Empire of Ash (Cinder Duet #2; Kings & Villains, #3) (2024)

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Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Noel

Heroine : Ella

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 6/10

Heat Rating : 7/10

Triggers Involved : Past Trauma , Betrayal

Plot Summary :
Ella knew that there was something wrong in what she believed. Being stuck between the fight of two powerful men was never her intention but here she was. She was tired of being manipulated as they saw fit and finally her straw broke.

She should have never trusted Noel. He never hid the fact that he was a monster. The ruthless long who would hesitate at nothing to keep her with him and take everything she loved. To break her in the end. So she only had herself to blame when his true colors were shown. But the fight was not over because even after being exposed, Noel was not letting her go.

He says she was manipulated. He says he was innocent. But the time Ella believed him is long gone. And now he will pay for taking everything from her in the first place.

Overall Opinion :
I seriously still can't believe that this amazing author decided to release both the books of a duet on the same freaking day so that we won't suffer with cliffhangers 🥺🥺🥺❤❤

I got an arc of both these books and I am so grateful! I loved them so much. I dived into this one as soon as I read the first book and I am telling you Noel is one of the hottest heroes ever. Normally tbh I am a bit grossed out by age gaps which are big but this one was just perfect. I could not even feel it, you know? The way the book is written, it's just all amazing and balanced and I loved it so much. The back and forth between Ella and Noel about the same freaking thing irritated me a bit and I wanted to smack Ella for being manipulated by the same person again and again 🤣 but when the past cane to light, like omg. It was so sweet and I just cried non stop at how amazing Noel was 🥺

Definitely recommending this one to all the Dark age gap romance loving people out there!!

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Yeah this duet was not it for me. I didn't really like the heroin or the Hero. Firstly the heroin makes really stupid descions and acts like an immature brat throughout the duet I have hard time believing how the H fell for her. Also her favourite thing to say was "f*ck you" to the H and it got old and annoying real quick. And the H was written so odd and his character kept changing like is he supposed to be a good friend or a bad one? One one hand he was a good friend who was trying to keep his promise to his dead bf and on the other he was the complete opposite and abusing his dead friends trust by mistreating his bfs daughter and for no reason?!! PLUS all of his problems and the h's problems could have been solved if they had TOLD THE TRUTH!! I know bad communication prolongs a story but this was on a level where it made absolutely no sense and the reasonings were rubbish.

These characters just made no sense and their chemistry was lacking big time as all they had was lusty relationship and the "love" they had for one another came out of nowhere and didn't feel earned. The steamy scenes were boring and repetitive and there were too many of them that the plot was barely visible. This really didn't even need to be a duet because not a lot happened and I don't feel like I read over 800 pages because the substance was lacking. I'm supposed to feel a something after all that but I feel absolutely nothing and so I would say save your time and read something better. I had a lot more issues with this book but I don't want to write anymore so save your time y'all.

I enjoyed this duet BUT a lot of times i was really annoyed how it was dragged on and on in the secretive parts, i mean, i needed them more communicative with each others, see more trust in them etc.

I didn't give the last star because we don't have a freaking epilogue, same problem with this author again and again, give us a little epilogue !! not a HFN <.<

Also i feel like i needed to know more about those step sisters..also i didn't even get it why Noel didn't give the house back to Ella. Anyway other than that, i feel sorry for him, and all the hate he got for nothing when all he did was always trying to protect her, i wished Ella trusted him more...

Anyway, i liked this duet. Still needed more from it to love it.

This one had so much potential but it was wasted on a dumb, stupid decision making, heroine and 90% of them just f*cking. I had high hopes after the first book bc I was looking forward to their relationship yk where they would actually communicate (like adults)more than two sentences before banging each other or where we'll be able to believe in their love which they confessed literally out of nowhere. I was laughing when they were saying ilys. And the character who literally destroyed this book is Ella (heroine)

⚠️ SAFETY DETAILS: ⚠️

Cheating:no
Sharing:no
OM drama:no real OM drama
OW drama: it is revealed in this book that hero had a sexual relationship with his first wife and he even thought he loved her but he didn't
Sex scene with OM or OW:no
Virgin/manwhor*: none
Separation:no
Celibate during separation: --
Condoms: not used
HEA:hfn. The ending was abrupt with no kids since they both don't want it 😑
SAFE?:for me, yes.

What a ride! The set up for this story was done in book 1 Burned Cinder and now the roller coaster of new information and who should Ella trust really gets rolling. There are so many believable characters in this story yet the mystery remains. Once Noel makes a true stand for Ella and begins to open up about his relationship with her father and mother things begin to become clearer. Yet the mystery still is still lingering. Ella and Noel are such a great couple they are really like yin and yang. Yet there are still people looking to undermine what they have. When things really get explosive Noel and Ella get some time to really get to know one another. Until the very end this book is suspenseful and mysterious! Such a great read! Dark characters, STEAMY and a dominant hero make this a duet not to be missed!

Cinderella-esque story with a very twisted, dark backward way

I actually liked this 2nd book better than the first, even though I pegged the ‘villain’ in the first book. Disappoints in a way because JC, As I’ve stated before writes some great storylines and amazing plot twists.

Pointing out though - there is waaaaayyy too many “eye rolls” 🙄 by characters. A good editor would catch this - please get one JC!
Same annoying formatting when reading on the Kindle line the first. Every sentence was it’s own line.

I have to note, I did not like Ella in the first book, but this second book was much better.

As always with JC - there are lots of 🔥🥵🔥 scenes.

I will always read his books because I love the worlds he creates. My favorites are the Bratvas.

The story of Ella and Noel continues with secrets still untold. I don’t know how many times I changed my mind about who the “bad guy” was, but the story kept dropping breadcrumbs to lead us in different directions just when it looked like we figure it out.

The duet is a rich and steamy romance. Noel has all kinds of ideas of how to put a little spark in the relationship - and he knows how to execute those moves. Ella was feisty and real, if not a little bit too willing to believe bad news, though.

It’s really a refreshing change to read both parts of a duet without having to wait after the cliffhanger. I also liked the bit of crossover to the Savage Heirs series characters because Bastian was my favorite in that series. He and Jules are minor characters in this story but memorable.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review after reading the book.

My review for both books:

I am in utter awe at what I just read. Seriously. This duet consumed me like a raging fire and had my every free moment in it’s clutches. I read and I devoured…all while it devoured me. I couldn’t believe the twists that came barreling out every turn. Twists that were so unbelievably cruel.

Cole wrote a brilliant story that only he could write. No one else can write the raw, lustful feels that he gives. He absolutely makes you experience the story-live it-to the very end. And man, did I live it. Truly amazing.

Here I am rambling again like I do when I love a book. Probably making no sense. But guys, oh this duet…an absolute heart stopper!! Not only was it an experience to feel but the romance!! Oh my, the romance!! It was everything wonderful and sexy and downright delectable. The age gap was more than what I could ask for. But brilliantly done just like any other age gap he has written. Just like anything he writes. Completely and wholly brilliant.

This duet gets all the stars!!

If you haven't read Burned Cinder, you need to do that first. This is the conclusion of that book and picks up where the first book leaves off so if you read out of order you will be lost in the plot. The plot is a mind twist. It is obvious that someone is not telling the truth, but Ella doesn't know who isn't telling the truth or who to even trust. She can't catch a break and the odds are piling up against her....or are they? The plot moves quickly, full of action and spice. Will Ella break or will she come out on top? There is a happily ever after, but the question is will it be Ella on her own or Ella with her king? You'll have to read to find out!

Okay so book two picks right up from book one andddd I actually kind of like Ella. Plus her and Noel are great!

This duet was unforgettable!
I feel like I have been on the most exhilarating roller coaster ride and in the end, I was sweaty, relieved and happy that I took the chance!

Ella and Noel had so many tragedies and obstacles, it was wonderful to see everything settled for them! There are so many things I want to mention in the duet that I loved, but I don’t want to give any spoilers.

Jagger Cole does it again, I would love to spend a day with his imagination that comes up with these complex and unforgettable stories!

I received an advanced copy of this book, I highly recommend you read it!

Loved it! So so good. Noel and Ella’s story will take you for one wild ride and I loved every single page of it. I devoured this book…I couldn’t put it down. Noel and Ella’s journey is filled with twists and turns you won’t see coming, drama, danger, and the chemistry between these two is sizzling hot. I highly recommend adding the Kings & Villains duet to your TBR. It was definitely worth the book hangover!

Too stressful to get through DNF

This book has too much bad, that outweighs the good, and Ella is the dumbest bitch on the planet. Noel's a dumbass for falling for her. She makes the worst choices possible. I just can't with this book. If Noel really wanted to protect Ella, he would've found out who murdered her mom immediately, not years later.

The twists and turns had me reeling in this. I am so glad Jagger Cole released both books in the duet together because I was able to pick up right after book 1 and I am still not over it. Ella and Noel are one of my favorites now!

If you are going to write a story about English aristocrats, it might be an idea not to use American idioms and colloquialisms as their way of speaking.

If you market a book as “dark romance” I expect there to be some romance in it.

The age-gap was unconvincing. 22 years is an ocean when you’re 21 years old and have zero life experience.

The 43 year old “love interest” holds a grudge and wants revenge against the FMC because she stabbed him when she was 14 thinking he killed her mother.

He then throws her into a reform school to be re-traumatised and has zero contact with her throughout those 4 years. When she gets out at 18, she is expected to grovel and beg forgiveness and all will be forgiven. When she doesn’t do that, he leaves her to her own devices to rot and has no idea where she is for the next 3 years.

He does not give her back her inheritance or any holdings/companies her parents had. He gifts her home to the step sister who was a c*nt to her and the FMC has nothing but the clothes on her back.

Throughout these 7 years or so, not one person who was close to her parents, like her father’s close friends from the Kings and Villains club lifts a finger to help her. Not one of them even tries to find her.

Anything could have happened to this girl once she got out of the reform school. Noel had no idea where she was and he appeared to be content with that.

When she tried to take revenge on him, he wants to make her pay but once he sees how attractive she is, he changes tactics and decides to marry her for a period of 6 months and in that time he can have her any way he wants sexually and she will get her trust in return for fixing the sh*t she caused with his company.

She is essentially forced to sell her body to a man who was entrusted to protect her.

85% of both books are just Ella mouthing off to Noel and him punishing her by f*cking her and being enamoured by her ass.

At no point in either book does Noel even think about loving Ella. He only thinks of her as a possession and someone he can mould to be his f*ck toy.

So when the oddly timed “I love you” came into the mix 3/4 of the way through the last book, it just didn’t gel well at all.

And as for the mystery surrounding who killed Ella’s mother and Matilde? I saw Jacob Prince coming a mile off.

How Ella believed she could be head of online design of a streaming company with a salary of 400k per annum with no qualifications or work experience is beyond me.

And what about the ending of Noel and Ella’s love story? Oh that’s right, we didn’t get one. There was no epilogue. It just ended abruptly.

So when it was all said and done, did I enjoy this? No, I can’t say I did. This was my first book by Jagger Cole. I am hoping that this mess of a book was just a one time occurrence, but if the next book I read goes the same way, I can’t see myself reading anymore by this author.

EMPIRE OF ASH is the second and final instalment in Jagger Cole’s contemporary, adult KINGS AND VILLAINS dark, erotic, age-gap romance duet focusing on forty-two year old businessman Noel Ransom , and twenty-one year old Ella Ashford. EMPIRE OF ASH should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one BURNED CINDER. The KINGS AND VILLAINS duet is set in the author’s SAVAGE HEIRS world.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ella and Noel) using present day and memories from the past, EMPIRE OF ASH picks up immediately after the events of book one BURNED CINDER wherein Ella Ashford’s life continues to spiral out of control. Someone is desperate to destroy our story line couple, and Ella is the perfect tool (or naïve fool) to take down businessman Noel Ransom. As Noel and his second in command Liam begin to ferret out the truth, new information reveals a plot pointing fingers in a familiar direction. Meanwhile, Ella’s past debt, a marker has been called in, and the price is much more than she could ever realize. Refusing to reveal or admit the truth to Noel, Ella is once again at a crossroads wherein her life and the life of the people she loves are out of her control. What ensues is the ongoing and troubling relationship between Ella and Noel, and the fall-out as vengeance and betrayal continue to tear at the root of their explosive relationship.

The secondary and supporting characters include Noel’s step-daughters Naomi and Cora, as well as Noel’s business rivals Oliver Prince and his son Jacob, Ella’s boss Harry, as well as Bastien Pierce and Julianna McCreed (Forbidden Crown/Savage Heirs), Noel’s second in command Liam, and Russian Bratva Kristoff Zima. The requisite evil has many faces.

EMPIRE OF ASH continues in the same vain as BURNED CINDER- secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge, heart break and pain, obsession, power and control, forgiveness, understanding, revelations and love. The premise is twisted and tragic; the romance is aggressive and raw; the characters are animated and edgy

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Eh such potential but so frigging boring.
And one entire scene is something I read a few years ago in one of Madison Faye's books. The whole fricking thing. So pretty unoriginal.

You barely go two sentences of some plot or a little substance before the leads are banging. I mean come on! A little bit of story would be nice. The heroine is forever stupid and just a shivering and whimpering mess. The hero..don't even try me.

Although there are moments in this story that make you cry, that really hit deep it's hard to read because it gets so tedious and dragged. But the upside is this one is edited a tad better so no typos. Yay.

Ohh, this one was better for sure.

Ella didn’t annoyed me that bad, like maybe in the beginning but she gets better. Noel was chef kiss as always my misunderstood hero that’s sucks when it comes to handling kids lol.

I can’t wait to read Olivier’s book I need ittt. For know imma ding into Kristoff 🔥🤤

Safety!

Ow/Om: Safe. Just mentions of Noel’s past marriage. Also mentioned he had sex with his first wife but didn’t love her. With the second almost wife was just pure protection and he did it bc of a promise he had with h’s dad.

No condoms, no kids.

ella became too weak

Overall 4 stars for Empire of Ash which is the conclusion of Ella Ashford - now Mrs. Ella Ransom - and Noel Ransom.

**Slight spoiler ahead if you haven't read book 1**

Book 2 kicks off exactly where book 1 left us... Ella is in a whole lotta trouble! Having been manipulated into betraying Noel in the boardroom she finds herself in a legal firestorm. At this point Noel has acknowledged he deeply cares for Ella and being her husband he is more than willing to save the day. And Ella truly does need someone to care for her and give her a safe haven. Noel does exactly that. There is still a lot of mystery and secrets that slowly emerge throughout the story. I will stay that some secrets Noel kept were unnecessary and simply there to add drama to the story.

There is one piece of the puzzle that is so expertly done by the author, regarding Ella's necklace and scaring, that I literally teared up! It was beautifully executed and honestly you should read this duology simply for this scene / plot twist alone.

The villain ended up being someone other than I expected. So it was a nice twist that I didn't see coming.

As for the relationship between the MC's; the pace was natural and they both acknowledged their love in subtle ways. My favorite chapters were from Noel's perspective because we become privy to his conflicting emotions and suppressed feelings for Ella. While there is a significant age gap between these two, Ella was wise well beyond her 21 yrs.

Jagger Cole did an amazing job and I recommend this duology for anyone looking for a twisty Cinderella-ish, high drama, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance!

**************************
Dual POV
No cheating / ow / om - Ella does experience jealousy regarding Noel's first "real" marriage
High level of spice
Tw's - please check warnings provided by Author at the start of the book

Thank you Jagger for this amazing conclusion of the Cinder duet! I was lucky enough to get advanced copies of both books of this duet to read for my honest review, and boy was I happy I did not have to wait for two separate releases!
This book picks up right where the last one left off and you find out what happens with the accusations against Ella and see how Noel handles it. Even after what went down in the boardroom vote in Burned Cinder, he is still there for her and that really shows how much he cares for her, even with how infuriated he was. As the mysteries continue to get uncovered, and some resolved, you watch their love and bond for each other grow, even when curveballs are thrown their way. The steam is off the charts as they continue exploring their explosive chemistry and as things finally seem like they are going their way, another twist unfolds! I love how Jagger mixes in the other members of the Kings and Villains throughout the book to provide help and answers, so you get subtly introduced to characters who may have books in the future! Throughout these twists, Ella is getting confused between what is real and what she believes versus how she feels, and when both her and Noel get the answers they have been seeking for, you think it’s over and that they are finally getting their HEA, but OH WAIT. Jagger hits you with a final twist! THAT ENDING! INSANE!
So happy with how their story concludes and loved this duet! I look forward to this new world and brand new series Jagger is building! So amazing!

Bravo Jagger Cole on weaving this intricate web of mystery, murder, and mayhem in this duet. WOW! I am exhausted but glad to now understand the actions behind the scenes. In book two of this exciting duet, we get a better understanding of the motivations and actions of Noel and Ella. With the light clicked on we now get to know Noel better. He’s not “completely” the total demanding “never explain” butthead he appears to be. He does have a heart and a strong loyalty to his deceased best friend Thomas Ashford.
Ella stays true to her nature; she is independent and bullheaded to a fault. It seems with Ella everything that could go bad, every mean thing has rained on her from age twelve when she lost her beloved father to cancer to her rescue at twenty-one. Someone is abusing her or trying to murder her over and over. Ella is strong but secretly Noel has been there for her in every way.
The characters are strong and are either lovable or nasty to the core. LOTS of suspense and in the end it somehow all comes together to make sense. Suspense is thick; the murdering Villain doesn’t get exposed until the last pages of the story. Thank God after all my hand wringing I got to the HAPPY ENDING. Oh yeah, Noel it a master sex God. Once that action starts it’s 5 on the HEAT scale. Ella is one lucky lady. I received a free advanced copy of this duet from Bookfunnel. I am leaving my honest opinion of the story because I review everything. Linda

I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.

I am so so glad I got to dive right into this book after the ending of book 1. And let me tell you, SO MUCH happened in these two books, my mind is still reeling from all of it. I loved seeing Ella and Noel grow so much throughout this storyline, and seeing their trust grow more and more? Swoon! Plus the spice is off the charts! I had to put the book aside a few times haha.

Also? I KNEW IT!!!! I totally called who it was and I figured it out so early!! And whenever that person was mentioned or Elle/Noel were around that person I was like NOO!! That was an emotional rollercoaster that left me exhausted, I tell ya. It really kept me entranced and my nose literally stuck in my Kindle, hoping things weren't about to erupt with craziness. It did, but I enjoyed every second of it.

I absolutely adored this series and these characters. It was nice to see past characters, and mentions of others, but I love how Jagger Cole can get me so sucked into each character's storyline where I'm like "Mischa who?" only because my heart, mind and soul are being captured by the current main characters.

I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel and, as always, can't wait for more by this fantastic author! You MUST read his novels - you won't regret it!

Oh wow, words are hard to find to express how much I enjoyed the sequel to this duet. Such an amazing story.
We see the tie up to the story of billionaire Noel who is totally dominant and alpha who takes his best friends daughter, Ella to be his bride. While there are many underlying factors at play in this story, it is fundamentally a love story that goes about it in a round about way.
Chock full of drama, mystery, danger and an absolute intensity that carries through the story, this is one duet not to be missed. The romance and steam is rife throughout also.
I absolutely adore how Noel is with Ella, his brash and unyielding manner at the start and as he starts to soften and the underlying causes for that. Nothing I'm about to give away, but oh how I wish I could. You have to read it. You need to read it!!
So well written, Jagger Cole packs impact into each chapter with lots of shock value and awe inspiring events. So so so good!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "EMPIRE OF ASH"
This is one unforgettable DUET written by Jagger Cole you'll be hooked from start to finish so much, suspense, intrigue, deceit, angst, danger, murder, arson, scorching hot scenes, secrets, lies, dark twists that have glued to your seat.
Noel Ransom & Ella Ashford we get more background into their stories in the second half of this phenominal duet these two are meant for each other as domineering as he is she's strong, feisty, can hold her own with him.
So much happens in the second half of this amazing duet trying to figure out who wants Ella & Noel dead is exhausting one minute you think you know then something happens to blow that out of the water Ella's not sure who to trust when things point to Noel more than once.
I definitely recommend to get this brilliantly written DUET you can put down so many interesting characters the shocking ending will blow you away I loved Noel & Ella's characters so much couldn't get enough of them. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!

Ella Ashford gambled and lost when she went after the King, Noel Ransom. She found herself lost in the middle of a power struggle, just where she didn’t want to be. She’s become his pawn, his captive and her worst nightmare come to life. I love how the story just keeps going deeper into their past, Noel place in her life whether she wants him there or not. Ella tries to remember her past, she tries to unwind the twists of fate, the lies and betrayals to uncover the truth of the night her mother died in the fire. Was Noel responsible or someone else, why can’t she remember? Jagger has written an emotional rollercoaster of a story filled with every emotion possible with secretes, lies and betrayal with a twist at every turn. Another great duet I love Ella and Noel. It was great to see some of some other familiar characters in the story and how their history, secrets and lies all played a part as this ending unfolds with twists and turns at every corner in this game of Kings and Villains. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the amazing story.

This Book is on FIRE

From the first word to the last you will be burning inside from the heat of Ella & Noel! Wow! There are sometimes no words to describe how powerful a book can be for a reader but this duet is one of them that will leave you speechless and shocked in all the right ways!

This duet concludes their story and all the secrets, lies, betrayal, & truths are revealed and they are explosive. Now that Ella has accepted being Noel’s wife she is trying to regain a sense of self but with an arsonist trying to blow them up and those she love is making putting their past behind them quite difficult. As always Jagger Cole writes a gut wrenching and powerful book that will leave you on the edge of your seat. You will not be disappointed when this book explodes and all the truths come to the surface. You will also love the hot as sun scenes between Ella & Noel. They are a perfect pair and their heat will burn your fingers on the pages! Happy Reading!!

Book 2 of the Cinder Duet 🔥🧱

Holy. sh*t. I did not see that coming! Okay, quick recap! I don’t do spoilers so I’ll do the best I can without giving anything away. The story picks up after the cliffhanger ending in book 1. This duet is tied to Jagger’s other series, so you should totally read those, as well. You don’t have to read them for the sake of this book, but fair warning, you will be obsessed with Jagger’s books afterwards. Back on topic now— THIS BOOK. THIS DUET. You’ll be laughing, crying, turned on, angry, hopeful, and more…all at the same time. Daddy Yuri (Bratva series) is everything, but Noel? He may have just stolen my little black heart. 🖤 I promised to give my honest review in exchange for an ARC (because patience isn’t my strong suit). I can’t wait for the next book(s) in this Kings & Villains series!Something tells me Jagger won’t make us wait too long 😉

Absolutely amazing duet!!!

First of all, this is part 2 of a duet. DO NOT read this story if you have not already read part 1 - Burned Cinder. You’ll be lost and missing some vital information. I cannot stress this enough. Reading the first portion will be well worth it - I promise.

Anyways… I could not put either part of this duet down! I devoured both stories in less then 24 hours! Thank goodness I started reading over the weekend!
(This one takes place immediately following the first story.) So many unanswered questions from the first will be answered in this portion. Sooooo many…
While I greatly enjoyed both parts, I think this one was my favorite of the two since we find out the why and the hows. Seriously, read this duet!!!

must read!

I think book two takes us deeper into the details. complicated and twisted Noel might not be a hero. Maybe not a good person But he tried to keep the promise he made to his best friend. And his action was to protect Ella all along. especially the fire incidents in the past I was very impressed with his actions. and he deserves something good in return. And this story is unpredictable who is the real villain. It's a very interesting story line. I think this book is a bit different from the first book. Especially the relationship between Noel and Ella that developed into love. They trust each other. It's another story that I enjoy and love very much. I would recommend everyone to read ❤️