What do you think?
Rate this book
Class Clown
She’s all heart. He’s all discipline. And they’re about to share a cabin.
Ruby Jenkins lives for two romance novels and turning life into an adventure. She’s spontaneous, bold, and always ready to flirt her way to Mr. Right. But when her latest fling crashes and burns, Ruby takes a summer job as the on-site nurse at a mountain sleepaway camp—where her little brother just happens to be her boss.
She’s dreaming of meet-cutes by the lake and moonlit kisses… until she finds out she’ll be bunking with her brother and his best friend, Nico Crawford. Ex-military, ex-fun, and all business, Nico might look like he walked off a romance novel cover, but Ruby’s sure he’s missing the charm—and the heartbeat.
As the summer unfolds, though, her assumptions are challenged, sparks fly, and Ruby realizes that maybe life—and love—don’t always follow the script.
A laugh-out-loud, sweet slow-burn romantic comedy, with sunshine-meets-grump energy, brother’s-best-friend tension, and plenty of heart.
Class Clown is a kissing only, sweet and clean romance, with all the swoon but no explicit content.
Ruby Jenkins lives for two romance novels and turning life into an adventure. She’s spontaneous, bold, and always ready to flirt her way to Mr. Right. But when her latest fling crashes and burns, Ruby takes a summer job as the on-site nurse at a mountain sleepaway camp—where her little brother just happens to be her boss.
She’s dreaming of meet-cutes by the lake and moonlit kisses… until she finds out she’ll be bunking with her brother and his best friend, Nico Crawford. Ex-military, ex-fun, and all business, Nico might look like he walked off a romance novel cover, but Ruby’s sure he’s missing the charm—and the heartbeat.
As the summer unfolds, though, her assumptions are challenged, sparks fly, and Ruby realizes that maybe life—and love—don’t always follow the script.
A laugh-out-loud, sweet slow-burn romantic comedy, with sunshine-meets-grump energy, brother’s-best-friend tension, and plenty of heart.
Class Clown is a kissing only, sweet and clean romance, with all the swoon but no explicit content.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
56 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Aspen Hadley
19 books261 followersAspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 7, 2024
I love Aspen Hadley's books and this is a prime example why. Class Clown gave me all the feels, had me laughing out loud at times, and made me swoon. Nico was the perfect hero and Ruby lived up to expectations.
April 26, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOOOOVE!!!! “Class Clown” is the 3rd book of Aspen Hadley’s that I’ve read, and just like the other 3, it was a perfect FIVE STARS for me🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Aspen’s writing is like being wrapped up in a warm, comfy hug🥰 “Class Clown” had the perfect balance of tension, slow burn, angst, and comedy that I love in romcoms. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a kindle book as much as I did this one… there were just SO MANY hilarious & sweet moments❤️
This being the final book in the “Thornback Society” series was definitely bittersweet. The epilogue was utterly beautiful and wrapped up the series perfectly!! Seeing the whole Thornback cast reunited one last time was just🥹🥹😭😭💕💕
All in all, this series has been an absolute delight. Definitely check it out👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Read if you enjoy…
💛 Summer camp romances
💛 Brother’s best friend
💛 Slowburn
🚨CW: no language & just kisses!!
Aspen’s writing is like being wrapped up in a warm, comfy hug🥰 “Class Clown” had the perfect balance of tension, slow burn, angst, and comedy that I love in romcoms. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a kindle book as much as I did this one… there were just SO MANY hilarious & sweet moments❤️
This being the final book in the “Thornback Society” series was definitely bittersweet. The epilogue was utterly beautiful and wrapped up the series perfectly!! Seeing the whole Thornback cast reunited one last time was just🥹🥹😭😭💕💕
All in all, this series has been an absolute delight. Definitely check it out👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Read if you enjoy…
💛 Summer camp romances
💛 Brother’s best friend
💛 Slowburn
🚨CW: no language & just kisses!!
November 16, 2024
Class Clown is a make you feel good closed Door romcom. It's part of a series but totally can be read alone.
The MCs Ruby and Nico are perfect.
Ruby is so sweet and fun and lives her love with love at the forefront. She is such a positive force. Nico is a man of few words, ex military, thoughtful and very cerebral. He's the yang to Ruby's yin.
Each chapter starts with a Ruby's Truth, like a chapter title, but EVEN BETTER! A little foreshadowing for what's to come. I loved them all and went back to each chapter beginning to see how it fit.
It was capped off with amazing bonus characters like Ruby's brother and BFF posse along with a mischievous porcupine named Quinn.
The MCs Ruby and Nico are perfect.
Ruby is so sweet and fun and lives her love with love at the forefront. She is such a positive force. Nico is a man of few words, ex military, thoughtful and very cerebral. He's the yang to Ruby's yin.
Each chapter starts with a Ruby's Truth, like a chapter title, but EVEN BETTER! A little foreshadowing for what's to come. I loved them all and went back to each chapter beginning to see how it fit.
It was capped off with amazing bonus characters like Ruby's brother and BFF posse along with a mischievous porcupine named Quinn.
November 26, 2024
Despite reading the rest of the series out of order, Ruby’s book was the right one to end on!
The Thornback women have teased and chatted about Ruby’s perfect man. Would he be comedic and adventurous like her? Stoic and broody? Or something in between? Nico is perfect for her—the retired Marine with a heart of gold and a long time crush on her. Reverse age gaps aren’t usually my thing, but here, with Ruby’s effervescence, I could almost believe Nico was older, haha.
This series had its highs and lows, but I loved hanging out with this 30-something group of women and the fellas they fell in love with along the way!
The Thornback women have teased and chatted about Ruby’s perfect man. Would he be comedic and adventurous like her? Stoic and broody? Or something in between? Nico is perfect for her—the retired Marine with a heart of gold and a long time crush on her. Reverse age gaps aren’t usually my thing, but here, with Ruby’s effervescence, I could almost believe Nico was older, haha.
This series had its highs and lows, but I loved hanging out with this 30-something group of women and the fellas they fell in love with along the way!
November 4, 2024
This book was great. Ruby is really funny, and sick Ruby is hilarious. I haven't laughed out loud like that while reading a book in a long time. The humor in this book was my kind of humor, and I found it highly entertaining. It was a sweet show burn romance, opposites attract, brothers best friend. It was a great ending to the series, and I always love a good series epilogue.
November 18, 2024
Great story but poorly edited
Really enjoyed the characters and the plot. Unfortunately there were a lot of errors including missing words and sentences that did not make sense.
Really enjoyed the characters and the plot. Unfortunately there were a lot of errors including missing words and sentences that did not make sense.
July 5, 2025
The way i was kicking my feet the entire time i read this
October 20, 2024
I love a man who is gone for his girl! Full review to come!
November 4, 2024
Loved this fun and sweet romance!
Ruby has been a side character in the previous books in this series, and one that absolutely needed her own story. It was everything I had hoped for!
Ruby Jenkins loves romance novels and adventure. After a breakup, she takes a summer job at a kids’ sleepaway camp as an on-site nurse, and where her younger brother is her boss. She pictures romantic moments in the mountains, but her plans definitely don’t include bunking with her brother and his best friend Nico, an ex-military veteran who comes across as stiff and boring. As the weeks pass, Ruby’s assumptions about Nico are challenged and she’s going to need to decide what to do about it.
What I loved:
Witty and funny writing
Hokey Pokey
Ruby’s stalker (funny-not creepy)
Raccoon gang
He takes care of her while she’s sick
Protective MMC
Ruby’s relationship with her brother
So many laugh out loud moments
Thornback friend group
Reverse age gap (4years)
Close proximity
Kisses only
Epilogue
Ruby is pure sunshine, and the type of character that is so fun you wish she was real so you could be best friends with her. I adore her!
Nico is a big sweetheart. He’s quiet and private, but has very intense feelings for Ruby. I loved how protective he was of her, and how he loved her and her quirky ways.
I’m sad to see the series come to an end, but this really was the perfect way to wrap it up.
This is book 4 in the Thornback Society series and can be read as a standalone, but you’re missing out on all the other golden moments with Ruby if you don’t read the previous books.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC!
Ruby has been a side character in the previous books in this series, and one that absolutely needed her own story. It was everything I had hoped for!
Ruby Jenkins loves romance novels and adventure. After a breakup, she takes a summer job at a kids’ sleepaway camp as an on-site nurse, and where her younger brother is her boss. She pictures romantic moments in the mountains, but her plans definitely don’t include bunking with her brother and his best friend Nico, an ex-military veteran who comes across as stiff and boring. As the weeks pass, Ruby’s assumptions about Nico are challenged and she’s going to need to decide what to do about it.
What I loved:
Witty and funny writing
Hokey Pokey
Ruby’s stalker (funny-not creepy)
Raccoon gang
He takes care of her while she’s sick
Protective MMC
Ruby’s relationship with her brother
So many laugh out loud moments
Thornback friend group
Reverse age gap (4years)
Close proximity
Kisses only
Epilogue
Ruby is pure sunshine, and the type of character that is so fun you wish she was real so you could be best friends with her. I adore her!
Nico is a big sweetheart. He’s quiet and private, but has very intense feelings for Ruby. I loved how protective he was of her, and how he loved her and her quirky ways.
I’m sad to see the series come to an end, but this really was the perfect way to wrap it up.
This is book 4 in the Thornback Society series and can be read as a standalone, but you’re missing out on all the other golden moments with Ruby if you don’t read the previous books.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC!
November 10, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this series of friends that are teachers and the various ways life flows through their lives. Ruby is the last Thornback who has been waiting patiently-not so patiently- for her HEA. She’s always the one that chases after guys.
Her brother is a youth camp director and gets her to work the summer as a nurse counselor. She agrees, excited for adventure but there’s a few hiccups on the way. Like her new bunk mate.
This new release is a perfect read for Veteran’s Day week as Nico was a Marine. He is quiet and stoic and now has a defined muscled form which ladies love. But Ruby felt those soulless eyes on her when she was a teenager, she doesn’t understand it.
My husband and I were camp counselors when we met and fell in love between the stolen moments and weekends when the kids left. So this was a fun nostalgia in some ways but Ruby while not accident prone per se still finds herself in some crazy situations.
Thanks to the author for the e-arc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions. I think this story would’ve benefited from Nico’s point of view too. I felt this was a little slow in places and for how old Ruby is, she was immature in a few places.
Content: kisses, small mention of PTSD and deployment, a wholesome stalker and a few wardrobe malfunctions
Her brother is a youth camp director and gets her to work the summer as a nurse counselor. She agrees, excited for adventure but there’s a few hiccups on the way. Like her new bunk mate.
This new release is a perfect read for Veteran’s Day week as Nico was a Marine. He is quiet and stoic and now has a defined muscled form which ladies love. But Ruby felt those soulless eyes on her when she was a teenager, she doesn’t understand it.
My husband and I were camp counselors when we met and fell in love between the stolen moments and weekends when the kids left. So this was a fun nostalgia in some ways but Ruby while not accident prone per se still finds herself in some crazy situations.
Thanks to the author for the e-arc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions. I think this story would’ve benefited from Nico’s point of view too. I felt this was a little slow in places and for how old Ruby is, she was immature in a few places.
Content: kisses, small mention of PTSD and deployment, a wholesome stalker and a few wardrobe malfunctions
October 17, 2024
I’m sad to see this series end. It’s been a fun ride and this is a very satisfying finale. Aspen Hadley has really outdone herself.
Ruby is very much her own person. She’s not shy at all. The most awkward and funny things happen to her and somehow she just takes it all in stride. When she finds out her new roommate is her brother’s robotic, no personality best friend she’s taken aback, but is still genuinely herself.
I loved her “stalker”, plumbing problems, and room dividers. There is a lot of humor in this story, but it has deeper feelings too. As a thirty two year old single woman Ruby wants to love and be loved. She’s tired of relationships that don’t last, but afraid to put herself out there.
Nico is a very quiet person. You never know what he’s thinking or feeling. He’s the complete opposite of Ruby.
If you looking for a sweet romance with lots of heart, humor and a swoony hero. This is your book!
Ruby is very much her own person. She’s not shy at all. The most awkward and funny things happen to her and somehow she just takes it all in stride. When she finds out her new roommate is her brother’s robotic, no personality best friend she’s taken aback, but is still genuinely herself.
I loved her “stalker”, plumbing problems, and room dividers. There is a lot of humor in this story, but it has deeper feelings too. As a thirty two year old single woman Ruby wants to love and be loved. She’s tired of relationships that don’t last, but afraid to put herself out there.
Nico is a very quiet person. You never know what he’s thinking or feeling. He’s the complete opposite of Ruby.
If you looking for a sweet romance with lots of heart, humor and a swoony hero. This is your book!
October 30, 2024
“‘Be careful, Nico,’ I said as I walked past him, ‘you start getting old once you stop having fun.’”
I loved Ruby in the other books in the Thornback Society series, and I love her even more after reading her story! She seems like she would be an awesome person to know in real life. Although I was a tiny bit disappointed she didn’t end up with Aryn’s brother after their scenes together in Back to Class, I’ve got to admit, I love who she ends up with. Also, I was happy to read a book with a single point of view because it’s been awhile. There’s nothing wrong with dual points of view, but I love having a little mystery and not knowing the other character’s thoughts. This book made me laugh multiple times, and I loved the summer camp setting! And I love how Aspen shared what events in the book really happened to her or people she knows! Although I’m sad to see this series end, it was such a fun story to end it on!
I loved Ruby in the other books in the Thornback Society series, and I love her even more after reading her story! She seems like she would be an awesome person to know in real life. Although I was a tiny bit disappointed she didn’t end up with Aryn’s brother after their scenes together in Back to Class, I’ve got to admit, I love who she ends up with. Also, I was happy to read a book with a single point of view because it’s been awhile. There’s nothing wrong with dual points of view, but I love having a little mystery and not knowing the other character’s thoughts. This book made me laugh multiple times, and I loved the summer camp setting! And I love how Aspen shared what events in the book really happened to her or people she knows! Although I’m sad to see this series end, it was such a fun story to end it on!
April 17, 2025
@aspenhadley_author is one of my favorite authors! She creates the best stories with the best laughs. I was reading this book in bed the other night and had to put it away so my husband could fall asleep because I couldn't stop laughing.
I loved seeing Ruby in the summer camp environment with her brother as camp director. The pacing of the book was great and I loved that we got to know Nico.
This was the perfect ending to the Thornback women series. I'm sad to see them go, but I'm glad we got a glimpse to the future in the epilogue.
I loved seeing Ruby in the summer camp environment with her brother as camp director. The pacing of the book was great and I loved that we got to know Nico.
This was the perfect ending to the Thornback women series. I'm sad to see them go, but I'm glad we got a glimpse to the future in the epilogue.
February 24, 2025
This book was a sweet and surprising friend-to-lovers romance with a charming summer camp setting! Here’s what made it unforgettable:
❤️🔥 The Chemistry – The dynamic between Ruby and Nico was so much fun! Their initial "enemies" dynamic (due to Ruby's perception of him as a "robot") quickly evolved into something much deeper as they spent more time together.
💙 Nico’s Transformation – Nico's journey from a reserved, ex-military man to someone more open and expressive was compelling. Seeing him shed his "robot" persona and reveal his true self – his humor, his vulnerability, and his genuine care for Ruby – was a highlight.
😂 The Humor – The book was genuinely funny! Ruby's romantic daydreams clashing with reality, her interactions with her brother created laugh-out-loud moments.
☀️ The Summer Camp Setting – The summer camp setting was charming and nostalgic! It added a fun and lighthearted element to the story, and the descriptions of the natural surroundings made me want to pack my bags and head to the mountains.
👫 The Supportive Side Characters – The side characters in this book were fantastic! They added so much depth and humor to the story. I especially loved the supportive and fun dynamic between Ruby and her brother, as well as the camaraderie of her Thornback friends.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
To understand my book rating system, please see my pinned post (https://shorturl.at/Y9vqs).
📖 Swoon-Worthy Sparks ✨ (5/5)
💬 The Dialogue 🎭 (4.8/5)
🦋 Butterfly Effect 💓 (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability 🔁 (5/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love friends-to-lovers romances, summer camp settings, charming heroes, witty banter, supportive friends, and a touch of self-discovery, this is a must-read! This book provides a satisfying conclusion to the series, and I recommend reading the entire series, even though this installment can also stand alone.
❤️🔥 The Chemistry – The dynamic between Ruby and Nico was so much fun! Their initial "enemies" dynamic (due to Ruby's perception of him as a "robot") quickly evolved into something much deeper as they spent more time together.
💙 Nico’s Transformation – Nico's journey from a reserved, ex-military man to someone more open and expressive was compelling. Seeing him shed his "robot" persona and reveal his true self – his humor, his vulnerability, and his genuine care for Ruby – was a highlight.
😂 The Humor – The book was genuinely funny! Ruby's romantic daydreams clashing with reality, her interactions with her brother created laugh-out-loud moments.
☀️ The Summer Camp Setting – The summer camp setting was charming and nostalgic! It added a fun and lighthearted element to the story, and the descriptions of the natural surroundings made me want to pack my bags and head to the mountains.
👫 The Supportive Side Characters – The side characters in this book were fantastic! They added so much depth and humor to the story. I especially loved the supportive and fun dynamic between Ruby and her brother, as well as the camaraderie of her Thornback friends.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
To understand my book rating system, please see my pinned post (https://shorturl.at/Y9vqs).
📖 Swoon-Worthy Sparks ✨ (5/5)
💬 The Dialogue 🎭 (4.8/5)
🦋 Butterfly Effect 💓 (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability 🔁 (5/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love friends-to-lovers romances, summer camp settings, charming heroes, witty banter, supportive friends, and a touch of self-discovery, this is a must-read! This book provides a satisfying conclusion to the series, and I recommend reading the entire series, even though this installment can also stand alone.
November 2, 2024
Loved this fun and swoony romance!
Ruby agrees to work as a nurse at a summer camp as a favor to her brother, not because she thinks she is going to find love. In fact, when she finds out her brother's best friend will be sharing a cabin with them she almost quits on the spot. She has never understood Nico and is certain he doesn't like her.
But spending the summer together in both hilarious and treacherous circumstances makes Ruby see that she has been wrong about Nico all these years. She just has to decide if she is willing to risk her heart for a future she never thought she would have.
What you'll love:
brother’s best friend
reverse age gap (she's 4 years older)
single POV
secret crush
he falls first
forced proximity
shy, protective hero
roommates
strong friendships
hilarious moments
summer camp
hiking
Quinn
swoony almost kisses and kisses!!
bonus epilogue!!
Okay, first of all, I do not remember the last time I laughed out loud this many times in one book! This book is HILARIOUS and I busted up laughing so many times. It's a "I had to leave the room because I kept waking up my husband with my laughing" level kind of funny. Ruby has such a fun personality and though I wasn't the biggest fan of her in the last book, I understand her so much better now and love her infectious enthusiasm for life!
And who better to pair her with than a silent, protective hero type like Nico. All the ways he saw what she needed and stepped in to help, not for recognition but simply because he cared? Sigh. And whoever knew shooting lessons could be so absolutely swoony??
I have enjoyed this entire series and seeing the "Thornback" women find their happily ever afters! Their strong and supportive friendships are seriously life goals. Ruby's story was the perfect way to say goodbye to such beloved characters!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Ruby agrees to work as a nurse at a summer camp as a favor to her brother, not because she thinks she is going to find love. In fact, when she finds out her brother's best friend will be sharing a cabin with them she almost quits on the spot. She has never understood Nico and is certain he doesn't like her.
But spending the summer together in both hilarious and treacherous circumstances makes Ruby see that she has been wrong about Nico all these years. She just has to decide if she is willing to risk her heart for a future she never thought she would have.
What you'll love:
brother’s best friend
reverse age gap (she's 4 years older)
single POV
secret crush
he falls first
forced proximity
shy, protective hero
roommates
strong friendships
hilarious moments
summer camp
hiking
Quinn
swoony almost kisses and kisses!!
bonus epilogue!!
Okay, first of all, I do not remember the last time I laughed out loud this many times in one book! This book is HILARIOUS and I busted up laughing so many times. It's a "I had to leave the room because I kept waking up my husband with my laughing" level kind of funny. Ruby has such a fun personality and though I wasn't the biggest fan of her in the last book, I understand her so much better now and love her infectious enthusiasm for life!
And who better to pair her with than a silent, protective hero type like Nico. All the ways he saw what she needed and stepped in to help, not for recognition but simply because he cared? Sigh. And whoever knew shooting lessons could be so absolutely swoony??
I have enjoyed this entire series and seeing the "Thornback" women find their happily ever afters! Their strong and supportive friendships are seriously life goals. Ruby's story was the perfect way to say goodbye to such beloved characters!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
November 4, 2024
'This kind of stuff did not happen to heroines, but only to side characters. Apparently, I was still a side character.'
Aspen's books are a guaranteed good time and laughs all around!
Ruby is a firecracker, says anything that pops into her brain and has no shame about appreciating a good looking man lol. Her personality is larger than life.
Nico is reserved, shy and the biggest gentleman around. I LOVED getting to know his character. He was everything a book hero should be and Ruby is wasting precious time thinking he is shy, awkward and trying to matchmake him with every girl at sleep away camp ha ha!
If you like brother's best friend, reverse age-gap, forced proximity, swoony gestures and appearances from all your favorite characters from this series... YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
I was highly entertained by this one!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers/Tropes: minimal innuendo, best friend group, brother's best friend, forced proximity, mentions of serving in the military-one situation of PTSD, a clothing malfunction (embarrassing for the character but no specifics), romance-kisses only.
Aspen's books are a guaranteed good time and laughs all around!
Ruby is a firecracker, says anything that pops into her brain and has no shame about appreciating a good looking man lol. Her personality is larger than life.
Nico is reserved, shy and the biggest gentleman around. I LOVED getting to know his character. He was everything a book hero should be and Ruby is wasting precious time thinking he is shy, awkward and trying to matchmake him with every girl at sleep away camp ha ha!
If you like brother's best friend, reverse age-gap, forced proximity, swoony gestures and appearances from all your favorite characters from this series... YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
I was highly entertained by this one!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers/Tropes: minimal innuendo, best friend group, brother's best friend, forced proximity, mentions of serving in the military-one situation of PTSD, a clothing malfunction (embarrassing for the character but no specifics), romance-kisses only.
September 17, 2025
The hijinks that Ruby gets into and the way her mind works and how she puts things together is absolutely hysterical. I really needed a good, funny, closed door romance, and wow did this deliver! Ruby is a go getter, she doesn’t let anything stop her, she is the life of the party, keeps things fun and interesting, but inside she is a little bit raw from all the rejection she has gotten from guys. Nico is her younger brother’s best friend, ex military, quiet, people watcher, and as the summer camp has a no fraternizing rule, off limits.
Reading as Ruby first tries to set Nico up, then get jealous, then finally feel some flutterings, and at last come to the conclusion that she is falling for Nico is an absolute wild ride. But watching how Nico serves her with the little things, taking short showers so she can have a hot one, making sure she has tea, looking out for her, protecting her from her (animal) stalker, and many other subtle things, is the best. Nico is the perfect balance to the sometimes out of control Ruby, and yet he doesn’t stifle her, he gives her wings, just makes sure that she is safe doing so. They are honestly so cute!!
Reading as Ruby first tries to set Nico up, then get jealous, then finally feel some flutterings, and at last come to the conclusion that she is falling for Nico is an absolute wild ride. But watching how Nico serves her with the little things, taking short showers so she can have a hot one, making sure she has tea, looking out for her, protecting her from her (animal) stalker, and many other subtle things, is the best. Nico is the perfect balance to the sometimes out of control Ruby, and yet he doesn’t stifle her, he gives her wings, just makes sure that she is safe doing so. They are honestly so cute!!
November 4, 2024
The Thornback Society is back! I love this group of friends so much! Ruby is one of my favorites, and I was so happy to read her story.
This is a roommates/forced proximity romance, and it is so well written. I love Ruby and her personality and how fun she is, and it was so entertaining to follow along and see what she was up to in this book! The romance is more of a slow burn than I expected, but I didn’t mind because it felt so real and sweet. It takes time for Ruby to see Nico in a different light, and it was wonderful to see that transition take place.
The summer camp aspect of this book is hilarious! I also liked the side characters, especially Ruby’s brother. Their sibling relationship is both supportive and funny. All the relationships in this book are so well written! From sibling relationships to friendships to romance, I loved them all. I wondered how it would work out for the Thornback Society with Ruby being in a different place than the rest of them, but there was no need to worry! I loved how that all played out.
Also, the epilogue made me tear up a bit. Series epilogues are the sweetest, and I love them so much! It was wonderful to get to see everyone in the future and check in with them and see how they’re all doing.
I love this book and this series, and I can’t wait to see what Aspen Hadley writes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a roommates/forced proximity romance, and it is so well written. I love Ruby and her personality and how fun she is, and it was so entertaining to follow along and see what she was up to in this book! The romance is more of a slow burn than I expected, but I didn’t mind because it felt so real and sweet. It takes time for Ruby to see Nico in a different light, and it was wonderful to see that transition take place.
The summer camp aspect of this book is hilarious! I also liked the side characters, especially Ruby’s brother. Their sibling relationship is both supportive and funny. All the relationships in this book are so well written! From sibling relationships to friendships to romance, I loved them all. I wondered how it would work out for the Thornback Society with Ruby being in a different place than the rest of them, but there was no need to worry! I loved how that all played out.
Also, the epilogue made me tear up a bit. Series epilogues are the sweetest, and I love them so much! It was wonderful to get to see everyone in the future and check in with them and see how they’re all doing.
I love this book and this series, and I can’t wait to see what Aspen Hadley writes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2024
Summing it up: Ruby heads to the mountains to help her brother out as the camp nurse. Her brother’s BFF comes up as the assistant. And she’s never been a fan of Nico’s stoic military personality.
Are you already in love with Nico? As soon as he showed up I knew he was going to be dark chocolatey. And he is. You need to experience it all yourself, but trust me. His layers are worth the effort.
This story is filled with so much hilarity- like the laughing out loud or in your head because you’re up late reading kind. And quotables for days! Ruby’s personality had me dying. She tackled life with so much energy, but there were SO many quiet little moments that added more hearts to the swoon. Camp never seemed so fun. And flirty. The perfect romance. And an epilogue years later with the whole gang? Yes!
Rhyme: Nicknames, matchmaking, and camp games are Ruby’s vibe to fun. Will she take the time to see Nico differently and trust him to be the right one?
November 5, 2024
There are so many things to love about this book by Aspen Hadley. I loved getting to see life through Ruby's eyes. She's so funny!
Ruby gets roped into being the nurse at the summer camp her brother is running. I loved watching Ruby with the kids. She's so great with them. There are a lot of things Ruby didn't count on for her summer. Sharing a cabin with her brother is one. And even worse, her brother's best friend, Nico, ends up in the same cabin.
I had to laugh at Ruby. She decides that she needs to set Nico up with one of the camp counselors who think he's so cute. But as she's doing that, she gets to know him herself. It took Ruby a long time to admit she could even like him. I loved watching the change between the two of them.
This book made me laugh. I loved everything about it!
Ruby gets roped into being the nurse at the summer camp her brother is running. I loved watching Ruby with the kids. She's so great with them. There are a lot of things Ruby didn't count on for her summer. Sharing a cabin with her brother is one. And even worse, her brother's best friend, Nico, ends up in the same cabin.
I had to laugh at Ruby. She decides that she needs to set Nico up with one of the camp counselors who think he's so cute. But as she's doing that, she gets to know him herself. It took Ruby a long time to admit she could even like him. I loved watching the change between the two of them.
This book made me laugh. I loved everything about it!
September 5, 2025
I have loved Ruby’s character for all the books because she unapologetically lives her life. I loved how Nico was such a delightful balance to her character.
Favorite parts:
-Ruby’s relationship with her brother was so fun.
-Ruby’s carefree attitude and how funny she was.
-Quinn the porcupine.
-all the Nico interactions one on one, can’t pick one cause it would be a spoiler. How he saw her so deeply.
-Of course the Thornback society friends and how supportive and wise their advice was.
Favorite Quotes:
At this he smiled and it made me feel instantly better. “You should smile more. It makes my insides feel carbonated.”
The others had been interested in kissing, but he was interested in me. It changed the entire experience. I hadn’t known it could feel this way.
And where you are, is where I will always, always choose to be.”
Favorite parts:
-Ruby’s relationship with her brother was so fun.
-Ruby’s carefree attitude and how funny she was.
-Quinn the porcupine.
-all the Nico interactions one on one, can’t pick one cause it would be a spoiler. How he saw her so deeply.
-Of course the Thornback society friends and how supportive and wise their advice was.
Favorite Quotes:
At this he smiled and it made me feel instantly better. “You should smile more. It makes my insides feel carbonated.”
The others had been interested in kissing, but he was interested in me. It changed the entire experience. I hadn’t known it could feel this way.
And where you are, is where I will always, always choose to be.”
November 19, 2024
Aspen Hadley did it again. This book just makes you want to sigh and smile.
I keep thinking I’ve found my favorite Thornback, and then she releases another one! I loved Ruby! Her story is as sweet as a marshmallow with a whole lot of slow roasting chemistry.
I loved the characters instantly and am secretly hoping Cole gets his own story. 🤞🏻
I loved that there wasn’t really any cattiness between the women, there was strength and support and yes the occasional tension, but no drama and I loved that.
I loved the subtle and fabulous ways Nico let Ruby know he cared. And I loved the porcupine so much — it was the best comic relief side character and I loved the parallels Ruby was able to draw from it.
Such good writing.
This story is so good—highly recommend it!
I keep thinking I’ve found my favorite Thornback, and then she releases another one! I loved Ruby! Her story is as sweet as a marshmallow with a whole lot of slow roasting chemistry.
I loved the characters instantly and am secretly hoping Cole gets his own story. 🤞🏻
I loved that there wasn’t really any cattiness between the women, there was strength and support and yes the occasional tension, but no drama and I loved that.
I loved the subtle and fabulous ways Nico let Ruby know he cared. And I loved the porcupine so much — it was the best comic relief side character and I loved the parallels Ruby was able to draw from it.
Such good writing.
This story is so good—highly recommend it!
July 8, 2025
I've waited to read the final book in the Thornback Society series for a while. I loved Ruby in the previous books. This followed her at summer camp as a nurse bunking with her brother and his closed off ex-military best friend.
I loved the subtle ways you could tell Nico was gone for Ruby. She didn't like him at first even having known him during their teenage years. The slow burn was amazing.
With summer camp came shenanigans which were hilarious. From stalker porcupines to stolen kisses in the woods, this was a treat. I loved the Thornback ladies as they helped Ruby through her confusion. I loved her brother Cole and their banter. What a way to end the series!
Rating: 4.5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only
I loved the subtle ways you could tell Nico was gone for Ruby. She didn't like him at first even having known him during their teenage years. The slow burn was amazing.
With summer camp came shenanigans which were hilarious. From stalker porcupines to stolen kisses in the woods, this was a treat. I loved the Thornback ladies as they helped Ruby through her confusion. I loved her brother Cole and their banter. What a way to end the series!
Rating: 4.5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only
November 11, 2024
What happens when a school nurse, ex military veteran and porcupine combine at a summer camp for kids? It kinda sounds like the beginning of a good joke! But no punchline here…this book is so sweet and funny and just the ending we all needed for the Thornback Society books from @aspenhadley_author.
Ruby finds herself a camp nurse for the summer where she is sharing a cabin with her brother’s best friend Nico.
Secret crushes. He falls first. Hilarious laugh out loud moments. Swoon moments too….this book has it all!
If you haven’t read Aspen’s Thornback series make sure to check out all of them! They are so fun and realistic! I love all of her books! 5 stars for this one for sure!
Ruby finds herself a camp nurse for the summer where she is sharing a cabin with her brother’s best friend Nico.
Secret crushes. He falls first. Hilarious laugh out loud moments. Swoon moments too….this book has it all!
If you haven’t read Aspen’s Thornback series make sure to check out all of them! They are so fun and realistic! I love all of her books! 5 stars for this one for sure!
November 9, 2024
Everything someone would want in a story.
This story was so fun, but also heartwarming. The characters had true depth and the plot was fun. Ruby is such a fun character. You never knew what she was going to say or do. I loved Ruby and Nico together. They had great chemistry and he was so incredibly sweet to her. I loved he accepted her for who she was. The Thornback group is a great group of friends and all their stories were unique and fun. This story was my favorite it the series. I loved Quinn in this story and was happy to read he or she got a HEA!
This story was so fun, but also heartwarming. The characters had true depth and the plot was fun. Ruby is such a fun character. You never knew what she was going to say or do. I loved Ruby and Nico together. They had great chemistry and he was so incredibly sweet to her. I loved he accepted her for who she was. The Thornback group is a great group of friends and all their stories were unique and fun. This story was my favorite it the series. I loved Quinn in this story and was happy to read he or she got a HEA!
November 4, 2024
Loved it!!
Class Clown was su h a fun book! I loved Ruby's slow-burn romance with Nico. All the feels!! I laughed out loud at the clogged toilet scene for quite a while--there were tears involved--and so, of course, I had to share it with my teen daughter, who busted up laughing too. I don't like "bathroom scenes" in books, but this one was handled really well and was just so incredibly funny! Thank you, Aspen, for a fantastic finake to the Thornback Dragon Women.
Class Clown was su h a fun book! I loved Ruby's slow-burn romance with Nico. All the feels!! I laughed out loud at the clogged toilet scene for quite a while--there were tears involved--and so, of course, I had to share it with my teen daughter, who busted up laughing too. I don't like "bathroom scenes" in books, but this one was handled really well and was just so incredibly funny! Thank you, Aspen, for a fantastic finake to the Thornback Dragon Women.
November 14, 2024
(4.5 stars) - a lovely wrap up
Ruby is a fun & quirky extroverted character, so it's amusing watching her try to figure out - and frequently misunderstand - introverted Nico. When they finally get their wires uncrossed, it's a very satisfying happy ending, followed by a lovely epilogue for the series at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable book & series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic
Ruby is a fun & quirky extroverted character, so it's amusing watching her try to figure out - and frequently misunderstand - introverted Nico. When they finally get their wires uncrossed, it's a very satisfying happy ending, followed by a lovely epilogue for the series at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable book & series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic
November 30, 2024
best of the ‘backs!
With brothers named Cole and Porter, I was waiting and waiting for you to sing songs like, “Stormy weather…since my man and I ain’t together…keeps rainin’ all the time…” Or, even better, “Ding Dong the…rats are gone….” Especially as Ru-BEE is the queen of humming and getting the kids to sing things with her! She is, by far, my favorite character of the four ladies.
Thanks for writing things I want to read: Kissing and trash talking.
With brothers named Cole and Porter, I was waiting and waiting for you to sing songs like, “Stormy weather…since my man and I ain’t together…keeps rainin’ all the time…” Or, even better, “Ding Dong the…rats are gone….” Especially as Ru-BEE is the queen of humming and getting the kids to sing things with her! She is, by far, my favorite character of the four ladies.
Thanks for writing things I want to read: Kissing and trash talking.
June 13, 2025
Ruby is an absolute delight. She's fun, sees the good, is hilarious, a good friend, dramatic and definitely heroine material. Take that and add it to Nico, strong, silent, attractive, loyal, and her little brothers best friend? In a forced proximity situation at Summer camp? Come on. It's a recipe for a winner.
If you like all those things plus truly hilarious writing, porcupines and the Thornback woman, read this.
If you like all those things plus truly hilarious writing, porcupines and the Thornback woman, read this.
October 24, 2024
This is such a swoony, slow burn, brother’s best friend, opposites attract, forced proximity story! Nico is the total cinnamon roll, provider, strong, and silent to Ruby’s chaotic, independent spirit and I loved it. Tons of camp fun, hilarious antics, and the perfect wrap up to the Thornback series—but it can be read stand alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews