The Revenge Game by Jax Calder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Jax Calder’s The Revenge Game is a delightful blend of slow-burn romance, sharp humor, and heartfelt redemption, set against the backdrop of a tech-savvy workplace and a shared, complicated past. It’s a story that explores what happens when old wounds meet new feelings—and when revenge and romance collide.

The novel follows Andrew, a wildly successful tech entrepreneur whose recent financial windfall leaves him wondering what’s next. That question is unexpectedly answered when he crosses paths with Justin, the high school tormentor who made his teen years miserable. The twist? Justin doesn’t even recognize him. As Andrew plots to deliver a bit of overdue karma, things quickly get complicated—especially when old resentment gives way to new attraction.

Told in alternating perspectives, Calder gives both protagonists distinct, engaging voices. Andrew’s internal conflict—balancing his thirst for revenge with a growing emotional connection—is both funny and touching. Justin’s journey, meanwhile, is one of vulnerability and self-acceptance, as he wrestles with the secret he’s kept hidden for years.

The chemistry between the two is electric, driven by snappy banter, awkward workplace encounters, and moments of genuine emotional depth. But what sets The Revenge Game apart is how it handles its themes: forgiveness, identity, and the risk involved in opening up to someone fully. It’s not just a rom-com with a clever premise—it’s also a story about healing from the past and daring to believe in something better.

Though some plot developments are a bit predictable, the execution is strong, with just the right mix of humor, tension, and tenderness to keep readers engaged. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and queer fiction with heart will find plenty to love here.

The Revenge Game is a smart, sexy, and satisfying romance that proves sometimes the best revenge is finding love where you least expect it. Jax Calder has crafted a story that’s both hilarious and heartfelt, with two flawed but deeply lovable leads you’ll root for from start to finish.

Jax Calder is slowly making their way up to my favourites list!
I loved this, and I am definitely not a fan of bully romance.

This started a bit cuckoo with the whole kind of stalking and infiltration thing, but I fell in love with both of these guys so quick.
The way Drew is looking for revenge, but can’t really commit to his plan because he feels so sorry for Justin, while Justin has simply grown up to be a kind sweetheart.
I love Jax Calders banter and the whole crazy story of this.
I was baffled with the big reveal and couldn’t stop reading. This story wasn’t boring for even a second!

I have to say that a lot of this felt like a 90s romcom and not everything was super realistic, but I just had a lot of fun with this and really wanted these two to have their happy ending.

This book had to be one of my favourite tropes - I'm just obsessed with the undercover secret hate vibes that turn in to love. I was seriously hooked from the start, the premise had me drawn in immediately. As soon as I could see that Drew actually liked Justin, despite his history, I was immediately waiting for them to get together and then was dreading the truth coming out.

This was a super cute book that was such a fun read and I will totally be recommending it.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.

A Witty and Heartfelt Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

The Revenge Game by Jax Calder is a captivating blend of humor, emotional depth, and romance. The story follows Andrew, a tech entrepreneur who, after selling his startup, encounters his high school bully, Justin, in London. Andrew decides to infiltrate Justin's life for a bit of revenge, only to find himself developing unexpected feelings for him. The narrative delves into themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the complexities of past traumas.

Calder's writing shines with sharp dialogue and well-developed characters. The slow-burn romance between Andrew and Justin is both sweet and steamy, with a satisfying build-up that keeps readers engaged. The supporting characters add depth and humor, enhancing the overall reading experience.

While the story is compelling, some readers might find certain plot developments predictable. However, the emotional payoff and character growth make it a rewarding read. Overall, The Revenge Game is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

I generally know whether a read is going to be an one-star read or five star after reading 10-20 chapters. But for this one, I knew right away I was going to absolutely love this one. I don't have enough words to say how much I loved this book. I am not generally a fan of bullyxvictim but this one was the exception. This book made me feel all the right emotions one should feel while reading romance and had me, obviously, giggling and kicking my feet.

I loved how the multi-millionaire, Andrew, who has gone undercover as a tech guy to get revenge on his high-school bully, Justin Morris but ends up falling in love with him. I was fully expecting some cringe (because let’s be real — undercover millionaire plots usually deliver that), but this one was smooth, natural, and genuinely well-written. The way they slowly fall in love is so natural and well-written that it made me feel butterflies in my stomach.

The best thing about this book is the author didn't try to justify bullying but instead, tried to show that sometimes, forgiveness is the best path (but thankfully, Andrew didn't believe in it initially.)

Overall, I absolutely loved this one. And yes, you will definitely find me thrusting this book to my friends, bullying them into reading this so I can yap about it with them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jax Calder for the opportunity to read this.

I read this as an Arc from NetGalley (sorry it’s a bit late) Where to start… I had so many feelings about this mainly going in knowing that this was a romance and it would have dubious consent, but the more I read I could see the idea shaping into something that was really cute. While reading this I realized cringy situations or secondhand embarrassment is the sort of awkwardness that I usually shy away from with books and tv shows. It’s really turning my opinion around because usually, if it’s something that makes me uncomfortable to face that means it’s going to have a really good pay off.

If you’re anything like me you get nervous at anything that could be a a red flag, and while there were plenty none of Andrew’s revenge was harmful to Justin’s person. Just little things that made his life a bit difficult (that handy…drew helped him fix).


It was like knowing a crash was inevitable but I couldn’t look away. I loved watching Andrew (Drew) slowly come to realize he probably had some preconceived notions that he needed to tackle and the realization that you really never know what someone is going through.

Justin, finding someone he really enjoyed and wanted to break his walls down for was amazing and devastating because we knew it started as a revenge plot.

As I got deeper I realized that while Andrew has created a fake identity, Justin is also hiding behind a facade, one that he’s held onto for years rather than a few months. So when the fall out came whewww it was so sad because they really loved each other.


No more spoilers from me! This is definitely a worthwhile read 💙

Jax Calder simply knows how to make you invested in the relationships she writes!

This time it was coworkers to friends to hookup buddies to boyfriends with the "former high school tormentor but he doesn't recognize me" twist, and it was delicious!

Andrew's plan starts as goofy and quite comedic, but as we realize that Justin is very different as an adult vs as a teenager, so does he and the comedy becomes internal conflict, because he's building something real based on a lie.

Andrew and Justin's bond grows stronger and stronger, to endure the inevitable fallout when the truth is revealed, and with it, they learn a lot about seeing life in black and white, about growing up, toxic influence and being yourself.

Jax Calder is a comfort romance author, be it political, college or enemies to lovers!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the writing style—fun, light, and easy to get into. The characters were likeable, and the banter between them had me smiling more than a few times. The humor throughout was a nice touch, and I loved the overall romcom vibe of the story. A fun and feel-good read!

ARV provided through NetGalley. Reivew is voluntary.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the characters and the plot was so interesting. It was like revenge under cover boss but make it romance. I will totally be reading more from this author.

Andrew is hellbent on getting revenge on his high school bully, only to learn a few lessons: Things aren't always what they seem, don't make assumptions, and revenge is never a good thing..........or is it?

Justin was the epitome of a popular high schooler a decade ago. Football captain, prom king and...bully. After meeting a new employee at work, his life takes a turn for the better...for a while. In the process, he learns a few lessons: Always be yourself, be proud of who and what you are, and learn to forgive yourself and others.

I <I>adore</i> Andrew and Justin together, and their story is so sweet. Predictable, but still a great story nonetheless. There's a bit of romcom, a bit of drama, and a lot of spicy scenes that aren't incredibly detailed, but are still satisfying. I do think it needed a bit more editing, as I found a few errors along the way.

Thank you to Jax Calder for allowing me to read this beautiful and heartfelt story before its publication date in exchange for an honest review.

Augh this story ripped my heart out and then sewed me back together. As a queer Southerner and someone who experienced a little bit of bullying throughout my time in high school, I related so deeply to both characters throughout. There was something so realistic and poignant about the experiences both main characters had which made the book irresistible. There were some parts where the actual revenge part kinda dragged and I was like oh come on just move on. But in the grand scheme, did not hurt my reading enjoyment.

I need you all to read this ASAP so we can discuss some of the scenes towards the back half of the story. Some lines and scenes absolutely ripped me open and then the tenderness stitched me back up, and I need someone to chat with.

Of course, the actual love throughout is sweet, and sexy in parts. This book truly felt as if Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry wrote MM fiction. I would recommend this book to any and everyone interested in romance, straight or queer.

★★★★

Thank you to NetGalley and Jax Calder for the Arc.

Before I even started reading The Revenge Game, I knew that although Andrew and Justin would ultimately fall in love, it would also lead to heartbreak for them when the truth comes out.

As much as I loved Andrew and Justin’s relationship I hated the fact that their relationship was built on lies that kept growing but even then I was rooting for their relationship.

As their relationship grew, so did the damage of the inevitable betrayal that Andrew’s plan caused.

In the end, I loved the pacing of the book and their relationship and I wouldn’t change anything regarding the ending. I’m very interested in reading book 2 and can’t wait to read more from Jax. I also loved the cameo from the main characters in Jax’s other book, the unlikely heir.

what a good read omg i was so invested. this romance is so ugly and beautiful at the same time. i love the ambiguity of the characters' actions. but mostly, i love the ending. absolutely go read this to find out.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Omg THIS was such a mega good time! The Revenge Game was so funny in spots that I couldn't stop giggling for pages at a time! Jax's narrative style and tone just did absolutely everything right and I devoured this story like rom-coms in the early noughties!

I was so invested that halfway through the story the tension had me bent over, and I was srsly hiding my eyes and bracing for the inevitable. I felt so much and i didn't think that my feelings could get any bigger at whatever point i checked myself, and then they just kept on growing and i was swept away properly and could not have been happier about the heart palpitations and queasy tummy.

This was such a heart thumping premise. And when the truth became known to both the reader and Drew, omg i felt that in my bones. Justin's character was exquisitely rendered and i loved that the 180 was a bullseye that showed Drew's karmic consequences as well and spared no prisoners!

At this point anything and everything Jax Calder is a must read for me. Because just like the books i'd read before and loved, The Revenge Game had compelling depth and playfulness and a full of feelings romance that i flew through! The ride from start to finish was an impactful and entertaining one and i absolutely cannot wait for the next in this series and whatever else Jax releases in the future because this was marvelous!

I just finished up Hired by the Enemy, the novella that leads up to The Revenge Game, and I was ready to dive in. This book, which is the first in the Revenge Club series, follows Andrew and Justin.

Justin used to be bullied by Andrew in high school, and Justin finds out that Andrew is also in England working where he happened to be. Justin invents this elaborate game of revenge for Andrew. However, during the story, Justin finds that maybe everything was not as it seemed with Andrew.

Despite being a bit on the long side for me at 452 pages, this was a well-written and enjoyable book. I am excited to see the next story in the series.

Wow did Jax Calder hit this one out of the ballpark. I loved every single second of this heart touching love story. She took the bully,/ nerd trope and made it not only fresh but so believable.

Her characters are both flawed but what makes then special is they see their faults, and want to change their futures. You can't go back, but a person can evolve into someone better.

Drew was the nerd that was terrified and miserable for his 4 years of high school. The main catalyst for his teen horrors was the golden boy. Justin. The football star gleefully, targeted poor Drew. This caused him extreme anxiety, but a resolve to succeed. Drew achieved success by creating code for a popular app. He is financially, wealthy, and savvy in business. Underneath however he's still a scared boy.

Justin had his reasons for acting out, and I loved him despite his poor actions. Andrew meets Justin in London which sets off a desire for revenge as Justin doesn't recognize him. The results are hilarious, touching, and even made me tear up.

A beautiful tale artfully woven about learning to be your true self, and the gifts of redemption. I highly recommended this book. Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. Happy reading!

I love a good MM romance—and this one absolutely delivered!
I picked it up hoping for something sweet, emotional, and impactful, and it did not disappoint.

This was my first read from this author, and I was immediately hooked by the fun yet heartfelt plot, the smooth, engaging writing, and the incredibly layered characters. I laughed, swooned, and even teared up at one point—the emotional beats hit perfectly.

What really stood out to me were the deeper themes: high school bullying, internalized homophobia, and the struggle of living in the closet. Both MCs had such meaningful growth, and I really appreciated how the story showed compassion and understanding—even when one of them (looking at you, Andrew 👀) definitely could’ve handled things better.

This is a beautiful love story—raw, real, and romantic. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves emotional, character-driven romance.
Definitely adding this author to my auto-buy list! 🫶🏽

Just wow - the way I loved this one. I flew through it in a weekend. Loved the two guys and the connections between them (and the cats!).
The only small thing was a couple throwaway lines about Leo that seem to be unnecessarily setting up connections to prior or incoming books.

only a little bit smutty (could always use more) but it's also rather sweet and tenderhearted.

these things always go better when one of the enemies-to-lovers is a millionaire, right?

definitely recommend!

*received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Revenge story turned gay romance? Sign me up! I always love a good enemies-to-lovers, and I absolutely adored all the twists and turns of this story. I did skip through a few sections (I have zero interest in reading sex scenes and wouldn't have picked up this book if I'd known that was coming), but overall, I really enjoyed Andrew and Justin's story and was cheering them on until the absolutely perfect ending!

The Revenge Game was a good love story, even if it didn’t fully win me over. I really enjoyed the way the relationship developed between Andrew and Justin—it felt natural and heartfelt, and there was a moment where my heart was absolutely racing (in the best way). Calder definitely knows how to write chemistry and tension.

That said, I did feel like Andrew fell in love a little too easily. I mean, I get it—Justin’s charm is hard to resist—but the emotional shift happened a bit quickly for me. Also, the revenge setup, with all the pretending and lying, dragged on longer than I would’ve liked. It made it harder to stay fully invested when I was just waiting for the truth to finally come out.

Still, despite those reservations, this was an enjoyable read overall. A solid romance, even if it didn’t quite hit “favorite” status for me.