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The Color Jade: all of my love
236 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
About the author
J.K. Hernandez
1 book12 followersI am a writer and an artist. I started as a kid with a dream journal, pages filled with things I had already lived, memories I couldn’t let go of, moments that kept replaying themselves in my sleep. Eventually, that turned into poetry and spoken word pieces that I never actually spoke out loud.
A friend once said, “Art will pull her phone out in the middle of the club at 3 a.m. and start writing in her notes instead of saying it out loud,” and that has always been true. If I can’t tell you how I feel, I will write it to you.
THE COLOR JADE is my debut novel and the first book in the All of My Love series. This series will quite literally hold all of my love.
My friends know me as J or Artist, no relation to Aliyah. I love art, poetry, and literature, and I’m most at peace with a book in my hands, especially on a plane headed out of the country or on a quiet beach. I’ve visited over 30 countries so far, which I guess means I still have at least 100 more to go.
I’m a hopeless romantic and a lover girl. I love love. I love grand gestures—not as apologies, but as beginnings. I believe in courting, in love letters sprayed with your scent and kissed all over, in slow burns and taking your time with anything you want to last forever.
I am lesbian and masc-presenting. I sort of came out in high school, but apparently everyone already knew—something about me already being a “stud,” whatever that meant at the time.
Music heals me. I was raised, along with my four siblings, by my grandmother, and Sunday mornings in our house were loud, in the best way. The smell of seasoning and sofrito filled the air while old-school bachata and salsa played in the background. That rhythm still lives in me. Today, my playlists are a mix of Bad Bunny, Aventura, SZA, Jhene Aiko, Mariah the Scientist, Summer Walker, early 2000s R&B, soca, dancehall, and bachata.
When I’m not writing, I’m traveling. I’m not much of a vacationer—I’m a traveler. I want to stay where the locals are, rent a car, drive three hours out, lose service, and get lost on purpose. I’ll travel alone and go completely off the grid, while my very dramatic Dominican mother stays home praying for my safety as I jump off cliffs or into cenotes.
My favorite place will always be the Dominican Republic, and my favorite food will always be Dominican food—arroz, habichuela, y pernil.
At my core, I want a simple life: a wife, kids, a home, maybe a little farm, and a lifetime of traveling the world together. My love languages are acts of service and physical touch. Wash my hair, cook for me, make my bed—love me gently. I was raised by my grandmother, after all.
A friend once said, “Art will pull her phone out in the middle of the club at 3 a.m. and start writing in her notes instead of saying it out loud,” and that has always been true. If I can’t tell you how I feel, I will write it to you.
THE COLOR JADE is my debut novel and the first book in the All of My Love series. This series will quite literally hold all of my love.
My friends know me as J or Artist, no relation to Aliyah. I love art, poetry, and literature, and I’m most at peace with a book in my hands, especially on a plane headed out of the country or on a quiet beach. I’ve visited over 30 countries so far, which I guess means I still have at least 100 more to go.
I’m a hopeless romantic and a lover girl. I love love. I love grand gestures—not as apologies, but as beginnings. I believe in courting, in love letters sprayed with your scent and kissed all over, in slow burns and taking your time with anything you want to last forever.
I am lesbian and masc-presenting. I sort of came out in high school, but apparently everyone already knew—something about me already being a “stud,” whatever that meant at the time.
Music heals me. I was raised, along with my four siblings, by my grandmother, and Sunday mornings in our house were loud, in the best way. The smell of seasoning and sofrito filled the air while old-school bachata and salsa played in the background. That rhythm still lives in me. Today, my playlists are a mix of Bad Bunny, Aventura, SZA, Jhene Aiko, Mariah the Scientist, Summer Walker, early 2000s R&B, soca, dancehall, and bachata.
When I’m not writing, I’m traveling. I’m not much of a vacationer—I’m a traveler. I want to stay where the locals are, rent a car, drive three hours out, lose service, and get lost on purpose. I’ll travel alone and go completely off the grid, while my very dramatic Dominican mother stays home praying for my safety as I jump off cliffs or into cenotes.
My favorite place will always be the Dominican Republic, and my favorite food will always be Dominican food—arroz, habichuela, y pernil.
At my core, I want a simple life: a wife, kids, a home, maybe a little farm, and a lifetime of traveling the world together. My love languages are acts of service and physical touch. Wash my hair, cook for me, make my bed—love me gently. I was raised by my grandmother, after all.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 3, 2025
the color jade is an exemplary tale of what happens when our love has no where to go. JK Hernandez makes use of a journalistic style of writing to envelop the readers into the mind of the main character as she processes the grief of losing the love of her life amidst several other life altering events marred by mental health issues, generational family trauma, and the intersectional struggles with love, loss and identity within the BIPOC experience through the lense of a masculine presenting lesbian of Caribbean descent - a narrative that is sparse within the world of fiction as a whole.
if you've ever heard the phrase "grief is just love with no where to go", that is what this novel encompasses.
I found JK Hernandez through TikTok and after watching several videos of her promoting her work with grace and confidence, I had no choice but to buy it and I have absolutely zero regrets. Of all the books I've read that have reshaped the way I think, process, and view the world, Hernandez's "The Color Jade" is very high up on that list. You will laugh, you will cry, you will squeal and cringe and sigh and question a lot of the main character's choices, and all these things are what makes reading this book and experiencing all it has to offer truly a beautiful experience.
Never give this up. Never stop writing. You are changing lives with the words on these pages, and that is possibly one of the most honorable, remarkable, rewarding and special gifts of all. 🫶🏾
if you've ever heard the phrase "grief is just love with no where to go", that is what this novel encompasses.
I found JK Hernandez through TikTok and after watching several videos of her promoting her work with grace and confidence, I had no choice but to buy it and I have absolutely zero regrets. Of all the books I've read that have reshaped the way I think, process, and view the world, Hernandez's "The Color Jade" is very high up on that list. You will laugh, you will cry, you will squeal and cringe and sigh and question a lot of the main character's choices, and all these things are what makes reading this book and experiencing all it has to offer truly a beautiful experience.
Never give this up. Never stop writing. You are changing lives with the words on these pages, and that is possibly one of the most honorable, remarkable, rewarding and special gifts of all. 🫶🏾
October 14, 2025
Bought at a table in barnes&noble from the author who was very nice. However, at $30 for a 240 page paperback, one would expect a work of substance or at least great emotional depth, particularly given the subject matter. And while certainly emotional, it’s clear the author put a lot of themselves into it, the novel leaves a lot to be desired. This is a first draft that has gone unedited, that suffers greatly from repetitive language and weak prose. The book opens with the suicide of the titular Jade, which Alli, the protagonist will grapple with for the rest of the novel. A fine premise. However, the weakness of its characters, sentences and narrative cannot hold it together. Many sentences are outright missing punctuation or poorly put together. “My love for her poured out through my eyes.” What? We are given the height of every character to the exact inch. Is Alli walking around with a yard stick? Alli’s nickname for Jade is “Ade.” Like Gatorade. That’s horrible, and she uses it constantly.
Every character aside from the protagonist, including the titular Jade, is one dimensional and serves only as either sex objects for Alli, victims of her anger, or audiences for her monologues. For a book that is largely about the main character’s struggle to smoke less and have teenage sex more, it’s incredibly bleak. It has all the sins of literary and auto fiction (graphic sex, dark content, unlikable characters) with nothing that makes such books worth reading. It does not have anything profound to say about American poverty or its immigrant communities, only to cast poor migrants as violent and neurotic.
I want to give some slack for it being an indie author and a first novel, but Rick Harsh’s “The Manifold Destiny of Eddie Vegas” is 700 pages and he will mail it to you from Slovenia for only $14 dollars. I would ultimately have the author try again and challenge themselves to make a more complex work because it does not seem beyond their abilities.
Every character aside from the protagonist, including the titular Jade, is one dimensional and serves only as either sex objects for Alli, victims of her anger, or audiences for her monologues. For a book that is largely about the main character’s struggle to smoke less and have teenage sex more, it’s incredibly bleak. It has all the sins of literary and auto fiction (graphic sex, dark content, unlikable characters) with nothing that makes such books worth reading. It does not have anything profound to say about American poverty or its immigrant communities, only to cast poor migrants as violent and neurotic.
I want to give some slack for it being an indie author and a first novel, but Rick Harsh’s “The Manifold Destiny of Eddie Vegas” is 700 pages and he will mail it to you from Slovenia for only $14 dollars. I would ultimately have the author try again and challenge themselves to make a more complex work because it does not seem beyond their abilities.
September 17, 2025
This book had a lot of potential but I found myself frustrated at the lack of cohesion, especially towards the end. I'm unsure if the book was edited, as there were a plethora of run-ons and exposition dumps that spanned several pages.
Things I liked:
-How the main character attributed colors to specific emotions
-The portrayal of certain mental disorders was largely done well
-How the subject of addiction was handled
-The main character's struggle with grief
Things I didn't like:
-The exposition dumps + journal entries
-The very explicit sex scenes between teenage (under 18) characters felt gross and oversexualized (I think fade to black would have been more tasteful considering the characters ages, or the characters could have been college age instead)
-The various side characters who are largely underdeveloped
-Lack of proper content warnings (several things like lesbophobia and self harm were not mentioned in the trigger warnings)
-Pacing was very off
-Plot elements were sometimes dropped and not mentioned again
-This book was incredibly high priced for a debut novel
All in all I am curious to see what Hernandez does next, but I do hope that the next project is more polished in terms of editing, pacing, and language. I look forward to seeing what else they write.
Things I liked:
-How the main character attributed colors to specific emotions
-The portrayal of certain mental disorders was largely done well
-How the subject of addiction was handled
-The main character's struggle with grief
Things I didn't like:
-The exposition dumps + journal entries
-The very explicit sex scenes between teenage (under 18) characters felt gross and oversexualized (I think fade to black would have been more tasteful considering the characters ages, or the characters could have been college age instead)
-The various side characters who are largely underdeveloped
-Lack of proper content warnings (several things like lesbophobia and self harm were not mentioned in the trigger warnings)
-Pacing was very off
-Plot elements were sometimes dropped and not mentioned again
-This book was incredibly high priced for a debut novel
All in all I am curious to see what Hernandez does next, but I do hope that the next project is more polished in terms of editing, pacing, and language. I look forward to seeing what else they write.
October 5, 2025
Great book! I loved the representation of afro-Latino/Caribbean culture! I also loved that the main character is masc presenting, and that the book was honest about how that can be received sometimes in the Latino community. I love that the author was honest about the struggles with mental health, addiction, and generational trauma that the Afro Latino community faces. Reading this book felt like home, a lot of the characters and experiences were very similar to my own experiences and my own family members. The way the characters speak and act felt very real to someone who is of Afro Latina decent growing up on the east coast. Sometimes punctuation was a little off but I think it made the book feel more real! Like I was reading a friends journal. It really brought me back to my own lesbian experience when I was that age, liking a girl for the first time but afraid to come out. Going through the unhealthy back and forth and hiding my girlfriend in public, the trauma bonding and anxious attachment. Loved the book! Can’t wait for the next one to come out, I will be purchasing again no matter the price because representation matters and we need more literature like this!
October 22, 2025
Let me just say that I have been raving about this book to my friends since I started reading it. I literally read half the book during half of my work shift. It was such an amazing read. It healed me in ways that I didn't know needed healing.
I related to many of the characters in so many ways but mainly, Alliyah. From young love to family trauma. Healing, growth, gettin in your own way, grief, neglecting yourself and finding your way back. To being too strong and taking care of everyone around you.
The Color Jade is so relatable. In some parts, I felt like it was all too real. I cried and laughed throughout the book. So emotional, yet empowering.
I learned so many things about myself and I also learned I have so much to work on as far as healing. Love, Love, Love this read. I promise you will not be dissappointed.
J K Hernandez did a great job exploring all walks and emotions of life, while giving us a beautiful love story. I'm glad I came across her TikTok account and followed.
Keep up the amazing work. Representation matters so much and you embodied it well. I can't wait until your next book.
I related to many of the characters in so many ways but mainly, Alliyah. From young love to family trauma. Healing, growth, gettin in your own way, grief, neglecting yourself and finding your way back. To being too strong and taking care of everyone around you.
The Color Jade is so relatable. In some parts, I felt like it was all too real. I cried and laughed throughout the book. So emotional, yet empowering.
I learned so many things about myself and I also learned I have so much to work on as far as healing. Love, Love, Love this read. I promise you will not be dissappointed.
J K Hernandez did a great job exploring all walks and emotions of life, while giving us a beautiful love story. I'm glad I came across her TikTok account and followed.
Keep up the amazing work. Representation matters so much and you embodied it well. I can't wait until your next book.
October 9, 2025
In "The Color Jade," J.K. Hernandez delivers a heartfelt narrative that reflects both dedication and time spent crafting a compelling tale. This book transcends the typical love story, exploring profound character development and the complexities of grief, which keeps readers engaged throughout. The journey of growth and vulnerability is palpable, making it a truly engaging read.
Overall, writing a story of this caliber is no small feat, especially for a debut novel. The execution is commendable, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. The well-crafted narrative provides a rich understanding of the main character, showcasing Hernandez's skill and potential. "The Color Jade" is a remarkable debut, and readers are sure to appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness infused into every page.
Overall, writing a story of this caliber is no small feat, especially for a debut novel. The execution is commendable, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. The well-crafted narrative provides a rich understanding of the main character, showcasing Hernandez's skill and potential. "The Color Jade" is a remarkable debut, and readers are sure to appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness infused into every page.
May 14, 2026
never wrote a full review before but I needed to write something about this book
i have read so many books in my time but nothing compares to this once allis characters had so much depth and nuisance she was strong and beautiful I was obsessed from the beginning you could tell how much she loved jade how she breathed her every decision she made all for jade
the writing was so beautiful It felt like a love song but also was like I was reading someone dairy like this person was real and I had accidentally come across it and started reading someone's inner thoughts and because of that it made it more real
this book is a 5 star no question and I can't wait to read more books by this author
i have read so many books in my time but nothing compares to this once allis characters had so much depth and nuisance she was strong and beautiful I was obsessed from the beginning you could tell how much she loved jade how she breathed her every decision she made all for jade
the writing was so beautiful It felt like a love song but also was like I was reading someone dairy like this person was real and I had accidentally come across it and started reading someone's inner thoughts and because of that it made it more real
this book is a 5 star no question and I can't wait to read more books by this author
March 19, 2026
never wrote a full review before but I needed to write something about this book
i have read so many books in my time but nothing compares to this once allis characters had so much depth and nuisance she was strong and beautiful I was obsessed from the beginning you could tell how much she loved jade how she breathed her every decision she made all for jade
the writing was so beautiful It felt like a love song but also was like I was reading someone dairy like this person was real and I had accidentally come across it and started reading someone's inner thoughts and because of that it made it more real
this book is a 5 star no question and I can't wait to read more books by this author
i have read so many books in my time but nothing compares to this once allis characters had so much depth and nuisance she was strong and beautiful I was obsessed from the beginning you could tell how much she loved jade how she breathed her every decision she made all for jade
the writing was so beautiful It felt like a love song but also was like I was reading someone dairy like this person was real and I had accidentally come across it and started reading someone's inner thoughts and because of that it made it more real
this book is a 5 star no question and I can't wait to read more books by this author
October 26, 2025
Honestly 10 outta 10. Highly would recommend. I felt this book on a personal level, especially with the family dynamics as I felt the personally. The writing style was unique but different in a good way. It made it feel like you were actually apart of it. The rawness is what was needed. Yes it’s something for some readers to get use to but dont let that discourage you from reading. It’s emotional, raw and one of the best works I’ve read in a long while. I’m proud of you and don’t stop❤️
December 9, 2025
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down. There were so many ways in which I could relate to this book and for the ways I haven’t personally experienced was written so beautifully that I felt like I was right there with the characters in that moment. I appreciated the back and forth memories and how it would leave you hungry for more but always tying back into the story. I look forward to reading the next series.
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed the book. I wish I had a book like this when I was a teenager. I’m so glad that black/afro Latin lesbian queer or questioning teens today have a book like this while they’re navigating relationships and navigating learning themselves. I hope this book makes them feel seen.
April 25, 2025
Wow very powerful book your amazing great read guys I recommend to anyone looking for a different outlook while reading great job Jeanelle
October 5, 2025
The way I read through this book I just had to have no choice but to read it again !! Great read so much to relate too !!!
March 13, 2026
Got to follow Artist’s journey through grief. there was no resolution just watched as she navigated life afterwards. The overall story is good but it was a bit jumpy. An easy read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews