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Venomous Gods #1
Toxic Love
A blisteringly steamy, Dark Mafia, Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience standalone romance by bestselling author, Jagger Cole.
I tried to outsmart the King of Sin. Now, I’m his.
Brutal, cold, and illegally gorgeous, Dante Sartorre isn’t just mafia royalty. He’s also the tyrant owner of the infamously deviant and members-only Club Venom.
He’s also my new husband.
In my defense, I wasn’t supposed to be the bride. But I sealed my fate when I saved my friend: by signing the Venom Devil’s marriage contract myself.
Now, he owns me. All of me…
But Dante thinks I’ll play the part of the obedient little bride he needs in order to keep his club. And he swears he’ll rip out every dark secret and bring me to my knees if I don’t.
Little does he know, this marriage has an expiration date.
And so do I.
You see, it’s not just the simmering heat between us that’s toxic. It’s not just the way I can’t decide if I want to geld him or lose myself in him.
It’s my blood and the secret sickness inside of me that’s poisonous, too.
So if you choose to know our story, you must know three things:
This is not a fairytale.
Dante is the Anti-Prince Charming.
And my name is Tempest Black, and I die at the end.
Toxic Love is a standalone dark mafia, marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, untamable heroine, and an ultra possessive hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. This is the explosive start to the Venomous Gods mafia series. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
I tried to outsmart the King of Sin. Now, I’m his.
Brutal, cold, and illegally gorgeous, Dante Sartorre isn’t just mafia royalty. He’s also the tyrant owner of the infamously deviant and members-only Club Venom.
He’s also my new husband.
In my defense, I wasn’t supposed to be the bride. But I sealed my fate when I saved my friend: by signing the Venom Devil’s marriage contract myself.
Now, he owns me. All of me…
But Dante thinks I’ll play the part of the obedient little bride he needs in order to keep his club. And he swears he’ll rip out every dark secret and bring me to my knees if I don’t.
Little does he know, this marriage has an expiration date.
And so do I.
You see, it’s not just the simmering heat between us that’s toxic. It’s not just the way I can’t decide if I want to geld him or lose myself in him.
It’s my blood and the secret sickness inside of me that’s poisonous, too.
So if you choose to know our story, you must know three things:
This is not a fairytale.
Dante is the Anti-Prince Charming.
And my name is Tempest Black, and I die at the end.
Toxic Love is a standalone dark mafia, marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart, untamable heroine, and an ultra possessive hero with "look at her and I'll unalive you" energy. This is the explosive start to the Venomous Gods mafia series. Readers are advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2024
About the author
Jagger Cole
48 books2,419 followersA reader first and foremost, Jagger Cole cut his romance writing teeth penning various fan-fiction stories years ago. After deciding to hang up his writing boots, Jagger worked in advertising pretending to be Don Draper. It worked enough to convince a woman way out of his league to marry him, though, which is a total win.
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
Now, Dad to two little princesses and King to a Queen, Jagger is thrilled to be back at the keyboard.
When not writing or reading romance books, he can be found woodworking, enjoying good whiskey, and grilling outside—rain or shine.
You can find all of his books at www.jaggercolewrites.com
Grab a FREE book for joining my fans-only newsletter! -> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8rld1ik3sd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
January 11, 2024
With nothing to lose, Tempest Black takes the place of her, barely-legal, aunt in an arranged marriage to Dante Sartorre.
Despite neither of them wanting to be married, their attraction is undeniable. But building something real will prove difficult with so many secrets to tear them apart.
With a twist on the standard mafia arranged marriage/marriage of convenience, Toxic Love hit all the right spots. I liked the unpredictability combined with witty banter, great chemistry, and Tempest’s gallows humor.
This was only my second Jagger Cole book and I’m glad I went for a second. I enjoyed everything about the couple and story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😲😬🤭🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark,
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Enemies to Lovers, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Marriage of Convenience
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀
💋 Kinks: Angel Wings, Blindfold, Bondage/Restraints, Domination, Finger Licking Good, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: Suìçídal Thoughts (Past), Unaliving, Vìolençė, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Toxic Love is part of the Venomous Gods series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Despite neither of them wanting to be married, their attraction is undeniable. But building something real will prove difficult with so many secrets to tear them apart.
With a twist on the standard mafia arranged marriage/marriage of convenience, Toxic Love hit all the right spots. I liked the unpredictability combined with witty banter, great chemistry, and Tempest’s gallows humor.
This was only my second Jagger Cole book and I’m glad I went for a second. I enjoyed everything about the couple and story.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶🩶🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😲😬🤭🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark,
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (10), Enemies to Lovers, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Marriage of Convenience
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀
💋 Kinks: Angel Wings, Blindfold, Bondage/Restraints, Domination, Finger Licking Good, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: Suìçídal Thoughts (Past), Unaliving, Vìolençė, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Toxic Love is part of the Venomous Gods series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
January 11, 2024
Well, this is gonna be a good series. What a wild ride, as usual!
Jagger Cole knows how to suck me in, every single time. I was so glad to get my hands on Toxic Love. The start of a new series in the Jagger Cole mafia universe. Dante and Tempest are a powerhouse couple by the end of this story. They start in a very hateful place but as the story unraveled, it was great to watch them fall in love.
Dante Sartorre is supposed to marry an 18 year old in an arranged marriage. He's promised he would and he must do it to save his club (yes, the club you are familiar with if you've read Dark Hearts). Tempest is the niece of said 18 year old (it's complicated), and she has nothing to lose. She is determined to make sure that marriage doesn't happen and instead inserts herself.
Dante and Tempest has crazy chemistry in this one. Starting as anger and distrust, there are some secrets from Dante's past that have to do with her family. So it's hard to see past that animosity for quite a while. Which leads to lots of hateful love-making at different times.
I was also VERY curious how the big pronouncement: Tempest will die at the end, was gonna play out. I knew the promise that this is a romance and ends in a HEA, so I let the author take me on the ride. But because I knew this HEA couldn't end in death, I had my eye out for loopholes. That had me turning pages and pushing on until I could find the answer. She is ill for the whole book at it seemed like we might have a ticking clock... you'll have to see if you can figure it out too.
There were also some very touching moments that helped me get to know some of the side characters better and have me intrigued for future books in the series. I can't wait to see where Venomous Gods goes next.
4.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Sexual assault, murder, terminal illness, drug abuse leading to overdose (side character)
Jagger Cole knows how to suck me in, every single time. I was so glad to get my hands on Toxic Love. The start of a new series in the Jagger Cole mafia universe. Dante and Tempest are a powerhouse couple by the end of this story. They start in a very hateful place but as the story unraveled, it was great to watch them fall in love.
Dante Sartorre is supposed to marry an 18 year old in an arranged marriage. He's promised he would and he must do it to save his club (yes, the club you are familiar with if you've read Dark Hearts). Tempest is the niece of said 18 year old (it's complicated), and she has nothing to lose. She is determined to make sure that marriage doesn't happen and instead inserts herself.
Dante and Tempest has crazy chemistry in this one. Starting as anger and distrust, there are some secrets from Dante's past that have to do with her family. So it's hard to see past that animosity for quite a while. Which leads to lots of hateful love-making at different times.
I was also VERY curious how the big pronouncement: Tempest will die at the end, was gonna play out. I knew the promise that this is a romance and ends in a HEA, so I let the author take me on the ride. But because I knew this HEA couldn't end in death, I had my eye out for loopholes. That had me turning pages and pushing on until I could find the answer. She is ill for the whole book at it seemed like we might have a ticking clock... you'll have to see if you can figure it out too.
There were also some very touching moments that helped me get to know some of the side characters better and have me intrigued for future books in the series. I can't wait to see where Venomous Gods goes next.
4.5 Stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Sexual assault, murder, terminal illness, drug abuse leading to overdose (side character)
January 12, 2024
4,25⭐️
Oh my god, a new series from Jagger Cole and it couldn´t start a better way.
This may be one of my favourites books of her.
Tempest has become one of my favorites characters, i love the way that she is and her story (even when it broke me) and the way that Dante helped healing her??? WHat could be better? The next books in this series please.
I´M SO OBSSESED THIS THIS WORLD, THIS CHARACTERS, THIS AUTHOR AND EVERYTHING THAT SHE DOES.
I can´t wait to read the next book in this series, i know i´m going to love it.
Thanks to Valentine Pr for the Arc.
Oh my god, a new series from Jagger Cole and it couldn´t start a better way.
This may be one of my favourites books of her.
Tempest has become one of my favorites characters, i love the way that she is and her story (even when it broke me) and the way that Dante helped healing her??? WHat could be better? The next books in this series please.
I´M SO OBSSESED THIS THIS WORLD, THIS CHARACTERS, THIS AUTHOR AND EVERYTHING THAT SHE DOES.
I can´t wait to read the next book in this series, i know i´m going to love it.
Thanks to Valentine Pr for the Arc.
January 6, 2024
This was without a doubt a 5 STAR read!!
What a way to start a series. I have always loved Jagger Cole, but this book just became my favourite of his.
The plot of this book is nothing short of incredible, it kept me guessing every page!
Tempest is an absolute badass but with so much softness to her to she was the perfect FMC and the dynamic between her and Dante was nothing short of ELECTRIC.
Ok so quick break down of the book!
Dante needs to save his club and in order to do so has been told he needs to marry the young 18 year old of the Black family, however Tempest sacrifices herself (for reasons that come to light later!!! 😱😱😱)
So they begin the marriage/ business arrangement. During this time they are both on the hunt for the disgusting men that make up the group called the Apex for seperate reasons.
I can not tell you how much I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. It had me in a CHOKEHOLD!
Oh and of course, the spice? Always top tier 🔥🔥🔥🔥
What a way to start a series. I have always loved Jagger Cole, but this book just became my favourite of his.
The plot of this book is nothing short of incredible, it kept me guessing every page!
Tempest is an absolute badass but with so much softness to her to she was the perfect FMC and the dynamic between her and Dante was nothing short of ELECTRIC.
Ok so quick break down of the book!
Dante needs to save his club and in order to do so has been told he needs to marry the young 18 year old of the Black family, however Tempest sacrifices herself (for reasons that come to light later!!! 😱😱😱)
So they begin the marriage/ business arrangement. During this time they are both on the hunt for the disgusting men that make up the group called the Apex for seperate reasons.
I can not tell you how much I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. It had me in a CHOKEHOLD!
Oh and of course, the spice? Always top tier 🔥🔥🔥🔥
January 18, 2024
Toxic Love by Jagger Cole is a thrilling start to the Venomous Gods series that combines mafia intrigue, enemies-to-lovers romance, and intense passion. The author skillfully weaves suspense and angst into the story of 24 y.o. Tempest Black and 34 y.o. Dante Sartorre.
Tempest and Dante both have internal struggles, but they also face external obstacles that complicate their relationship and make it seem impossible. Every interaction between them is charged with intense emotion. However, while the book delivers on fiery passion, the love between Tempest and Dante feels somewhat lacking in depth. I felt that important conversations and topics should have been discussed earlier, but their physical desires often got in the way, which was frustrating. Despite this, the story is engaging and I was eager to see how they would achieve their happily ever after. Overall, Toxic Love is a promising start to the series, and I can't wait to see what Jagger Cole has in store for the next book.
Dual POV
Safe enough for me -
Trigger Warning:
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tempest and Dante both have internal struggles, but they also face external obstacles that complicate their relationship and make it seem impossible. Every interaction between them is charged with intense emotion. However, while the book delivers on fiery passion, the love between Tempest and Dante feels somewhat lacking in depth. I felt that important conversations and topics should have been discussed earlier, but their physical desires often got in the way, which was frustrating. Despite this, the story is engaging and I was eager to see how they would achieve their happily ever after. Overall, Toxic Love is a promising start to the series, and I can't wait to see what Jagger Cole has in store for the next book.
Dual POV
Safe enough for me -
Trigger Warning:
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2024
What an absolutely INCREDIBLE start to a brand new series! To say I'm obsessed and in love and in need of more is an understatement! Jagger Cole never disappoints and I honestly refuse leaving my Jagger Cole and his dark and mafia romance any time soon. Nope, not happening. 🖤
Toxic Love may be my favourite by this author so far, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. And while you're at it, please make sure to read his other books, too, because they are absolutely *chef's kiss* 🤌🏻
Dante Sartorre is... a man. Damn, what a man he is. 🔥
He's insanely gorgeous, very smart and dangerous, and the one and only owner of Club Venom. Due to some issues with the existence of his club, Dante is ready to enter into a useful business arrangement, aka a marriage. A small inconvenience, though? His bride's-to-be family loathes him. Not that he cares much about it, to be honest.
What Mr. Dante himself didn't expect at all was being outsmarted by Ms. Tempest Black, who purposefully signed the blood marker and got herself tied to the King of Sin as his wife. The good thing for Ms. Tempest, however? She won't be his wife for long. 👀
I absolutely adore Tempest. She's incredibly strong and loyal towards people she cares about the most. But what I also love about her is her fiery and sassy personality; she isn't afraid to be her true self, and most importantly, she most certainly isn't afraid to use her smart mouth on the brutal Dante Sartorre. Would it get her into trouble? Perhaps. Does it ever stop her? Not at all. 😏
Dante and Tempest's dynamics is top notch and I adore so so much everything about them! They're both such strong characters, they're stubborn, they have the best cute and funny moments, and the chemistry between them is just WOW 😮💨
I love the way Dante treats Tempest; he's possessive of her in the best way, he's funny, he's romantic. He gives the best "my wife" moments, and the spice here? My oh my! 🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
As always, Jagger delivers the best plot and story with amazing characters, filled with twists and turns you don't see coming and I. AM. ABSOLUTELY. HERE FOR IT. ALL!! 🖤
There's not a single thing I didn't like about this book, I devoured it and I want more.
I cannot wait for what the author has in store for us next, but I am definitely already counting the days.
Thank you so much Valentine PR and Jagger Cole for the ARC of this book! 💗
-----------------------------------------------------
More than 5 stars! 🥹😍 this Jagger Cole era is incredible! What a fantastic start to a new series! 🖤🖤🖤 RTC soon.
Toxic Love may be my favourite by this author so far, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. And while you're at it, please make sure to read his other books, too, because they are absolutely *chef's kiss* 🤌🏻
Dante Sartorre is... a man. Damn, what a man he is. 🔥
He's insanely gorgeous, very smart and dangerous, and the one and only owner of Club Venom. Due to some issues with the existence of his club, Dante is ready to enter into a useful business arrangement, aka a marriage. A small inconvenience, though? His bride's-to-be family loathes him. Not that he cares much about it, to be honest.
What Mr. Dante himself didn't expect at all was being outsmarted by Ms. Tempest Black, who purposefully signed the blood marker and got herself tied to the King of Sin as his wife. The good thing for Ms. Tempest, however? She won't be his wife for long. 👀
I absolutely adore Tempest. She's incredibly strong and loyal towards people she cares about the most. But what I also love about her is her fiery and sassy personality; she isn't afraid to be her true self, and most importantly, she most certainly isn't afraid to use her smart mouth on the brutal Dante Sartorre. Would it get her into trouble? Perhaps. Does it ever stop her? Not at all. 😏
Dante and Tempest's dynamics is top notch and I adore so so much everything about them! They're both such strong characters, they're stubborn, they have the best cute and funny moments, and the chemistry between them is just WOW 😮💨
I love the way Dante treats Tempest; he's possessive of her in the best way, he's funny, he's romantic. He gives the best "my wife" moments, and the spice here? My oh my! 🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
As always, Jagger delivers the best plot and story with amazing characters, filled with twists and turns you don't see coming and I. AM. ABSOLUTELY. HERE FOR IT. ALL!! 🖤
There's not a single thing I didn't like about this book, I devoured it and I want more.
I cannot wait for what the author has in store for us next, but I am definitely already counting the days.
Thank you so much Valentine PR and Jagger Cole for the ARC of this book! 💗
-----------------------------------------------------
More than 5 stars! 🥹😍 this Jagger Cole era is incredible! What a fantastic start to a new series! 🖤🖤🖤 RTC soon.
Read
January 17, 2024Dnf @54%
Idk if I'm over reacting or not but I honestly don't want details on orgies happening around her when she goes to sex club and getting turned on by it. This is after she's been intimate with H (who is the owner of that sex club btw)
And honestly im also missing the connection between MCs too. They've already fucked but I can't feel the chemistry between them since they would fuck and literally wouldn't talk to each other for few weeks. They are married but they sleep in separate bedrooms and H is very content with that, he even prefers it. He is definitely not possessive or obsessed at all.
She's also told him her secret but where was the angst? I feel like it was revealed too soon bc H reaction was literally like - "oh so you're gonna die in the six months or something. Damn that's sad but yeah" I mean he didn't exactly said that but this is what I felt with his reaction lol.
Idk if I'm over reacting or not but I honestly don't want details on orgies happening around her when she goes to sex club and getting turned on by it. This is after she's been intimate with H (who is the owner of that sex club btw)
And honestly im also missing the connection between MCs too. They've already fucked but I can't feel the chemistry between them since they would fuck and literally wouldn't talk to each other for few weeks. They are married but they sleep in separate bedrooms and H is very content with that, he even prefers it. He is definitely not possessive or obsessed at all.
She's also told him her secret but where was the angst? I feel like it was revealed too soon bc H reaction was literally like - "oh so you're gonna die in the six months or something. Damn that's sad but yeah" I mean he didn't exactly said that but this is what I felt with his reaction lol.
January 11, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
So I don't know that I can necessarily put my finger on it, but I just have a hard time connecting with Jagger Cole's books. This is the second one I tried that I'm fairly certain all my reading buddies will love, but I just couldn't get there and it made it feel like it was dragging a bit. There were definitely things about the story I loved. LOVED having a goth heroine, lol. Especially paired with a guy who was definitely into fashion. I loved the twist on the arranged marriage and thought it was really original. Their relationship was both fiery and spicy from the start, but I enjoyed how neither of them took cr@p from the other. Like I said, I *should've* liked it, just can't pinpoint why not. Maybe I'll give him one last go down the line.
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
So I don't know that I can necessarily put my finger on it, but I just have a hard time connecting with Jagger Cole's books. This is the second one I tried that I'm fairly certain all my reading buddies will love, but I just couldn't get there and it made it feel like it was dragging a bit. There were definitely things about the story I loved. LOVED having a goth heroine, lol. Especially paired with a guy who was definitely into fashion. I loved the twist on the arranged marriage and thought it was really original. Their relationship was both fiery and spicy from the start, but I enjoyed how neither of them took cr@p from the other. Like I said, I *should've* liked it, just can't pinpoint why not. Maybe I'll give him one last go down the line.
January 14, 2024
Okokokokokok!!! WOWWWW!!!
Did me and Jagger Cole just become bffs? I think we did😭
This book was absolute enemies to lovers, mafia adjacent, fake marriage PERFECTION.
Dante is a MAN. Okay?!
Even though is not directly in the mafia, he’s associated and powerful. He’s also running a kinky smex club for NY’s elite. After some stuck up snobs take issue with it, he has to enter into a business arrangement (marriage).
However, the family he has to enter it with is a family that can’t stand him.
& that’s where we meet the fierce, fiery, smart & cunning Tempest. Goddddd I loved this woman!! She’s the epitome of she says what she wants and never holds back on words for whoever needs them.
They collide and boy is it TENSION and HOTNESS at its finest.
This book has everything. Plot, hot as hell sex scenes, family secrets, suspense.. twists and turns. THIS WAS PERFECT.
Thank you Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for giving me this as an ARC.
BRB, about to drop a small fortune on this authors backlist 🤭🥰
Did me and Jagger Cole just become bffs? I think we did😭
This book was absolute enemies to lovers, mafia adjacent, fake marriage PERFECTION.
Dante is a MAN. Okay?!
Even though is not directly in the mafia, he’s associated and powerful. He’s also running a kinky smex club for NY’s elite. After some stuck up snobs take issue with it, he has to enter into a business arrangement (marriage).
However, the family he has to enter it with is a family that can’t stand him.
& that’s where we meet the fierce, fiery, smart & cunning Tempest. Goddddd I loved this woman!! She’s the epitome of she says what she wants and never holds back on words for whoever needs them.
They collide and boy is it TENSION and HOTNESS at its finest.
This book has everything. Plot, hot as hell sex scenes, family secrets, suspense.. twists and turns. THIS WAS PERFECT.
Thank you Jagger Cole and Valentine PR for giving me this as an ARC.
BRB, about to drop a small fortune on this authors backlist 🤭🥰
March 14, 2024
Dante’s brow cocks with a warning look. “That constant need to test me…” he growls darkly. “It’s going to get you in fucking trouble.” “Is that a promise?” Spoiler: it totally is.
It's just the beginning of this series and I'm already addicted! Dante & Tempest were one hell of a crazy match and I couldn't get enough of them together! Tempest didn't have an easy life but her family was what she valued the most so she purposely put herself in Dante's path to save her aunt from her fate. Dante was a surprise, he had a lot more to his personality than he revealed and I just loved him so much for the things he did for Tempest and just everyone dear to him! I was going to rate this book four stars but the last half of the book made me change my mind because I loved the way Dante & Tempest's relationship evolved and they grew so comfortable around each other. The story was mind-blowing and there were quite a few shocking turns that blindsided me and I had to put the book down for a moment to process the shock. Overall, I enjoy reading this book. It was quite unpredictable, thrilling and the romance was fantastic! Can't wait to read Alistair's book next!
It's just the beginning of this series and I'm already addicted! Dante & Tempest were one hell of a crazy match and I couldn't get enough of them together! Tempest didn't have an easy life but her family was what she valued the most so she purposely put herself in Dante's path to save her aunt from her fate. Dante was a surprise, he had a lot more to his personality than he revealed and I just loved him so much for the things he did for Tempest and just everyone dear to him! I was going to rate this book four stars but the last half of the book made me change my mind because I loved the way Dante & Tempest's relationship evolved and they grew so comfortable around each other. The story was mind-blowing and there were quite a few shocking turns that blindsided me and I had to put the book down for a moment to process the shock. Overall, I enjoy reading this book. It was quite unpredictable, thrilling and the romance was fantastic! Can't wait to read Alistair's book next!
January 16, 2024
3.5 - 4 stars!
Toxic Love is the first book in the Venomous Gods series and features Tempest and Dante. Tempest takes the place of her very young aunt and marries Dante in an arranged marriage. Neither of them wanted to get married but the circumstances required it and they'll have to make the best of it.
However, how can they build a marriage with so many secrets between the two of them. Will they come out stronger or fold under all the deception?
As usual, Jagger gives us great steam, great action and some pretty stellar twists and turns. I loved Dante and his whole "mine" and "touch her and die" attitude. Tempest...well I found her to be a little annoying at times because if she had just been honest and not quite so angry all the time, I think their relationship would have felt deeper. Overall, a solid start to what I think is going to be a good series. I look forward to the next story!!
Toxic Love is the first book in the Venomous Gods series and features Tempest and Dante. Tempest takes the place of her very young aunt and marries Dante in an arranged marriage. Neither of them wanted to get married but the circumstances required it and they'll have to make the best of it.
However, how can they build a marriage with so many secrets between the two of them. Will they come out stronger or fold under all the deception?
As usual, Jagger gives us great steam, great action and some pretty stellar twists and turns. I loved Dante and his whole "mine" and "touch her and die" attitude. Tempest...well I found her to be a little annoying at times because if she had just been honest and not quite so angry all the time, I think their relationship would have felt deeper. Overall, a solid start to what I think is going to be a good series. I look forward to the next story!!
January 12, 2024
What a way to start a new series! I fell into a deep dive of Jagger Cole books last year and I looooved this one about Dante and Tempest. Dante is the owner of the infamous Club Venom which features in the Dark Hearts series. Tempest is the younger sister of the Black brothers (the lawyers that Taylor and Elsa work for).
Dante needs to save his club and to do so, he needs a wife. What will happen when Tempest wrongfully signs a blood marker and becomes the wife of the King of Sin….
I absolutely loved the plot of this book. It kept me guessing the whole way through. During the course of the book, they have the same end goal but for seperate reasons which come to light as the book progresses. As always with Jagger Cole books, there are twists and turns. This book was also emotional which really added to Dante and Tempest’s journey.
I loved Dante in this book; his character was so much more than how he had been portrayed in the other series. He was so bloody funny, his possessiveness and the ‘my wife’ moments killed me. Tempest was AMAZING. She was feisty and such a badass but had this absolute softness to her. Her story broke my heart and I love love loved how Dante healed her and set her free. Their chemistry was ELECTRIC ⚡️ and they are the proof that opposites do really attract.
I loved this a lot and it was such a great start to a series. I cannot wait for the rest!
5 ⭐️/ 3.5 🌶️
Dante needs to save his club and to do so, he needs a wife. What will happen when Tempest wrongfully signs a blood marker and becomes the wife of the King of Sin….
I absolutely loved the plot of this book. It kept me guessing the whole way through. During the course of the book, they have the same end goal but for seperate reasons which come to light as the book progresses. As always with Jagger Cole books, there are twists and turns. This book was also emotional which really added to Dante and Tempest’s journey.
I loved Dante in this book; his character was so much more than how he had been portrayed in the other series. He was so bloody funny, his possessiveness and the ‘my wife’ moments killed me. Tempest was AMAZING. She was feisty and such a badass but had this absolute softness to her. Her story broke my heart and I love love loved how Dante healed her and set her free. Their chemistry was ELECTRIC ⚡️ and they are the proof that opposites do really attract.
I loved this a lot and it was such a great start to a series. I cannot wait for the rest!
5 ⭐️/ 3.5 🌶️
February 12, 2024
Thank you PR Valentine for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are so many points that were brushed away. So many details we were introduced to only have it wrapped with a pretty bow in the most on the nose way. Like this person was supposed to be unalive and now they are alive and we just brush it off and never get an explanation. Ok!
Not only that, but is this a fantasy world? Because I know that in real life, one person could not just go around and unalive people repeatedly and we never hear once of an investigation. I know it’s a mafia romance, but come on…
Don’t even get me started on the romance. We have hate sex twice and now every five minutes I read “you’re my wife”, “she’s my wife”. Sir… relax! Y’all didn’t even go through anything yet. Where’s all the love coming from?
And the repetition… some of it was necessary to confirm the plot, but other repetitions were not needed at all…
Long story short, I believe that this is one of those books that you read when you’re in a slum. It is not to be analyzed or thought too much about. You just read it for vibes!
There are so many points that were brushed away. So many details we were introduced to only have it wrapped with a pretty bow in the most on the nose way. Like this person was supposed to be unalive and now they are alive and we just brush it off and never get an explanation. Ok!
Not only that, but is this a fantasy world? Because I know that in real life, one person could not just go around and unalive people repeatedly and we never hear once of an investigation. I know it’s a mafia romance, but come on…
Don’t even get me started on the romance. We have hate sex twice and now every five minutes I read “you’re my wife”, “she’s my wife”. Sir… relax! Y’all didn’t even go through anything yet. Where’s all the love coming from?
And the repetition… some of it was necessary to confirm the plot, but other repetitions were not needed at all…
Long story short, I believe that this is one of those books that you read when you’re in a slum. It is not to be analyzed or thought too much about. You just read it for vibes!
May 17, 2024
overly Possessive MMC and Immature FMC
I read a different story where the MMC died and as sad as the story was, I liked it. I feel like as a reader everything is viewed differently with a mc death or a tragedy is expected. Every conversation and action is more meaningful or deliberate. That wasn’t the case in this story. The FMC being terminal was an after thought or joke. Really and truly it could have been left out altogether. Outside of the FMC making tasteless jokes there was no other indication she was ill with less than six months left to live. She was still partying, drinking, and acting like a brat. Not to kink shame but the MMC was brutal with her not only for her first time but every time after that which was crazy cause he knew she was dying. The story was just a mishmash of absurdities and I didn’t like it.
I read a different story where the MMC died and as sad as the story was, I liked it. I feel like as a reader everything is viewed differently with a mc death or a tragedy is expected. Every conversation and action is more meaningful or deliberate. That wasn’t the case in this story. The FMC being terminal was an after thought or joke. Really and truly it could have been left out altogether. Outside of the FMC making tasteless jokes there was no other indication she was ill with less than six months left to live. She was still partying, drinking, and acting like a brat. Not to kink shame but the MMC was brutal with her not only for her first time but every time after that which was crazy cause he knew she was dying. The story was just a mishmash of absurdities and I didn’t like it.
Want to read
November 20, 2023Tropes
Alpha Hero, Angsty, Anti-Hero, Bad Boy/Good Girl, Blackmail, Boy Obsessed, Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Grumpy/Sunshine, Mafia, Office Romance, Opposites Attract, Romantic Suspense, Secret Romance, Secret Society, Stalker, Tortured Lead, Tragic Past
Alpha Hero, Angsty, Anti-Hero, Bad Boy/Good Girl, Blackmail, Boy Obsessed, Contemporary Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Grumpy/Sunshine, Mafia, Office Romance, Opposites Attract, Romantic Suspense, Secret Romance, Secret Society, Stalker, Tortured Lead, Tragic Past
January 9, 2024
Toxic love was everything I hoped for and more! This had a truly superior trope combo of age gap, enemies to lovers, mafia, arranged marriage and mystery. The adult club owner Dante is extra possessive of his new wife Tempest, who sacrifices her future to save her aunt's. Dante is a glorious protector with a secret soft spot and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Especially if it concerns his feisty wife. Then you have Tempest, who lives up to her name. She's a fierce spitfire with a dark past. I loved that she had spirit and fire but also a softness to her. Their chemistry is scorching, as is their initial distaste for one another. There were a few different secrets to be unraveled, including the big finale and I loved it all. I'm beyond excited for this new series as this author was a huge highlight for me last year!
January 14, 2024
I was eagerly awaiting this release and it was well worth the anticipation. What a fantastic start to the Venomous Gods series. I totally enjoyed Tempest and Dante's story. Spice level was 💯 🔥 with all the praise and filthy talk by Dante *falls over* and Tempest's feistiness was so entertaining.
In addition to the spice, however, was a deeper and darker history to both MCs that brought depth and emotion to this story which is why I thought this was so fantastic. I thought the last 20% was especially thrilling and so stressful, but I enjoyed every page. I can't wait to read Alistair's story next.
In addition to the spice, however, was a deeper and darker history to both MCs that brought depth and emotion to this story which is why I thought this was so fantastic. I thought the last 20% was especially thrilling and so stressful, but I enjoyed every page. I can't wait to read Alistair's story next.
January 12, 2024
4.5
first of all thanks to @valentine_pr and @jaggercoleauthor for this amazing arc, you made me the happiest person ever with this masterpiece.
i want to talk about Dante cause he is so hot and cute and romantic and the standard for the girlies, love him so much i think this man is my fave in the jagger cole universe that i have ever read until now. i mean the man gave her his freaking aja. okay so love him period.
tempest is THAT girl, i mean she can step in my face and i honestly would thank her for that we love a sick queen who is going to die. period.
okay, can't wait for the next one, and tk for Dante, i'll never going to forget about him.
in a world of boys he is a gentleman. got lovestruck went straight to my head.
first of all thanks to @valentine_pr and @jaggercoleauthor for this amazing arc, you made me the happiest person ever with this masterpiece.
i want to talk about Dante cause he is so hot and cute and romantic and the standard for the girlies, love him so much i think this man is my fave in the jagger cole universe that i have ever read until now. i mean the man gave her his freaking aja. okay so love him period.
tempest is THAT girl, i mean she can step in my face and i honestly would thank her for that we love a sick queen who is going to die. period.
okay, can't wait for the next one, and tk for Dante, i'll never going to forget about him.
in a world of boys he is a gentleman. got lovestruck went straight to my head.
February 11, 2024
Got that "Behold! My armpit!" cover so you know it's gonna be spicy. Set in the same world as the Dark Hearts series. The hero, Dante, is the owner of the exclusive sex club all the rich and powerful people in the city go to. Opens with a multi-paragraph long discussion of how the Italian mafia in this world now no longer engages in sex trafficking and pimping and in fact now finds it abhorrent. I know that's just setting up the fantasy mafia romance world, but yeah right.
Also, the super exclusive sex club is big on consent from everyone, and sex workers are not used. Look, I get it, it's a fantasy world. But IRL, heterosexual sex clubs that are not swingers clubs, where you have to attend as a couple, always--ALWAYS--have the problem of too many dudes, not enough women. They always resort to hiring escorts and strippers to fill things out. Maybe in a world where women felt truly safe, the numbers wouldn't be so skewed, but even in this fantasy crime world, when the heroine goes to this club she often gets manhandled and has to be rescued by the hero.
So, the story. Dante has to get arranged married so the Italian mob doesn't shut down his sex club because a single guy running it makes it seem like a bordello or something? Anyway, Tempest steps in to save her 18-year-old aunt (asshole Grandpa still got it!) from having to marry the presumably deviant sex club owner, who also has some mysterious long-standing beef with their family. Tempest manages to sneakily sign the blood marker in her aunt's place, and welp, you can't argue with a blood marker (it's all very John Wick). Cue speecy spicy smut, intense emotions, and a mysterious vendetta they eventually realize they share. Oh, and Tempest has a terminal illness and that simply will not do.
Spicy hot and fun mafia-adjacent romance with an OTT hero and a heroine with a shiny spine.
Also, the super exclusive sex club is big on consent from everyone, and sex workers are not used. Look, I get it, it's a fantasy world. But IRL, heterosexual sex clubs that are not swingers clubs, where you have to attend as a couple, always--ALWAYS--have the problem of too many dudes, not enough women. They always resort to hiring escorts and strippers to fill things out. Maybe in a world where women felt truly safe, the numbers wouldn't be so skewed, but even in this fantasy crime world, when the heroine goes to this club she often gets manhandled and has to be rescued by the hero.
So, the story. Dante has to get arranged married so the Italian mob doesn't shut down his sex club because a single guy running it makes it seem like a bordello or something? Anyway, Tempest steps in to save her 18-year-old aunt (asshole Grandpa still got it!) from having to marry the presumably deviant sex club owner, who also has some mysterious long-standing beef with their family. Tempest manages to sneakily sign the blood marker in her aunt's place, and welp, you can't argue with a blood marker (it's all very John Wick). Cue speecy spicy smut, intense emotions, and a mysterious vendetta they eventually realize they share. Oh, and Tempest has a terminal illness and that simply will not do.
Spicy hot and fun mafia-adjacent romance with an OTT hero and a heroine with a shiny spine.
January 11, 2024
ᴛᴏxɪᴄ ʟᴏᴠᴇ
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐍𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝙼𝚊𝚏𝚒𝚊 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
☠️𝙴𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
🐍𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
☠️𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚂𝚠𝚊𝚙
🐍𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙 𝟹𝟺𝚢𝚘 𝙷 & 𝟸𝟺𝚢𝚘 𝚑
💓ᴘᴇᴛɴᴀᴍᴇ: ʜᴜʀʀɪᴄᴀɴᴇ
Thank you to Jagger Cole & Valentine PR for the copy of the ARC!
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚.
𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙.
𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 “𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱” 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺/𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘖𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 18-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥….
First book from Jagger Cole after putting his books on my TBR for so long, and wow, I should've done it sooner. I’ve always wanted to check out Jagger Cole’s work for the longest time, and the hype is REAL. I have read quite a bit of dark/mafia romance and I can say his writing style is different from what I’m used to. Oftentimes, if I keep reading the same genre, they all kind of feel the same and mashed up together, but this book managed to distinguish itself in my brain. I swear I almost got a heart attack when I read the blurb, but then I saw HEA is included so it calms me enough to proceed.
Tempest and Dante are the most toxic couple I’ve ever seen, this is a true enemies to lovers, so not that cute “𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮” bullshit. Well, they still wanted to fuck each other, but the hate/annoyance is real and that led to amazing hate sex between them, and oh boy were they hot🥵. The plot is heavy and dark, it touches down on some very sensitive and triggering stuff, so please check TW before proceeding. Since we were informed that this had an HEA, we know that the blurb is a plot twist, kinda knew what it was but it still surprises me nonetheless. The way Dante proves his love, my GOD. Let’s say he gave Tempest more than his heart. The “Toxic” used in this book literally and metaphorically, how fitting. The story is fast-paced, with a lot of secrets and twists to keep me on the edge right till the end. The smut in this book is sooo HAWT! So filthy and dirty, their chemistry was on fire and my lawd were they sexy! Highly recommend it for dark romance lovers, I for one will be checking out the Dark Hearts series. Great 5 stars read!!!!
ᗯᕼᗩT YOᑌ GET Iᑎ TᕼIᔕ ᗷOOK:
✅𝙵𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚏𝚒𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚗 𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝙳𝚘 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝙾𝚠𝚗 𝙰 𝙷𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚎😂
✅𝙵𝚎𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚢 𝙶𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌 𝙶𝚒𝚛𝚕 𝚆𝚑𝚘'𝚜 𝙰 𝚃𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚖𝚋 (𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢)
✅𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚢 𝙰𝙵 𝙷𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚂𝚎𝚡🥵
✅𝚃𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝙷𝚎𝚛 & 𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚕𝚕 𝙳𝚒𝚎 𝙰𝚕𝚙𝚑𝚊 𝙷𝚎𝚛𝚘
⚠️ᴛᴡ/ᴋɪɴᴋꜱ⚠️
- ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏɴ ꜱᴀ, ꜱᴜ*ᴄɪᴅᴇ, ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ʜ*ʀᴍ & ᴀᴅᴅ*ᴄᴛɪᴏɴ
- ᴠɪ*ʟᴇɴᴄᴇ/ᴍ*ʀᴅᴇʀ/ɢ*ʀᴇ
- ᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴀʟ ɪʟʟɴᴇꜱꜱ
- ʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴅꜱᴍ
- ᴠᴏʏᴇᴜʀɪꜱᴍ
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐍𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝙼𝚊𝚏𝚒𝚊 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
☠️𝙴𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
🐍𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
☠️𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚂𝚠𝚊𝚙
🐍𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙 𝟹𝟺𝚢𝚘 𝙷 & 𝟸𝟺𝚢𝚘 𝚑
💓ᴘᴇᴛɴᴀᴍᴇ: ʜᴜʀʀɪᴄᴀɴᴇ
Thank you to Jagger Cole & Valentine PR for the copy of the ARC!
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚.
𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙.
𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 “𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱” 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺/𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘖𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 18-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥….
First book from Jagger Cole after putting his books on my TBR for so long, and wow, I should've done it sooner. I’ve always wanted to check out Jagger Cole’s work for the longest time, and the hype is REAL. I have read quite a bit of dark/mafia romance and I can say his writing style is different from what I’m used to. Oftentimes, if I keep reading the same genre, they all kind of feel the same and mashed up together, but this book managed to distinguish itself in my brain. I swear I almost got a heart attack when I read the blurb, but then I saw HEA is included so it calms me enough to proceed.
Tempest and Dante are the most toxic couple I’ve ever seen, this is a true enemies to lovers, so not that cute “𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮” bullshit. Well, they still wanted to fuck each other, but the hate/annoyance is real and that led to amazing hate sex between them, and oh boy were they hot🥵. The plot is heavy and dark, it touches down on some very sensitive and triggering stuff, so please check TW before proceeding. Since we were informed that this had an HEA, we know that the blurb is a plot twist, kinda knew what it was but it still surprises me nonetheless. The way Dante proves his love, my GOD. Let’s say he gave Tempest more than his heart. The “Toxic” used in this book literally and metaphorically, how fitting. The story is fast-paced, with a lot of secrets and twists to keep me on the edge right till the end. The smut in this book is sooo HAWT! So filthy and dirty, their chemistry was on fire and my lawd were they sexy! Highly recommend it for dark romance lovers, I for one will be checking out the Dark Hearts series. Great 5 stars read!!!!
ᗯᕼᗩT YOᑌ GET Iᑎ TᕼIᔕ ᗷOOK:
✅𝙵𝚊𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚏𝚒𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚗 𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝙳𝚘 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝙾𝚠𝚗 𝙰 𝙷𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚎😂
✅𝙵𝚎𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚢 𝙶𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌 𝙶𝚒𝚛𝚕 𝚆𝚑𝚘'𝚜 𝙰 𝚃𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚖𝚋 (𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢)
✅𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚢 𝙰𝙵 𝙷𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚂𝚎𝚡🥵
✅𝚃𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝙷𝚎𝚛 & 𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚕𝚕 𝙳𝚒𝚎 𝙰𝚕𝚙𝚑𝚊 𝙷𝚎𝚛𝚘
⚠️ᴛᴡ/ᴋɪɴᴋꜱ⚠️
- ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏɴ ꜱᴀ, ꜱᴜ*ᴄɪᴅᴇ, ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ʜ*ʀᴍ & ᴀᴅᴅ*ᴄᴛɪᴏɴ
- ᴠɪ*ʟᴇɴᴄᴇ/ᴍ*ʀᴅᴇʀ/ɢ*ʀᴇ
- ᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴀʟ ɪʟʟɴᴇꜱꜱ
- ʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴅꜱᴍ
- ᴠᴏʏᴇᴜʀɪꜱᴍ
January 10, 2024
Jagger Cole had me hooked just by the blurb alone!!! I’m usually intrigued for the story after reading it but not FERAL for answers! As always, this story did not disappoint! I was hooked from the beginning because there were just SO MANY SECRETS!!! I couldn’t read it fast enough needing information and seeing how it would end! As always… ITS NEVER WHO YOU EXPECT IT TO BE 😱😱😱 As for the spice 😮💨 I don’t know what Jagger Cole puts in his books but the spice just hits different 🥵🥵🫠🫠 I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait for the next book ♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 6, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIS BOOK! Omg. I’m obsessed with everything Jagger Cole writes!! They’re always so good, great plot, great spice!! I was hooked on this book right from the start. And ooommmmffgggg that plot twist!
Do yourself a favour and read this book asap!
This is book 1 in an all new series but you see a few cameos from characters from another series! - however you don’t need to read those first you can just hope right into this one 🔥
Thank you thank you thank you Jagger Cole & Valentine PR for this ARC 😩🙌🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIS BOOK! Omg. I’m obsessed with everything Jagger Cole writes!! They’re always so good, great plot, great spice!! I was hooked on this book right from the start. And ooommmmffgggg that plot twist!
Do yourself a favour and read this book asap!
This is book 1 in an all new series but you see a few cameos from characters from another series! - however you don’t need to read those first you can just hope right into this one 🔥
Thank you thank you thank you Jagger Cole & Valentine PR for this ARC 😩🙌🏼
January 12, 2024
Little Hurricane!!
This one really caught me by surprise. It shouldn’t have because every book I’ve read by this author has been amazing.
Dante snd Tempest are such an unlikely couple. Like oil and water. She is a firecracker that’s for sure.
“You’re gonna have to be cool with gallows humor, Dante.”
He thinks all he needs is connections until he needs more.
My hand comes up to caress her face as I kiss her back a little harder. When she pulls away, her lips are swollen and her face is pink. “Was that for me?” I growl. “Or them?” “You.
I can already tell this is gonna be a great series and I can’t wait for more.
This one really caught me by surprise. It shouldn’t have because every book I’ve read by this author has been amazing.
Dante snd Tempest are such an unlikely couple. Like oil and water. She is a firecracker that’s for sure.
“You’re gonna have to be cool with gallows humor, Dante.”
He thinks all he needs is connections until he needs more.
My hand comes up to caress her face as I kiss her back a little harder. When she pulls away, her lips are swollen and her face is pink. “Was that for me?” I growl. “Or them?” “You.
I can already tell this is gonna be a great series and I can’t wait for more.
February 17, 2024
4.75
PLEASE EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK
PLEASE EVERYONE READ THIS BOOK
January 15, 2024
Sweet baby jesus this cover!! Licks Ipad PRO for the 11th time today. UGH! This was steamy, sexy and yet incredible sad. I loved this story from cover to cover. Such tragedy and love. It was an italian opera of sorts. The highs and lows melded together to create a poignant tale that will stay with me for a long while.
Read this book!
Read this book!
January 13, 2024
I'm becoming very obsessed with Jagger Cole's books very quickly. It was a no-brainer to pick up his newest release ASAP and ohmigod, it's Dante's story! The intriguing, somewhat mysterious owner of Club Venom, I was so here for it.
To state the simple facts of how this story started, Dante needs to get married to keep his club, his empire. Tempest is so not going to let her barely 18-year-old aunt get married to someone like Dante. There's already bad blood between him and the Black family and this arrangement is just the cherry on top. So what's a girl got to do especially since she has nothing to lose? Trick him into signing the blood marker and marry the asshole herself.
Love-hate, enemies-to-lovers stories are my favorite and I was sold on Dante and Tempest. The chemistry was sizzling and I was dying to learn what happened in the past with Tempest's sister or how Dante's sister's and Tempest's friend's murder was connected.
As I can now expect, Mr. Cole not only delivered a hot AF mafia romance but kept me on the edge of my seat. It's not every day I don't see a twist this huge coming but I have to admit, I was blindsided by that and lost my ever-loving mind. Very well done!
To state the simple facts of how this story started, Dante needs to get married to keep his club, his empire. Tempest is so not going to let her barely 18-year-old aunt get married to someone like Dante. There's already bad blood between him and the Black family and this arrangement is just the cherry on top. So what's a girl got to do especially since she has nothing to lose? Trick him into signing the blood marker and marry the asshole herself.
Love-hate, enemies-to-lovers stories are my favorite and I was sold on Dante and Tempest. The chemistry was sizzling and I was dying to learn what happened in the past with Tempest's sister or how Dante's sister's and Tempest's friend's murder was connected.
As I can now expect, Mr. Cole not only delivered a hot AF mafia romance but kept me on the edge of my seat. It's not every day I don't see a twist this huge coming but I have to admit, I was blindsided by that and lost my ever-loving mind. Very well done!
February 18, 2024
ARC
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Tropes 🖤
- Italian mafia
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Touch her and ☠️
- Ultra possesive hero
- Marriage contract
Thank you so much to Jagger Cole and the Valentine PR team for sending me this ARC 🤩.
This was my first Jagger Cole book and it definitely won't be my last because I loved it. I was blown away by how well he writes and how he developed all the conflicts in the story.
Toxic Love is the first book in the Venomus Gods series and our main characters are Tempest Black and Dante Sartorre, owner of Club Venom, a super exclusive club where you can indulge in all your fantasies.
I thought it was a great book! I loved absolutely everything and that plot twist at the end? Can you explain that plot twist? Simply amazing, I really didn't expect it at all.
To sum up what the book is about, Dante is about to lose the leadership of the Club Venom, because The Comission, a group of leaders doesn't see well that a club like Venom is led by a single man. This is where the Black family comes in, where Charles Black, Tempest's grandfather, makes a deal for her 18 year old daughter, Maeve, to marry Dante, so he can keep the leadership of the Venom Club and this deal is also beneficial to Charles. Tempest disagrees with this arrangement and does everything she can to prevent it and what she does is.... You will have to read the book to find out 😏.
I highly recommend this book if you like Dark Romance, with touches of Mafia and a protagonist that even though he is a walking red flag, he will make you fall in love with him.
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
Tropes 🖤
- Italian mafia
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Touch her and ☠️
- Ultra possesive hero
- Marriage contract
Thank you so much to Jagger Cole and the Valentine PR team for sending me this ARC 🤩.
This was my first Jagger Cole book and it definitely won't be my last because I loved it. I was blown away by how well he writes and how he developed all the conflicts in the story.
Toxic Love is the first book in the Venomus Gods series and our main characters are Tempest Black and Dante Sartorre, owner of Club Venom, a super exclusive club where you can indulge in all your fantasies.
I thought it was a great book! I loved absolutely everything and that plot twist at the end? Can you explain that plot twist? Simply amazing, I really didn't expect it at all.
To sum up what the book is about, Dante is about to lose the leadership of the Club Venom, because The Comission, a group of leaders doesn't see well that a club like Venom is led by a single man. This is where the Black family comes in, where Charles Black, Tempest's grandfather, makes a deal for her 18 year old daughter, Maeve, to marry Dante, so he can keep the leadership of the Venom Club and this deal is also beneficial to Charles. Tempest disagrees with this arrangement and does everything she can to prevent it and what she does is.... You will have to read the book to find out 😏.
I highly recommend this book if you like Dark Romance, with touches of Mafia and a protagonist that even though he is a walking red flag, he will make you fall in love with him.
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