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Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'
Ace of Betrayal: An Angsty Second Chance Millionaire Romance by Jessica Jude, Jessica Jude
8 reviews
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was a wild ride! This was my first Jessica Jude read and I really enjoyed it! The FMC secretly returns home to do some research for her dissertation and immediately runs into an ex best friend she wants to avoid who then spreads the word that she’s in town. Chaos ensues. The friend group bonds over exacting revenge on people who have done them wrong. Toxic? Yes. Fun? Also yes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t really have expectations when I picked up this book. I found the second book in the series, thought it sounded interesting, and so of course came back to read Ace of Betrayal first.
I kind of wish I hadn’t.
This is marketed as an angsty, new adult, second chance romance. Instead, I got a relationship that never really ended, with two main characters who didn’t grow enough (or spend enough time apart) to qualify as a second chance romance. This was more…a couple finally facing the issues after an annoyingly drawn-out reconnection arc.I’m not here to watch characters dance around the issues so long that we’re at the 50% mark before anyone actually says what happened to end the original relationship. That might work for some readers, but it isn’t for me. And there’s no growth or work done to make me believe the relationship actually stands a chance, other than vague assurances that people make mistakes and their love is real.
The premise for the series is strong and might be the only reason I give it another chance. A group of wealthy, elite friends who hold poker parties where they ante up their personal grievances, and the winner chooses someone to be the group’s next “revenge” target. There is so much potential in that concept. I loved it. But that potential was, sadly, railroaded here by a frustrating emotional imbalance and a love interest who never earned his redemption.
I wanted to like Heath as the male main character. His backstory and angst showed real promise. But he put in no emotional work until far too late in the book. Despite being the one who ended the relationship in the worst possible way, Heath is never truly forced to face the consequences of his actions or put in any effort to repair the damage. In fact, he goes on for most of the book to be an active participant in inflicting more damage. I wanted to root for him, but he never deserved it.
Meanwhile, we get a female main character, Walker, who is forced to carry the emotional labor. Her choices are repeatedly undermined by the narrative, which reframes her entirely understandable need to leave as “running away.” Her pain, growth, and agency get diminished in service of the romance. It’s a romance that, frankly, doesn’t deserve her.
Overall, I couldn’t invest in these characters emotionally. I was bored. I was frustrated. I kept hoping for something to happen to make it worthwhile, and it never did.
I’m sure there will be readers who will adore Heath and Walker. There are fun moments of revenge and intrigue. But this one wasn’t for me.
I kind of wish I hadn’t.
This is marketed as an angsty, new adult, second chance romance. Instead, I got a relationship that never really ended, with two main characters who didn’t grow enough (or spend enough time apart) to qualify as a second chance romance. This was more…a couple finally facing the issues after an annoyingly drawn-out reconnection arc.
The premise for the series is strong and might be the only reason I give it another chance. A group of wealthy, elite friends who hold poker parties where they ante up their personal grievances, and the winner chooses someone to be the group’s next “revenge” target. There is so much potential in that concept. I loved it. But that potential was, sadly, railroaded here by a frustrating emotional imbalance and a love interest who never earned his redemption.
I wanted to like Heath as the male main character. His backstory and angst showed real promise. But he put in no emotional work until far too late in the book. Despite being the one who ended the relationship in the worst possible way, Heath is never truly forced to face the consequences of his actions or put in any effort to repair the damage. In fact, he goes on for most of the book to be an active participant in inflicting more damage. I wanted to root for him, but he never deserved it.
Meanwhile, we get a female main character, Walker, who is forced to carry the emotional labor. Her choices are repeatedly undermined by the narrative, which reframes her entirely understandable need to leave as “running away.” Her pain, growth, and agency get diminished in service of the romance. It’s a romance that, frankly, doesn’t deserve her.
Overall, I couldn’t invest in these characters emotionally. I was bored. I was frustrated. I kept hoping for something to happen to make it worthwhile, and it never did.
I’m sure there will be readers who will adore Heath and Walker. There are fun moments of revenge and intrigue. But this one wasn’t for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Violence
Minor: Toxic relationship
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“When you love someone, you don’t stick a knife in their back every time they turn around.”
Bare with me since this review is loooongg 😅
This book made me feel everything—I was swooning one moment, then feeling betrayed, emotional, shocked, and honestly? Annoyed at some of the characters (y’all will understand once you read it 👀).
Walker was written so well. She’s smart and strong, but she’s also been through a lot. She ran from her past, and I totally get why. Between having a cheating father and being betrayed on by the guy she loved... twice... Her POVs were some of my favorite parts—until that airport toilet scene happened. 😭 Yeah, that part? Not it.
Now Heath... oh boy. I wanted to punch, smack, and literally throw him off Pierce’s balcony. His cowardice? UNREAL. Like, avoid owning up to what he did, then go clubbing and try to hook up with someone else? THEN kiss another girl again?! Absolute DICK MOVE. And the worst part? He never even told their friends the truth about why Walker left. He was too scared of losing them too. 🙄 BUT... I have to admit, I still felt for him. He was letting his dad and his fears ruin him, but at least he finally learned that his mistakes don’t define him and that love is something you fight for, not run from.
Now for Maeve, Lux, Rhett, and Pierce.... well, well, well, definitely a bit shitty and immature friends but I don't blame them for what they did as well. They were clueless of what really happened. But you know, they have money and connections and can go to different countries that easily and they didn't even bother to go straight to Walker to find out exactly why?!! Cmon!
The plot? SUCH A FUN RIDE. The revenge parts gave me serious Gossip Girl vibes and I was here for it. 🔥 Also, I LOVED the spicy library archive scene (iykyk 😏), and I thought naming each chapter after a song that matches what's going on in the chapter was such a unique, immersive touch! I even played some while reading and I enjoyed it so much!
Emotional damage? Check. Spice? 2.5/5, but satisfying in the right places.
I definitely cannot wait for the next book of this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ace of Betrayal is the first book in this series and it’s a fun introduction to this group of high society friends. I have to say that this type of character is not my normal interest, but I found them interesting and I connected with Walker’s need to balance research and fun (reading for research while at the beach is absolutely like a tax write off!). I was not, however, a fan of their shared interests in revenge plots so I found that difficult to deal with while reading the rest of the narrative.
I loved the dynamic between Walker and Heath and kept mentally yelling at them to just talk to each other openly! I also like the hints at relationships the other characters are having with each other and others outside of the group that I’m hoping will be explored more in future books!
In general, this was a fun and sexy romance with some wonderful dissection of relationship by Walker’s mother thrown in! I enjoyed reading it and will be reading the sequel!
This review is my honest opinion of the book. Thank you to the author for providing a digital copy for me to read in advance of the publication date.
I loved the dynamic between Walker and Heath and kept mentally yelling at them to just talk to each other openly! I also like the hints at relationships the other characters are having with each other and others outside of the group that I’m hoping will be explored more in future books!
In general, this was a fun and sexy romance with some wonderful dissection of relationship by Walker’s mother thrown in! I enjoyed reading it and will be reading the sequel!
This review is my honest opinion of the book. Thank you to the author for providing a digital copy for me to read in advance of the publication date.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
There is prior cheating by the MMC (before the book begins) that is discussed in the book and cheating by another character connected to the FMC discussed but not “shown” formally in the book. Definitely read the trigger warnings before reading.
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I read this book because I'll be getting an ARC for the second book, and I've been struggling with how to rate it. I didn't have many complaints about the writing style but I couldn't find a single character I liked. Every one was either a major a-hole or just irritating. Some characters were introduced for maybe one scene then never seen again and hardly mentioned after. And the whole thing with the teacher that was never really resolved and just let go. Like honestly, what was the point in bringing it up? The main characters were weirdly suspicious about technology but still use technology. Like the FMC used a VPN to Google an author but still uses cloud service for photos? Didn't make sense to me. Also very annoying that every thing says the FMC is a bookworm but she hardly read a single book the entire time.
There are several revenge plots while some are funny and clever, others are downright diabolical (in the best way). Props for creativity!
The forgiveness happened way too fast for me and just came out of nowhere. He barely had to work for it. The apology seemed so superficial and basic. Like they picked the most common trope and rolled with it.
The ending felt like everything was tied up a little too well. Like everything worked out too perfectly. The difficult character is in jail, they bought a house that wasn't for sale because she really wanted it and succeeded, and now they're all best friends again.
I doubt I'll ever reread this one but I'm hopeful about the second.
There are several revenge plots while some are funny and clever, others are downright diabolical (in the best way). Props for creativity!
The forgiveness happened way too fast for me and just came out of nowhere. He barely had to work for it. The apology seemed so superficial and basic. Like they picked the most common trope and rolled with it.
The ending felt like everything was tied up a little too well. Like everything worked out too perfectly.
I doubt I'll ever reread this one but I'm hopeful about the second.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read it for the Gossip Girl vibes, stay for the spicy library scene 😮💨
This was the first book I have read by this author and the only thought in my head after finishing was WOW. I enjoyed the hell out of this. Prior to the start of this book, the FMC walker had ghosted her boyfriend Heath and their entire friend group. As the reader, you don’t really know the catalyst for it. I had my suspicions, but wasn’t sure. Upon her return to town, the former friend group formulates a plan to get back at her for leaving that depends on Heath regaining her trust. Having Heath’s POV really turned up the angst because you know he is very conflicted on it. I was honestly on the edge of my seat reading this, waiting for the other shoe to drop… then I cried when it did, of course. These characters all have way too much money, and you would expect them to be completely spoiled brats, but the way they show up for each other was actually pretty great. You can’t help but love them all at least a little. This one was quite a ride. Hopefully there will be more books with this crew.
“Maybe it’s not the setting that counts so much as the people beside you.”
This was the first book I have read by this author and the only thought in my head after finishing was WOW. I enjoyed the hell out of this. Prior to the start of this book, the FMC walker had ghosted her boyfriend Heath and their entire friend group. As the reader, you don’t really know the catalyst for it. I had my suspicions, but wasn’t sure. Upon her return to town, the former friend group formulates a plan to get back at her for leaving that depends on Heath regaining her trust. Having Heath’s POV really turned up the angst because you know he is very conflicted on it. I was honestly on the edge of my seat reading this, waiting for the other shoe to drop… then I cried when it did, of course. These characters all have way too much money, and you would expect them to be completely spoiled brats, but the way they show up for each other was actually pretty great. You can’t help but love them all at least a little. This one was quite a ride. Hopefully there will be more books with this crew.
“Maybe it’s not the setting that counts so much as the people beside you.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is what would happen if the breakfast club met gossip girl. A friend group who have grown up around wealth and without consequences use poker to decide who they’ll plot their revenge against and when Walker returns to their lives, she’s seemingly the perfect victim.
Walker just wants to live her life and avoid the past, including her friends. Going back to her hometown makes this impossible, and when she needs something from them, she falls into their plot.
Heath is the kind of guy who puts everyone else ahead of himself. He makes bad decisions based off good intentions that come in the form of self-sabotage.
4.25/5 - I wish some of the chapters had been a bit slower, and I wish we’d send more of Heath’s sisters and their relationship and how it fits with his relationship with his dad but loved the revenge plots and relationships
Walker just wants to live her life and avoid the past, including her friends. Going back to her hometown makes this impossible, and when she needs something from them, she falls into their plot.
Heath is the kind of guy who puts everyone else ahead of himself. He makes bad decisions based off good intentions that come in the form of self-sabotage.
4.25/5 - I wish some of the chapters had been a bit slower, and I wish we’d send more of Heath’s sisters and their relationship and how it fits with his relationship with his dad but loved the revenge plots and relationships
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Minor: Drug use, Sexual harassment
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you are a fan of Gossip Girl, this is the book for you! Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rich kids, revenge plots, second chance romance, and characters that you somehow root for despite them being objectively pretty terrible people.
Loved:
Rich kids, revenge plots, second chance romance, and characters that you somehow root for despite them being objectively pretty terrible people.
Loved:
- Walker’s love of the spooky
- The way Jessica Jude built a whole new country somewhere between the US and the UK
- Walker and Heath learning so much about each other as the story went on. The surfing, the reading, etc.
Walker’s revenge on her friends by auctioning what they loved most for charity. What a classy way to get back at them! - The spice!!
Meh:
- The revenge poker games. You’re telling me that every week these 20-somethings choose someone to fuck with? It’s a small island (as far as I can tell), how are they still getting away with it?
Didn’t Like:
- How long it took for Heath to
stop the revenge plot against Walker. He kept saying he cared about her, but did nothing at all? I can understand his reluctance to tell the truth about cheating, but why didn’t he just say “Let’s not do this” - It was hard to root for the characters when they all kind of just seemed like bullies
- The lack of resolution
around Walker’s professor assaulting her. All that work and she just decides to give up on her dreams? I wanted more from that
I will say I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol