWAYY we’ve met both characters during the other books. Evie is seemingly a good girl - no swearing, no drinking, no drugs. But she has a dark side she didn’t even know existed until she comes face to face with Vaughn and her trials to join the syndicate..
“i actually want to dig my nails into his skin and open him up to crawl inside to be closer to him. and yes, i realize how utterly psycho that sounds”
Evie fell for Vaughn pretty quickly and even though he doesn’t do “we”, Vaughn fell right along with her no matter how hard he tried not too… and he’ll kill anyone who tries to get between them.. no matter the cost.
-good girl x bad boy
-ballerina FMC
-boy obsessed
-forbidden love
-grumpy x sunshine
-OTT possessive/protective/jealous
-masked men
-BDSM
-stalker
-touch her and die
-virgin FMC
-mental health rep
February 4, 2026
I swear I will never be disappointed by a jagger Cole book ever I will continually say this series has been my favorite I loved each and every book. Jagger writing just captures you and devours you whole in these stories and series the twist and the turns suprise you get when reading it’s 10/10 amazing and of course the hot and steamy spice we get along the way too. Vaughn and evies story was just as intense as every other one Vaughn story blew my mind with his trauma and back story and issues and had me semi confused in the beginning but all my questions got the answers! And who would have thought sweet little evie could thaw out Vaughn heart and learn her dark side of interests. I loved watching her grow into this new version of herself and her new level or snark she got to her! there’s so much to love about this book love that we got some of Val and Roman and also meeting Vaughn friends that have most definitely caught my attention and I feel like I need their stories asap 😂 as sad as I am this series has come to a end I can’t wait to see what else jagger has in store for us!!!
February 3, 2026
I say it every time, but this might be my favorite of the series 😭 Jagger Cole never misses, and I stand on that.
Sweet and innocent Evie has a secret side that can only be brought to life by one dangerous, psychotic man, Vaughn ❤️🔥 I so badly want more of these two forever, and the whole squad really. I absolutely gobbled this one up, and who knew I wasn’t sad I just needed a new Jagger Cole release?? 🤪
This is every bit of dark and dangerous that you need and want in a mafia-esque dark romance. The way Vaughn was so softy baby at the end?! My HEART. I love him.
What to expect:
🩰 Ballerina
🥃 Secret Society Leader (is that what the Obsidian is considered? Lol)
❤️🔥 Spicyyyy
😈 BDSM
❤️🩹 Forbidden
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
I DESPERATELY want Carson, Seb, and Gideon to have books too, please please please 🙏🏻
Sweet and innocent Evie has a secret side that can only be brought to life by one dangerous, psychotic man, Vaughn ❤️🔥 I so badly want more of these two forever, and the whole squad really. I absolutely gobbled this one up, and who knew I wasn’t sad I just needed a new Jagger Cole release?? 🤪
This is every bit of dark and dangerous that you need and want in a mafia-esque dark romance. The way Vaughn was so softy baby at the end?! My HEART. I love him.
What to expect:
🩰 Ballerina
🥃 Secret Society Leader (is that what the Obsidian is considered? Lol)
❤️🔥 Spicyyyy
😈 BDSM
❤️🩹 Forbidden
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
I DESPERATELY want Carson, Seb, and Gideon to have books too, please please please 🙏🏻
February 5, 2026
Vaughn Bancroft, the man that you are!
Jagger has a way to pull you in so fast into a story and this was no different. He had me hooked from chapter one to keep reading.
Vaughn Bancroft was unhinged psych0 dressed in a suit and he was perfect. I loved a man who’s over the top and V was very much so. I loved everything about him. Evelina took some time to grow on me but thanks to her arc I ended up loving her as well!
These two were fire together! I can always trust Jagger Cole to bring out the spice and again I was not disappointed! And always with the twists, I had no idea where it was going at times and couldn’t foresee what was coming.
Together with the sidecharacters and the groupchats I managed to laugh as well. Carson, Sebastian and Gideon was a trio that I need more from and i do hope we get to see them more in the future!
Jagger has a way to pull you in so fast into a story and this was no different. He had me hooked from chapter one to keep reading.
Vaughn Bancroft was unhinged psych0 dressed in a suit and he was perfect. I loved a man who’s over the top and V was very much so. I loved everything about him. Evelina took some time to grow on me but thanks to her arc I ended up loving her as well!
These two were fire together! I can always trust Jagger Cole to bring out the spice and again I was not disappointed! And always with the twists, I had no idea where it was going at times and couldn’t foresee what was coming.
Together with the sidecharacters and the groupchats I managed to laugh as well. Carson, Sebastian and Gideon was a trio that I need more from and i do hope we get to see them more in the future!
February 3, 2026
OMG this book just blew my mind!!! What a freaking way to end the series!!!!! I devoured and I do mean DEVOURED this book in one day because I could not put it down. And when I had to because like I had adult things to do, I could not stop thinking about it! I truly did not see this story coming but I am absolutely here for it. I’m not really sure what all that says about me lol.
This was an absolutely fantastic series and this book was on a whole level by itself! Please be sure to read your triggers and know that these books can be intense and spicyyyy but Jagger always creates the absolute best character dynamics that just fit!
I’m so ready for what is to come but kind of sad that series has come to its end! Thank you for the gift of this arc!
This was an absolutely fantastic series and this book was on a whole level by itself! Please be sure to read your triggers and know that these books can be intense and spicyyyy but Jagger always creates the absolute best character dynamics that just fit!
I’m so ready for what is to come but kind of sad that series has come to its end! Thank you for the gift of this arc!
February 3, 2026
In my opinion, this was the best one in the series! Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely freaking loved every single one but this one was on a whole other level. Sweet and oh so innocent Evie who everyone compares to a Disney Princess gets involved with dark and unhinged Vaughn. Forget morally gray. I’d say Vaughn is more morally black. The things he does to Evie is so crazy and intense and dark and she loved every second of it. There was so much darkness, unaliving, suspense, twists, betrayal and the spice level was off the charts.
I loved this book!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm obsessed with Vaughn! I loved seeing him in his element as the Marquis and the darker side of him when he was with Evelina. The two MCs balanced each other perfectly and I loved the give and take they had.
full review to come!
full review to come!
February 5, 2026
This is the final book in the Darkest Dance series. In Dance of Monsters. Evie is trying to help her dad when no one else wants to help him. She has no choice but to go to someone powerful. She knows Vaughn is powerfully but also dangerous. If it wasn’t for wanting to help her father, she would never even meet with him. She is determined to stand her ground even though the minute she meets him he chases her out. Evie is known as a disney princess, people seriously think she could sing to animals in the forest. She becomes a braver and fearless version of herself with Vaughn. She learns a lot about herself and things she desires. She always thought it was wrong, so she would act like the perfect mafia princess. What her friends don’t know is that Evie craves darkness and finds it with Vaughn in spades. She enjoys her dark side with him and likes to explore it but she is also scared and ashamed. She worries what her friends will think but more what her way over protective psycho brother will do when he finds out.
Vaughn Bancroft cares about three things. His brother Val, his power within the syndicate, and himself. He is always looking for ways to become more powerful. He does not care what he has to do. He doesn’t need any distractions. Especially from a little feisty ballerina asking for his help. Many people see Vaughn as a villain, a monster. Vaughn is dealing with monsters of his own that no one knows about. The more we learn about him, the more we realize that he is human. He has flaws. He has feelings. He gets angry. He cares for his friends but little by little he starts caring for that little ballerina that he’s been trying to break since the beginning. He had refused to help her and tried to scare her away. Eventually she wore him down. In exchange for his help he wants her whenever, wherever, and however he wants. He thought that was enough to send her running. Instead he awoke something in her that was buried deep. Their chemistry is scorching, it’s an inferno. He makes her feel things she never knew she could feel. She does not know how to process it but she knows she wants him. On the other hand, she starts to become someone important because she just makes him feel alive. Will he give in to those feelings or push her away.
Jagger Cole took me on a whirlwind of emotions. It wasn’t just an emotional roller coaster, it was an elevator drop ride. I felt so bad for Evie. All she wants to do is help her dad and she’s willing to be with Vaughn to do it. I also felt bad for Vaughan because we always just saw him as a villain. We didn’t really understand him. I love that we got to see all his layers and discover just how much he’s willing to go for someone he loves. I was rooting for them since the beginning. I felt everything with their story. This will keep you on the edge of your seat, pacing, crying, laughing, or yelling at your book or devices. It is filled with drama, action, a lot, and I mean a lot of heat, humor, suspense, danger, and so many shocking unpredictable twists. This has been such an amazing series. Every couple was unique and amazing and every story was equally captivating. This is definitely a series I will never forget. Bravo. Standing ovation!
Vaughn Bancroft cares about three things. His brother Val, his power within the syndicate, and himself. He is always looking for ways to become more powerful. He does not care what he has to do. He doesn’t need any distractions. Especially from a little feisty ballerina asking for his help. Many people see Vaughn as a villain, a monster. Vaughn is dealing with monsters of his own that no one knows about. The more we learn about him, the more we realize that he is human. He has flaws. He has feelings. He gets angry. He cares for his friends but little by little he starts caring for that little ballerina that he’s been trying to break since the beginning. He had refused to help her and tried to scare her away. Eventually she wore him down. In exchange for his help he wants her whenever, wherever, and however he wants. He thought that was enough to send her running. Instead he awoke something in her that was buried deep. Their chemistry is scorching, it’s an inferno. He makes her feel things she never knew she could feel. She does not know how to process it but she knows she wants him. On the other hand, she starts to become someone important because she just makes him feel alive. Will he give in to those feelings or push her away.
Jagger Cole took me on a whirlwind of emotions. It wasn’t just an emotional roller coaster, it was an elevator drop ride. I felt so bad for Evie. All she wants to do is help her dad and she’s willing to be with Vaughn to do it. I also felt bad for Vaughan because we always just saw him as a villain. We didn’t really understand him. I love that we got to see all his layers and discover just how much he’s willing to go for someone he loves. I was rooting for them since the beginning. I felt everything with their story. This will keep you on the edge of your seat, pacing, crying, laughing, or yelling at your book or devices. It is filled with drama, action, a lot, and I mean a lot of heat, humor, suspense, danger, and so many shocking unpredictable twists. This has been such an amazing series. Every couple was unique and amazing and every story was equally captivating. This is definitely a series I will never forget. Bravo. Standing ovation!
February 5, 2026
DANCE OF MONSTERS is the seventh instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult DARKEST DANCE dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is twenty-three year old dancer Evelina Nikitin, and head of the Obsidian Syndicate Vaughn Bancroft’s story line. DANCE OF MONSTERS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Evelina is the sister of roman Nikitin, and Vaughn is the brother of Val Bancroft (Dance of Defiance 5).
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Vaughn and Evelina) DANCE OF MONSTERS follows Evelina Nikitin as she struggles to find someone to bring her father back to America. Pavel Nikitin has been banished to Russia, and Evelina refuses to believe her father is the monster everyone claims him to be. Hoping Vaughn can bring her father home, Evelina wants to pledge her allegiance of the Obsidian Syndicate, where she will become the Acolyte to Vaughn’s Adept but all is not as it appears to be, Evelina is keeping a secret , and Vaughn’s own monsters hide behind a thinly veiled aura of power and control.
The world building is complex and detailed as Vaughn’s world continues to spiral out of control when the demons demand everything and more. Evelina is determined to bring her father home but in doing so makes a deal with the devil that could end both of their lives.The narrator is unreliable as to some of the story line events.
The relationship between Vaughn and Evelina is tempestuous at best. Vaughn is well aware that Evelina is in over her head, such that he becomes guardian and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love. Evelina doesn’t belong in the world of the Syndicate, but having grown up at part of the Russian Bratva Evelina knows that life isn’t always as it appears to be. Vaughn hides the darkest aspects of his personality, aspects that often driven our hero into a world of his own. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense, and not without some issues of consent.
There is a large ensemble cast of dark and brutal secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Vaughn’s brother Val, and Evelina’ brother Roman (Dance of Defiance 5), as well as Vaughn’s fellow members of the Syndicate: Gideon, Sebastian, Carson, and Vaughn’s friend Sabine Lourde. The requisite evil has many faces.
DANCE OF MONSTERS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, mental illness and struggles, dysfunctional families, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic, edgy and thought provoking; the romance is twisted and haunting; the characters are desperate, broken and tragic.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Vaughn and Evelina) DANCE OF MONSTERS follows Evelina Nikitin as she struggles to find someone to bring her father back to America. Pavel Nikitin has been banished to Russia, and Evelina refuses to believe her father is the monster everyone claims him to be. Hoping Vaughn can bring her father home, Evelina wants to pledge her allegiance of the Obsidian Syndicate, where she will become the Acolyte to Vaughn’s Adept but all is not as it appears to be, Evelina is keeping a secret , and Vaughn’s own monsters hide behind a thinly veiled aura of power and control.
The world building is complex and detailed as Vaughn’s world continues to spiral out of control when the demons demand everything and more. Evelina is determined to bring her father home but in doing so makes a deal with the devil that could end both of their lives.The narrator is unreliable as to some of the story line events.
The relationship between Vaughn and Evelina is tempestuous at best. Vaughn is well aware that Evelina is in over her head, such that he becomes guardian and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love. Evelina doesn’t belong in the world of the Syndicate, but having grown up at part of the Russian Bratva Evelina knows that life isn’t always as it appears to be. Vaughn hides the darkest aspects of his personality, aspects that often driven our hero into a world of his own. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense, and not without some issues of consent.
There is a large ensemble cast of dark and brutal secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Vaughn’s brother Val, and Evelina’ brother Roman (Dance of Defiance 5), as well as Vaughn’s fellow members of the Syndicate: Gideon, Sebastian, Carson, and Vaughn’s friend Sabine Lourde. The requisite evil has many faces.
DANCE OF MONSTERS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, mental illness and struggles, dysfunctional families, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic, edgy and thought provoking; the romance is twisted and haunting; the characters are desperate, broken and tragic.
copy supplied for review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dance of Monsters was not a book I simply read—it was a book I devoured.
I dropped everything for this story.
Whatever I was reading before this didn’t stand a chance, and I would do it again without hesitation. I’m incredibly grateful to Jagger Cole for sending me this ARC, because this book has officially earned a permanent place in my dark romance brain rot.
From the very beginning, the plot pulls you in with an almost suffocating sense of tension. There’s an underlying feeling of danger woven into every chapter, every interaction, every quiet moment. The world is dark, ruthless, and layered with power, trauma, and moral ambiguity that feels intentional rather than gratuitous. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about survival, control, fear, desire, and what happens when innocence collides with something monstrous and doesn’t turn away.
Evelina is a beautifully written FMC. She’s soft without being weak, graceful without being passive, and her strength unfolds gradually in a way that feels earned and realistic. She’s fiery, bold, and emotionally complex, and I loved watching her navigate a world far darker than anything she’s known while still holding onto herself. Her resilience never feels forced—it feels human.
And then there’s Vaughn Bancroft. Cold, controlled, morally gray, and utterly unforgettable. He commands every scene he’s in, and the restraint he shows—the barely contained obsession, the quiet intensity—makes him dangerous in the most intoxicating way. Jagger Cole absolutely nails what readers mean when they say “man written by a woman,” which made this even more impressive knowing this story is written by a male author. Vaughn is dark, dominant, and obsessive without being softened or excused, and I will never be normal about him.
The chemistry between Evelina and Vaughn is feral. It’s a slow burn, but razor-sharp and consuming, built on tension, power imbalance, fear, and undeniable pull. Every glance and silence feels charged with meaning. This is dark romance that leans into its darkness while still handling themes of consent, control, and trauma with care and intention.
The ending was haunting, satisfying, and emotionally heavy in the best way. I finished the book and immediately wanted to reread it. This was also my first dark romance ARC written by a male author, and I am genuinely impressed. Jagger Cole has earned my trust as a reader, and I will absolutely be picking up anything he writes next.
Highly recommend for dark romance readers who enjoy morally gray MMCs, strong and graceful FMCs, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
I dropped everything for this story.
Whatever I was reading before this didn’t stand a chance, and I would do it again without hesitation. I’m incredibly grateful to Jagger Cole for sending me this ARC, because this book has officially earned a permanent place in my dark romance brain rot.
From the very beginning, the plot pulls you in with an almost suffocating sense of tension. There’s an underlying feeling of danger woven into every chapter, every interaction, every quiet moment. The world is dark, ruthless, and layered with power, trauma, and moral ambiguity that feels intentional rather than gratuitous. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about survival, control, fear, desire, and what happens when innocence collides with something monstrous and doesn’t turn away.
Evelina is a beautifully written FMC. She’s soft without being weak, graceful without being passive, and her strength unfolds gradually in a way that feels earned and realistic. She’s fiery, bold, and emotionally complex, and I loved watching her navigate a world far darker than anything she’s known while still holding onto herself. Her resilience never feels forced—it feels human.
And then there’s Vaughn Bancroft. Cold, controlled, morally gray, and utterly unforgettable. He commands every scene he’s in, and the restraint he shows—the barely contained obsession, the quiet intensity—makes him dangerous in the most intoxicating way. Jagger Cole absolutely nails what readers mean when they say “man written by a woman,” which made this even more impressive knowing this story is written by a male author. Vaughn is dark, dominant, and obsessive without being softened or excused, and I will never be normal about him.
The chemistry between Evelina and Vaughn is feral. It’s a slow burn, but razor-sharp and consuming, built on tension, power imbalance, fear, and undeniable pull. Every glance and silence feels charged with meaning. This is dark romance that leans into its darkness while still handling themes of consent, control, and trauma with care and intention.
The ending was haunting, satisfying, and emotionally heavy in the best way. I finished the book and immediately wanted to reread it. This was also my first dark romance ARC written by a male author, and I am genuinely impressed. Jagger Cole has earned my trust as a reader, and I will absolutely be picking up anything he writes next.
Highly recommend for dark romance readers who enjoy morally gray MMCs, strong and graceful FMCs, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
February 5, 2026
Darkest Dance (Dance of Monsters #7) by Jagger Cole where to start with this final book in the series. The whole series is pure chaos, obsession, violence, and devotion and Darkest Dance is all the way in. It’s a brutal, obsessive, dark romance where monsters don’t get redeemed, they get matched.
Evelina, a mafia princess who we have met in previous books of the series, has so far been portrayed as innocent and somewhat naive. She knows that power is currency, loyalty is survival, betrayal is expected and monster’s rule. Vaughn is everything you would expect of a mafia leader. He’s dark, dangerous, feared by everyone. He fought his way to top from being nothing as a child to the leader of the syndicate. When Evie approaches the syndicate for help protecting her father, Vaughn tries to send her away but doesn’t count on her strength and resilience when she decides to join the syndicate, which includes getting through their initiation and facing her biggest fear.
What a journey Evie and Vaughn embark on. Vaughn wants Evie and she wants to hate him. But she’s drawn to the darkness in him because it mirrors her own. The chemistry between them is insanely hot, it feels dangerous and inevitable and I swear my kindle caught fire a few times. Vaughn’s the kind of man who doesn’t fall in love he fixates and from the moment he sees Evie, she becomes his obsession not in a sweet way but in a dangerous, inevitable, ruin your-life way and possessive that feels like a threat and a promise with no escape. Evie, wow she proves almost everything you thought you knew about her to be wrong. She has backbone, bite and refuses to break. She doesn’t soften him; she meets him in the dark.
Evie and Vaughn’s journey is action packed, with constant danger, escalating stakes with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Every chapter, every page feels like a countdown to something catastrophic. Darkest Dance is one of the most feral, unhinged, intense and emotionally loaded entries in the Dance of Monsters world. Beyond the violence and obsession, you get an intoxicating dark romance that delivers monsters who love like they kill — completely, violently, and without hesitation. I was just blown away by this whole series, and this finale was truly the icing on the cake.
Evelina, a mafia princess who we have met in previous books of the series, has so far been portrayed as innocent and somewhat naive. She knows that power is currency, loyalty is survival, betrayal is expected and monster’s rule. Vaughn is everything you would expect of a mafia leader. He’s dark, dangerous, feared by everyone. He fought his way to top from being nothing as a child to the leader of the syndicate. When Evie approaches the syndicate for help protecting her father, Vaughn tries to send her away but doesn’t count on her strength and resilience when she decides to join the syndicate, which includes getting through their initiation and facing her biggest fear.
What a journey Evie and Vaughn embark on. Vaughn wants Evie and she wants to hate him. But she’s drawn to the darkness in him because it mirrors her own. The chemistry between them is insanely hot, it feels dangerous and inevitable and I swear my kindle caught fire a few times. Vaughn’s the kind of man who doesn’t fall in love he fixates and from the moment he sees Evie, she becomes his obsession not in a sweet way but in a dangerous, inevitable, ruin your-life way and possessive that feels like a threat and a promise with no escape. Evie, wow she proves almost everything you thought you knew about her to be wrong. She has backbone, bite and refuses to break. She doesn’t soften him; she meets him in the dark.
Evie and Vaughn’s journey is action packed, with constant danger, escalating stakes with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Every chapter, every page feels like a countdown to something catastrophic. Darkest Dance is one of the most feral, unhinged, intense and emotionally loaded entries in the Dance of Monsters world. Beyond the violence and obsession, you get an intoxicating dark romance that delivers monsters who love like they kill — completely, violently, and without hesitation. I was just blown away by this whole series, and this finale was truly the icing on the cake.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In your head by MeemsAngel82
Jagger blew me away yet again! The twisty turns were amazing and the heat is high. This is a full book and features detailed characters in an interconnected mafia world. I have been reading Jagger for years and while this can be read as a standalone, I love connections and this world gives me just that. The writing is detailed as well and I get well rounded characters. I have been looking forward to Evie and Vaughn!! The two leads have some great steam but triggers are real so be aware of what you are reading. I was scrunching my eyebrows at one scene because I'm old fashioned and no, it isn't the scene you might think, lol! There are scenes to balance that out, like ones between siblings and when I get our two leads which is good enough-but then you add in their brothers?! Sign this girl up! I do love me some Val and Roman so yes, we get more of them!
She needs help and turns to him. He keeps trying to warn her off but she refuses. He'll show her every side he has, but he's surprised to find that she loves it. And she is too.
I have been waiting for this h's story! To have her paired with this H in particular?! Yes, please! I loved her innocence! The bulk of society is so casual about intimacy that it's quite scary at this point, her questioning some things was sweet and though embarrassing for her, delightful to me. He is a tough nut, however. His character is so hard and then you realize why. It had to have taken a strong back and mind to deal with what he did. And considering the power HE wields? Just what would the rest of us mortals do? The struggles he had in his mind he used to deal with for a long while. I wish the voices could have been resolved a little sooner so they had more time to talk things out. However...there is a reason for everything and don't doubt Jagger for a moment. Our author delivers and there is a definite, delicious method for his madness and I feel so blessed to be along for the ride. I received my ARC for free and happily volunteer to leave this review. I love his stories for many reasons including close family and friends, amazing world building and true love. Next up is a new series and as much as I am sad for this series to end I cannot wait for the next series!!
Jagger blew me away yet again! The twisty turns were amazing and the heat is high. This is a full book and features detailed characters in an interconnected mafia world. I have been reading Jagger for years and while this can be read as a standalone, I love connections and this world gives me just that. The writing is detailed as well and I get well rounded characters. I have been looking forward to Evie and Vaughn!! The two leads have some great steam but triggers are real so be aware of what you are reading. I was scrunching my eyebrows at one scene because I'm old fashioned and no, it isn't the scene you might think, lol! There are scenes to balance that out, like ones between siblings and when I get our two leads which is good enough-but then you add in their brothers?! Sign this girl up! I do love me some Val and Roman so yes, we get more of them!
She needs help and turns to him. He keeps trying to warn her off but she refuses. He'll show her every side he has, but he's surprised to find that she loves it. And she is too.
I have been waiting for this h's story! To have her paired with this H in particular?! Yes, please! I loved her innocence! The bulk of society is so casual about intimacy that it's quite scary at this point, her questioning some things was sweet and though embarrassing for her, delightful to me. He is a tough nut, however. His character is so hard and then you realize why. It had to have taken a strong back and mind to deal with what he did. And considering the power HE wields? Just what would the rest of us mortals do? The struggles he had in his mind he used to deal with for a long while. I wish the voices could have been resolved a little sooner so they had more time to talk things out. However...there is a reason for everything and don't doubt Jagger for a moment. Our author delivers and there is a definite, delicious method for his madness and I feel so blessed to be along for the ride. I received my ARC for free and happily volunteer to leave this review. I love his stories for many reasons including close family and friends, amazing world building and true love. Next up is a new series and as much as I am sad for this series to end I cannot wait for the next series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evalina was always the good girl, portrayed in previous books as being naive and sheltered, she is the embodiement of the fairytale princess. When her father is exiled to Russia, without any allies, she turns to the leader of the Syndicate, hoping that he will be willing to provide protection, he immediately turns her down, but she refuses to take no for an answer, which results in her pledging to join the elite society at the helm of the underworld. Little does she know that when she is initiated into the organization, he will unlock a side of her that she has never let herself consider, plunging her into his world of darkness, and making her question everything she thought she was, only to discover who she really is.
Vaughan is known as the unhinged leader of the Syndicate, but only a select few know the true darkness he buries within. Having been forced to claw his way up from nothing as a child, only to take over when he eliminated the previous Marquis, nothing has been off the table. When Evalina approaches him, he knows she needs to stay as far away from him as possible, but as she insists on initiating, he unlocks a darkness in her that matches his own, but can he really keep her without the other side of him resulting in both their destruction?
I received an early copy of this book from Valentine PR and absolutely adored it! While it wasn’t as ballet-focused as the other books in the series, it gave so much more that I didn’t even miss it. Vaughan and Evalina have always been outliers in the other book, and while they seemed like an unlikely pair, they couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. Evalina needed a partner who could force her out of her comfort zone, but still give her the power and control to set her own limits. By giving her a safe word and reminding her often she could end everything by using it, it forced her to decide for herself just how much she wanted and could handle. On the other hand, Vaughan needed someone who was strong enough to challenge him, while allowing him to dominate. Having been raised in the Bratva, Evalina knew how to be assertive, not allowing him to treat her like a doormat, and fight for what she wanted for herself, and for them as a “we”. The added dynamic of Val and Roman in this story made it even better.
Vaughan is known as the unhinged leader of the Syndicate, but only a select few know the true darkness he buries within. Having been forced to claw his way up from nothing as a child, only to take over when he eliminated the previous Marquis, nothing has been off the table. When Evalina approaches him, he knows she needs to stay as far away from him as possible, but as she insists on initiating, he unlocks a darkness in her that matches his own, but can he really keep her without the other side of him resulting in both their destruction?
I received an early copy of this book from Valentine PR and absolutely adored it! While it wasn’t as ballet-focused as the other books in the series, it gave so much more that I didn’t even miss it. Vaughan and Evalina have always been outliers in the other book, and while they seemed like an unlikely pair, they couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. Evalina needed a partner who could force her out of her comfort zone, but still give her the power and control to set her own limits. By giving her a safe word and reminding her often she could end everything by using it, it forced her to decide for herself just how much she wanted and could handle. On the other hand, Vaughan needed someone who was strong enough to challenge him, while allowing him to dominate. Having been raised in the Bratva, Evalina knew how to be assertive, not allowing him to treat her like a doormat, and fight for what she wanted for herself, and for them as a “we”. The added dynamic of Val and Roman in this story made it even better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While the previous installments of The Darkest Dance series established Evelina as the sheltered, porcelain princess of a Bratva dynasty, this book shatters that mold. Desperate to save her exiled father, she seeks an alliance with the most volatile man in the Syndicate : Vaughn.
Vaughn isn't just "dark"—he’s a legitimate psychopath whose reputation makes even the most hardened criminals flinch. Watching these two worlds collide at Club Venom is like watching a car crash in slow motion; you know it’s going to be messy, but you absolutely cannot look away.
𝑬𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂 :
The most satisfying element of this story is Evelina’s transformation. She starts as a girl who blushes at a suggestive whisper and ends as a woman who holds her own against a monster.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒆: Despite Vaughn’s terrifying attempts to intimidate her, Evie refuses to back down.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: Watching her trade her "princess" persona for someone who embraces her own desires (and a much filthier vocabulary) was a highlight.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 :
Vaughn is easily the most unhinged lead Cole has written to date—he makes characters like Carmine look tame by comparison. However, the story digs beneath his violent exterior:
• 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂 & 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈: We get a raw look at his childhood scars and his unconventional path toward psychological recovery.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆": True to the Jagger Cole brand, the intimacy is intense, frequent, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Check your triggers, because Vaughn is as aggressive in the bedroom as he is on the streets.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕 : 𝑨 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒕
The plot is a relentless rollercoaster. Just when you think you’ve predicted the next move, a twist occurs that will literally force you to put your Kindle down and take a breath. Between the cameos from Roman and Val and the suspicious behavior of Vaughn’s inner circle, the tension never lets up.
By the time the final page turns, the unconventional chaos of their beginning evolves into a strangely beautiful, hard-won devotion. If this is the precursor to the second-generation series coming this spring, consider me officially obsessed.
Vaughn isn't just "dark"—he’s a legitimate psychopath whose reputation makes even the most hardened criminals flinch. Watching these two worlds collide at Club Venom is like watching a car crash in slow motion; you know it’s going to be messy, but you absolutely cannot look away.
𝑬𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂 :
The most satisfying element of this story is Evelina’s transformation. She starts as a girl who blushes at a suggestive whisper and ends as a woman who holds her own against a monster.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒆: Despite Vaughn’s terrifying attempts to intimidate her, Evie refuses to back down.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: Watching her trade her "princess" persona for someone who embraces her own desires (and a much filthier vocabulary) was a highlight.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 :
Vaughn is easily the most unhinged lead Cole has written to date—he makes characters like Carmine look tame by comparison. However, the story digs beneath his violent exterior:
• 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂 & 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈: We get a raw look at his childhood scars and his unconventional path toward psychological recovery.
• 𝑻𝒉𝒆 "𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆": True to the Jagger Cole brand, the intimacy is intense, frequent, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Check your triggers, because Vaughn is as aggressive in the bedroom as he is on the streets.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕 : 𝑨 𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒕
The plot is a relentless rollercoaster. Just when you think you’ve predicted the next move, a twist occurs that will literally force you to put your Kindle down and take a breath. Between the cameos from Roman and Val and the suspicious behavior of Vaughn’s inner circle, the tension never lets up.
By the time the final page turns, the unconventional chaos of their beginning evolves into a strangely beautiful, hard-won devotion. If this is the precursor to the second-generation series coming this spring, consider me officially obsessed.
February 4, 2026
This one may be my favourite in the series so far and honestly it’s insane because I didn’t think I could like any book in this series more than I like Dance of Thorns.
The plot was exquisite, I love an enemies to lovers and forced proximity. She’s forced to beg for his help but ends up getting into even bigger trouble. Because one, she has to deal with his obsession with her, and two she is forced to make a terrible deal. The plot was amazing, I loved seeing their relationship progress despite the constant on and off at the beginning of the book. It was clear he could not resist staying detached for much longer, the guy was so whipped. The plot was such a shocker, especially the last 100 pages, that were filled with the craziest plot twists. I ate up every page of this masterpiece.
This book had my favourite mmc who is has skyrocketed up to the top for my book boyfriend list. Vaughn is very closed of at the start but it’s clear he was whipped and would kill anyone who looks at her weird let alone touch her. But that’s not the only reason, it’s mainly because of his trauma. The depths of this mmc is just incredible, he may not be exactly redeemable but his emotional scars and childhood trauma spoke to me and made me cry. They also developed his dissociative identity disorder (aka split personality disorder) and honestly it just made him even more of complex but loveable character, because his arguments with his head killed me inside. Truly this man just needed to be loved, or more specifically, needed a pink loving ballerina to barge into his life and love him.
Bringing us to our fmc, Evalina who is super sweet, and a really fun fmc. This book had a major corruption kink thing, because this book was every bit the innocent good girl x psycho bad boy trope. I loved seeing Val and Roman back again and all the other side characters. Sabrine was also such an interesting character and I would love to see her story. As for smut, Jagger Cole never holds back and I loved it despite Vaughn’s excessive use of the word “hole” for certain body parts.
If you love some somno, primal and gun play this book is for you, and I most definitely loved it and give it a 5/5
The plot was exquisite, I love an enemies to lovers and forced proximity. She’s forced to beg for his help but ends up getting into even bigger trouble. Because one, she has to deal with his obsession with her, and two she is forced to make a terrible deal. The plot was amazing, I loved seeing their relationship progress despite the constant on and off at the beginning of the book. It was clear he could not resist staying detached for much longer, the guy was so whipped. The plot was such a shocker, especially the last 100 pages, that were filled with the craziest plot twists. I ate up every page of this masterpiece.
This book had my favourite mmc who is has skyrocketed up to the top for my book boyfriend list. Vaughn is very closed of at the start but it’s clear he was whipped and would kill anyone who looks at her weird let alone touch her. But that’s not the only reason, it’s mainly because of his trauma. The depths of this mmc is just incredible, he may not be exactly redeemable but his emotional scars and childhood trauma spoke to me and made me cry. They also developed his dissociative identity disorder (aka split personality disorder) and honestly it just made him even more of complex but loveable character, because his arguments with his head killed me inside. Truly this man just needed to be loved, or more specifically, needed a pink loving ballerina to barge into his life and love him.
Bringing us to our fmc, Evalina who is super sweet, and a really fun fmc. This book had a major corruption kink thing, because this book was every bit the innocent good girl x psycho bad boy trope. I loved seeing Val and Roman back again and all the other side characters. Sabrine was also such an interesting character and I would love to see her story. As for smut, Jagger Cole never holds back and I loved it despite Vaughn’s excessive use of the word “hole” for certain body parts.
If you love some somno, primal and gun play this book is for you, and I most definitely loved it and give it a 5/5
February 5, 2026
When love meets the monster, where darkness meets light
Jagger Cole 👏 Come here, king 👑 you dropped this crown! What an unbelievable storyteller! I am in awe of the dedication and care you put into developing this story and this couple. Dance of Monsters is without question one of the darkest and most emotionally complex books in the Darkest Dance series 📚 and possibly the most unhinged and daring yet 😈
This story isn’t just about dark cravings, power, or desire, it’s about finding your identity. Vaughn is a man haunted by his own mind, fractured by past trauma, barely holding himself together through control and structure. Evie, on the other hand, begins as innocence wrapped in softness and light ✨ but beneath that gentleness lies a darkness she hasn’t fully claimed yet. Watching these two collide is mesmerizing and revealing.
What truly sets this book apart is how deeply it explores the internal battles of both characters. Vaughn’s struggle with his mental health is handled with intensity and care, while Evie’s journey is one of self discovery of questioning who she is, who she’s becoming, and whether embracing her darker desires means losing herself or finally finding herself. When she stops fighting that truth, she doesn’t just survive… she thrives 🔥
Their connection is an all- consuming, intense, and emotionally raw love that doesn’t make sense to outsiders, one that raises eyebrows and sparks concern, yet feels inevitable to them. There’s a strong Beauty and the Beast energy here, not in a fairy tale way, but in something far more primal. They don’t just soften each other, they understand each other.
Every interaction feels charged 💥 provocative 😋 and emotionally gripping ❤️🔥The tension is relentless, the chemistry explosive, and the stakes incredibly high.
Twist after twist after twist will have your jaw on the floor, prepare yourself for your mind to be blown away and revelations to leave you gasping.
1000% recommend this book 👏 it pushes boundaries, explores the mind, and delivers a love story as dangerous as it is devoted.
Dance of Monsters will absolutely consume you.
Jagger Cole 👏 Come here, king 👑 you dropped this crown! What an unbelievable storyteller! I am in awe of the dedication and care you put into developing this story and this couple. Dance of Monsters is without question one of the darkest and most emotionally complex books in the Darkest Dance series 📚 and possibly the most unhinged and daring yet 😈
This story isn’t just about dark cravings, power, or desire, it’s about finding your identity. Vaughn is a man haunted by his own mind, fractured by past trauma, barely holding himself together through control and structure. Evie, on the other hand, begins as innocence wrapped in softness and light ✨ but beneath that gentleness lies a darkness she hasn’t fully claimed yet. Watching these two collide is mesmerizing and revealing.
What truly sets this book apart is how deeply it explores the internal battles of both characters. Vaughn’s struggle with his mental health is handled with intensity and care, while Evie’s journey is one of self discovery of questioning who she is, who she’s becoming, and whether embracing her darker desires means losing herself or finally finding herself. When she stops fighting that truth, she doesn’t just survive… she thrives 🔥
Their connection is an all- consuming, intense, and emotionally raw love that doesn’t make sense to outsiders, one that raises eyebrows and sparks concern, yet feels inevitable to them. There’s a strong Beauty and the Beast energy here, not in a fairy tale way, but in something far more primal. They don’t just soften each other, they understand each other.
Every interaction feels charged 💥 provocative 😋 and emotionally gripping ❤️🔥The tension is relentless, the chemistry explosive, and the stakes incredibly high.
Twist after twist after twist will have your jaw on the floor, prepare yourself for your mind to be blown away and revelations to leave you gasping.
1000% recommend this book 👏 it pushes boundaries, explores the mind, and delivers a love story as dangerous as it is devoted.
Dance of Monsters will absolutely consume you.
Review of advance copy
𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
Jagger, what do you put in your books? I consumed this, devoured it, ate it and left no crumbs. Whatever you want to call it, I loved it and didn't want it to end.
I have wanted more on Evie since she was first introduced and once Vaughn made his appearance I was hoping and begging that he would be the one to break Evie, I mean break her out of her shell 🤭
Little miss innocent and pure Evie. Ms. Maaaaaaaammmmmm, you irritated me a little in the beginning but I love you, I love that you finally found your backbone, I love how you came in to yourself and I love how you love so unconditionally. You miss thang, you a dirty filthy little thing and have met your perfect match in Vaughn.
Vaughn is a man of mystery and really has so many layers to him. He comes off as this untouchable man but, man is he struggling mentally. The amount of trauma that he has experienced throughout his life really has caused some irreparable damage to him.
The banter between these two is spot on and I loved every bit of it. Their chemistry, I mean they have explosive undeniable chemistry. I love how they love each other in all that they are, they don't ask or want the other to change. Both can be 100% authentically themselves and know that they are loved fully no matter what and that would never change.
While I did have some ideas of the twists that were thrown in there, some I did not. UMMM hello Mr. or should I say two Mr.'s, back from the dead (IYKYK) and also that half brother and the revelation with all of that, mind blown, jaw on the floor, absolutely stunned.
Also can we take a round of applause for Vaughn's closest friends, they were absolutely hilarious with their joking around but there is also a comradery between them and bond that is unbreakable. I'm hoping they get their own books in the future.
I can not wait to see what Jagger gives us next!
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🖤 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🖤 Ballerina x Bratva
🖤 Forbidden
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Stalker
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
Jagger, what do you put in your books? I consumed this, devoured it, ate it and left no crumbs. Whatever you want to call it, I loved it and didn't want it to end.
I have wanted more on Evie since she was first introduced and once Vaughn made his appearance I was hoping and begging that he would be the one to break Evie, I mean break her out of her shell 🤭
Little miss innocent and pure Evie. Ms. Maaaaaaaammmmmm, you irritated me a little in the beginning but I love you, I love that you finally found your backbone, I love how you came in to yourself and I love how you love so unconditionally. You miss thang, you a dirty filthy little thing and have met your perfect match in Vaughn.
Vaughn is a man of mystery and really has so many layers to him. He comes off as this untouchable man but, man is he struggling mentally. The amount of trauma that he has experienced throughout his life really has caused some irreparable damage to him.
The banter between these two is spot on and I loved every bit of it. Their chemistry, I mean they have explosive undeniable chemistry. I love how they love each other in all that they are, they don't ask or want the other to change. Both can be 100% authentically themselves and know that they are loved fully no matter what and that would never change.
While I did have some ideas of the twists that were thrown in there, some I did not. UMMM hello Mr. or should I say two Mr.'s, back from the dead (IYKYK) and also that half brother and the revelation with all of that, mind blown, jaw on the floor, absolutely stunned.
Also can we take a round of applause for Vaughn's closest friends, they were absolutely hilarious with their joking around but there is also a comradery between them and bond that is unbreakable. I'm hoping they get their own books in the future.
I can not wait to see what Jagger gives us next!
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🖤 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🖤 Ballerina x Bratva
🖤 Forbidden
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Stalker
February 4, 2026
Oh my lord! Jagger seriously outdid himself again! Can I just say Vaughn is way more unhinged than Carmine ever was, and honestly Carmine looks tame next to him? JFC, this man is an absolute monster straight from hell. It took me a few days to get through this one because she’s THICK… like almost 600 pages thick! I was literally begging Jagger to give Evie her man, and wow did he deliver 😏 I was cracking up through chapter one. Our poor mafia princess turns into a whole tomato anytime anything related to S.E.X comes up, but everything flips the moment she goes to Vaughn for help, and let’s just say… he helped her match his freak. The spice was hell... SPICING 🥵 so seriously, check those TW/CW.
and I loved how Vaughn fell for her slowly while still being the ruthless king of his secret society. The way he peeled back her layers like an onion, while she had zero clue at first, was everything. And don’t even get me started on how I was grinning like an idiot every time he called her princess while still treating her like his queen. Some moments completely shocked me, while others had me sitting there like… yeah, that tracks.
Also, I have ALWAYS hated her dad because that man is a walking 🚩 and nothing will change my mind. And Jagger… I see you 😏 that was slick and I loved it. They got their HEA, and honestly, this series wrapped up with such a bang. Starting with a tattooed, unhinged, blue-eyed menace and ending with an even bigger menace was perfection 😍 I’m saying that with my entire heart because I loved them both so much!
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you, Jagger and VPR, for the opportunity.
and I loved how Vaughn fell for her slowly while still being the ruthless king of his secret society. The way he peeled back her layers like an onion, while she had zero clue at first, was everything. And don’t even get me started on how I was grinning like an idiot every time he called her princess while still treating her like his queen. Some moments completely shocked me, while others had me sitting there like… yeah, that tracks.
Also, I have ALWAYS hated her dad because that man is a walking 🚩 and nothing will change my mind. And Jagger… I see you 😏 that was slick and I loved it. They got their HEA, and honestly, this series wrapped up with such a bang. Starting with a tattooed, unhinged, blue-eyed menace and ending with an even bigger menace was perfection 😍 I’m saying that with my entire heart because I loved them both so much!
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you, Jagger and VPR, for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy
Evelina is on the hunt for someone that will help her father. He's been ostracized, alone, and begging for help after his most recent attack on the family had him shipped off to Russia. She isn't sure how she feels about him, but she knows she doesn't want him dead. Her search puts her in the path of the Syndicate, and she'll do anything she can to become one of them and gain their protection for her dad.
*****
Sooooo I loved this one and I'm not sure what that says about me. If you're new to the genre, read those topic warnings clearly because this is heaaaaaavy on the S/m and has ample CNC throughout. If you're a dark romance lover like me, this will be absolute *chef's kiss*.
I loved that Vaughn was so twisted. His dark proclivities and mental health disorder together just made him so incredibly interesting, while also being just a messed up dude with ample secrets. Layering in his love for corruption and Evelina being the most pure of mafia princesses and it was bound to be explosive. I loved their on-page chemistry, and also how they changed for the better for each other and for themselves.
Vaughn softened for her, Evelina grew a backbone for him, and that gentle expansion of their characters was everything. I also really enjoyed that they stayed true to their BDSM core of how they experienced their intimacy together, and didn't change it once feelings developed. So many darker romances soften in that aspect, when the mutual enjoyment of that dynamic is usually what brought them together in the first place.
Also that twist? Wiiiiiild! I sort of figured it out, but I was questioning myself right up until the reveal and conclusion. All in all I loved this one, and am planning on going back and reading more of the authors works.
*****
Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
Sooooo I loved this one and I'm not sure what that says about me. If you're new to the genre, read those topic warnings clearly because this is heaaaaaavy on the S/m and has ample CNC throughout. If you're a dark romance lover like me, this will be absolute *chef's kiss*.
I loved that Vaughn was so twisted. His dark proclivities and mental health disorder together just made him so incredibly interesting, while also being just a messed up dude with ample secrets. Layering in his love for corruption and Evelina being the most pure of mafia princesses and it was bound to be explosive. I loved their on-page chemistry, and also how they changed for the better for each other and for themselves.
Vaughn softened for her, Evelina grew a backbone for him, and that gentle expansion of their characters was everything. I also really enjoyed that they stayed true to their BDSM core of how they experienced their intimacy together, and didn't change it once feelings developed. So many darker romances soften in that aspect, when the mutual enjoyment of that dynamic is usually what brought them together in the first place.
Also that twist? Wiiiiiild! I sort of figured it out, but I was questioning myself right up until the reveal and conclusion. All in all I loved this one, and am planning on going back and reading more of the authors works.
*****
Thank you to Valentine PR for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I flew through this book in one sitting. Jagger’s writing style is so captivating that it’s impossible to put down. His universe is also deeply intertwined, so you get appearances from characters you don’t expect, which makes the reading experience even richer.
Vaughn is the classic broody MMC who has no time for love or feelings. But once Evie walks into a situation she absolutely should not have been involved in, she lands firmly on his radar and never leaves. He even tells her that isn’t a good thing.
When Evie asks for his help joining the Obsidian Syndicate, Vaughn immediately shuts her down, convinced she couldn’t handle it. She’s often painted as a pink princess, but Evie has a backbone and never backs down. The strength she shows when standing up to Vaughn was impressive. Every time he tries to break her, she just wants more.
Vaughn ended up being far more layered than I expected. The trauma and baggage he carries shaped who he is, but it’s also what draws Evie and him together. Watching those walls crack was incredibly satisfying.
Throughout the book, we also get moments with Evie’s ballet friends, and seeing them witness her growth was entertaining. Of course, there’s plenty of Val and Roman, but we’re also introduced to Vaughn’s friends, who were just as intriguing.
I knew going in that there would be twists and unexpected information, but there was even more than I anticipated. The overall story and ending hit at the same level I’ve come to expect from a Jagger book, and it absolutely delivered. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
She's playing games with a hunter. but I'm not sure she's fully realized yet how very much the prey she is.
Vaughn is the classic broody MMC who has no time for love or feelings. But once Evie walks into a situation she absolutely should not have been involved in, she lands firmly on his radar and never leaves. He even tells her that isn’t a good thing.
When Evie asks for his help joining the Obsidian Syndicate, Vaughn immediately shuts her down, convinced she couldn’t handle it. She’s often painted as a pink princess, but Evie has a backbone and never backs down. The strength she shows when standing up to Vaughn was impressive. Every time he tries to break her, she just wants more.
Vaughn ended up being far more layered than I expected. The trauma and baggage he carries shaped who he is, but it’s also what draws Evie and him together. Watching those walls crack was incredibly satisfying.
Throughout the book, we also get moments with Evie’s ballet friends, and seeing them witness her growth was entertaining. Of course, there’s plenty of Val and Roman, but we’re also introduced to Vaughn’s friends, who were just as intriguing.
I knew going in that there would be twists and unexpected information, but there was even more than I anticipated. The overall story and ending hit at the same level I’ve come to expect from a Jagger book, and it absolutely delivered. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
She's playing games with a hunter. but I'm not sure she's fully realized yet how very much the prey she is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews