What do you think?
Rate this book
Ace of Betrayal
Two years ago, I fled without a word, leaving behind my elite life of luxury cars, designer wardrobes, and private jets.
I swore I’d never come back.
But it turns out, college professors don’t really care about that stuff. Which is how I find myself back in the place I thought I’d never see again. Facing the people I thought I left behind for good.
My plan is simple: keep my head down, finish my research, and head back to Oxford as soon as I can. The only thing I didn’t count on? Needing his help to get into the library. How am I supposed to concentrate on my studies while he fidgets beside me, those long limbs distracting in the worst way possible?
It’s been two years. I’ve moved on. *Obviously.*
But we’re talking about the guy who shredded my heart the last time he got his hands on it. The one who still looks devastatingly handsome in those low-slung board shorts and that chiseled torso. The one who can unravel me with a single word and make me question why I left in the first place.
A mistake like him would be fatal, because this time my heart won’t survive.
Perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and Magnolia Parks, this book will have you in a chokehold. If you enjoy stories that will make you laugh, cry, and scream, prepare for your next obsession.
This book is perfect for readers looking for
New adult romance
Stories about the elite and wealthy
Dual POVs
Second chance romance
Angsty and emotional books
Forced proximity
It may not be suitable for everyone. Please see author’s website for details and TWs.
I swore I’d never come back.
But it turns out, college professors don’t really care about that stuff. Which is how I find myself back in the place I thought I’d never see again. Facing the people I thought I left behind for good.
My plan is simple: keep my head down, finish my research, and head back to Oxford as soon as I can. The only thing I didn’t count on? Needing his help to get into the library. How am I supposed to concentrate on my studies while he fidgets beside me, those long limbs distracting in the worst way possible?
It’s been two years. I’ve moved on. *Obviously.*
But we’re talking about the guy who shredded my heart the last time he got his hands on it. The one who still looks devastatingly handsome in those low-slung board shorts and that chiseled torso. The one who can unravel me with a single word and make me question why I left in the first place.
A mistake like him would be fatal, because this time my heart won’t survive.
Perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and Magnolia Parks, this book will have you in a chokehold. If you enjoy stories that will make you laugh, cry, and scream, prepare for your next obsession.
This book is perfect for readers looking for
New adult romance
Stories about the elite and wealthy
Dual POVs
Second chance romance
Angsty and emotional books
Forced proximity
It may not be suitable for everyone. Please see author’s website for details and TWs.
324 pages, ebook
Published March 4, 2025
493 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Jude
6 books406 followersJessica Jude writes emotionally-charged kissing (among other things) books about royals and the elite. Her aim in all of her stories is to make you fall in love with the characters and use up box after box of tissues. Her characters are strong and independent, who make plenty of morally gray decisions. She likes her women fierce and her men possessive.
Her favorite scenes to write are arguments. She's been known to stir up drama in her own life when she gets bored, and her family is glad she has an outlet for her occasional Blair-Waldorfism. She lives in a big old house in the midwestern United States with her high-school sweetheart. She has dreamed of being an author since she was six and wrote her first book about a girl named Mary who got lost in the woods. Mary was eventually found, but sadly, the book was never published. Jessica is a homebody who loves to travel, a coffee candle junkie who doesn't drink coffee, and a very-loud-at-home introvert.
Find tropes and trigger warnings for her books at https://www.jessicajude.com/
Get exclusive bonus content by joining the fancy-schmancy Privy Council (aka email list) at https://www.jessicajude.com/newsletter
Watch BTS footage on Instagram @JessicaJudeBooks
Her favorite scenes to write are arguments. She's been known to stir up drama in her own life when she gets bored, and her family is glad she has an outlet for her occasional Blair-Waldorfism. She lives in a big old house in the midwestern United States with her high-school sweetheart. She has dreamed of being an author since she was six and wrote her first book about a girl named Mary who got lost in the woods. Mary was eventually found, but sadly, the book was never published. Jessica is a homebody who loves to travel, a coffee candle junkie who doesn't drink coffee, and a very-loud-at-home introvert.
Find tropes and trigger warnings for her books at https://www.jessicajude.com/
Get exclusive bonus content by joining the fancy-schmancy Privy Council (aka email list) at https://www.jessicajude.com/newsletter
Watch BTS footage on Instagram @JessicaJudeBooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 800 reviews
April 9, 2025
2 ⭐️'s. forget the fmc getting gaslit, I feel like I was
this had potential to be like gossip girl with how the first 50 pages of the book were which makes me so sad but I couldn't root for any of these characters after that
the plot of this book is the fmc getting cheated on and then forgiving the mmc. not only does she forgive him, but there's a romcom run into each others arms moment after the "misunderstanding" and I just couldn't root for it 😭
never has a fmc been so down bad because WHAT DO YOU MEAN he cheated and then you ran to have sex with him in the closest public bathroom, while putting your hands on the back of the toilet water tank
this had potential to be like gossip girl with how the first 50 pages of the book were which makes me so sad but I couldn't root for any of these characters after that
the plot of this book is the fmc getting cheated on and then forgiving the mmc. not only does she forgive him, but there's a romcom run into each others arms moment after the "misunderstanding" and I just couldn't root for it 😭
never has a fmc been so down bad because WHAT DO YOU MEAN he cheated and then you ran to have sex with him in the closest public bathroom, while putting your hands on the back of the toilet water tank
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
This book hit my kindle at 6am and I had it finished by the time I was off work! It was absolutely fantastic!
The Gossip Girl vibes of elite families kids and their twisted games had me EATING this book up.
The brooding, the pining, the plotting, the revenge, the spice 😮💨😈 I loved it all!
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Heath at first, but after understanding his dark and brooding ways and why he felt the way he does so deeply… you can’t help but understand why Walker loves him.
I honestly cannot wait for more books and to see how the rest of the friend groups love life evolves and grows!
Also can we all just talk about the library scene please? 😮💨🌶️
This book releases March 4th, and I cannot express how highly I recommend it!
I received this as an ARC, and thank you so much for letting me be one of the first to read your book! I’m literally dying to get my hands on the next one already!
The Gossip Girl vibes of elite families kids and their twisted games had me EATING this book up.
The brooding, the pining, the plotting, the revenge, the spice 😮💨😈 I loved it all!
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Heath at first, but after understanding his dark and brooding ways and why he felt the way he does so deeply… you can’t help but understand why Walker loves him.
I honestly cannot wait for more books and to see how the rest of the friend groups love life evolves and grows!
Also can we all just talk about the library scene please? 😮💨🌶️
This book releases March 4th, and I cannot express how highly I recommend it!
I received this as an ARC, and thank you so much for letting me be one of the first to read your book! I’m literally dying to get my hands on the next one already!
February 18, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and thank you Jessica Jude for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team!
First off I really liked this book! I went into it kind of blind and just along for the ride and I am glad I did!
I loved the idea of having this found family that bonded over poker games and plotting revenge on people for really big deals to the most minor inconveniences lol The friends have their flaws and at times found them entitled and could be annoying but I think that is the whole point but deep down they truly loved one another.
You should honestly hate Heath but some how Jessica Jude made me fall in love with him. If you really look at his past with his dad and what he has gone through, its no wonder he acts and treats Walker the way he does. He truly doesn't know how to properly love or be loved. Which leads me to Walker, she kind of doesn't know how to love or loved either due to her mother and fathers relationship and being left by her dad so young with no real goodbye. So you bring 2 people together with all this baggage and you get what this story tells. I love that by the end they both go through this self reflection and own up to their own mistakes. Heath finally being able to tell his friends his wrong doings and be honest with his friends. Then Walker being able to do her own revenge plot against those friends who were going to truly ruin her life if they went through with their plan to submit her paper before her. In the end all their tensions between them could have been solved if Heath didn't feel the need to push Walker away by cheating on her, Walker leaning on her friends when that happened instead of running, and Heath owning up to his mistakes from the very beginning but then we wouldn't have a great story to read :)
Those spicy scenes were chefs kiss!! 🤌🏼
All in all I give this book 4/5 ⭐️ I liked the overall plot and how the story came together. Like previously stated the characters could be annoying at times but I flew through the book. I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen. The last line had me wanting more and I cant wait to read the next book
First off I really liked this book! I went into it kind of blind and just along for the ride and I am glad I did!
I loved the idea of having this found family that bonded over poker games and plotting revenge on people for really big deals to the most minor inconveniences lol The friends have their flaws and at times found them entitled and could be annoying but I think that is the whole point but deep down they truly loved one another.
You should honestly hate Heath but some how Jessica Jude made me fall in love with him. If you really look at his past with his dad and what he has gone through, its no wonder he acts and treats Walker the way he does. He truly doesn't know how to properly love or be loved. Which leads me to Walker, she kind of doesn't know how to love or loved either due to her mother and fathers relationship and being left by her dad so young with no real goodbye. So you bring 2 people together with all this baggage and you get what this story tells. I love that by the end they both go through this self reflection and own up to their own mistakes. Heath finally being able to tell his friends his wrong doings and be honest with his friends. Then Walker being able to do her own revenge plot against those friends who were going to truly ruin her life if they went through with their plan to submit her paper before her. In the end all their tensions between them could have been solved if Heath didn't feel the need to push Walker away by cheating on her, Walker leaning on her friends when that happened instead of running, and Heath owning up to his mistakes from the very beginning but then we wouldn't have a great story to read :)
Those spicy scenes were chefs kiss!! 🤌🏼
All in all I give this book 4/5 ⭐️ I liked the overall plot and how the story came together. Like previously stated the characters could be annoying at times but I flew through the book. I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen. The last line had me wanting more and I cant wait to read the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
I wanted to like it but this book was ASS 😀 this has been on my tbr for so long and I was genuinely so excited to read it bc the premise was so interesting. Reading it just pissed me off LMAO
Second chance romance is my FAVV trope, and this book executed it horribly. The FMC, Walker, and MMC, Heath had no personalities, they were such flat characters I wasn't rooting for them AT ALL. They literally argue and then bang in the library, like what is going on 😒
Their friends were also such shitty characters 😭 they were all so annoying, no personalities whatsoeve. They were around 24/25, but they were acting like 18- or 19-year-olds; let's be serious. None of the characters were likeable 😭😭 fuckass book & fuckass characters
The book is marketed as Gossip Girl x Magnolia Parks GIRL, but bro IT WAS SO BAD??? ALSO THIS HAS THE CHEATING TROPE IN ADDITION TO A REVENGE TROPE?? WITH NO GROVELING????
Second chance romance is my FAVV trope, and this book executed it horribly. The FMC, Walker, and MMC, Heath had no personalities, they were such flat characters I wasn't rooting for them AT ALL. They literally argue and then bang in the library, like what is going on 😒
Their friends were also such shitty characters 😭 they were all so annoying, no personalities whatsoeve. They were around 24/25, but they were acting like 18- or 19-year-olds; let's be serious. None of the characters were likeable 😭😭 fuckass book & fuckass characters
The book is marketed as Gossip Girl x Magnolia Parks GIRL, but bro IT WAS SO BAD??? ALSO THIS HAS THE CHEATING TROPE IN ADDITION TO A REVENGE TROPE?? WITH NO GROVELING????
February 6, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I am so grateful I did 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book deserves ALL the stars!
Heath and Walker are legit GOALS. I devoured this whole book in about a day is how good it was.
I always love the high society, millionaire type of books, when you see higher society in the book you always know it’s going to be good. I also loooove a second chance book. Heath was also the ultimate book boyfriend by the end. I felt really attached to each of these characters and really felt for them when anything bad or traumatic happened to them. I also loved just seeing some of the friend group moments, it was so wholesome.
I also feel like this book felt really realistic and that you could connect with some of the events or situations happening, which doesn’t always happen in a book, which hooked me in ever more. Not to even mention some of these one liners quotes were trying to break my heart into little pieces or had you hysterically laughing. Sometimes both at the same time
This book has everything a great book needs. It has the spice 🌶️, humor, romance, some little revenge plotting, but also heartbreak and emotion. I loved this whole book and recommend to anybody to read it when it comes out
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book deserves ALL the stars!
Heath and Walker are legit GOALS. I devoured this whole book in about a day is how good it was.
I always love the high society, millionaire type of books, when you see higher society in the book you always know it’s going to be good. I also loooove a second chance book. Heath was also the ultimate book boyfriend by the end. I felt really attached to each of these characters and really felt for them when anything bad or traumatic happened to them. I also loved just seeing some of the friend group moments, it was so wholesome.
I also feel like this book felt really realistic and that you could connect with some of the events or situations happening, which doesn’t always happen in a book, which hooked me in ever more. Not to even mention some of these one liners quotes were trying to break my heart into little pieces or had you hysterically laughing. Sometimes both at the same time
This book has everything a great book needs. It has the spice 🌶️, humor, romance, some little revenge plotting, but also heartbreak and emotion. I loved this whole book and recommend to anybody to read it when it comes out
February 8, 2025
Fair warning: I got a little wordy 😅
This book drops March 4, 2025 and I HIGHLY recommend grabbing it as quickly as you can. I want to give Jessica Jude, the author, a tremendously large thank you for honoring me the privilege of my first ARC 💖
Plot: 5/5 ⭐️
Sexual Tension: 5/5 🌶️
Adorableness: 5/5 ☺️
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, The Breakfast Club, and Gilmore Girls, you’re in for a treat with this book. The plot effortlessly combines the drama, rich vibes, and quirky references that will transport you straight into a world full of tension, heart, and a dash of rebellion. The Gossip Girl and Breakfast Club influences are undeniable, yet the story stands on its own with characters who feel fresh and real.
One of the highlights for me was the multitude of Gilmore Girls references scattered throughout. It was like a little nod to fans, making the reading experience feel cozy and familiar—like curling up for a movie marathon with your favorite characters.
The romance here is the kind you can’t help but root for. Second chance romance is done wonderfully, and there’s this amazing scene on the beach where Heath shows a side of him that made my heart melt. Heath is a master of self-sabotage, a trait I deeply related to. The struggle of keeping your emotions at bay so you don’t get hurt is something we’ve all faced, and watching him navigate that was heartbreaking but relatable.
Then there’s the weekly poker night, where fresh drinks along with their weekly frustrations are exchanged like cards on the table. The dynamics between the group of friends are full of drama, and I loved seeing how their bonds are tested as the story unfolds.
However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the revenge plotted by the group against the FMC when you compare it to what they had planned for other people who had wronged them. The revenge planned for the FMC seemed a little more calculated, dramatic, and a tad extreme while everything else was petty and small-scale. It was hard to watch the intensity of that conflict play out and had me holding my breath on several occasions.
That said, the FMC's revenge against her so-called friends, gave me Blair Waldorf scheming vibes (and Blair is my favorite Gossip Girl character, so it was pure perfection in my eyes). The way she took charge and orchestrated a plan to regain control of her life was just brilliant.
And the ending—oh, the ending 😮💨 It leaves you with just enough to make you hope for more, hinting at the potential for a second book. But it also leaves the door open for a standalone conclusion that feels a bit cruel, leaving readers hanging with questions. If this turns out to be the end, it’s a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion.
This book drops March 4, 2025 and I HIGHLY recommend grabbing it as quickly as you can. I want to give Jessica Jude, the author, a tremendously large thank you for honoring me the privilege of my first ARC 💖
Plot: 5/5 ⭐️
Sexual Tension: 5/5 🌶️
Adorableness: 5/5 ☺️
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, The Breakfast Club, and Gilmore Girls, you’re in for a treat with this book. The plot effortlessly combines the drama, rich vibes, and quirky references that will transport you straight into a world full of tension, heart, and a dash of rebellion. The Gossip Girl and Breakfast Club influences are undeniable, yet the story stands on its own with characters who feel fresh and real.
One of the highlights for me was the multitude of Gilmore Girls references scattered throughout. It was like a little nod to fans, making the reading experience feel cozy and familiar—like curling up for a movie marathon with your favorite characters.
The romance here is the kind you can’t help but root for. Second chance romance is done wonderfully, and there’s this amazing scene on the beach where Heath shows a side of him that made my heart melt. Heath is a master of self-sabotage, a trait I deeply related to. The struggle of keeping your emotions at bay so you don’t get hurt is something we’ve all faced, and watching him navigate that was heartbreaking but relatable.
Then there’s the weekly poker night, where fresh drinks along with their weekly frustrations are exchanged like cards on the table. The dynamics between the group of friends are full of drama, and I loved seeing how their bonds are tested as the story unfolds.
However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the revenge plotted by the group against the FMC when you compare it to what they had planned for other people who had wronged them. The revenge planned for the FMC seemed a little more calculated, dramatic, and a tad extreme while everything else was petty and small-scale. It was hard to watch the intensity of that conflict play out and had me holding my breath on several occasions.
That said, the FMC's revenge against her so-called friends, gave me Blair Waldorf scheming vibes (and Blair is my favorite Gossip Girl character, so it was pure perfection in my eyes). The way she took charge and orchestrated a plan to regain control of her life was just brilliant.
And the ending—oh, the ending 😮💨 It leaves you with just enough to make you hope for more, hinting at the potential for a second book. But it also leaves the door open for a standalone conclusion that feels a bit cruel, leaving readers hanging with questions. If this turns out to be the end, it’s a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion.
February 15, 2025
Very grateful to have received an ARC of this spicy billionaire, second chance romance with a dark academia, revenge plot twist!
It’s a great read for fans of gossip girl, pretty little liars style revenge plots, and sexy Chase Stokes!
I am not personally a fan of cheating tropes but this was done better than most. Also, I lie awake at night wondering where and what Wesbourne is. I need to know!!
It’s a great read for fans of gossip girl, pretty little liars style revenge plots, and sexy Chase Stokes!
I am not personally a fan of cheating tropes but this was done better than most. Also, I lie awake at night wondering where and what Wesbourne is. I need to know!!
March 4, 2025
Thank you Jessica Jude for an advanced reader copy of Ace of Betrayal! This is my honest, unbiased review of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ace of Betrayal is a gripping read that delivers on fan-favorite tropes, including:
- Academia
- Surfer jock
- Revenge plot
- Library hookups
- High sexual tension
Told from the dual perspectives of Walker (MFC) and Heath (MMC), the novel offers an intimate look into both of their worlds, drawing readers deeper into their tangled web of secrets, passion, and betrayal. With Gossip Girl vibes and elite millionaire families playing dangerously twisted games, the story keeps you hooked. Fancy a game of poker? Be careful not to upset any of the players as you may be their next target! While certain plot points become predictable toward the end, the intrigue never fades, making it impossible to put the book down.
Walker and Heath’s connection is the kind of intense, all-consuming relationship that people dream of but rarely find. Even the friendships—flawed, chaotic, yet fiercely loyal—reflect the kind of bonds that last a lifetime.
Before diving in, be sure to check the trigger warnings. But if you’re ready for a spicy, addictive read, this five-star book is what you’re looking for.
February 27, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!
It took me a few days to get rolling in the first five chapters, but once I did, I finished the rest in a night!
There were a few things that took me out of the realm of make-believe because I couldn't shut my brain off of how unrealistic it was lol. But at the same time, that's really what makes books so magical is that anything can happen. I laughed and cried with Walker and Heath and I can't wait to read more about them in *fingers crossed* hopefully a book two!!
Thank you to Jessica Jude for providing an ARC in exchange for my 100% honest review.
It took me a few days to get rolling in the first five chapters, but once I did, I finished the rest in a night!
There were a few things that took me out of the realm of make-believe because I couldn't shut my brain off of how unrealistic it was lol. But at the same time, that's really what makes books so magical is that anything can happen. I laughed and cried with Walker and Heath and I can't wait to read more about them in *fingers crossed* hopefully a book two!!
Thank you to Jessica Jude for providing an ARC in exchange for my 100% honest review.
April 12, 2025
Fans of Melissa de la Cruz will probably enjoy Ace of Betrayal. The sweet spot for this book feels like 17 - 19-year-olds, and that being said, it’s just not for me.
The premise is great—The Breakfast Club turned vindictive. I wanted to sink into their world of dark glamour and long-game revenge, but the execution didn’t take it far enough.
If this is a learning experience for the future, I’d say push the characters and plot deeper—don’t just stop at ‘good enough.'’ An eight-year revenge game between kids with consequence-avoiding wealth should escalate into something masterfully criminal. Instead, the best thing that happens is Lifesavers in a showerhead. (Hilarious, I’ll admit. And the spice that followed? Actually kind of hot.)
I wanted consistent character growth, not Walker panting after Heath, then suddenly remembering why she left in the first place immediately she hooks up with him. Then, immediately having it all fixed because the page count was running out.The payoff was anticlimactic, especially when the characters and their problems feel more juvenile than their ages imply.
Final notes: Maeve needs to stay in her lane, Dissertations take longer than 4 weeks to research and write, and Lux can’t hack security systems remotely just because you say she can. I need a reason to believe it.
The premise is great—The Breakfast Club turned vindictive. I wanted to sink into their world of dark glamour and long-game revenge, but the execution didn’t take it far enough.
If this is a learning experience for the future, I’d say push the characters and plot deeper—don’t just stop at ‘good enough.'’ An eight-year revenge game between kids with consequence-avoiding wealth should escalate into something masterfully criminal. Instead, the best thing that happens is Lifesavers in a showerhead. (Hilarious, I’ll admit. And the spice that followed? Actually kind of hot.)
I wanted consistent character growth, not Walker panting after Heath, then suddenly remembering why she left in the first place immediately she hooks up with him. Then, immediately having it all fixed because the page count was running out.The payoff was anticlimactic, especially when the characters and their problems feel more juvenile than their ages imply.
Final notes: Maeve needs to stay in her lane, Dissertations take longer than 4 weeks to research and write, and Lux can’t hack security systems remotely just because you say she can. I need a reason to believe it.
March 5, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the book, and let me tell you, the vibes were vibing. If you are looking for something that is Gossip Girl x One of Us Is Lying x Outer Banks this is IT! The dual POV was love at first sight for me, I loved the character arcs, especially Heath’s, this man really learnt a thing or two, and I am obsessed with the house(yall who read it know which house now). Plus that specific Archives scene, I WAS NOT READY let me tell you. Love a good surfer x bookish gal moment, and a second chance romance, and I can’t wait to see how the others meet each other *wink-wink* 🤍💅🏻
February 11, 2025
whewwww i was not expecting this book to hook me the way it did. wealthy kids, drama, and revenge - the plot is thick. BUT also books, libraries, and some spice 👀 i will say what got me was how invested i became in our main characters - to the point that i HAD to keep reading to see how things played out. i wish i could read it again for the first time!!!! *ARC review - book releases in March!!!
February 15, 2025
Received as an ARC ! First one I’ve done and I was excited!
March 7, 2025
Thank you to the author for this ARC of your new release! I was honored to receive it.
This book was definitely giving off major gossip girl vibes. All of the main characters are swimming in money and their personalities are exactly as you’d expect as a result. There was also an academia component.
Tropes:
🃏second chance
🃏academic setting (kind of)
🃏old family money
🃏gossip girl vibes
🃏forced proximity
Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me overall. The plot was meh. I didn’t find a single character in this book to be like-able. Then again, maybe that’s what the author was going for, given its similarities to gossip girl. I did enjoy the spicy scenes for the most part (although there was one towards the end that really gave me the ick) and there was definitely tension between the two main characters that made me want to keep reading.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Unfortunately I did not find either Heath or Walker to have any redeeming qualities. Yes, they both have trauma. But instead of confronting and working through that trauma, they take it out on each other and their friends and family. The way that Walker treated her mom honestly really bothered me. Especially considering she was judging her mom for behaviors that she then went on to replicate exactly. She forgave Heath for cheating on her SO EASILY, and then conspiring against her with her “friends” with the lamest apology of all time. She took Heath back and somehow justified it while also moaning and groaning about her mom reaching out to her because she was upset over the same exact thing. And Heath wasn’t any better. He never once told their friends that he’s the jerk that cheated on her and that’s why she left? He just left every single one of them hate Walker for YEARS when it was literally all his fault? And then he allows them to conspire to get her expelled from college and goes along with it??? This was honestly so frustrating and I did not find their love to be believable at all because of these reasons. However, they clearly have sexual chemistry and I didn’t mind most of the spicy scenes (but the one in the airport bathroom was not it 🥴). And to be honest, all of their “friends” seemed like spoiled jerks who would throw each other under a bus without a second thought. I, personally, would never get over someone trying to get me expelled from university all because I left town without saying goodbye? The drama surrounding the slimy professor in the middle felt unnecessary and too aggressive. This professor of hers shows up randomly and within 2 seconds is pinning her down? When he’s apparently never behaved this way in the past? It just seemed forced and unnecessary to the plot. A lot of this book just felt juvenile, and like things needed to be fleshed out more. I was frustrated and annoyed during most of the book.
This book was definitely giving off major gossip girl vibes. All of the main characters are swimming in money and their personalities are exactly as you’d expect as a result. There was also an academia component.
Tropes:
🃏second chance
🃏academic setting (kind of)
🃏old family money
🃏gossip girl vibes
🃏forced proximity
Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me overall. The plot was meh. I didn’t find a single character in this book to be like-able. Then again, maybe that’s what the author was going for, given its similarities to gossip girl. I did enjoy the spicy scenes for the most part (although there was one towards the end that really gave me the ick) and there was definitely tension between the two main characters that made me want to keep reading.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Unfortunately I did not find either Heath or Walker to have any redeeming qualities. Yes, they both have trauma. But instead of confronting and working through that trauma, they take it out on each other and their friends and family. The way that Walker treated her mom honestly really bothered me. Especially considering she was judging her mom for behaviors that she then went on to replicate exactly. She forgave Heath for cheating on her SO EASILY, and then conspiring against her with her “friends” with the lamest apology of all time. She took Heath back and somehow justified it while also moaning and groaning about her mom reaching out to her because she was upset over the same exact thing. And Heath wasn’t any better. He never once told their friends that he’s the jerk that cheated on her and that’s why she left? He just left every single one of them hate Walker for YEARS when it was literally all his fault? And then he allows them to conspire to get her expelled from college and goes along with it??? This was honestly so frustrating and I did not find their love to be believable at all because of these reasons. However, they clearly have sexual chemistry and I didn’t mind most of the spicy scenes (but the one in the airport bathroom was not it 🥴). And to be honest, all of their “friends” seemed like spoiled jerks who would throw each other under a bus without a second thought. I, personally, would never get over someone trying to get me expelled from university all because I left town without saying goodbye? The drama surrounding the slimy professor in the middle felt unnecessary and too aggressive. This professor of hers shows up randomly and within 2 seconds is pinning her down? When he’s apparently never behaved this way in the past? It just seemed forced and unnecessary to the plot. A lot of this book just felt juvenile, and like things needed to be fleshed out more. I was frustrated and annoyed during most of the book.
February 10, 2025
3 / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review✨
I would like to start this review by saying that this book was well-written and had a unique and interesting plot, and despite my personal feelings about the story, it kept me interested and quickly turning the page.
However…
This book was not for me.
My main gripe was with the characters; none of them were particularly likable (in my opinion), except for Walker. Throughout the story, I was secretly hoping that the main love interests wouldn’t get back together because, to me, they fall into the trap that most second-chance romance couples fall into: the problems and behaviors that led to the initial breakup are still there but are ignored or brushed aside in favor of sexual chemistry.
The other supporting characters (Heath and Walker’s friend group, respectively) were extremely unlikable. I found them to be insufferable, immature, and petty, reminding me of the Plastics from ‘Mean Girls’. Instead of adding entries into a Burn Book, they nominated “victims” at a weekly poker night to exact revenge for the most minuscule slights (perceived or otherwise). Don’t get me wrong, some of their targets deserved revenge, but the lengths that these people went to to get revenge on someone for cutting them off in traffic was kind of ridiculous, in my opinion.
I really wanted to like this book and while I personally didn’t enjoy it, I can see a lot of people liking it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and although it wasn’t my vibe, I still plan on checking out her other books.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and my rating reflects my genuine experience with the book.
2 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review✨
I would like to start this review by saying that this book was well-written and had a unique and interesting plot, and despite my personal feelings about the story, it kept me interested and quickly turning the page.
However…
This book was not for me.
My main gripe was with the characters; none of them were particularly likable (in my opinion), except for Walker. Throughout the story, I was secretly hoping that the main love interests wouldn’t get back together because, to me, they fall into the trap that most second-chance romance couples fall into: the problems and behaviors that led to the initial breakup are still there but are ignored or brushed aside in favor of sexual chemistry.
The other supporting characters (Heath and Walker’s friend group, respectively) were extremely unlikable. I found them to be insufferable, immature, and petty, reminding me of the Plastics from ‘Mean Girls’. Instead of adding entries into a Burn Book, they nominated “victims” at a weekly poker night to exact revenge for the most minuscule slights (perceived or otherwise). Don’t get me wrong, some of their targets deserved revenge, but the lengths that these people went to to get revenge on someone for cutting them off in traffic was kind of ridiculous, in my opinion.
I really wanted to like this book and while I personally didn’t enjoy it, I can see a lot of people liking it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and although it wasn’t my vibe, I still plan on checking out her other books.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and my rating reflects my genuine experience with the book.
February 27, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🥵 THE LIBRARY SCENE 🥵
I LOVED this book.
I was immediately pulled in. There was no warm up to “get into it”. The story took off right away.
The vibes were ABSOLUTELY giving xoxo gossip girl but adults instead of high schoolers.
I plan to come update this further when I am not half asleep but loooooove.
🥵 THE LIBRARY SCENE 🥵
I LOVED this book.
I was immediately pulled in. There was no warm up to “get into it”. The story took off right away.
The vibes were ABSOLUTELY giving xoxo gossip girl but adults instead of high schoolers.
I plan to come update this further when I am not half asleep but loooooove.
February 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW!!!
I really wanted it to be a 4 star read because it was something different i was reading for a change but there were a few things that just didn’t make it for me🌞
The story is set in Wesbourne, where Walker (MFC) has returned home after some time at Oxford, and isn’t quite sure if she wants to be seen by her ex-best friends because there are some misunderstandings, resentments and mistakes that had led Walker to walk away from her life and Heath(MMC), our surfer boy who quite literally gave me butterflies at multiple occasions and i even got hot flashes once!
*Phewww* 😮💨
The story itself and the setting gave me major Gossip Girl vibes.
Now, time for me to tell you how i REALLY felt about the book.
❗️❗️MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.❗️❗️
I don’t know how I really feel about the whole revenge plot.
Like on one hand i understand the friends being heartbroken by Walker ghosting them for 2 years straight without a word and leaving Heath (uhm uhm)
But also, wouldn’t it just add more complexities to their already fragile friendship? It was petty tho to go after such a big weakness, knowing how much it can mean to your friend.
I wasn’t really a fan of the friends. They seemed very immature and petty to me. Also Heath, how could you agree to sabotaging walker when you know she left because of you and you clearly planned it all🤦🏻♀️
But i was quite honest happy with how Walker served them back!
I would have liked it to be a bit more on it, but it was good nonetheless.
Lemme make one thing clear about the characters,
Heath is major into self-sabotaging and i found Walker very self-absorbed.
The main couple never had any talk about his distructive actions that had led to their breakup in the past and simply just jumped back into bed with eachother. This was exactly the rabbit hole she accused her mum of falling down.
There needed to be some sort of communication and grovelling to get back.
I wasn’t a big fan of them getting together because of their past but ig sometimes we do stupid things for love. And we don’t get to decide on one perfect human being to fall in love with!
I sorta didn’t like how Walker kept ignoring her mum. Ik she’s her own person and all but if your parent needs you, YOU HAVE TO BE THERE!
I don’t care about excuses, they spent a significant chunk of their lives raising you and making you into the person you are today. So even if it was her 100th breakup, as a child atleast text back!
I really wanted it to be a 4 star read because it was something different i was reading for a change but there were a few things that just didn’t make it for me🌞
The story is set in Wesbourne, where Walker (MFC) has returned home after some time at Oxford, and isn’t quite sure if she wants to be seen by her ex-best friends because there are some misunderstandings, resentments and mistakes that had led Walker to walk away from her life and Heath(MMC), our surfer boy who quite literally gave me butterflies at multiple occasions and i even got hot flashes once!
*Phewww* 😮💨
The story itself and the setting gave me major Gossip Girl vibes.
Now, time for me to tell you how i REALLY felt about the book.
❗️❗️MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.❗️❗️
I don’t know how I really feel about the whole revenge plot.
Like on one hand i understand the friends being heartbroken by Walker ghosting them for 2 years straight without a word and leaving Heath (uhm uhm)
But also, wouldn’t it just add more complexities to their already fragile friendship? It was petty tho to go after such a big weakness, knowing how much it can mean to your friend.
I wasn’t really a fan of the friends. They seemed very immature and petty to me. Also Heath, how could you agree to sabotaging walker when you know she left because of you and you clearly planned it all🤦🏻♀️
But i was quite honest happy with how Walker served them back!
I would have liked it to be a bit more on it, but it was good nonetheless.
Lemme make one thing clear about the characters,
Heath is major into self-sabotaging and i found Walker very self-absorbed.
The main couple never had any talk about his distructive actions that had led to their breakup in the past and simply just jumped back into bed with eachother. This was exactly the rabbit hole she accused her mum of falling down.
There needed to be some sort of communication and grovelling to get back.
I wasn’t a big fan of them getting together because of their past but ig sometimes we do stupid things for love. And we don’t get to decide on one perfect human being to fall in love with!
I sorta didn’t like how Walker kept ignoring her mum. Ik she’s her own person and all but if your parent needs you, YOU HAVE TO BE THERE!
I don’t care about excuses, they spent a significant chunk of their lives raising you and making you into the person you are today. So even if it was her 100th breakup, as a child atleast text back!
September 5, 2025
Ace of Betrayal by @jessicajudebooks
Gossip Girl meets Outer Banks. ft, Rory Gilmore
Magnolia Parks vibes — well, the toxic friendship and all that jazz.
🏛️dark academia aesthetics
🌶️open door spice
🔒forced proximity
🔑return to hometown
🌊surfer MMC
📚bookworm FMC
♠️poker games
💰old money families
📚Gilmore girls references
🔪revenge plots
😫angst & drama
🖤found family (or toxic friend group, your choice)
💥fk it (in the library 😉)
💔betrayal & secrets
⚠️trigger warnings
🎭first person dual POVs
I loved the chapter titles being song names. It helped the reading experience to be more immersive and to be able to gauge the vibe of the chapter and get into the story, aesthetic and mood/emotion more. 🤌🏼 also the songs included?! ELITE.
I loved the writing style. I loved the little bit of dark elements and mystery.
I loved the travel and library settings.
Even though I know zilch about poker, I loved the little game nights.
I loved the banter and the tension.
The fk it, in the LIBRARY. oh yes 💥❤️🔥🤌🏼
6 🌟 sooo good. Devoured in TWO DAYS.
Can’t wait to read book 2 and the arc of book 3! 🔥
Gossip Girl meets Outer Banks. ft, Rory Gilmore
Magnolia Parks vibes — well, the toxic friendship and all that jazz.
🏛️dark academia aesthetics
🌶️open door spice
🔒forced proximity
🔑return to hometown
🌊surfer MMC
📚bookworm FMC
♠️poker games
💰old money families
📚Gilmore girls references
🔪revenge plots
😫angst & drama
🖤found family (or toxic friend group, your choice)
💥fk it (in the library 😉)
💔betrayal & secrets
⚠️trigger warnings
🎭first person dual POVs
I loved the chapter titles being song names. It helped the reading experience to be more immersive and to be able to gauge the vibe of the chapter and get into the story, aesthetic and mood/emotion more. 🤌🏼 also the songs included?! ELITE.
I loved the writing style. I loved the little bit of dark elements and mystery.
I loved the travel and library settings.
Even though I know zilch about poker, I loved the little game nights.
I loved the banter and the tension.
The fk it, in the LIBRARY. oh yes 💥❤️🔥🤌🏼
6 🌟 sooo good. Devoured in TWO DAYS.
Can’t wait to read book 2 and the arc of book 3! 🔥
April 18, 2025
What a fun book! If you like gossip girl, revenge plots, this one is for you!
Walker returns to her home town after running away from problems that happened two years ago. Her mission is to come home to write her dissertation for her college class at Oxford. She needs to do research but she needs to go unseen. Of course that’s easier said than done. She left her friends and her ex without notice two years ago.
They welcome her back into the circle but what she doesn’t know is they are plotting revenge on her.
Heath is shocked to find Walker back in town. So many questions he has for her. Did she leave because she knows? Can he stay away from her even though all he wants is to be near her? Will he help his friends plan revenge or will he try to win Walker back?
Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Walker returns to her home town after running away from problems that happened two years ago. Her mission is to come home to write her dissertation for her college class at Oxford. She needs to do research but she needs to go unseen. Of course that’s easier said than done. She left her friends and her ex without notice two years ago.
They welcome her back into the circle but what she doesn’t know is they are plotting revenge on her.
Heath is shocked to find Walker back in town. So many questions he has for her. Did she leave because she knows? Can he stay away from her even though all he wants is to be near her? Will he help his friends plan revenge or will he try to win Walker back?
Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
June 24, 2025
For starters, I am reading the ARC for the second book and since they can be read as stand alone as they follow different characters and story lines I started that one first … but let me tell you, READ THIS BOOK FIRST!
Since I had started in the other book I already knew the characters but not their history and that is why I will say it all makes so much more sense if you just start here besties.
I loved this book! The writing was engaging, the main characters had some big character development, and on scene romance was 🌶️.
Giving it 4 stars as the high society in this book was slightly hard for me to really get into. I think it is written in a great way that exposes a lot of issues within that class but just wasn’t giving me a full 5 ⭐️
Tropes:
- second chance romance
- high society friendships
- some might say daddy issues
- scholar girl x surfer boy
- revenge is a girls best friend
Since I had started in the other book I already knew the characters but not their history and that is why I will say it all makes so much more sense if you just start here besties.
I loved this book! The writing was engaging, the main characters had some big character development, and on scene romance was 🌶️.
Giving it 4 stars as the high society in this book was slightly hard for me to really get into. I think it is written in a great way that exposes a lot of issues within that class but just wasn’t giving me a full 5 ⭐️
Tropes:
- second chance romance
- high society friendships
- some might say daddy issues
- scholar girl x surfer boy
- revenge is a girls best friend
February 10, 2025
Thank you Jessica Jude for providing me with an ARC edition of this book!
This book was great from start to finish and left me on my toes throughout!
Walker is the studious bookworm, set on returning home without bumping into anyone from the past. Heath appearing your typical surfer boy but is more soft and protective than he first seems.
With dark academia, old money vibes plus a touch of revenge and a whole heaping of spice this is truly an all rounder of a book 🔥📚
The last thing I will say is need the next book in the series like yesterday!!
Highly recommend getting your hands on this on March 5th!
This book was great from start to finish and left me on my toes throughout!
Walker is the studious bookworm, set on returning home without bumping into anyone from the past. Heath appearing your typical surfer boy but is more soft and protective than he first seems.
With dark academia, old money vibes plus a touch of revenge and a whole heaping of spice this is truly an all rounder of a book 🔥📚
The last thing I will say is need the next book in the series like yesterday!!
Highly recommend getting your hands on this on March 5th!
May 7, 2025
Oh my gosh 😍 Ace of Betrayal is the first book in the Hand of Revenge series by Jessica Jude and oh did I really enjoy this book!! Poker, revenge, gossip girl vibes? Yes please!
Walker and Heath dated for a few years before she left for Oxford without a glance back. Now, two years later, Walker is back and has to deal with not only her ex-boyfriend but her ex-best friends and their poker games and revenge plots. Little does she know, Heath and all their friends are plotting to get revenge on her. Only Heath knows the full reason why Walker left and he isn’t saying why.
The Gossip Girl vibes in this book are amazing. They all have old money and boy does it show. Don’t cross these six friends, because you will regret it if your offense makes its way to the poker table!
I read this book in preparation for getting the ARC of Queen of Vengeance in a few weeks and I’m so happy I read this book! I give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Walker and Heath dated for a few years before she left for Oxford without a glance back. Now, two years later, Walker is back and has to deal with not only her ex-boyfriend but her ex-best friends and their poker games and revenge plots. Little does she know, Heath and all their friends are plotting to get revenge on her. Only Heath knows the full reason why Walker left and he isn’t saying why.
The Gossip Girl vibes in this book are amazing. They all have old money and boy does it show. Don’t cross these six friends, because you will regret it if your offense makes its way to the poker table!
I read this book in preparation for getting the ARC of Queen of Vengeance in a few weeks and I’m so happy I read this book! I give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and OMG I loved it. I’m so grateful to Jessica for trusting me to read this before it releases.
I had so many emotions while reading this. I laughed, cried and raged right along with the characters.
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl this book is for you. 6 friends that formed a bond in high school that lasted into adulthood. But 2 years ago one of the friends disappeared without a word and now she’s back in town. The other 5 plot their revenge to get back at her for leaving them. Read all about their plot and what happens on March 4th!
I had so many emotions while reading this. I laughed, cried and raged right along with the characters.
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl this book is for you. 6 friends that formed a bond in high school that lasted into adulthood. But 2 years ago one of the friends disappeared without a word and now she’s back in town. The other 5 plot their revenge to get back at her for leaving them. Read all about their plot and what happens on March 4th!
March 1, 2025
✨I received an ARC of this book✨
The vibe and themes described by the author are exactly what you’re gonna get: The darker, richer Gossip Girl-esque energy of Wild rich teens who find pleasure in a little sweet revenge.
There’s some spicy scenes in public places that’ll leave your jaw dropped.
And that ending….ooof! Prepare for a cliffhanger that’ll have you begging for book 2 already!!
The vibe and themes described by the author are exactly what you’re gonna get: The darker, richer Gossip Girl-esque energy of Wild rich teens who find pleasure in a little sweet revenge.
There’s some spicy scenes in public places that’ll leave your jaw dropped.
And that ending….ooof! Prepare for a cliffhanger that’ll have you begging for book 2 already!!
February 19, 2025
I received this ARC and oh my word. It’s a tiny bit out of the norm of what I read and it was so good. I was super squirmy at the betrayal side of things but that’s why I know it was so good because it made me feel ALL THE THINGS. I also loved the character development and how a few random (but crucial) parts of characters continued through the whole book! Also I NEED BOOK 2 YESTERDAY. y’all leave it like that!!??
October 15, 2025
[ES]
Qué feliz estoy de haber decidido apuntarme a este ARC aunque no fuera de fantasía (qué es lo único que leía de unos meses para aquí).
Al principio estaba un poco confusa con el país inventado por Jessica ya que no he leído sus otras novelas también ambientadas en Wesbourne, pero una vez metida en la historia esto fue lo que menos me importó.
La historia de Heath y Walker me atrapó desde el minuto 1 y el hecho de ser un POV dual te hace entender mucho mejor todo lo que está pasando y a que la historia tenga cierta consistencia, ya que sin el punto de vista de él no empatizaríamos con ciertas decisiones un poco apresuradas de Walker. Además, las escenas spicy son BASTANTE spicy y eso siempre es un plus.
La única pega que puedo poner es que creo que el final fue bastante precipitado, me habría gustado mucho que se extendiera un poco más la historia para darle un poco de aire al desenlace, pero aún así estoy DESEANDO que salga el 2º libro para continuar leyendo sobre las vidas de mi nuevo grupo de niños ricos favorito.
[EN]
I'm so glad I decided to sign up for this ARC even though it's not a fantasy book (which is all I've been reading for a few months now).
At first I was a bit confused about Jessica's invented country as I haven't read her other novels also set in Wesbourne, but once I got into the story that was the least of my worries.
Heath and Walker's story grabbed me from minute 1 and the fact that it's a dual POV makes you understand everything that's going on much better and gives the story some consistency, as without his point of view we wouldn't empathise with some of Walker's rash… decisions. Also, the spicy scenes are VERY spicy and that's always a plus.
The only down side I can put is that I think the ending was quite rushed, I would have really liked the story to be spread out a bit more to give the ending some extra air, but I'm still LOOKING FORWARD to the 2nd book so I can continue reading about the lives of my new favourite group of rich kids.
Qué feliz estoy de haber decidido apuntarme a este ARC aunque no fuera de fantasía (qué es lo único que leía de unos meses para aquí).
Al principio estaba un poco confusa con el país inventado por Jessica ya que no he leído sus otras novelas también ambientadas en Wesbourne, pero una vez metida en la historia esto fue lo que menos me importó.
La historia de Heath y Walker me atrapó desde el minuto 1 y el hecho de ser un POV dual te hace entender mucho mejor todo lo que está pasando y a que la historia tenga cierta consistencia, ya que sin el punto de vista de él no empatizaríamos con ciertas decisiones un poco apresuradas de Walker. Además, las escenas spicy son BASTANTE spicy y eso siempre es un plus.
La única pega que puedo poner es que creo que el final fue bastante precipitado, me habría gustado mucho que se extendiera un poco más la historia para darle un poco de aire al desenlace, pero aún así estoy DESEANDO que salga el 2º libro para continuar leyendo sobre las vidas de mi nuevo grupo de niños ricos favorito.
[EN]
I'm so glad I decided to sign up for this ARC even though it's not a fantasy book (which is all I've been reading for a few months now).
At first I was a bit confused about Jessica's invented country as I haven't read her other novels also set in Wesbourne, but once I got into the story that was the least of my worries.
Heath and Walker's story grabbed me from minute 1 and the fact that it's a dual POV makes you understand everything that's going on much better and gives the story some consistency, as without his point of view we wouldn't empathise with some of Walker's rash… decisions. Also, the spicy scenes are VERY spicy and that's always a plus.
The only down side I can put is that I think the ending was quite rushed, I would have really liked the story to be spread out a bit more to give the ending some extra air, but I'm still LOOKING FORWARD to the 2nd book so I can continue reading about the lives of my new favourite group of rich kids.
February 12, 2025
ARC Reader Review📚 OH MY GOSH. Those are my top 3 words for this book! If you want a book that will rip your heart out and put it back together within a couple hundred pages you have found the perfect book. This book has EVERYTHING I’ve ever wanted in a Dark Academia/Romance book.😍 I will be recommending this book to everyone who asks for book recs! I can’t not wait for the second book and this one hasn’t been technically came out yet!😭
Heath and Walker start off definitely TOXIC at the beginning of this with all the secrets but the ending is so amazing. They are both written so well as are all their friends! Love love LOVE so much! Jessica PLEASE HURRY WE NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW
Heath and Walker start off definitely TOXIC at the beginning of this with all the secrets but the ending is so amazing. They are both written so well as are all their friends! Love love LOVE so much! Jessica PLEASE HURRY WE NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW
June 2, 2025
This was a middle-of-the-road read for me. Not bad, not brilliant — just… fine. It had all the ingredients for a juicy, emotional second-chance romance: a privileged, complicated past, a heroine trying to outrun her old life, and the kind of broody boy who makes bad decisions look good in board shorts. The tension between them was there, the angst was stirred in, and there were definitely moments that had potential to hit hard… but it never fully delivered for me.
The setup was intriguing — ex-heiress turned academic returns home and has to face her past (and him) — and the vibes were solid, especially if you like stories soaked in privilege, guilt, and unresolved feelings. But I didn’t connect as deeply with the characters as I wanted to. The emotional stakes felt surface-level, and I kept waiting for that one big moment to make me feel something. It just never quite got there.
That said, I was never bored. It moved at a decent pace, the writing was clean, and the dual POVs gave some needed insight. It just lacked that spark that makes a story unforgettable. So if you’re in the mood for an easy, drama-filled read with rich kid problems, elite aesthetics, and a second-chance setup, this might hit the spot. For me, it was more of a quiet “meh” than a scream-into-the-pillow emotional rollercoaster.
Solid 3 stars. A decent filler read when you’re between emotional breakdowns over better books.
The setup was intriguing — ex-heiress turned academic returns home and has to face her past (and him) — and the vibes were solid, especially if you like stories soaked in privilege, guilt, and unresolved feelings. But I didn’t connect as deeply with the characters as I wanted to. The emotional stakes felt surface-level, and I kept waiting for that one big moment to make me feel something. It just never quite got there.
That said, I was never bored. It moved at a decent pace, the writing was clean, and the dual POVs gave some needed insight. It just lacked that spark that makes a story unforgettable. So if you’re in the mood for an easy, drama-filled read with rich kid problems, elite aesthetics, and a second-chance setup, this might hit the spot. For me, it was more of a quiet “meh” than a scream-into-the-pillow emotional rollercoaster.
Solid 3 stars. A decent filler read when you’re between emotional breakdowns over better books.
June 19, 2025
3.5 stars. Please take this review with a grain of salt because this is going to sound harsh. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this book. The storyline was fun, fast paced and entertaining. The side characters were unique, interesting and stood out from one another. The main characters? That’s where I have my problems. Let’s talk about it!
Right off the bat from the first page, I was hooked. We meet Walker and we learn that she doesn’t want to be here. And then we promptly meet Lux. It was the introduction to Lux that really hooked me. From there, the storyline was fast paced. Granted, a little corny, unbelievable and petty but that’s beside the point. Meeting all the characters, watching them reconnect and interact was super fun. Their friendships, past times and poker games were unique to say the least.
I really liked Heath in the beginning of the book but then things started to unfold. By 30%, I was questioning Heath. By 50%, I disliked him. By 75%, I hated him and wished that we would not get a HEA. By 90%, he was unredeemable. Between the cheating, the revenge, lying by omission and the multiple girls in the end… I was done with him. He was a one star character for me.
I really liked Walker in the beginning of the book. She was a hardworking and goal oriented girl. Don’t get me wrong, she was a little too straight laced for me but I loved seeing her unwind and letting down her hair. But then the last 10% of the book happened and that just felt out of character for her! Regardless of if she wanted to be with Heath. Like girl, you gave up your dreams for him?? Idk. I would have rather seen her bitter and alone. She was a four star character.
I don’t know what to say here. This was a fun book and I liked it but overall I didn’t love it! However, I am very excited for book two.
Here are my unhinged reading notes… proceed at your own risk.
Heath is kind of a dick? But him with the keychain is cute. Like you’re a hopeless romantic with the exterior of a dick. But it’s kind of hot. I am here for it.
This is v childish. Getting revenge. But getting revenge on a lady who took the candles out of your shopping cart? I cannot.
This is petty..
Seriously still going on about the candle lady??
No one believes that Lux is actually a hacker 😂 just me? No?
Did they just jet off to Paris in the middle of the night like it’s NBD?
“He tastes like popsicles…” no.
This is cheesey. Corny. Idk. I’m kicking my legs.
Remember that one time I thought Heath was hot? It’s gone. I don’t want a HEA.
Mmm I swore I used to like the cheating trope?? Maybe it’s when the MMCs cheat together but second chance when there was cheating is not it for me.
The professor thing is just left field??
My mother in law just called Kevin KAREN I am pissing myself. Not related to the book but it needed to be documented SOMEWHERE.
I would like to think that Walker is a smart girl and she should never speak to Heath or any of these fuckers again. But that’s not where this book is going.
I hate Heath. I started the book liking him. Didn’t like him at 50%. Now I hate him at 75%.
I am a girl who hates not having a HEA but I hope Walker walks the fuck out of this dude’s life.
I would rather see Walker become bitter than end up with Heath.
One thing about me is I believe you should never be a man’s peace 😉 and I think Walker should commit murder and frame Heath… idk who she should murder though. Actually girl, just murder Heath. You got this.
Get revenge on all of them, sweetie. You deserve it.
Heath is just SOLIdifying the fact that I hate him.
*plays scene from GOT where they chant shame but make it directed at Heath* yeah, you were a coward buddy.
@ 90% I don’t believe this. “People are starting to notice us. A tiny woman with white hair nudges the man beside her and smiles at us. A teenager snaps a photo on her phone.” Etc with this paragraph but no one believes it. Too cheesy. And you know how I feel about cheese. Carry on.
Not this fucking guy getting a boner in the airport. No.
Ew go home, people.
The way I just screeched “ew oh my god” out loud startled my husband.
Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. You’re not really pulling up a map of the airport. Shut up.
I just audibly gagged.. “his voice is sand in my swimsuit.”
Walker I have lost all respect for you with you leaning your FACE against the PORCELAIN OF THE BACK OF A TOILET while he FUCKS YOU in a PUBLIC AIRPORT. I’m done.
Believe it or not that MAEVE is the voice of reason.
This chick just gave up her dreams??? I’m done here.
And I don’t know what to say here. I’ll read the second one, I just hope that someone brutally murders Heath in it.
Right off the bat from the first page, I was hooked. We meet Walker and we learn that she doesn’t want to be here. And then we promptly meet Lux. It was the introduction to Lux that really hooked me. From there, the storyline was fast paced. Granted, a little corny, unbelievable and petty but that’s beside the point. Meeting all the characters, watching them reconnect and interact was super fun. Their friendships, past times and poker games were unique to say the least.
I really liked Heath in the beginning of the book but then things started to unfold. By 30%, I was questioning Heath. By 50%, I disliked him. By 75%, I hated him and wished that we would not get a HEA. By 90%, he was unredeemable. Between the cheating, the revenge, lying by omission and the multiple girls in the end… I was done with him. He was a one star character for me.
I really liked Walker in the beginning of the book. She was a hardworking and goal oriented girl. Don’t get me wrong, she was a little too straight laced for me but I loved seeing her unwind and letting down her hair. But then the last 10% of the book happened and that just felt out of character for her! Regardless of if she wanted to be with Heath. Like girl, you gave up your dreams for him?? Idk. I would have rather seen her bitter and alone. She was a four star character.
I don’t know what to say here. This was a fun book and I liked it but overall I didn’t love it! However, I am very excited for book two.
Here are my unhinged reading notes… proceed at your own risk.
Heath is kind of a dick? But him with the keychain is cute. Like you’re a hopeless romantic with the exterior of a dick. But it’s kind of hot. I am here for it.
This is v childish. Getting revenge. But getting revenge on a lady who took the candles out of your shopping cart? I cannot.
This is petty..
Seriously still going on about the candle lady??
No one believes that Lux is actually a hacker 😂 just me? No?
Did they just jet off to Paris in the middle of the night like it’s NBD?
“He tastes like popsicles…” no.
This is cheesey. Corny. Idk. I’m kicking my legs.
Remember that one time I thought Heath was hot? It’s gone. I don’t want a HEA.
Mmm I swore I used to like the cheating trope?? Maybe it’s when the MMCs cheat together but second chance when there was cheating is not it for me.
The professor thing is just left field??
My mother in law just called Kevin KAREN I am pissing myself. Not related to the book but it needed to be documented SOMEWHERE.
I would like to think that Walker is a smart girl and she should never speak to Heath or any of these fuckers again. But that’s not where this book is going.
I hate Heath. I started the book liking him. Didn’t like him at 50%. Now I hate him at 75%.
I am a girl who hates not having a HEA but I hope Walker walks the fuck out of this dude’s life.
I would rather see Walker become bitter than end up with Heath.
One thing about me is I believe you should never be a man’s peace 😉 and I think Walker should commit murder and frame Heath… idk who she should murder though. Actually girl, just murder Heath. You got this.
Get revenge on all of them, sweetie. You deserve it.
Heath is just SOLIdifying the fact that I hate him.
*plays scene from GOT where they chant shame but make it directed at Heath* yeah, you were a coward buddy.
@ 90% I don’t believe this. “People are starting to notice us. A tiny woman with white hair nudges the man beside her and smiles at us. A teenager snaps a photo on her phone.” Etc with this paragraph but no one believes it. Too cheesy. And you know how I feel about cheese. Carry on.
Not this fucking guy getting a boner in the airport. No.
Ew go home, people.
The way I just screeched “ew oh my god” out loud startled my husband.
Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. You’re not really pulling up a map of the airport. Shut up.
I just audibly gagged.. “his voice is sand in my swimsuit.”
Walker I have lost all respect for you with you leaning your FACE against the PORCELAIN OF THE BACK OF A TOILET while he FUCKS YOU in a PUBLIC AIRPORT. I’m done.
Believe it or not that MAEVE is the voice of reason.
This chick just gave up her dreams??? I’m done here.
And I don’t know what to say here. I’ll read the second one, I just hope that someone brutally murders Heath in it.
February 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, thank you so much for the author Jessica Jude for sending me an ARC of this book, I’m truly honored!!
This was my first time reading about one of the main characters cheating, so it was a little hard for me to “get used to it” since thats a bit of a delicate matter to me. However, I was not going to stop reading because 1) this is a story, not real life. 2) I was super into the story already, and I’m so glad I kept going.
This book made me feel angry, sad, hot, happy 🤣 I had all kinds of emotions going on… and to me that means Jessica reached her goals of driving me crazy with Heath and Walker’s love story.
The story was so fun and not a moment boring, it just kept getting better through the chapters.
Now let’s talk about the main characters.
——-
HEATH
-Surfer with to die abbs…. Count me innnnn!!
-Sir please… I love and hate you, what the F were you thinking when you cheated on Walker 🤦🏻♀️. I must say tho, it was nice to see his development throughout the story.
-I can’t believe he hid what actually happened between him and Walker from their friends for two years.. omg I wanted to kill him if I could 😫 but it’s okay… we forgive you Heath… at least a little bit haha
——-
WALKER
-Walker was just a character I could relate to so much when I was younger. She’s lost in her own head and hides her emotions from everyone and everything (I don’t blame you girl). I love how she stood out for herself in the end!!! I was waiting for that to happen if you know what I mean.
-Her relationship with her mom had a lot of growth and I loved every second of the Brie nights 🥹.
——-
THE GANG (Lux, Maeve, Pierce, and Rhett)
-Ugh they are crazy but I love them 😍. The revenge plots were so fun haha. They sure as heck have a lot of stuff going on that I would like to know more about (maybe a sequel with each characters storys would be nice hihi 👁️👁️)
——-
OVERALL
I loved everything about the plot, the romance, the poker nights. I haven’t read a book that made me feel so many emotions so intensely in a while.
The Romance was interesting and steamy (Bonus points for that hihi)
While the story was great, there were a few things that I didn’t particularly love.
Walkers Professor showing up to the library made little sense to me. Idk guys, it was just a bit off to me. He was mentioned a few times and then he just shows up like magic and then is not mentioned again till Walker calls the school. But what happened to him??anyways, maybe I’m making a big deal out of this but this is an honest review and I had to say something.
-I didn’t love Walkers quick “forgiveness” towards Heaths fuck up, she kept going back and forth on her feelings, which it’s fine, but after a while I got a bit tiring from her doing it over and over again.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, thank you so much for the author Jessica Jude for sending me an ARC of this book, I’m truly honored!!
This was my first time reading about one of the main characters cheating, so it was a little hard for me to “get used to it” since thats a bit of a delicate matter to me. However, I was not going to stop reading because 1) this is a story, not real life. 2) I was super into the story already, and I’m so glad I kept going.
This book made me feel angry, sad, hot, happy 🤣 I had all kinds of emotions going on… and to me that means Jessica reached her goals of driving me crazy with Heath and Walker’s love story.
The story was so fun and not a moment boring, it just kept getting better through the chapters.
Now let’s talk about the main characters.
——-
HEATH
-Surfer with to die abbs…. Count me innnnn!!
-Sir please… I love and hate you, what the F were you thinking when you cheated on Walker 🤦🏻♀️. I must say tho, it was nice to see his development throughout the story.
-I can’t believe he hid what actually happened between him and Walker from their friends for two years.. omg I wanted to kill him if I could 😫 but it’s okay… we forgive you Heath… at least a little bit haha
——-
WALKER
-Walker was just a character I could relate to so much when I was younger. She’s lost in her own head and hides her emotions from everyone and everything (I don’t blame you girl). I love how she stood out for herself in the end!!! I was waiting for that to happen if you know what I mean.
-Her relationship with her mom had a lot of growth and I loved every second of the Brie nights 🥹.
——-
THE GANG (Lux, Maeve, Pierce, and Rhett)
-Ugh they are crazy but I love them 😍. The revenge plots were so fun haha. They sure as heck have a lot of stuff going on that I would like to know more about (maybe a sequel with each characters storys would be nice hihi 👁️👁️)
——-
OVERALL
I loved everything about the plot, the romance, the poker nights. I haven’t read a book that made me feel so many emotions so intensely in a while.
The Romance was interesting and steamy (Bonus points for that hihi)
While the story was great, there were a few things that I didn’t particularly love.
Walkers Professor showing up to the library made little sense to me. Idk guys, it was just a bit off to me. He was mentioned a few times and then he just shows up like magic and then is not mentioned again till Walker calls the school. But what happened to him??anyways, maybe I’m making a big deal out of this but this is an honest review and I had to say something.
-I didn’t love Walkers quick “forgiveness” towards Heaths fuck up, she kept going back and forth on her feelings, which it’s fine, but after a while I got a bit tiring from her doing it over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 800 reviews