To start i love the dedication:
To everyone who's ever felt they were to much or not enough, you're the perfect amount.

Lux is from the high society, it girl, were image is very important. Slate is from the bad side of town, bad biker boy, were nothing is taking for granted. But when the 2 worlds are coming together, is it possible for love to win?

Really loved the feelings and vibes the two had with each other and how in there mind they knew it wouldn't work but there hearts had other plans. And to think this all started with just stealing a parking spot and some revenge plotting. But when is the revenge going to far and can you come back from that or is it to late.

He definitely did everything for her to protect her and gave her the feelings that she matters and that's ok to have feelings. Yes he wasn't always good en did make mistakes but he was not alone in that department, she also had here moments of being a b*tch just to get back to him.

I did miss some group banter, in ace of betrayal they were more together and love them as a group and the fun they had with plotting there revenge.
emotional inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes


I was instantly intrigued by this book’s concept—Gossip Girl meets Breaking Bad? Say less. The cover and accompanying artwork were absolutely gorgeous, and the blurb completely pulled me in. From the first few pages, I was curious and ready to keep going. I found myself wanting more each night, which is always a good sign. 
The storyline scratched that nostalgic teen drama itch in the best way—it gave Gilmore Girls meets Secret Life of the American Teenager energy, and I was here for it. The pacing felt smooth and engaging, and I never felt like reading was a chore. It moved at just the right speed to keep me invested without feeling rushed or bogged down. 
The characters were well-developed and mostly believable—though, not being part of high society myself, I can’t say for sure how accurate some of the behavior was! Still, the emotional arc felt satisfying. The main characters grew together and showed real maturity by the end. I also felt surprisingly connected to the full cast, and I’m genuinely hoping some of the side characters get their own stories down the line. 
The ending wrapped things up perfectly. It landed at just the right moment and didn’t leave me confused, frustrated, or with the dreaded book hangover. Everything tied together in a satisfying way, and I felt good closing the final page. 
I’ve already recommended this to my book bestie, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who loves messy drama with high stakes, rich kid chaos, and emotional twists. I’ll absolutely be reading more from Jessica Jude! 
emotional sad tense 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: No

Thank you @jessicajudebooks for providing me with an advance copy of Queen of Vengeance! After reading the first book of this series, Ace of Betrayal, I was anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series! And Jessica Jude did not disappoint. 

Queen of Vengeance delivers a vivid and dream-worthy glimpse into the high-society life, with dreamy characters that are both relatable and aspirational. The writing is richly descriptive, painting each scene clearly in the mind’s eye and making it easy to get swept up in the story’s glamour and drama. I especially enjoyed how easy it was to connect with the characters—they felt like the kind of people you’d imagine living in that dazzling world. While I mostly enjoyed the read, the pacing near the end dragged slightly, with some parts feeling a bit drawn out in the middle. Still, it was an engaging story overall and a satisfying escape.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#BookReview #QueenOfVengeance #BookLovers #WhatImReading #BookRec #TBR
adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

Jessica Jude does it again with Queen of Vengeance, the electrifying second book in the Hand of Revenge series. Picking up with new depth and tension, this story masterfully weaves action, emotion, and romance into a gripping story I couldn’t put down.

Lux and Slate, what a pair. Watching their relationship evolve from wary allies to something deeper was an absolute thrill. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really shines is how naturally (and at times unexpectedly) it grows. It never feels forced and perfectly depicts two complicated, scarred individuals finding themselves in each other in the most unlikely of places.

Lux's transformation is nothing short of powerful. Her strength, vulnerability, and layered backstory make her fierce and yet relatable. Slate, too, grows in ways that surprised me. His journey is quieter, but no less impactful. Their character arcs are beautifully done, and I found myself just as invested in their individual paths as I was in their connection.

Jude’s storytelling is cinematic. Her worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and the pacing was perfect and hit that sweet spot between unbearable tension and earth-shattering tenderness. I predicted the plot twist fairly early on, but that only made it more gut-wrenching when it finally came to light. The ending, however, was unexpected and perfectly brings the book back to the plot of the overarching series. It's an emotional rollercoaster with moments that made me laugh, ache, and gasp (sometimes from excitement, sometimes from heartbreak).

Thank you so much to Jessica Jude for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Queen of Vengeance. This book will stay with me for a long time, and I need the next book in this series like I need oxygen.
dark emotional mysterious tense

‼️This book had me kicking my feet until the early hours of the morning. I did not want to put it down. Queen of Vengeance gripped me by the ‘bad boy who is actually a softie’ loving horns and did not let go.

The deeper concepts and triggers in the story were portrayed so well and really brought the story together. I am an emotional reader, and I enjoy feeling all the feels!
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I read an ARC of this book, and am sharing my honest thoughts. Thanks for the opportunity Jessica Jude!

Normally I read epic fantasy novels, so this is a step outside my niche. Jessica’s writing style is fun and engaging; she knows when to lift the mood with some well-placed humour and Twilight references that made me chuckle. Who doesn’t love a Twilight reference?!

The witty banter between her main characters, Lux and Slate, was great, and the spice doesn’t detract from the plot. At first, Lux is your typical spoilt rich brat, but she evolves through the story and comes out a better person. Slate is your sexy bad boy, but he does it out of love for his family. Their chemistry is fab – opposites attract, kinda enemies to lovers, but light on the enemy vibes, with more of a ‘scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ deal. Spice level is probably 2.5 out of 5. If you like the ‘only one bed’ trope, you’ll find that here, with a little bit of partner in crime action thrown in, ‘who did this to you?’ and a secretive relationship.

I’d recommend reading Ace of Betrayal before you read Queen of Vengeance. It provides some back-story on a couple of the minor characters, plus some more Lux background. Read the trigger warnings too - the story contains drug use and its consequences, domestic abuse, and reference to past eating disorders. 

I really enjoyed reading Queen of Vengeance, and am looking forward to the next book in the series!


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Queen of Vengeance (thank you, Jessica!) in exchange for an honest review—and let me just say, I devoured this book.

From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I instantly connected with Lux and Slate—two characters who are not only easy to relate to, but whose emotional depth and personal histories make you root for them from page one. I was completely hooked on seeing how their stories would intertwine (slow burn fans, you’re in for a treat!).

Slate is the classic brooding, badass lead—flawed, intense, and the kind of character who makes the wrong choices for the right reasons and would fall to his knees for the people he loves. Lux, on the surface, is the polished rich girl, but beneath that exterior lies a whirlwind of emotions, unspoken needs, and the kindest heart—though she’ll never show it easily.

Is this book a literary masterpiece? No. Does it play with familiar tropes—the morally gray boy and the sweet, guarded girl? Absolutely. But did I still love every single second of it? Hell yes.

If I had one minor critique, it’s that there were a few moments that felt like they were building toward something more emotional or tender, and they shifted into steam abruptly. But honestly, that might just be a personal preference!

Overall, this book is a fast-paced, engaging, emotionally charged read, perfect for anyone in a reading slump or looking to get lost in a story with heart, heat, and two unforgettable leads.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Full review coming soon