What do you think?
Rate this book
The Aces' Sons #10
Rumi: The Hawthornes
Rumi Hawthorne and Nova Tomlin have been best friends since the summer they turned thirteen. They know each other better than anyone, witnessed every bad decision, bad haircut, and bad mood.
By tacit agreement, they’ve kept things strictly platonic.
Until one drunken night.
Rumi refuses to settle down before he’s forty. Nova works two jobs, single minded in her determination to save enough money to go to school.
Neither believes a relationship is in the cards.
But, now that the line has been crossed… fooling around doesn’t seem like such a terrible idea.
What could go wrong?
Trigger Warning: scenes of domestic violence not involving the hero.
By tacit agreement, they’ve kept things strictly platonic.
Until one drunken night.
Rumi refuses to settle down before he’s forty. Nova works two jobs, single minded in her determination to save enough money to go to school.
Neither believes a relationship is in the cards.
But, now that the line has been crossed… fooling around doesn’t seem like such a terrible idea.
What could go wrong?
Trigger Warning: scenes of domestic violence not involving the hero.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2023
157 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Jacquelyn
39 books3,591 followersNicole Jacquelyn started writing before she started elementary school, however she didn’t start publishing her stories until her senior year in college. Today, she’s the author of the best selling Aces Series, Hawthornes Series, Fostering Love Series and Bouchers Series. She loves to read, drinks too much coffee, and lives in Oregon with the coolest children in the entire world and an English Bulldog named Blue.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 18, 2023
3.5, Rounded Up
Because nostalgia.
Because nostalgia.
June 29, 2023
Loves this one!! Keep them coming please!!
June 29, 2023
This just passed me off.
Firstly, we have yet another ‘hero’ who after sleeping with the heroine fucks another girl. But don’t worry because the hero and heroine weren’t together. It was just casual. My problem with it was more the fact that she couldn’t ever be with anyone else because he was it for her and she was in love with him. The hero however obviously didn’t feel the same way, hence hooking up with someone else. But toward the end, he talks about how he’s always loved her or some bullshit and the heroine eats it up like she’s so lucky to have him 🙄 Maybe if the heroine had dated and hooked up with another guy then I could have gotten past this, but nope. It’s not even something that bothers her a couple of chapters later 🙄 I should have known better because that kind of thing is normal for this author.
But the part that pissed me off the most? Everything that went down with Pop and the aftermath of it all. One: it’s not really explained what was wrong in the end with Pop, only speculation that kind of made no sense. Two: When Brenna talks about how 🙄 I couldn’t take that woman seriously. And three: the heroine had told the hero who hurt her and he didn’t believe her. In the next scene, it’s no big deal. That dude can hurt her as much as he wants and she’ll just take it because…well, I don’t fucking know why.
He was a complete tool, she was a gullible, desperate moron, and they both deserved each other.
The end.
Firstly, we have yet another ‘hero’ who after sleeping with the heroine fucks another girl. But don’t worry because the hero and heroine weren’t together. It was just casual. My problem with it was more the fact that she couldn’t ever be with anyone else because he was it for her and she was in love with him. The hero however obviously didn’t feel the same way, hence hooking up with someone else. But toward the end, he talks about how he’s always loved her or some bullshit and the heroine eats it up like she’s so lucky to have him 🙄 Maybe if the heroine had dated and hooked up with another guy then I could have gotten past this, but nope. It’s not even something that bothers her a couple of chapters later 🙄 I should have known better because that kind of thing is normal for this author.
But the part that pissed me off the most? Everything that went down with Pop and the aftermath of it all. One: it’s not really explained what was wrong in the end with Pop, only speculation that kind of made no sense. Two: When Brenna talks about how 🙄 I couldn’t take that woman seriously. And three: the heroine had told the hero who hurt her and he didn’t believe her. In the next scene, it’s no big deal. That dude can hurt her as much as he wants and she’ll just take it because…well, I don’t fucking know why.
He was a complete tool, she was a gullible, desperate moron, and they both deserved each other.
The end.
July 12, 2023
Not sure what to say right now except WOW NJ is back in full force. Can’t wait to read Otto’s book this Fall.
July 1, 2023
The first book in this spinoff that made me feel a bit of what I did in the og series. It had the same heartbeat in so many ways. We returned to so many elements that were lost in so many of these last few installments. This was good. And sad. And frustrating. And hard to read at times... But all in the sense of it made me feel a lot , something the original Aces series did so well!! The theme of family stood strong and I was back to feeling that “warm hug” sensation this series has previously given me. I read this in one day because I literally couldn't put it down. I in love with Rumi and Nova (especially Nova, omg) and was not ready to say bye to them by the end. I am just so, so happy to have great things to say again about one of my favorite book worlds after so many *what I feel* were duds in this series!!
December 6, 2023
So many feels...
I've had a really hard time finding books that kept me interested lately. Rumi and Nova's story grabbed me and pulled me right in and held me captive throughout. My emotions were all over the place with this book. And that ending was great.
Can't wait for Otto's book!!!
I've had a really hard time finding books that kept me interested lately. Rumi and Nova's story grabbed me and pulled me right in and held me captive throughout. My emotions were all over the place with this book. And that ending was great.
Can't wait for Otto's book!!!
July 2, 2023
Time to move on…
I want to start by saying I LOVE the original series. It’s time to leave the Aces behind and move on to something new. The books about the kids nd grandkids lack a depth you got in the originals. NJ writes great books and I’d love for her to move on and give us something new, something exciting again. I’m no longer excited by these books, there’s no drama and danger of the original books.
This book disappointed me because she took a good man and turned him into an abuser nd gave no reason, I need a reason. The whole book I’m waiting for the reason and lol I got was nothing.
I want to start by saying I LOVE the original series. It’s time to leave the Aces behind and move on to something new. The books about the kids nd grandkids lack a depth you got in the originals. NJ writes great books and I’d love for her to move on and give us something new, something exciting again. I’m no longer excited by these books, there’s no drama and danger of the original books.
This book disappointed me because she took a good man and turned him into an abuser nd gave no reason, I need a reason. The whole book I’m waiting for the reason and lol I got was nothing.
February 22, 2024
5 Stars
I can’t believe I have held off reading this book for so long. It took me to enjoying Otto’s book so much to give this one a shot!
The focus was mostly on Rumi and Nova, and how they took their childhood friendship through a rocky path to a couple. Not a lot of club time but it still had an MC vibe, especially during the thought times.
This book deals with heartbreaking moments and the struggles a victim has navigating them. However, it was Nova’s strength and her connection with her young brother that won me over. Once Rumi woke up to himself, I earned himself a place in my good books!
I can’t believe I have held off reading this book for so long. It took me to enjoying Otto’s book so much to give this one a shot!
The focus was mostly on Rumi and Nova, and how they took their childhood friendship through a rocky path to a couple. Not a lot of club time but it still had an MC vibe, especially during the thought times.
This book deals with heartbreaking moments and the struggles a victim has navigating them. However, it was Nova’s strength and her connection with her young brother that won me over. Once Rumi woke up to himself, I earned himself a place in my good books!
August 20, 2023
I eat these books up like popcorn, and I don’t know how much of my enjoyment is just being back in the world of the Aces and seeing the characters in different settings and after their happily ever after - even if during this book I nearly needed to stop reading and draw up a diagram to remember who was related to who: we’re on our third generation here! There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed: the family, the friendships and the setting. Nicole Jaquelyn does such a good job of writing a complicated, large family and their interactions always feel genuine and well thought out. She doesn’t shy away from negative aspects to the character’s backstory, and deals with things like Nova’s history and her need to be independent well. I can really identify with Nova and understand her completely, especially her justification for Pop’s behaviour and her need to deal with it privately. She was a strong character dedicated to her brother and to succeed, and that really came across throughout the book - especially when dealing with Rumi and his boneheaded behaviour. She does hold him to account, and protects herself from further hurt in a way that is relatable. Rumi on the other hand, I wanted to reach through the book and shake him! He knows that he’s in love with Nova but instead of dealing with that he makes boneheaded moves and drives Nova (and me!) crazy! The ending did feel satisfying and I enjoyed Rumi and Nova as a couple, but I found the plotline with Pops frustrating at the end - I needed more explanation that we got and found the way it was dealt with unsatisfying.
May 4, 2024
Samson "Pop" was a big part of the issue with the book and its really irritating that the author didn't address the issue with him. HIs mood swings were alarming and they all excused his behavior as something that didn't happen often and he obviously didn't remember it after it happened.
So when the club finally stepped in to do something Nana took into her own hands. It was brought up that test would reveal what was the cause of them but it was just explained that they had no idea what was happening.
On to Rumi and Nova. Their whole relationship was them pretending it was just sex between friends and nothing more. At least on Rumi's part. Nova had feeling for him but she never let on to him about it. Nova was in love with him but it didn't stop her from going on dates, more to mask what she was really feeling for Rumi. For Rumi he was jealous of the dates she went on, even though they were platonic and most nights ended early because she just wasn't feeling it. Rumi took that as a sign for him to sleep around until the day Nova walked in on him with his latest hookup. That's when he realized how she felt about him. It did something to their friendship. They quit hanging out and talking to each other for months. When Rumi needs Nova he calls her and she puts him off which really pissed him off, not knowing that she was covering up what was going on at home. There was such a lack of communication on what was happening that things took a turn no one saw coming.
So when the club finally stepped in to do something Nana took into her own hands. It was brought up that test would reveal what was the cause of them but it was just explained that they had no idea what was happening.
On to Rumi and Nova. Their whole relationship was them pretending it was just sex between friends and nothing more. At least on Rumi's part. Nova had feeling for him but she never let on to him about it. Nova was in love with him but it didn't stop her from going on dates, more to mask what she was really feeling for Rumi. For Rumi he was jealous of the dates she went on, even though they were platonic and most nights ended early because she just wasn't feeling it. Rumi took that as a sign for him to sleep around until the day Nova walked in on him with his latest hookup. That's when he realized how she felt about him. It did something to their friendship. They quit hanging out and talking to each other for months. When Rumi needs Nova he calls her and she puts him off which really pissed him off, not knowing that she was covering up what was going on at home. There was such a lack of communication on what was happening that things took a turn no one saw coming.
May 9, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Rumi and Nova
Genre- MC Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and visit Australia
Series? Y
Safety? N
Triggers- language, domestic violence (not hero), cheating, violence, sex
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Arm P0rn, Had-I-But-Known, Hunckson and Chantilleee
Mewsings
I love the Friends to Lovers trope, especially when they are best friends or childhood friends, and this book hit the trifecta. And it was very well done. I enjoy the author’s writing style and their books are always finely edited. The world building here is excellent and the characters are all interesting, even the minor ones. I liked Rumi and Nova and found them easy to relate to. The friendship between them was the bedrock of their relationship and because of it, the zexytime seemed more intimate and fun.
There were aspects of this book that were not easy to read, in the area of the Domestic Violence (which didn’t involve the hero). The author did a great job of portraying the anguish and the confusion; when a beloved family member grew violent in this book; it was not a matter of hatred because there were still good memories and the offending character was not horrible all of the time. This book wrestled with the sense of betrayal, the shame, and the instinct for denial, and it was very well done. There were no two dimensional characters here, and no easy answers. Though sometimes it was difficult reading, it was also very compelling.
MMC/FMC- Rumi and Nova
Genre- MC Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and visit Australia
Series? Y
Safety? N
Triggers- language, domestic violence (not hero), cheating, violence, sex
Tropes- Friends to Lovers, Arm P0rn, Had-I-But-Known, Hunckson and Chantilleee
Mewsings
I love the Friends to Lovers trope, especially when they are best friends or childhood friends, and this book hit the trifecta. And it was very well done. I enjoy the author’s writing style and their books are always finely edited. The world building here is excellent and the characters are all interesting, even the minor ones. I liked Rumi and Nova and found them easy to relate to. The friendship between them was the bedrock of their relationship and because of it, the zexytime seemed more intimate and fun.
There were aspects of this book that were not easy to read, in the area of the Domestic Violence (which didn’t involve the hero). The author did a great job of portraying the anguish and the confusion; when a beloved family member grew violent in this book; it was not a matter of hatred because there were still good memories and the offending character was not horrible all of the time. This book wrestled with the sense of betrayal, the shame, and the instinct for denial, and it was very well done. There were no two dimensional characters here, and no easy answers. Though sometimes it was difficult reading, it was also very compelling.
July 6, 2023
The beginning was a little bumpy for me. Felt like just a lot of spice/steam upfront which kinda annoyed me as it felt like the main focus instead of my favorite MC world. (I do know some ppl like this but not for me personally) — but then got to the actual heart of the story and it was brilliant as usual from this author. She can write the dynamic relationships between characters (family, friends, etc) incredibly well. Love reading her characters so glad she’s continued one of my favorite series. 4.5 stars
July 2, 2023
Soooooo Good
This book will hook you from the start and keep you reading till the end. It amazes me how one person can write so many books and they keep getting better and better but that is what Nicole does. If you need a great read I definitely recommend Rumi. This book has a bit of everything you want to read in a book and so much more. Congratulations Nicole on another awesome book!!!!
This book will hook you from the start and keep you reading till the end. It amazes me how one person can write so many books and they keep getting better and better but that is what Nicole does. If you need a great read I definitely recommend Rumi. This book has a bit of everything you want to read in a book and so much more. Congratulations Nicole on another awesome book!!!!
July 12, 2023
OMG I LOVED Rumi and Nova so much!!! It always takes a while for Nicole Jacquelyn to release new books but when she does it's always a WOW!!! This book was filled with so much that I love...romance, family sagas, danger and above all else a whole lot of love and passion. I highly recommend this newest Aces' son installation...it's fabulous!
***** 5 ***** "I love a strong heroine in a story" stars
***** 5 ***** "I love a strong heroine in a story" stars
August 15, 2023
Sad but so good
This book hurt in places. It was sad what had happened to Nova and her brother Bird. They were taken in and raised by their grandparents Samson and Ash. Rumi is Nova's best friend. He is a prospect for the club. He loves her and she loves him but things happen. Feelings are hurt and then something really terrible happens and it changes Nova's family.
I enjoyed this book. I have read all of them and have loved them.
This book hurt in places. It was sad what had happened to Nova and her brother Bird. They were taken in and raised by their grandparents Samson and Ash. Rumi is Nova's best friend. He is a prospect for the club. He loves her and she loves him but things happen. Feelings are hurt and then something really terrible happens and it changes Nova's family.
I enjoyed this book. I have read all of them and have loved them.
October 21, 2023
I love the ace's and theirs stories so much. I love these because they give the woman's point of view also. Also I love that the woman in these books are bad ass. Nova and Rumi's relationship is a pretty intense one . It was kind of annoying/Bumpy at first but so perfect in the end. I love these books because you also get to read about characters from the others books. Nicole does an awesome job with the details and back story. I love her writing so much. I think its pretty cool how some books stories interwind. I so can't wait to read more and read about Otto's story. These book are always so easy to read and keep me on the edge of my seat. LOVE THEM!!
July 2, 2023
This is the best book I have read all year! It might be the best book I have read in a couple of years. I could not put it down. I had to find out what was happening, what was going to happen, why was it happening, etc. This is a complete story, but I feel like there were things in this book that could be expanded on in future books if the author chooses. I am so excited to read the next book.
July 4, 2023
Not super romantic. There were cute parts when they first met as teenagers then it got weird and awkward when they grew up and began their sexual relationship. I don’t really want to hear about farts and body odor while reading a romance…
July 4, 2023
loved it!
I totally love that we still get to be a part of the Ace’s world. Seeing everyone grow up and live their own lives! The Hawthornes series has been amazing! I’m going back to read Hawk. It had such an emotional hold on me. I can’t wait to revisit It.
Otto and Esther?? I can’t wait!
I totally love that we still get to be a part of the Ace’s world. Seeing everyone grow up and live their own lives! The Hawthornes series has been amazing! I’m going back to read Hawk. It had such an emotional hold on me. I can’t wait to revisit It.
Otto and Esther?? I can’t wait!
July 5, 2023
will need TISSUES
Absolutely love Rumi and Nova. Nicole you never disappoint your readers…. This story has laughs and a strong heroine who loves her family so much that she protects them when they shouldn’t even when they love that person and doesn’t understand why it’s happening to them. And to find out she’s had more family then she realized.
Absolutely love Rumi and Nova. Nicole you never disappoint your readers…. This story has laughs and a strong heroine who loves her family so much that she protects them when they shouldn’t even when they love that person and doesn’t understand why it’s happening to them. And to find out she’s had more family then she realized.
June 29, 2023
Brilliant
Omg I loved it, this book had me laughing out loud crying it had it all, I absolutely love this author I've read all her books right from the start , can't recommend them enough
Omg I loved it, this book had me laughing out loud crying it had it all, I absolutely love this author I've read all her books right from the start , can't recommend them enough
June 30, 2023
i don’t think ive read a book this quickly.
This book had it all. Drama, love, suspense….and i have only ugly cried while reading two books, this makes three. I love this story. I love all the characters. Cant wait for Ottos story.
This book had it all. Drama, love, suspense….and i have only ugly cried while reading two books, this makes three. I love this story. I love all the characters. Cant wait for Ottos story.
July 5, 2023
Loved Rumi and Nova, can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series. I was hooked from the very first book with Dragon and Brenna and couldn’t put it down.. this series is one of my favorite that I can read over and over.. Amazing**
July 7, 2023
Wow! I’m still crying!
Nicole Jacquelyn, you did it again!! What an amazing and awesome and beautiful story!! I love Rumi and Nova!! And catching up with the rest of them too! Can’t wait for the next one!
Nicole Jacquelyn, you did it again!! What an amazing and awesome and beautiful story!! I love Rumi and Nova!! And catching up with the rest of them too! Can’t wait for the next one!
August 5, 2024
Damn. Cue the water works. Absolutely speechless.
*A beautiful, heartbreaking, masterpiece, that was written with the utmost respect to its story and the maturity and delicacy to its characters. Simply beautiful.
*A series that is quickly beginning to feel like home ❤️
*A beautiful, heartbreaking, masterpiece, that was written with the utmost respect to its story and the maturity and delicacy to its characters. Simply beautiful.
*A series that is quickly beginning to feel like home ❤️
June 28, 2023
I flew through this one. So sad at parts. You’ll know when you get there. Loved the epilogue.
June 28, 2023
Sooo good!
I read this book in one day and got nothing done at home or work. It was really good, I laughed, and cried. Great book!
I read this book in one day and got nothing done at home or work. It was really good, I laughed, and cried. Great book!
June 29, 2023
I started reading when I got home from work and could not put it down. Seriously, I could not put it down and finished it in the wee hours of this morning and I hated for it to end. It is so good. The angst, the grovel, the love, spending time with characters we all love. So freaking good!
June 29, 2023
Rumi and Nova's story did not disappoint! Them realizing what has been there their whole lives is great, but it does come with some angsty bumps, which I love!
June 29, 2023
Wow !
Really enjoyed this book, so much going on. Definitely a page turner, not a sweet book, but very real. Looking forward to the next one.
Really enjoyed this book, so much going on. Definitely a page turner, not a sweet book, but very real. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews