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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review
I'm really torn with my review.
If I don't relate to a FMC, it takes me out of the story, and unfortunately that happened here. There was some pettiness that I just couldn't get over. The "revenge" was overboard (referring to both attempts by FMC towards MMC.) A couple of plot lines could have been explored, which might have added some depth to the FMC, but as she is written, I just didn't like her.
I also didn't feel the chemistry between the FMC & MMC. Outside of a little sexual tension, IDK, I didn't see what really drew them together.
Now the MMC is the redemption for this story. I loved him and everything about him. I love that he is morally grey. I love that he will fiercely protect anyone he loves. I love that he was willing to change and grow, to become a better man, even if I don't feel like the FMC was worthy.
All things considered, while this story didn't fully resonate with me, I believe it has potential and will resonate with others! I am curious about the next book of the series and will likely give it a chance!
I'm really torn with my review.
If I don't relate to a FMC, it takes me out of the story, and unfortunately that happened here. There was some pettiness that I just couldn't get over. The "revenge" was overboard (referring to both attempts by FMC towards MMC.) A couple of plot lines could have been explored, which might have added some depth to the FMC, but as she is written, I just didn't like her.
I also didn't feel the chemistry between the FMC & MMC. Outside of a little sexual tension, IDK, I didn't see what really drew them together.
Now the MMC is the redemption for this story. I loved him and everything about him. I love that he is morally grey. I love that he will fiercely protect anyone he loves. I love that he was willing to change and grow, to become a better man, even if I don't feel like the FMC was worthy.
All things considered, while this story didn't fully resonate with me, I believe it has potential and will resonate with others! I am curious about the next book of the series and will likely give it a chance!
emotional
funny
tense
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
Poker, Power, and Passion!
Queen of Vengeance by Jessica Jude is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with Breaking Bad meets Gossip Girl energy. This is the sequel to Ace of Betrayal, and though that one was good, QoV is truly phenomenal! AoB provides useful background information about the group of friends, and their weekly poker games that are the catalyst for many of their antics in both books.
I was hooked right from the dedication of the book, “To everyone who’s ever felt they were too much or not enough, you’re the perfect amount.” Though Lux has a hard and perfect exterior, Slate’s caring and “take no sh*t” attitude is her perfect balance. I never got bored with the pacing, and the spice kept you on your toes! Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes open door romance, set in a modern fictional world where you can place yourself in the shoes of rich kids living their best lives. I have already signed up to be an ARC reader for the third book and I can’t wait to continue following their story!
Queen of Vengeance by Jessica Jude is a spicy enemies to lovers romance with Breaking Bad meets Gossip Girl energy. This is the sequel to Ace of Betrayal, and though that one was good, QoV is truly phenomenal! AoB provides useful background information about the group of friends, and their weekly poker games that are the catalyst for many of their antics in both books.
I was hooked right from the dedication of the book, “To everyone who’s ever felt they were too much or not enough, you’re the perfect amount.” Though Lux has a hard and perfect exterior, Slate’s caring and “take no sh*t” attitude is her perfect balance. I never got bored with the pacing, and the spice kept you on your toes! Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes open door romance, set in a modern fictional world where you can place yourself in the shoes of rich kids living their best lives. I have already signed up to be an ARC reader for the third book and I can’t wait to continue following their story!
emotional
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I received Queen of Vengeance as an ARC and truly enjoyed every bit of it! The storyline pulled me in right away and the pacing was spot on - fast enough to keep you hooked but still giving the characters their moments.
What really stood out to me was the dynamic between Lux and Slate. It’s not a common trope I see where both main characters are grumpy yet deeply misunderstood and secretly kind hearted. I adored watching their layers peel back. The author did a phenomenal job addressing an abusive relationship in the story, she handled it with care and authenticity, showing the mental gymnastics survivors often go through to justify what is happening to them.
Slate and Briar’s sibling relationship was so fun and real. The friend group added even more life to the world.
And the ending?!? I loved it! The cliffhanger has me counting down the days til the next book drops!
Highly recommend for fans of emotional depth, slow-burn character arcs, and found family vibes.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ arc review ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
3.75✨
The drama! I had such a delight reading this and trying to figure out who The Wolf is/was. This book/series was described as having a Gossip Girl vibe and I can definitely see it. The FMC was giving Blair Waldorf, and I developed such a soft spot for the MMC. Such a softy deep down.
I loved that this book has a closed-door chapter index! Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to read spice so I skim past the spicy scenes, but I was so enveloped in the chemistry the MCs had.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Jessica Jude.
3.75✨
The drama! I had such a delight reading this and trying to figure out who The Wolf is/was. This book/series was described as having a Gossip Girl vibe and I can definitely see it. The FMC was giving Blair Waldorf, and I developed such a soft spot for the MMC. Such a softy deep down.
I loved that this book has a closed-door chapter index! Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to read spice so I skim past the spicy scenes, but I was so enveloped in the chemistry the MCs had.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Jessica Jude.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Vomit, Death of parent
dark
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I knew I would like this book from the initial description “Gossip Girl meets Breaking Bad”
Lux is a beautiful socialite who spends her time taking photos of her food, attending parties, and posting content for her followers. Her world gets more complicated when she needs to find a notorious drug dealer to help her brother. With the help of Slate, a mechanic from the other side of town, Lux starts on a journey that leads to some bad and good discoveries.
I thought this book was great! I loved the development of Lux as she sees a world other than the one she grew up in. The romance in the book is *chef’s kiss* I loved the intense connection between Lux and Slate and the way they can’t stay away from each other. I’m so happy they got their happy ending and I hope they make a cameo in the next book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book!
Lux is a beautiful socialite who spends her time taking photos of her food, attending parties, and posting content for her followers. Her world gets more complicated when she needs to find a notorious drug dealer to help her brother. With the help of Slate, a mechanic from the other side of town, Lux starts on a journey that leads to some bad and good discoveries.
I thought this book was great! I loved the development of Lux as she sees a world other than the one she grew up in. The romance in the book is *chef’s kiss* I loved the intense connection between Lux and Slate and the way they can’t stay away from each other. I’m so happy they got their happy ending and I hope they make a cameo in the next book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
emotional
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:
No
If you love different worlds colliding with unexpected twists, this is definitely one you want to read! Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out & waiting for the bow, you get knocked back into your seat. The characters beat all the stereotypes you think they’re going to fit into with great development without feeling rushed & incomplete. As a reader who enjoys the mechanics of writing, this is hard to accomplish & as always the author does a great job without sacrificing the plot. It has some spicy moments that aren’t a turn off to the book & keeps you engaged. I love this series & can’t wait for more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I received an ARC copy of this book. I marked this review for spoilers, though they are mild and do not spoil twists or major plot points.
I’m going to be so real with you, when I signed up for this ARC I was fresh off an ARC from a different author that I really didn’t like. When I received the email for this book, I was dreading starting it because of that completely unrelated ARC from the month prior. And I was totally panicked because I had forgotten to read the first book in this series. Now, bear in mind, I had never read any of Jessica Jude’s works prior to 5 days ago. With that in mind, I’m freaking hooked.
Flash forward to five days ago. I (finally) picked up Ace of Betrayal (book 1) and finished it in one day. I loved it so much that I could not put it down. Started the ARC for Queen of Vengeance right after, and somehow it was even better than book 1. I loved Heath & Walker’s story, but Slate & Lux? Unreal.
After having read both books, can confirm that they can be read as standalone books or out of order. You may be confused with some small details surrounding Lux’s friend group if you don’t read Ace of Betrayal first, but it’s nothing that takes away from the plot of Queen of Vengeance.
Jessica Jude totally captures and relays the feelings of absolute heartache, reconciliation, and love. There was not a moment throughout this book that I couldn’t put myself into the characters shoes and feel what they were feeling.
Absolutely smashed this book out of the park, 5⭐️
I’m going to be so real with you, when I signed up for this ARC I was fresh off an ARC from a different author that I really didn’t like. When I received the email for this book, I was dreading starting it because of that completely unrelated ARC from the month prior. And I was totally panicked because I had forgotten to read the first book in this series. Now, bear in mind, I had never read any of Jessica Jude’s works prior to 5 days ago. With that in mind, I’m freaking hooked.
Flash forward to five days ago. I (finally) picked up Ace of Betrayal (book 1) and finished it in one day. I loved it so much that I could not put it down. Started the ARC for Queen of Vengeance right after, and somehow it was even better than book 1. I loved Heath & Walker’s story, but Slate & Lux? Unreal.
After having read both books, can confirm that they can be read as standalone books or out of order. You may be confused with some small details surrounding Lux’s friend group if you don’t read Ace of Betrayal first, but it’s nothing that takes away from the plot of Queen of Vengeance.
Jessica Jude totally captures and relays the feelings of absolute heartache, reconciliation, and love. There was not a moment throughout this book that I couldn’t put myself into the characters shoes and feel what they were feeling.
Absolutely smashed this book out of the park, 5⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
I received an ARC copy of this book.
I’m going to be so real with you, when I signed up for this ARC I was fresh off an ARC from a different author that I really didn’t like. When I received the email for this book, I was dreading starting it because of that completely unrelated ARC from the month prior. And I was totally panicked because I had forgotten to read the first book in this series. Now, bear in mind, I had never read any of Jessica Jude’s works prior to 5 days ago. With that in mind, I’m freaking hooked.
Flash forward to five days ago. I (finally) picked up Ace of Betrayal (book 1) and finished it in one day. I loved it so much that I could not put it down. Started the ARC for Queen of Vengeance right after, and somehow it was even better than book 1. I loved Heath & Walker’s story, but Slate & Lux? Unreal.
After having read both books, can confirm that they can be read as standalone books or out of order. You may be confused with some small details surrounding Lux’s friend group if you don’t read Ace of Betrayal first, but it’s nothing that takes away from the plot of Queen of Vengeance.
Jessica Jude totally captures and relays the feelings of absolute heartache, reconciliation, and love. There was not a moment throughout this book that I couldn’t put myself into the characters shoes and feel what they were feeling.
Absolutely smashed this book out of the park, 5⭐️
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Who doesn't love a bad boy with a "who did this to you" energy. That is Slate in a nutshell. This story had me wanting to pull my hair out in the best way! I look forward to the next book! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
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:
No
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It was phenomenal!!!! The story flowed so well and the tension between the FMC and the MMC was 🥵🥵🥵. The author stated you do not need to read the first one before you read this one, but I would recommend you start with the first one. Not only do you get introduced to a couple of characters foundin the second book, you will also understand the game. The ending was 🤌🏻 and I NEED the third one, PLEASE!!!!!
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is great. I am so obsessed with this group of friends now. Lux and Slate are 10/10. The twists and love story are amazing. The spice is fantastic. 🫢
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Terminal illness