*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: April 11, 2025

Umm…lowkey obsessed with these characters and this book?! This has it all…enemies to lovers, revenge, humor, undercover ops, London, cat overlords, adorable nerds, open door steam, communication, emotional growth, big gestures, and more! This gave me so much anxiety leading up to everything hitting the fan, but I was rooting for them with everything I had because I’m a sucker who loves love. Read this in one day because I couldn’t put it down!

I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story explored how bullying can impact the victim and the person responsible. Right when it was expressed that Andrew would do all of this to get revenge on Justin, I thought about how Andrew could either learn details that he was not privy to in his youth and/or real feelings would develop.

With this story, I squealed, smiled, definitely laughed, and clapped. I even liked the cats inside of this story. So while I do not promote bullying at all, I am happy for the main characters of this story! Also, I noticed crumbs for the second story of this series and I love when that happens!!

Andrew's high school years were a living nightmare of bullying and abuse for being the quiet gay kid. But he's also smart and built a tech company that sold for millions, so he finds himself 10 years later, roaming around London and trying to decide what's next in his life. This is when he runs into Justin, the golden boy jock from high school who participated in his daily torture. The kicker, Justin doesn't recognize him! Andrew's solution? Get the fake identity of 'Drew' to infiltrate Justin's life and show him how awful life can be. But Justin is nothing like he expected and spending time with him exposes the kind, scared person he really is. Will Andrew achieve his dream of getting revenge, or will pretending to be someone else let him see Justin for who he truly is and open himself up to the possibilities?

Both characters are adorable and you spend a large part of the book wanting to give them a hug and tell them that they'll be okay. Getting to see both sides of the bullying and its side effects is a powerful backdrop to the romance that grows between Drew and Justin. It still doesn't make any of what Andrew had to go through any better, but Justin's home life was almost as bad. Both of them need someone to be there for them and they find it in each other, even when the truth inevitably comes out.

I honestly have zero notes for this book. I loved the characters, thought the plot was really well paced, and enjoyed the way Calder wove the trauma and healing into the story.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the lovely romance read!

This was a fun rom-com that actually had me laughing out loud.

When Andrew (Drew) runs into his old high school bully, Justin, in London of all places, he hatches a plan to get even with him for the hell he was subjected to during those 4 years. The only problem is that Justin has no idea who he is. It will soon have been 10 years since they graduated, after all.

What follows is a series of hilarious schemes to knock the golden boy down a notch or two. Drew wasn’t prepared, however, for the events and emotions that would follow, making him question all of his carefully crafted schemes.

I loved this! There was so much personal growth for both of the characters in this story. At the end, neither of them are the same men they were when the story began. I really enjoyed all of the hilarious stunts Drew pulled on Justin as he set his plans in action. And the way that the story concludes was just right. This is the first book in the series, and towards the end you get a brief glimpse into the pair that I’m guessing book number two will focus on. It’s always nice when a book leaves you hungry for the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Mein Leseerlebnis

In der Liebesgeschichte, in der ein mittlerweile erwachsener, sehr erfolgreicher Mann Rache nehmen will an jemanden, der ihm seine Schulzeit zur Hölle gemacht hat, ist so einiges los. Man trifft auf einen angenehmen Schreibstil, interessante Charaktere und eine Liebesgeschichte, die das Potential hat einen mitzureißen.

Beim Lesen habe ich die beiden Helden gerne näher kennengelernt, im Verlauf des Liebesromans konnte ich beide zudem ins Herz schließen. Die Racheaktion Andrews konnte ich teils nachvollziehen, teils überschritt sie meiner Meinung nach aber Grenzen, die ich persönlich nicht überschritten hätte.

Die aufkommenden romantischen Gefühle zwischen beiden Helden waren für mich deutlich zu spüren, was ich natürlich positiv bewerte. Nicht ganz so ideal war für mich allerdings, dass es in der zweiten Hälfte des romance Buches ein paar Längen gab.

Zudem fand ich den Erzählstrang rund um das Klassentreffen der beiden Helden weder besonders unterhaltsam noch überzeugend. Ich hätte gut ohne ihn leben können. Das Happy End selbst und vor allem den Blick in die Zukunft der beiden Helden fand ich wiederum sehr schön.

🖤🖤🖤 3/4

Für wen?

Wer Liebesromane mag, in denen zwei Männer große Differenzen überwinden, die seit ihrer Schulzeit zwischen ihnen stehen und in denen einer einen ausgeklügelten, weitreichenden Racheplan umsetzt, für den könnte das Buch eine schöne Sache sein.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There is just something about Jax Calder’s writing, it really hits for me! It is never just a basic story, there is just so much more; the back stories, the character development, the side characters! There is always something to get behind and root for.

The characters are not perfect, but that is so much a part of my love of this story, they make you shout at your kindle with their decisions, which just keeps me reading, I want to know how they will turn it around!


My favourite thing to read in a romance book is two people getting to know each other, the slow burn,the banter, the in jokes. It just makes me fall in love with the characters and also break my heart and we get so much of that I this book.
It has really solidified Jax Calder as one of my favourite authors and I am eagerly awaiting The Unlikely Spare when it comes out in July!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book, all opinions are my own.

The Revenge Game by Jax Calder is dual POV contemporary romance about Andrew, who is trying to figure out what to do with his life after selling his tech company for millions of dollars. While spending time in London, he runs into his high school bully, Justin, who doesn’t even recognize him after 10 years. This leads Andrew to develop an elaborate ruse to infiltrate Justin’s life and make him pay for all of the humiliation he endured during high school.

Andrew manages to get a job in the IT department at the same company that Justin works for, which leads to some hijinxs, like sending embarrassing company-wide emails from Justin’s account. However, Andrew didn’t factor in getting to know a different side of Justin as they spend more time together.

I really enjoyed this book and found it funny but also heartfelt. I felt like I got a good understanding of where each character was coming from, even though they both made mistakes. I also loved the London setting because that’s one of my favorite cities to visit.

I’d recommend this book to fans of Rainbow Rowell’s Attachments because it also involves a nerdy IT guy making questionable decisions and accidentally falling in love with someone at work. The premise was also similar to Pansies by Alexis Hall because they are both about bullies developing feelings for the people they bullied in high school (I wouldn’t say that that’s my favorite trope, but I think both books do a good job of showing how much the bully has changed since their teenage years).

The Revenge Game has everything I love in a romance - two fun and interesting lead characters, a great trope (enemies to friends to lovers), and just the right twist before a happily ever after. The book kicks off with Andrew, a multi-millionaire tech genius, seeing his old high school nemesis/bully, Justin, in a pub in London. When Andrew's moment of confronting Justin is thwarted by Justin's lack of recognition, Andrew begins to develop the titular revenge game.

I was so surprised by how much I loved this book considering the two leads used to be bully & victim in high school, usually an instant no-go trope for me. I've actually never read a book that wrote the trope so well and Jax Calder has set a new standard with The Revenge Game. Andrew and Justin are deeply written, thoughtful characters who go through so much personal growth and development throughout the course of the book. They each have made mistakes in how they treat each other and accept responsibility for their actions - Justin for his behavior as a teenager when he was hiding who he was due to an emotionally abusive stepfather and Andrew for deceiving Justin and creating the revenge game.

This is definitely a romance you won't want to miss. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC of this fun and entertaining first book in the series.

This was cute and fun! I love all of Jax Calder’s books I’ve read so far, and this was so exception.

The characters are well flushed out, there’s some childhood enemies to lovers, a bit of fake dating, and two adorable cats.

I can’t wait to read Leo’s story next!

Thank you to Jax Calder and NetGalley for access to this ARC.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you become a multimillionaire tech guru but still can’t shake your high school bullies, so you decide to take revenge on the main one, only to fall in love with him? The Revenge Game has the answer.

In The Revenge Game, we follow Andrew and Justin as they each navigate personal demons and the parts of themselves they have kept hidden, all while unexpectedly finding each other.

I absolutely loved The Unlikely Heir, so I was really excited to read another book from Jax (and I loved the Oliver and Callum shout-out). I really enjoy Jax’s writing style. Her books are fast-paced, comfortingly predictable, and just so much fun to read.

That said, some parts of the storyline were quite unbelievable, which sometimes took me out of the story. There were also a few cringe-worthy moments that felt out of character for both Drew and Justin. While I am all for side characters from other books making appearances, the lack of subtlety in how this was done made those scenes feel a bit forced.

Overall, this was a fun, light and enjoyable read, and I will definitely be picking up the other books in the series

Jax Calder’s The Revenge Game is a fresh, emotionally charged story that resonates deeply with the LGBTQIA+ community—because let’s face it, most of us have had that one person who hurt us so badly we couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to get a little payback. This book taps into that universal experience with both wit and heart.

What makes The Revenge Game so compelling is the dynamic between the characters. Their chemistry is electric, their banter sharp, and their emotional growth feels authentic. Calder does an excellent job of capturing the messiness of relationships—past and present—while still delivering a narrative that’s playful, romantic, and empowering.

Whether you’re looking for a story of second chances, revenge, or just a heartfelt journey of queer love and healing, this book delivers. It’s entertaining, relatable, and surprisingly cathartic. I would definitely recommend The Revenge Game to anyone looking for a satisfying queer romance with bite.

What would happen if you meet the kid who made your high school years a nightmare and you have the power to make their life a living hell?


After selling his software for a lot of money, Andrew arrives in London with no clue about how to bring some meaning to his life and find a job that he actually enjoys. What he finds is his high school bully, Justin. Andrew has fantasized about this moment for so long: showing Justin how far he has reached and letting him beg for forgiveness. But that’s far from the reality: Justin doesn’t even recognize him.


Angry and frustrated, Andrew decides to spend his money and time crafting the best revenge game to deliver the karma Justin deserves. Only that, the more he gets to know Justin, the harder it is to remember why he’s doing this in the first place.


As you can imagine from the blurb, The Revenge Game is a fun and light mm romance with some ridiculous scenes that aren't meant to be taken seriously. I often struggle with that, but I actually didn’t mind this time. I think Andrew was immature enough to do a revenge game at the age of twenty-seven, but mature enough to realize that sometimes he was taking things too far and fixed the problems before they escalated. He was also aware that he liked Justin, so he had mixed feelings about what he should do instead of the unrealistic hatred you often see in these kinds of scenarios.


The most interesting part of this book for me was the discussion of morality shown in Andrew’s POV. The anger he felt moved him to get closure in the form of revenge, but he was also aware he would just become a bully like Justin was. Another thing I like was Justin’s reaction when he finally realized Andrew was the guy he used to torment in high school.


Justin’s character ARC was great. He isn’t even out at the beginning of the book because the homophobia he experienced from his stepfather made him feel he would lose everything if he came out. In fact, he doesn’t even have friends because he doesn’t want to lie to people when they ask about his dating life (which is zero) and try to set him on dates with women, but he also isn’t ready to tell them the truth. It shows how seeing someone out and proud (Andrew, in this case) can really set a precedent in other queer people who are afraid of the consequences of being themselves.


To be honest, I requested this one because I’ve been reading/rereading novellas by the author, Jax Calder, and really enjoying them, so I decided to give her full novels another try. While I loved other novels by her (the YA ones, especially Attractive Forces), I didn’t finish her most famous book, The Unlikely Heir, because I was bored to tears. I had a similar experience with certain parts of The Revenge Game. While I found it more entertaining, it was way too long for me. According to goodreads, this is 450 pages. I sound like a broken record but I really don’t think we need romances to be that long (but I’m also aware that I used to LOVE long romances, so maybe that’s me getting old and wanting to get to the point).


I was dreading the moment Justin realized who Andrew was. I was hoping it was going to be before the third act break up, but I knew it was going to be very unlikely taking into account this is 450 pages and, once they fixed that lie, it was basically going to be over. I ended up liking how the author executed this more than I thought I was going to, but I would still have preferred it to be earlier on the book (and the book to be shorter).


Overall, this was cute but I think I just prefer the pacing of her shorter work (novellas and YA novels). So, if you enjoyed The Unlikely Heir, you’re probably going to enjoy this one way more than I did. I found this one a bit more entertaining and I liked how the author executed the idea presented in the blurb, because it ended up being more a strangers to friends to lovers than an enemies to lovers.


I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait until I can read the next book by Jax Calder. Five out of five stars from me and would be more if I could.

This wasn't my first book by Jax Calder and it will not be the last. I love the writing and the atmosphere!
The story starts of kind of slow but the suspense keeps building. Will the secret come out?
I really loved Andrew and Justin. From the start it became clear that they are both very sweet and kind of ridiculous.
Theirs was a very sweet story and I loved seeing them find themselves.

In this story we have Andrew, a tech multi-millionaire who has recently sold his company and bumps into his high school bully Justin whilst on a visit to London. Much to Andrew’s frustration, Justin doesn’t recognise him, despite making Andrew’s life hell for 4 years. Andrew wants revenge so hatches a plan to infiltrate Justin’s life.

The Revenge Game is a light-hearted, fun and amusing read. I did struggle with some of the decisions Andrew makes earlier in the book, but really warmed to him as the story progressed. The gradual relationship building and emerging romance between the 2 main characters is the book’s highlight and the story made for perfect holiday reading. Thanks to the publisher for providing an advanced readers copy via NetGalley.

My rating:

Reading Snack recommendation:
A big bowl of homemade chilli, tortilla chips and guacamole!

Pairs well with:
A cold beer, fresh from the refrigerator!

This was such a cute, fun, and light-hearted read! The Revenge Game had me smiling from the start. It’s funny, romantic, heartwarming and just the kind of story you breeze through in the best way. I really enjoyed the IT references as I have some background in it!

What really stood out was how well Jax Calder showed both Andrew and Justin’s vulnerability. Getting to see inside both of their perspectives helped understand where each of them was coming from. Their actions made sense, and their emotional honesty gave the story real heart to balance out the humor. I will admit, I was yelling at Andrew’s character to just do the right thing already! I was invested in the characters HEA. 😊

This is low angst read with chemistry, witty banter, and lots of heart.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for something light, romantic, and entertaining. A perfect feel-good rom-com.

The revenge game
By: Jax Calder

Fun for forever

In this fun book we get Andrew and Justin. The comical genius from Jax Calder poured out in yet another book I could put down. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Andrew
I’ve come a long way since being the gawky, geeky, gay kid who was constantly picked on growing up. Having just sold my tech start-up for so much money it broke my phone calculator, I’m now at loose ends, wondering what to do next in my life.
Then I run into Justin. Justin, the golden boy from high school. Justin, the popular jock who turned my life into a living hell for four years.

And do you want to know the kicker? He doesn’t even recognize me.

Even worse, it looks like karma hasn’t done its thing because Justin definitely hasn't been punished for his previous sins.

Maybe my next mission in life is to give karma a helping hand…

Justin
My life looks perfect from the outside–good job, good friends, no worries. Only I know it is all based on a lie. I’ve never been honest with anyone about my sexuality.

Then I meet the new IT guy at work who has just moved into my apartment building too. Given I seem to be having an extraordinary run of bad luck with technology at the moment—like having my email randomly decide to spam the entire company with images of trolls in intimate embracesDrew’s been a lifesaver. And the more I get to know Drew, the more I want to confess my secret in the hope we can become something more.

But I can’t help the niggling feeling Drew is hiding something from me…

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Firstly, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This is my first Jax Calder book, and I’m def going to go check out the rest of her catalog.

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. What I thought was going to a fun light enemies to lovers was a funny, full of heart, emotional journey.

Andrew- a tech billionaire who, after selling his company, takes a trip to London to figure out what he wants to do next

Justin-always the golden boy-has moved to London to make a change in his life. He is struggling to come to terms with his real self and is finally ready to let his mask down.

Justin and Andrew went to high school together and Justin (not his main bully) was part of the group that made Andrew’s life hell for being a gay nerdy kid. Andrew comes across Justin in a London pub and, much to his chagrin, Justin doesn’t remember him. It’s at this point Andrew decides he wants revenge. He basically infiltrates Justin’s life. Moves into his building on his floor, and gets a job at his work. Andrew starts by messing with his computer to spazz out during client meeting, The problem is that Justin takes a liking to “Drew” and they start spending more time together.

Justin’s struggle with internalizing homophobia, which was beaten into him by his stepdad, was heartbreaking. His mom, who split with his stepdad 5 years ago, has become his internal dialogue.

I loved this book and honestly wished it was a little longer. These two need to find each other again in order to heal their past selves and learn the lesson that you never know what someone is going to and to never assume. Ultimately, this book was about forgiveness, learning to let go and find peace within yourself.

Can’t wait for Leo’s book

If you’re looking for a fast-paced cheesy, funny, sexy romance to devour in one sitting, I highly recommend The Revenge Game to scratch that itch!

The Revenge Game follows Andrew’s plot to get revenge on his former high school bully when they unexpectedly cross paths 10 years later, but things don’t quite go to plan! Told in asymmetrical alternating POVs, Jax Calder weaves a heartwarming romance full of some of my favorite tropes: Enemies to Lovers and Miscommunication. Andrew and Justin were likable leads, and although most of the decisions Andrew made throughout the story frustrated me, Calder gave her characters enough depth that I could understand WHY he kept making the decisions he did. Their relationship felt natural, and I loved seeing how they brought out the best in each other and allowed themselves to open up in ways they never had before. I was completely invested in their love story, and the anxiety I felt leading up to the big reveal of Andrew’s plan had my heart racing! I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series - and checking out some more of Jax Calder’s books!

The Revenge Game by Jax Calder is a heart warming, enemies-to-lovers tale following tech genius Andrew Yates as he unexpectedly crosses paths with his high school bully Justin. This story was both heartwarming and heart breaking at times, but ultimately an enjoyable read highlighting the importance of forgiveness. Definitely recommend! Thank you to the author, Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for the ARC!