Opening Vignette
the reason i picked up rogue justice this month is simple: i’d already been hooked. i devoured the first book in the series, while justice sleeps, and it left me absolutely enthralled. so when i saw that stacey abrams had given us a continuation, i knew i had to step back into that world.
but there’s more to it. lately, i’ve been in a season of transition—a lot shifting, a lot re-centering. somewhere in the mix, i let one of my deepest joys slip away: reading. i love books of all kinds—self-help, biographies, nonfiction that makes me think—but thrillers have a special place. they pull me in, sharpen my mind, and remind me i can still savor the power of story. so i made a decision: it’s time to come home to what makes me happy.
with my eyes not cooperating the way they used to, i turned to audible. i let stacey’s words and world carry me while i moved through my days. and just like before, she didn’t disappoint.
Quick Book Snapshot
most people know stacey abrams as the brilliant politician, but if you’ve been following i hear that girl, you know our admiration goes deeper. she is one of the smartest black women alive—strategist, leader, visionary—and then on top of that, she’s an incredible author.
as a writer, abrams has this gift: she doesn’t just tell a story, she educates you through it. her characters are so sharp and layered that i could literally see them playing out in my head. reading rogue justice felt like watching a full movie unfold. honestly, hollywood needs to go ahead and adapt these books into a series because they are that good.
rogue justice picks up where while justice sleeps left off, so if you haven’t read the first one, start there and you’ll be hooked like i was. without giving away spoilers, this second book asks: what happens when someone blows the whistle and calls out the truth? because truth always rattles cages. people don’t like it, and often, their bitterness and fear blind them from seeing the even bigger dangers right in front of them.
Lessons + Takeaways
what rogue justice reminded me most is this: you have to stand in your own truth, even when the odds don’t line up in your favor. i’ve been in those battles myself. sometimes, speaking the truth feels like standing alone in the fire. it’s scary, but it’s also the very thing that gives you courage. truth sets you free, and that freedom is worth the risk.
as a woman in transition, i felt that so deeply while listening to this book. avery’s courage to keep going, to keep uncovering and naming what others wanted buried, mirrored the courage i’m practicing in my own life right now. i’m speaking my truth—about who i am as a storyteller, as a brand architect, and as a woman navigating change.
this story also reminded me that justice isn’t just something that happens in a courtroom—it’s something we practice in our daily lives. sometimes we don’t get the justice we deserve from the world, but we can create justice for ourselves. to me, that looks like self-love.
and finally, abrams’ writing made me reflect on the difference between toughness and strategy. when i was younger, i chased dreams hard—late nights, endless work, pouring myself out with no limits. but now, at 46, i’ve learned a different way. i don’t need to burn myself out to get where i’m going. i can move with soft strength and intentional strategy, instead of sheer force.
What I Liked
- the pace: abrams knows how to keep you hooked.
- the characters: ava lee is sharp, layered, and brilliantly written.
- the real-world issues: corruption, justice, and truth woven seamlessly into fiction.
- the movie-quality writing: honestly, this deserves a film or tv adaptation.
Why This Book Matters for Us
for black women 35–54 navigating transition, rogue justice isn’t just a thriller—it’s a mirror. it shows what it looks like to stand on truth, to carry courage when the world doesn’t make it easy, and to redefine justice on your own terms.
if you’re in a season of transition, this book is a reminder: you don’t have to compromise your integrity to move forward. you can pursue your dreams with strategy, softness, and power.
Call to Action
have you read rogue justice? what did it teach you about courage and truth? share in the comments—I’d love to hear.
👉🏾 Buy Rogue Justice (in my Amazon storefront)
👉🏾 Start with While Justice Sleeps if you’re new to the series
Closing Reflection
rogue justice reminded me that integrity is not optional—it’s a form of self-care. justice begins with the choices we make daily, to honor who we are becoming.
