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emotional funny relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was a perfect combination of drama, witty banter, and feet kicking giggle moments. Slate and Lux are the hottest couple! I kept wishing they were real so I could see where they were now.
This book is the 2nd book of the Hand of Revenge Series but you can read this book as a standalone (I highly recommend reading the first book - Ace of Betrayal because it is another 5 star read).
I can’t wait for the 3rd book in the series. I am loving every character Jude writes. They are equal parts complex and fun! 
I think this may be one of my favorite reads of the year. 

*** I was selected to be an ARC reader for this book! ***
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes

Thanks Jessica Jude for the ARC opportunity! I never expected to love Lux as much as I did! What growth! And I can’t wait to see what adventures book 3 takes us on! 
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

I read an advanced copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it! Lux is a socialite who is from the ritzy side of town. Slate is the rugged blue-collar mechanic from the rough side of town. Their paths cross when Slate becomes the subject of Lux’s revenge crusade after he steals a parking spot from her one day. Afterwards, fate keeps crossing their paths as the sparks ignite and intertwine them more and more as Slate seeks help for his sister and Lux seeks salvation for her brother. Their tension is heated and had me giggling waiting for the enemies to become lovers and it did not disappoint! This is such a good read!
emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Slate's life has been fraught with adversity and now he has assumed responsibility for his sister who is suffering from a mysterious ailment. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks has forced him to do anything in order to make ends meet - including selling drugs. On the other hand, Lux lives a life of luxury but the one thing she is lacking is a true human connection. With her brother struggling with addiction, she is on a mission to shut down the dealer supplying him. While searching for the mysterious "Wolf", she lands on Slate's front door and forms an unexpected alliance. The man who once stole her prime parking spot is now her only hope of exacting revenge. Coming from vastly different backgrounds, the pair don't make sense together but somehow they are just what each other needed.

Although this is the second book in the "Hand of Revenge" series, this absolutely works as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading "Ace of Betrayal", it gives you more backstory on the origin of the revenge poker game, Walker and Heath's history, and shows Lux in a different light. I thoroughly enjoyed this story more than the first book. I will admit I was hesitant to read about Lux since she was my least favorite character but she definitely redeemed herself in this book. Slate was the absolute best despite all he had endured. I immediately figured out the twist but it was still heartbreaking when it was revealed and I loved Slate's path to redemption.

emotional tense fast-paced
Loveable characters: Yes

Normally I read more high fantasy books so this was a change for me. 
And I have to say that I really enjoyed it! Without having to read the first book, the second book was a joy. Rich story building, well thought out characters, tricky situations and plot.

This book had me screaming at it at times for the tension and then pulling away. (also in a good way)

Overall I recommend this book.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and am
providing my honest review.
challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-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

I devoured this in one day. I could not put it down, it was so good! Lux and Slate were EVERYTHING! They both have their own personal struggles, but what Lux dealt with, was so hard and just broke my heart for her. Jessica Jude did an incredible job conveying Lux’s emotions and internal battles during some very difficult subjects. I cried several times for Lux, she just deserved so much more, and Slate recognized that, and swooped in! This book was a little dark, and also super sweet and makes swoon and melt. The spice was INCREDIBLE, without taking away from the plot. I couldn’t put this book down. Slate’s sister was so cute and I love the relationship that developed between Lux and Briar was so cute! Slate was so patient with Lux and just as crazy about her as she was about him. The plot twist was so good! I can’t wait to read about the other characters stories. I cannot say enough great things about Queen of Vengeance! I absolutely loved it! It will not disappoint. 
adventurous dark mysterious fast-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

First read: June 2025
Song pairing: “False God” – Taylor Swift

I finished this in 3 days (mom life- got a chokehold)! I couldn’t stop thinking about it and sneaking in chapters when I could, and staying up extra late to see what would happen next!! My mind kept racing and wanting to find out just who the Wolf was! I was back and forth with almost every character! And the ending!?! I need more from poker night!! I just need to know what is going to happen next!!!

Vibes are raw and the character drama is intimate. While I didn’t quite get the GG vibes- I understood where it was coming from and would’ve loved more of the friend group interaction to get that feel, although without spoilers I also see why there wasn’t as much. 

The spice was open door, it felt like a quick glance, but never felt forced. It was well-paced, but wouldn’t have minded if it had been longer.  What is here though does fit the tone and character growth.  

Who it’d be perfect for: Rich Girl x Blue Collar Boy, Enemies to Lovers, Touch her and suffer consequences. 

It was fast paced, full of inner conflict, emotional stakes, and character driven tension. 

One of my favorite relationships was Briar & Lux. Just had a lot of heart - it’s definitely a relationship I’ve held dear myself. 

Overall, I loved it! The pacing, emotional depth, and banter between Lux & Slate made it memorable. That said, I do wish the revenge thread from the last poker night was developed… I truly hope we get to see how that ends! 

Thanks for giving me the chance to read this ARC, Jessica!!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional mysterious 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

I received this as an ARC. I found it really enjoyable! A nice easy read with a twist at the end. It has a HEA and touches on some dark subject matter.

I enjoyed this even more than the first book of the series. We get to see more of Lux and her vulnerable side. There is a bit of "who is it?" mystery. Good banter. Open door spice. Enemies to lovers. Opposites attract. Thank you Jessica Jude for an ARC of this book! Excited to see how the series continues.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark mysterious medium-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

“You realize this will never work. Your world & mine.”
“I thought so too, until I realized you’ve become my whole world.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5

I absolutely loved reading Queen of Vengeance! I was so excited to read Lux & Slate’s story that I could barely put down my kindle. 
Lux is a socialite & Slate is a drug dealer from the wrong side of the tracks. They team up to find the dealer known as The Wolf & to help his sister get a diagnosis. 
Overall, I really enjoyed the story & will definitely be rereading it again at some point. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.