Despite Doubt

by Jasmin Joachims

A hunt for the galaxy’s deadliest fugitive.
An alliance with the Archipelago's most devious drug lord.
The imminent invasion of a long-dead species.

State Sec Agent Elianorra Salazar has her hands full. After months of infiltrating military nodes scattered throughout the cosmos, the crew of The Despite finally have Thono within their grasp. But with the Navy and astute and unyielding Captain Haggerty hot on their heels, the noose around Elia’s neck is tightening.
Her powers have vanished, her AI companion is out of commission, and Thono takes glee in toying with her at every step. The Confederacy is on the verge of intergalactic war, and stopping it feels like an impossible task. With Captain Haggerty proving to be as magnetic as she is vexing, Elia’s heart may be just as vulnerable as the galaxy.

Can Elia thwart the King of Spades’ conquering expedition whilst evading the ICN officer who incites way more than just professional indignation? Or will her doubts end up costing her the mission, Haggerty’s trust, and the lives of those she loves the most?

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Science Fiction, Lesbian

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2025

About the author

Jasmin Joachims is a poet, writer and author of Despite Distress, Despite Duty, and The Flying Kite. Previously working as an IT consultant, she now prefers to put words onto the page and dabble in a plethora of genres that include science fiction, romance and post-apocalyptic dystopia. One of her passions is to create gripping LGBTQ+ novels and trying to write the kind of stories she would have loved to be able to read while she was growing up. Her second passion is ice cream. No, sorry, it's dogs. Okay, she can't decide. Let's call them her other two second passions and be done with it.

Reviews

[Simone11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the “Sword of the Queen” sci-fi series by the author.

For me the story was highly entertaining, very funny at times (“It’s just hard to respect people who run around in costumes. They’re called uniforms. It’s what civilized people use to organize themselves.”), action filled and has a great finale at the end.

And bonus points to the author for giving us the much anticipated WLW love story between Elia and Haggerty. Their chemistry is off the charts and the two MCs are generally interesting characters with depth.
“A few simple touches, and I came apart at the seams. How annoying to burn so hot for someone I wasn’t even sure I liked.”

Elia’s crew as secondary characters are also well crafted.

I’m very much looking forward to the next installment in this series and how the story will continue in the future.

I received an advance reader’s copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Book 2 has more action and adventure. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to book 3!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Doubt by Jasmin Joachims takes us on another exploit across the galaxy in the company of crime lords and continues to put us at odds with now Commander Haggerty, all in the name of the Dolorian Crown. 
Joachims throws us right back into the thick of things as our covert Sword of the Queen continues her ruse as a space pirate testing her devotion and moral compass to get closer to Thono. 
This series is one of the few sci-fi stories I really like, as sci-fi isn't one of my favorite genres. I quite enjoy following Elia, her unique and likable crew, and her love/hate relationship with the ICN commander, on her quest.
The descriptions of settings and tech work so well without being too wordy. I love all the dialogue, and the interactions between characters are well-thought-out and meaningful. 
This well-written space adventure has all the things: great, diverse characters, exciting action scenes, a variety of settings/locations, advanced tech, inherent species-specific powers, a bit of romance with some steamy spice, and a (suspenseful) ending that wraps things up with a happy for now, and potential for future installments (if we are lucky).
The things I like most about the Sword of the Queen series are the kick-ass female leads, the tight, clean writing style, and that it is packed with action.
I highly recommend this series.
#sapphic #scifi #space #enemiestolovers #foundfamily #epilogue #kickassfemales #actionpacked #worldbuilding #AI #HFN #series
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice continuation and arc end. Finally we get a bit more of the ice queen and it is quite funny how both are hating and drooling for each other. I am intrigued for the next book.

We need more. Go Lesbians! :D

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the first book, I proceeded to read the second, and I was not disappointed. This book takes the reader on quite a journey, as Elia embarks on her mission to find the missing princess's eggs and hunt down Thono, an adventure that nearly cost her life in a pool of radioactive material.

This book is full of adventure and action. Elia's ever growing attraction to ICN Captain Haggerty is evident throughout, though their work for opposing sides—Elia for the Queen of Hearts—creates conflict. I truly appreciate the palpable chemistry and tension between Elia and Haggerty, even when they are adversaries.

The story is captivating, highly entertaining, and easy to follow. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as well as the first book in the series. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the third book.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…my telekinesis was something that connected me to my family, to my heritage. It was so much more to me than just the ability to influence things with my mind.”

I was given the amazing opportunity to read a copy of “Despite Doubt” by Jasmin Joachims and I am so glad I stumbled upon these books!

The second installment of the “Sword of the Queen” series continued to keep me captivated, as the story continued to follow the adventures of our favorite State Sec Agent, Elianorra Salazar and her rag-tag shipmates.

“I’d never make fun of N’guyerra sounding like an asthmatic moon buffalo again.”

As stated in the review for book one, I absolutely love the writing style that Jasmin uses in these stories. My mind was able to easily create the space world Elia travelled through and see the details in characters.

This book was action packed, with high stakes situations that Elia and her crew had to battle with. It seemed like they had the worst luck at times, but always seemed to pull through (even when the outcome wasn’t what was expected).

“You carry this piece of metal like you carry your shame. Hidden beneath layers of clothes, so that no one finds out just how divided you are about the path you’re walking.”

I really loved the constant action our characters faced and I was on the edge of my seat wanting to see how everything played out! And of course, some humor was sprinkled in and I let out a few good chuckles! I couldn’t help but think of Star Wars when reading this series. This very well could have been a side story!

“How about you try to find your balls somewhere? Then you come back, and we’ll talk.”

We also finally get a bit of romance between Elia and Allen, now a captain, and their chemistry was fantastic! Though the romance wasn’t the highlight of the story, I feel like it fit well within the plot. I really hope we get to see more of their relationship in future books of this series!

“But not today, hot stuff, not today.”

All in all, if you are a Star Wars fan, enjoy found-family relationships, high stakes space adventures, sapphic romance sub-plots, a sprinkle of humor mixed in here and there, and enjoyed book one, then you will most definitely enjoy “Despite Doubt” as well!

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, perhaps I am biased because I love everything Jasmin Joachims has written so it might seem hyperbole to say - but this is one of the best endings to any book I have read. Those final chapters were riveting, fast-paced, impressive for the battle scenes and then the believability of the twisted logic and complexity of the mind games forced on the hero by the villain. Just incredible.

The rest of the book deserves praise too because Jasmin has crafted a story with humour, an impressive mystery/crime arc and so much energy! From the first page I was caught up by the charisma of the characters and their banter and pseudo-threats. They are such a fascinating bunch and an excellent example of the solid worldbuilding skills the author possesses.

The slow burn that tantalised in Despite Duty is partially realised here. Salazar and Haggerty are strong women and a spicy scene between them could have easily gone wrong but this was perfect. And what happened afterwards! The universe must be rolling it's eyes. I've always liked the idea of competence being sexy and this is probably the best example of it that I've read - "It was wrong that even in this situation, I could appreciate the woman oozing capability like a starship oozed reactor fuel."

I really, really hope the next installment in this series comes soon. The epilogue teased a couple of things that have me twitchy with impatience to get back into this world.

If you love sci-fi that is crafted so cleverly you need to be on that ship, working with those incredible beings and want the reality of action scenes to get the adrenaline pumping, then this is the book for you.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve yet to read a book by Jasmin Joachims that I didn’t love, and Despite Doubt is no exception. Part two in the Sword of the Queen series, it picks up in the middle of an adventure. Pirate-ish Captain Elianorra Salazar and her crew are infiltrating an ICN base on a quest to track down her nemesis Thono, the King of Spades, who is intent on taking over the universe with some help from some nasty enemies once thought extinct. There’s just one big problem: they have the beautiful and vexing Captain Allen Haggerty, whose magnetism Elia can’t resist, dogging their every move.

I love a good sci-fi adventure, and Joachims continues to expand on the world she built in Despite Duty, with more detail, more alien species, and more intrigue and adventure. The characters are awesome, from the two Captains, to Elia’s crew, and even the baddies and other supporting characters. We also get a bit of spice, with Salazar and Haggerty giving in to their attraction to each other, although things get...complicated. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC from the author, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

[Nina Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Doubt sees us re-join Elia and the crew of The Despite to continue their adventures. As with book 1, Despite Duty, the story flows fast from one adventure to the next, planet to planet and is a real page turning pleasure. While the pace of the story is fast, it is an easy read and Jasmin Joachim’s words carry you along easily. There was a moment I was worried for the crew as seemed they were not getting enough rest in between adventures!

The way the book is written is that you feel every emotion with the perfect mis-matched family that make up the crew of The Despite – their happiness, anger, and camaraderie. Not forgetting all the scrapes they get in and out of. There is so much I want to write about but virtually impossible not to break the sacred spoiler code. However, I will say that we were promised more of Elia and Captain Haggerty and, oh wow, Jasmin Joachims did not let us down. Their moment together sizzled in all the right places, with the morning after leaving an interesting ‘to be continued’ in book 3….. Please be a book 3!

So far, all of the Jasmin Joachims books I have read have been wonderful in their own way. Please keep up the beautiful work. I can’t wait for more Despite.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up again.

Another excellent read.

We get to see Elia and Haggerty interact ALOT more this time. Their interactions were really fun to read with alot of tension due to where they apparently fall on legal matters.

I do appreciate that Elia understands that what she is doing and keeping that all a secret from Haggerty, is problematic for any developing relationship. Very interested to see where that goes and how its reconciled.

Honestly, I just wish the books were longer so that we got mroe development of the plot and the relationship. Like, its done very well but i'm greedy 😂

Also, I just read the first Honor Harrington book this year and Haggerty gives me the same vibe. Super competent, confident and always does her duty.

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite Doubt is everything I wanted from a sequel and beyond! I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed the crew of the despite.

The action is heart-pounding from the get go as we hunt down and infiltrate military nodes. From there I really appreciate the more in-depth world building we had of the planets we land on, from creepy high-tech research facilities to bustling water-worlds. But by far the stars of this show are Elia's relationships with nemesis Thono and particularly the rivalmancy with Haggerty. If you wanted more of her, then you certainly won't be disappointed.

I cannot wait for further stories in this series!

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel,I really enjoyed it and finally haggerty let down her guard although didn’t stay down.

I had quite alot of different emotions during this one, Eighty-three struggling made me sad but the relationship between the crew is always funny and then happiness with haggerty but then anger. I love the way the author writes dramatic scenes like with how detailed and fast paced it is really makes you feel the emotions during the scenes

The ending was left open so I’m hoping for a book 3 🤞🏻🤞🏻

*full disclosure I was given this book by the author, Jasmin Joachims, in exchange for an honest review*

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This was action packed from page one and that made the pacing so good. It was never a dull moment for me. It was also still pretty funny and we also finally got some romance and a bit of spice! That was great to see. This series is a lot of fun and I hope we’ll be getting book three sometime soon.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great science fiction with sapphic romance and a pair of strong and brave women as leaders! Intense, sexy and futuristic, the author's great imagination brings us a unique and wild world far from our own but just as complicated and interesting!

[Anabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.50)

[Mscout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Lots of twists, and a good number of turns. Eagerly awaiting #3!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sword of the Queen, Elianorra Salazar is now tasked to find the fugitive that has the power to upset the balance of the galaxy. Navigating through allies and enemies, she serves the crown to the best of her ability, while a hot-headed, and hot ICN officer, Haggerty is chasing after her and the crew of Despite, eager to find a reason to throw them in jail. It’s complicated, the relationship between her and Haggerty. But even the blindest person in the universe would be able to see the simmering tension and attraction between these two women. However, duty calls to Elianorra. Will what they have between us be shattered under silence and duty? And in the last moment, when the question that will shake the foundations of Elianorra’s belief is thrown in her face, will the Sword of the Queen shatter under the pressure of doubt? Despite Doubt by Jasmin Joachims is the second book of the Sword of the Queen series, portraying strong characters that never go down without a fight for what they believe.

I was originally not a big fan of sci-fi, but I would say Despite Doubt changed my opinion of the genre. Or maybe it is just the charm of the series itself. No matter whether it is right or wrong, the protagonists and the antagonists of Despite Doubt have their own values and beliefs and act on them even in doubt. Elia’s whole world and her belief system that fueled her undying loyalty to the crown is unraveling at the seams in Despite Doubt. But still, while acknowledging the doubt of what she had known, she still acts from her heart without doubt of what is right or wrong. It must be mentioned that this is quite the change from Book 1, Despite Duty, because instead of the existence of questions raised, Elia blindly follows her installed loyalty in the former book. The same can also be applied to Haggerty. They are from the same coin but are just on different sides. Elia is someone who slid in through the chinks of Haggerty’s armor, yet when she finds out that Elia seems to be clashing with Haggerty’s own duty, her own duty comes first. The tension and magnetic field between these two stems from this trait of these two characters. Respect and the clash between their duties.

The banter between Elia and her crewmates was also enjoyable. It is more like the banter of friends who know each other well enough to know where to press the buttons to annoy the other and shut the other’s mouth. The humor that peeked from here and there made me crack up quite a lot. However, underneath that banter is unwavering loyalty, the kind that you trust your back to, and will drag you out of debris in an explosion instead of running away.

With such characters, the story of Despite is born, a captivating story that is filled with duty, grit, and courage. I am really looking forward to reading the last book of this series to see how the story of Elianorra and those she cares about will be concluded.

I received an ARC from the writer for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action, funny, heartstring tugging, rollicking good read! Joachims has once again written a superb book.
Well done!