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January James
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Jagged Thorns: A dark billionaire forbidden romance (Thorn Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition

by January James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 177 ratings
He's the most powerful man on the island, and now my new boss. He doesn't know the real reason I took the job, or why I stole from him. But he does know he's my weakness and he's going to use it against me.
He's going to toy with me like a cat does a mouse.
But the thing is, I'm his weakness too, and two can play at that game.

"Dark, mysterious, suspenseful with LOADS of hateful passion... a HEARTBREAKING gothic forbidden love story!" ★★★★★ Carpe Bookish Reads
------------------------------------------------------------
From the back cover:

She's his butterfly. He's her flame.
The Isle of Crow is elusive, exclusive and untouchable. Only the richly beautiful, and the beautifully rich are allowed in. But, now they want to open their doors, and I’m the new tour guide.

I’m to work for the latest generation of Thorn billionaires on the stormiest island in the British Isles. Home to the cruellest hearts that ever lived and the most thunderous eyes I’ve ever seen. He says he never wanted me there, but when his hands catch my hips, his dark stare tells a different story.

The Thorns are enigmatic, cunning and dangerous, and keeping one of the world’s deepest, dirtiest secrets. I can’t unsee it. I can’t unlearn it. And I can’t forget it.

Because I’ve just fallen for the darkest, most damning Thorn of them all.

TROPES: DARK ROMANCE - FORBIDDEN LOVE - ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS

AUTHOR NOTES:
This is Book 1 of a dark romance trilogy. Please read the trigger warnings.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Thorn Trilogy
  2. Print length
    340 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 21, 2023
  5. File size
    7.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

gothic romance book
dark billionaire romance

"You look f-ing lethal in that dress, butterfly."

gothic romance book

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wow, Jagged Thorns was incredible. A delicious gothic forbidden romance with loads of passion and even more tension that had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter.
the plot, the world building, the characters; all of it is perfection (chef's kiss). I was sucked in from the second we set foot on the mysterious Isle of Crow until the very last page—the book ends with the most epic cliffhanger."
★★★★★ Jenn - Literary Affair

"HOLY CRAP. This book blew me away. The mystery behind The Isle of Crow kept me on the edge of my seat, I did not want to put this book down. And then there's the forbidden romance! Ugh, it was perfect. Still swooning over Rupert Thorn. And that cliffhanger!"
★★★★★ Bookish Darkling

"This book is a MUST read!! I started and it and it took a hold of me. All the twist and turns and secrets its full of so much and the suspense its insane!! That ending has left me speechless, this book had me in a death grip and wow what a freaking journey the suspense the angst and the mystery!"
★★★★★ Kandace, Goodreads

"Dark, mysterious, suspenseful with LOADS of hateful passion and sprinkle a little bit of everything you can throw into the mix to make for a HEARTBREAKING gothic forbidden love story! AND throw in an unexpected twist near the end.. which then cues up to an ultimate CLIFFHANGER. I never saw any of that coming!! *chills* and most definitely the good ones"
★★★★★ Carpe Bookish Reads

"This book was so good I did not want to put it down. That ending....WOW I never saw it coming. Now I need to collect myself while I wait for the next chapter."
★★★★★ Books of Steph

"I devoured this book in one sitting. When I tell you that I was so captivated it doesn't even begin to cover it. This book had it all. Mystery, angst, shock favor, violence, passion, romance and one hell of a cliff hanger."
★★★★★ Jennay, Goodreads

"Well shit! This was actually my first taste of a gothic romance and I must say I'm hooked."
★★★★★ Stacey, Goodreads

"I couldn't put the book down."
★★★★★ Lori, Goodreads

"Holy shit! Wow... the reveal ... I'm shook in the best way. It's been a while since a book has made me think 'what the f*ck!' And I did not see the reveal coming, no matter how I looked at it!"
★★★★★ Wishy Reads

This book was completely addicting, and the ending left me screaming. It was the perfect cliffhanger, with a twist I did not see coming.
★★★★★ Meaghan, Goodreads

"This book had me intrigued from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat."
★★★★★ Shakira, Goodreads

"January James has literally out done herself with this amazing book! From the second I picked it up I could put it down. I had it read in less than a day and the cliffhanger had me screaming!!! The characters and world building are seriously *chefs kiss*"
★★★★★ Meagan, Goodreads

"That ending had me going crazy! I need the next one ASAP"
★★★★★ Rosie, Goodreads

"Did I read this book in one day? Yes! I could not put it down! That cliffhanger though!"
★★★★★ Melodylovesbooks

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BXJ9JCMJ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 21, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 340 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Thorn Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 177 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
January James

January James

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Hi readers!

I write contemporary romance about love worth fighting for. Welcome to my page!

I live in the rural south of England with my husband, daughter and crazy sprockapoo.

Until recently, I inhabited the fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled workplaces I write about, as a communications professional. Now I spend my days dreaming up new characters and stories and trying not to lose my marbles as the mother of a spirited preschooler.

Stalk me here:

Join my mailing list ➜ https://dl.bookfunnel.com/macv5nqr3q

Facebook ➜ http://www.facebook.com/januaryjamesauthor

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/thejanuaryjames

Website ➜ www.januaryjamesauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
177 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book intriguing and well-paced, with one review highlighting its slow-burning romance and steamy scenes throughout. They appreciate the readability, with one customer particularly enjoying the chapters from Rupert's perspective.

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7 customers mention "Story pace"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a slow-burning story with twists and turns, while another notes its sexually angsty nature.

"...Spice: 2🌶️ It’s the sweetest of slowburn. There’s a few steamy scenes throughout but the real spice comes in the last 25% of the book...." Read more

"...Ms. James delivers a slow-burning story with intriguing hints that will likely unfold in the second book...." Read more

"...The suspense was well written and the tension had me on the edge of my seat while the slow burn had me screaming to just get it on already...." Read more

"...I also enjoyed the twists and turns, was not expecting part of that ending at all! Be warned though this book ends on a..." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning they particularly enjoyed reading from Rupert's point of view.

"...Rupert is our MMC. I liked reading Rupert’s POV chapters. I think they were done well and allowed the character depth to form as well as it did...." Read more

"...When I finished reading it, i almost threw my kindle because it was so good and i did not suspect the ending it had. I NEED book 2 ASAP!" Read more

"...to this author as for the rest of this review was soo pleasing to my literary taste buds...." Read more

"Oh I absolutely loved this book!!! It was sooo good...." Read more

3 customers mention "Intrigue"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intriguing.

"...Ms. James delivers a slow-burning story with intriguing hints that will likely unfold in the second book...." Read more

"...The story line is original and captivating. It is we'll written and there is one heck of a cliffhanger at the end. Be prepared for a ride!..." Read more

"...The issues that lead to the events are intriguing and the choices the characters make have me looking forward to seeing what happens in book 2." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one mentioning the incredible background of the characters and another noting the lots of angst between the main characters.

"...There’s many supporting characters in this story and some that I have very strong feelings for. Which means that they were done right!..." Read more

"...Thorns is a brilliant forbidden dark romance with lots of angst between the main characters...." Read more

"The background of these characters is incredible!..." Read more

The forbidden romance has me in my FEELS 🥹
5 out of 5 stars
The forbidden romance has me in my FEELS 🥹
Review: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 💫(4.5/5) ⬇️ Short review: Get this, you’ve suddenly found yourself employed by a broody but delicious billionaire MMC on an exclusive island. Just one problem, everyone here has secrets, and someone’s trying to run you away as the only outsider. This first installment in the Thorn Trilogy will have you all in your feels with the forbidden romance and eerie vibes! Spice: 2🌶️ It’s the sweetest of slowburn. There’s a few steamy scenes throughout but the real spice comes in the last 25% of the book. Plot/Pace: There’s kind of two plot lines going here, maybe even 3 and they’re all done really well. First, is that the FMC, Vivian, needs to steal the exclusive medicine for her sister who has chronic pain. Second, is the romance plot. Third is the mysteries of the island. They all come together beautifully to form one big picture of what is going on in Rupert, the MMC’s life and then how that may be affecting what’s happening with Vivian, and Vice versa. Definitely read the official synopsis for this one, it does a great job exposing the book! Pace was great. Something was always happening either with the romance aspect or with the secrets of the island aspect. The only place I’m taking off is the pacing of the romance. It seemed like it went from like 70 to 100 really quickly in the best of an eye. That being said I’m used to romantasy where things like falling in love are drawn out. Characters: Rupert is our MMC. I liked reading Rupert’s POV chapters. I think they were done well and allowed the character depth to form as well as it did. He’s broody, moody, handsome as h*ll, protective and you’ll just keep on wanting more of him! Vivian is our FMC. I really related to her because of the whole big sister thing. I liked her POVs and seeing the secrets of the island unfold from her POV. She’s vulnerable yet she’s fierce which makes her relatable but also an FMC to look up to. There’s many supporting characters in this story and some that I have very strong feelings for. Which means that they were done right! Setting: FINALLY. A billionaire romance book that doesn’t take place in some big city *cough cough NYC*. The world building for the island was done really well! I enjoyed the gothic and eerie vibes of it. There was even a ball!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Izzy S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars The forbidden romance has me in my FEELS 🥹
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Review: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 💫(4.5/5) ⬇️

    Short review: Get this, you’ve suddenly found yourself employed by a broody but delicious billionaire MMC on an exclusive island. Just one problem, everyone here has secrets, and someone’s trying to run you away as the only outsider. This first installment in the Thorn Trilogy will have you all in your feels with the forbidden romance and eerie vibes!

    Spice: 2🌶️ It’s the sweetest of slowburn. There’s a few steamy scenes throughout but the real spice comes in the last 25% of the book.

    Plot/Pace:
    There’s kind of two plot lines going here, maybe even 3 and they’re all done really well. First, is that the FMC, Vivian, needs to steal the exclusive medicine for her sister who has chronic pain. Second, is the romance plot. Third is the mysteries of the island. They all come together beautifully to form one big picture of what is going on in Rupert, the MMC’s life and then how that may be affecting what’s happening with Vivian, and Vice versa. Definitely read the official synopsis for this one, it does a great job exposing the book!

    Pace was great. Something was always happening either with the romance aspect or with the secrets of the island aspect. The only place I’m taking off is the pacing of the romance. It seemed like it went from like 70 to 100 really quickly in the best of an eye. That being said I’m used to romantasy where things like falling in love are drawn out.

    Characters:
    Rupert is our MMC. I liked reading Rupert’s POV chapters. I think they were done well and allowed the character depth to form as well as it did. He’s broody, moody, handsome as h*ll, protective and you’ll just keep on wanting more of him!
    Vivian is our FMC. I really related to her because of the whole big sister thing. I liked her POVs and seeing the secrets of the island unfold from her POV. She’s vulnerable yet she’s fierce which makes her relatable but also an FMC to look up to.
    There’s many supporting characters in this story and some that I have very strong feelings for. Which means that they were done right!

    Setting: FINALLY. A billionaire romance book that doesn’t take place in some big city *cough cough NYC*. The world building for the island was done really well! I enjoyed the gothic and eerie vibes of it. There was even a ball!
    Customer image
    Izzy S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    The forbidden romance has me in my FEELS 🥹

    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2023
    Review: 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 💫(4.5/5) ⬇️

    Short review: Get this, you’ve suddenly found yourself employed by a broody but delicious billionaire MMC on an exclusive island. Just one problem, everyone here has secrets, and someone’s trying to run you away as the only outsider. This first installment in the Thorn Trilogy will have you all in your feels with the forbidden romance and eerie vibes!

    Spice: 2🌶️ It’s the sweetest of slowburn. There’s a few steamy scenes throughout but the real spice comes in the last 25% of the book.

    Plot/Pace:
    There’s kind of two plot lines going here, maybe even 3 and they’re all done really well. First, is that the FMC, Vivian, needs to steal the exclusive medicine for her sister who has chronic pain. Second, is the romance plot. Third is the mysteries of the island. They all come together beautifully to form one big picture of what is going on in Rupert, the MMC’s life and then how that may be affecting what’s happening with Vivian, and Vice versa. Definitely read the official synopsis for this one, it does a great job exposing the book!

    Pace was great. Something was always happening either with the romance aspect or with the secrets of the island aspect. The only place I’m taking off is the pacing of the romance. It seemed like it went from like 70 to 100 really quickly in the best of an eye. That being said I’m used to romantasy where things like falling in love are drawn out.

    Characters:
    Rupert is our MMC. I liked reading Rupert’s POV chapters. I think they were done well and allowed the character depth to form as well as it did. He’s broody, moody, handsome as h*ll, protective and you’ll just keep on wanting more of him!
    Vivian is our FMC. I really related to her because of the whole big sister thing. I liked her POVs and seeing the secrets of the island unfold from her POV. She’s vulnerable yet she’s fierce which makes her relatable but also an FMC to look up to.
    There’s many supporting characters in this story and some that I have very strong feelings for. Which means that they were done right!

    Setting: FINALLY. A billionaire romance book that doesn’t take place in some big city *cough cough NYC*. The world building for the island was done really well! I enjoyed the gothic and eerie vibes of it. There was even a ball!
    Images in this review
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    2 people found this helpful
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  • Nikki M - Hot books & Sassy Girls
    4.0 out of 5 stars What would you do if you had to make a forbidden choice?
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What would you do if your younger sibling was in constant pain with no improvement in sight? What would you do if you discovered a prohibited drug that could change their life, but it was only available to the privileged and not those of lower socioeconomic status? Would you risk your own life? Would you consider stealing from the wealthy or putting yourself in danger to obtain it?

    The Thorn family of Crow Island grows a special mushroom with remarkable medicinal properties coveted by the rich and powerful. However, the island is surrounded by suspicion, prompting them to offer tours with a chosen guide. Vivian applies for the job, not realizing the implications, and soon finds herself bound to a one-year contract on the island. There she meets Rupert, an enigmatic and dangerous man who captivates her despite the dangers. Their initial disdain develops into an explosive chemistry, but both know they're deceiving themselves. When Vivian's life is threatened, should she flee or stay until she secures what she needs? Will Rupert prioritize his own well-being or remain bound by family obligations, for blood is thicker than water? Can Vivian save herself and face the man she loves as she uncovers horrifying truths and confront him?

    Ms. James delivers a slow-burning story with intriguing hints that will likely unfold in the second book. The undeniable chemistry between the main characters grows with a slow burn despite their mutual disdain. The secondary characters add to the setting evoking both contempt and hope for their future stories.

    Beware the cliff-hanger ending that leaves you hanging and gasping for more. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the next instalment.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bethany White
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite of January's books to date
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was able to receive an advanced reader copy of this book. January James is an autobuy author for me and when the paperback became available, I had to have a copy for my bookshelf. This is my honest review.

    A billionaire, forbidden love with slow burn and gothic vibes that is a MUST READ!! I loved every bit of this book with Rupert and Vivian's story. Should you choose to read this book, beware of the cliffhanger. Don't say you have not been warned.

    This book does have darker elements but is not too dark. If you have been wanting to start reading dark romance, this would be a good one to start with. The suspense was well written and the tension had me on the edge of my seat while the slow burn had me screaming to just get it on already. When the moment happened, i jumped out of my seat with joy, rooting for them. When I finished reading it, i almost threw my kindle because it was so good and i did not suspect the ending it had. I NEED book 2 ASAP!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • amys.readsx
    4.0 out of 5 stars So good!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is my first read by author January James and I loved it.

    I loved Rupert and Vivian. I love Vivs sass and who doesn't love a swoonworthy, possesive alphahole billionaire MC!!. That nickname.. as I said.. swoon!! The story was amazing and I loved the way it was built up, full of secrets and suspense that kept me intrigued the whole way through. I loved the tension, the romance, the morally grey areas, the mystery.. the list goes on. This was an amazingly written dark Gothic romance with forbidden love, enemies to lovers, amazing characters, alpha mc that gives off touch and get unalived vibes.

    That cliffhanger 😫.. I need the next one.. like yesterday!! Highly recommend!!
    Report
  • Jennifer Sacco
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delicious gothic forbidden romance loaded with passion and tension
    Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    WOW. This was incredible! This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but it definitely won’t be the last…excuse me while I go through January James’ backlist and add every last title to my TBR pile.

    A delicious gothic forbidden romance with loads of passion and even more tension that had me in a chokehold from the very first chapter. I need more of Vivian and Rupert ASAP. This is the first book in the Thorn Trilogy, and I’m already on pins and needles, anxiously awaiting the second installment.

    It is SO beautifully written—the plot, the world-building, the characters; all of it is perfection—chef’s kiss! I was sucked in from the second we set foot on the mysterious Isle of Crow until the very last page—the book ends with the most epic cliffhanger (you’ve been warned). It’s got suspense, mystery, romance, spice, a morally grey MMC that gives off ‘touch her and die energy,’ and have I mentioned the tension?!

    This gives off Limitless meets Virgin River vibes, but make it dark, mysterious, and morally grey.

    Here's what else you can expect:
    Dual POV
    Dark gothic romance
    Billionaire
    Forbidden love
    Enemies to lovers
    Small, mysterious town
    Grumpy x sunshine
    Blackmail
    Secrets, lies and suspense
    Slow burn
    Cliffhanger ending

    Thank you so much to January James for the ARC. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I’m fully invested in the series and ready for book 2!
    Report
  • emjbookshelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in Australia on March 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Speechless...

    Jagged Thorns is book 1 in the Thorn trilogy and what a journey we are taken on.

    The Isle of Crow is an exclusive island for only the filthy rich and Viv has taken a job opportunity to try and help her sick sister. When Viv meets Rupert one of the Thorn brothers there was instant connection however he has been promised to another.

    What Viv uncovers on the island puts her in immediate danger and Rupert does whatever he can to protect her. Viv is selfless, sassy & strong while Rupert is protective and possessive he is also selfless as he is trying to protect people on the island.

    I have read all of January's books and this one was by far the best she has written, and I have just purchased the paperback as I want this trilogy on my shelf, so now I have to wait patiently for book two to be released as that cliffy was wild and I need the next installment stat...
    Report
  • Mrs R
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dark, spicy and a mind-blowing cliffhanger
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I will start by saying that you will not see the cliffhanger coming, the last chapter will leave you completely 'gobsmacked'.

    We have Vivian, who goes to work for the infamous Thorn family on the exclusive billionaire island. She's determined to help her sister, even though it means putting her life in danger more than once. She has an insta-lust thing going on with Rupert and although she was independent and fiery, she managed to let him dominate and blackmail her without much resistance or complaint. She was quite frustrating, even though she was warned about the ruthless reputation of the Thorn family and the island, she constantly pushed boundaries when pursuing her personal goals, and it kind of stopped me from rooting for her, I mean she was her own worst enemy.

    Rupert (not the sexiest name) was my favourite character but was hard to figure out at first, he was cruel and hurtful, but also had another side - he wasn't warm and fuzzy by any means, but he definitely had a softer side we got to see every now and then. He had an agenda and a plan, but family obligations, politics and tradition has his hands completely tied.

    The romance starts off really slow, but then all of a sudden it seemed to explode. I can't deny that there is so much sexual tension between these two, but I don't feel like we got to see the transition from lust to something more, and this made the depth of their relationship at the end of the book really hard to believe.

    The Thorn 'world' fascinated me, and it was the dynamics within the family that kept me reading, I want to know what happens and how it all works. The romance side of the story wasn't what kept me reading this book.
    Report
  • Mary A.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Heavy going
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I had to persevere to finish this book. I didn’t dislike it, I didn’t love it. I don’t see me getting the next book in line .
    Report

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