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Ace of Hearts
Hesper Stallides and Felix Morlan have been best friends for as long as they can remember, bonding over their troubled home lives. When a horrible sports injury derails Felix’s promising career and results in the loss of his scholarship, Hesper offers a proposition: a year-long marriage of convenience so he can get free tuition at the college where she works.
It isn’t supposed to be complicated...until they fall in love for real. When Hesper reveals that she’s asexual, Felix must reassess everything he thinks about love, and ask himself what he’s willing to sacrifice for a future with Hesper—before the past she’s spent her life running from can take her away from him forever.
It isn’t supposed to be complicated...until they fall in love for real. When Hesper reveals that she’s asexual, Felix must reassess everything he thinks about love, and ask himself what he’s willing to sacrifice for a future with Hesper—before the past she’s spent her life running from can take her away from him forever.
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First published October 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 10, 2022
This book deserves a solid, well written review, but all I can muster is incoherent screaming, in hopes that someone would listen & take away my main message: THIS IS /THE/ BOOK.
I have read some very different books with ace rep over the years, and this is the one that hit the closest to home. At times it felt almost eerie to recognise such familiar trains of thought, familiar (self and/or world reinforced) beliefs... And for the cherry on top, the story had an engaging plot and lovable characters - the author truly ACED it.
I have read some very different books with ace rep over the years, and this is the one that hit the closest to home. At times it felt almost eerie to recognise such familiar trains of thought, familiar (self and/or world reinforced) beliefs... And for the cherry on top, the story had an engaging plot and lovable characters - the author truly ACED it.
November 7, 2022
I have never read a book that has made me feel so SEEN.
I'm a sex-repulsed asexual whose love language is physical touch, so trying to navigate life and relationships has always been a challenge that Lucy Mason captures so poignantly in this book. It's a raw look into the discussions regarding sex and its place in love.
I'm also a sex-positive individual, but I think we need to understand asexuals existing beyond just "they can have sex if they want to," as if the only "consolation" to their existence is reliant upon their willingness to put out in some capacity.
I also really enjoyed the dual-POV - the reader is offered an intimate look into exactly what Hesper feels about touch and her sexuality, while also gaining an understanding that just because Felix isn't initially understanding about everything, doesn't mean he wasn't willing to learn. It's fine if sex is an integral part of a person's relationship, but I think we need more books showing that it's OKAY for an ace person to have strict boundaries in their relationships with an allo person. That people aren't set in stone, and they can change and compromise and still love someone even if they have to go without certain things.
It's a very short read, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Highly recommend to anyone - not just aces, obviously.
I'm so glad this exists, because while we do have some amazing books with aspec characters, there's some things that this book GETS that others might not.
I'm a sex-repulsed asexual whose love language is physical touch, so trying to navigate life and relationships has always been a challenge that Lucy Mason captures so poignantly in this book. It's a raw look into the discussions regarding sex and its place in love.
I'm also a sex-positive individual, but I think we need to understand asexuals existing beyond just "they can have sex if they want to," as if the only "consolation" to their existence is reliant upon their willingness to put out in some capacity.
I also really enjoyed the dual-POV - the reader is offered an intimate look into exactly what Hesper feels about touch and her sexuality, while also gaining an understanding that just because Felix isn't initially understanding about everything, doesn't mean he wasn't willing to learn. It's fine if sex is an integral part of a person's relationship, but I think we need more books showing that it's OKAY for an ace person to have strict boundaries in their relationships with an allo person. That people aren't set in stone, and they can change and compromise and still love someone even if they have to go without certain things.
It's a very short read, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Highly recommend to anyone - not just aces, obviously.
I'm so glad this exists, because while we do have some amazing books with aspec characters, there's some things that this book GETS that others might not.
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January 31, 2023DNF 15%
MAJOR trigger warnings for parental abuse, violence, kidnapping, gaslighting, and stalking
MAJOR trigger warnings for parental abuse, violence, kidnapping, gaslighting, and stalking
November 19, 2021
Had the chance to read this when it was but a young draft, absolutely loved it. Pun-loving cinnamon roll, marriage of convenience, and ace rep? You need this book in your life like...this literal second. 🖤💜🤍
April 5, 2023
Idk. This was kinda cute, I guess? But I also never felt too connected to Hesper and Felix, to be completely honest. I don’t know why that was. I looove childhood friends to lovers, but for some reason I never managed to connect to these 2. 😕 I also thought some of the side characters should’ve been developed a bit more. Overall, while I liked the characters and enjoyed reading about their struggles, I just couldn’t fully connect with them.
I did love the ace rep, though! Asexual representation is already difficult to find, and it’s even rarer to see a touch-averse ace character who still wants a romantic relationship, so I was happy to see Hesper and Felix come to terms with being in an ace+allo relationship.
I did love the ace rep, though! Asexual representation is already difficult to find, and it’s even rarer to see a touch-averse ace character who still wants a romantic relationship, so I was happy to see Hesper and Felix come to terms with being in an ace+allo relationship.
April 15, 2023
this book was such a lovely surprise! in a few pages I came to love the characters a lot , Felix and his puns made me fall in love with him and I would do anything to protect Hesper.
Hesper and Felix relationship is so cute and the " she's my wife" always gets me😭
the asexual rep is amazing, I felt proud for Hesper when she affirmed so sure her sexuality. As a fellow ace i'm so happy with this rep 🖤🩶🤍💜
also I was happily surprised to find out that Hesper is my size and it makes me cry to see the Felix loves her no matter her size🥺
last but not least I really loved the choice of the author to show that not all cops are good
Hesper and Felix relationship is so cute and the " she's my wife" always gets me😭
the asexual rep is amazing, I felt proud for Hesper when she affirmed so sure her sexuality. As a fellow ace i'm so happy with this rep 🖤🩶🤍💜
also I was happily surprised to find out that Hesper is my size and it makes me cry to see the Felix loves her no matter her size🥺
last but not least I really loved the choice of the author to show that not all cops are good
November 20, 2022
3.5
Ace of Hearts first caught my attention based on the bullet points it can be broken down into provided by its author: a pun-loving himbo, only 1 bed, childhood friends to lovers, fake dating/marriage of convenience. While that does an okay job of painting an appropriate picture, I have a minor nit to pick regarding classifying its male lead as a himbo (he’s a bit too serious for me to consider him one, but I’ll accept that he has a lot of the identifiers). . I thought this book did a really good job of letting the reader into the headspaces of its two leads of seeing Hesper’s various emotional battlefields and also a view into her being a sex repulsed asexual. We also spend time with Felix as he weighs what that means, really, for the relationship he wants with Hesper. Mechanically there were times that the pacing was a bit off, where time jumps or leaps of thought happen without being denoted in any way on the page, but on the whole for as high stakes as parts of this book were, Mason does a good job of keeping it anchored in a believable reality. And Felix and Hesper are a great pair to read.
Content Warning: Abuse of an adult child by a parent, stalking/harassment, kidnapping/abduction, references to alcohol abuse, incarceration of a parent.
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
Ace of Hearts first caught my attention based on the bullet points it can be broken down into provided by its author: a pun-loving himbo, only 1 bed, childhood friends to lovers, fake dating/marriage of convenience. While that does an okay job of painting an appropriate picture, I have a minor nit to pick regarding classifying its male lead as a himbo (he’s a bit too serious for me to consider him one, but I’ll accept that he has a lot of the identifiers). . I thought this book did a really good job of letting the reader into the headspaces of its two leads of seeing Hesper’s various emotional battlefields and also a view into her being a sex repulsed asexual. We also spend time with Felix as he weighs what that means, really, for the relationship he wants with Hesper. Mechanically there were times that the pacing was a bit off, where time jumps or leaps of thought happen without being denoted in any way on the page, but on the whole for as high stakes as parts of this book were, Mason does a good job of keeping it anchored in a believable reality. And Felix and Hesper are a great pair to read.
Content Warning: Abuse of an adult child by a parent, stalking/harassment, kidnapping/abduction, references to alcohol abuse, incarceration of a parent.
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
November 1, 2022
3,5 stars.
This was so cute! A romance book like we love them, with the fake wedding trope, best friends to lovers, and a bunch of lovely characters!
Asexuality in this book was well written, at first I was feeling meh about how much it's accepted in the relationship and the characters didn't struggle much with it, but in the end it made me hopeful and it's nice to read about a working ace/allo relationship.
It talks about anxiety and depression too so, bonus points.
The whole story with the father tho was a bit too much for me.
This was so cute! A romance book like we love them, with the fake wedding trope, best friends to lovers, and a bunch of lovely characters!
Asexuality in this book was well written, at first I was feeling meh about how much it's accepted in the relationship and the characters didn't struggle much with it, but in the end it made me hopeful and it's nice to read about a working ace/allo relationship.
It talks about anxiety and depression too so, bonus points.
The whole story with the father tho was a bit too much for me.
December 23, 2022
This book manages to be both fast-paced and heartwarming at the same time. While the meat of the story is the sweet, gentle, and hurt/comfort-y romance between Hesper and Felix, the tense secondary plot keeps the reader anxiously turning pages. The asexual representation rings true at every turn; I'm ecstatic to have a book like this to recommend to people who want to read more ace characters, particularly sex-repulsed characters who still get their mushy HEA. An absolutely outstanding, heartfelt read.
(It's also perfect to read during December, since the book takes place in winter!)
(It's also perfect to read during December, since the book takes place in winter!)
August 6, 2023
3.5/5
I loved so many things about this, including the representation. However, I do feel like it could’ve been fleshed out a lot better.
I loved so many things about this, including the representation. However, I do feel like it could’ve been fleshed out a lot better.
August 2, 2024
I am very fond of romance novels, despite the fact that I am asexual. I usually skip over any sex scenes, and some of the physical attraction insta-love books aren’t overly interesting to me, but I love romance in general. So when I got the chance to review Lucy Mason’s Ace of Hearts, which is a romance novel with an asexual main character, coupled with some extra drama, I was thrilled. There might have been squealing involved.
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Hesper, a college librarian and artist, and her best friend, Felix, a football player whose career ended before it could really begin due to an ACL injury. To help Felix afford his education and physical therapy, Hesper offers to marry him so he can get her insurance and other benefits. The only problem is: she’s asexual and has been in love with Felix for most of her life. Add in some shadows from the past that haunt her and living together in a tiny house, and you have a perfect romance novel storm.
I really liked the story in this book. It had everything I’ve come to expect from a romance novel, including great character communication and the little events/dates that make up a good romance. There was even a fancy dress affair, which added a bit of something fun and over the top, a perfect note for a best-friends romance. The added drama with Hesper’s past was just the counterpoint this story needed to move past the realm of a bit unrealistic (but still lovely) into poignant and memorable.
2. Thoughts on the characters
I really liked both characters and both view points in the book. Hesper was, naturally, my favourite, since I saw so much of myself in her. Perhaps not in the painting, but in the creating and the need for little routines to make life less overwhelming. And especially in the heteroromantic asexuality (though I lack a best friend like Felix, alas). She was smart without being arrogant, kind and strong and a wonderful character to read. And the interactions with Felix? Lovely example of actual communication!
Felix, too, was a great character to read, and I liked seeing the relationship from his point of view. I really appreciate the fact that he accepted Hesper for who she was without holding it over her or making a big deal out of things. It was just, “This is Hesper and she’s my best friend, so it’s all good.”
3. Favourite part
I appreciated the whole plot in general as a representative romance novel, but I especially liked the fact that Hesper being ace wasn’t the primary point of the story. It was a big piece of it, certainly, and I did like the detail that was involved in that to make it understandable for people who might not have that sort of experience, as well as touching on what most allosexuals might thing about ace people. However, the fact that Hesper was ace wasn’t the point of the story. The point of the story was a best-friend romance with an added bit of drama to overcome as a pair. And I loved the entire ride.
4. Critique
I don’t have any major critiques for this book. It was smoothly written, very few (if any) errors, and the story made me happy, which is rather the point of a romance novel I think. I did wonder about some of the motivations for Hesper’s father’s actions, since they seemed so illogical; honestly, though, I don’t think they were meant to be logical. That’s the point of the whole situation.
Overall, I would say that Ace of Hearts was an excellent romance novel that had a great range of characters and two MCs that I could lost myself in for a while. It was a very well done representation and didn’t feel out of place at all in the story, no matter the reader’s sexual orientatian. An excellent read!
1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Hesper, a college librarian and artist, and her best friend, Felix, a football player whose career ended before it could really begin due to an ACL injury. To help Felix afford his education and physical therapy, Hesper offers to marry him so he can get her insurance and other benefits. The only problem is: she’s asexual and has been in love with Felix for most of her life. Add in some shadows from the past that haunt her and living together in a tiny house, and you have a perfect romance novel storm.
I really liked the story in this book. It had everything I’ve come to expect from a romance novel, including great character communication and the little events/dates that make up a good romance. There was even a fancy dress affair, which added a bit of something fun and over the top, a perfect note for a best-friends romance. The added drama with Hesper’s past was just the counterpoint this story needed to move past the realm of a bit unrealistic (but still lovely) into poignant and memorable.
2. Thoughts on the characters
I really liked both characters and both view points in the book. Hesper was, naturally, my favourite, since I saw so much of myself in her. Perhaps not in the painting, but in the creating and the need for little routines to make life less overwhelming. And especially in the heteroromantic asexuality (though I lack a best friend like Felix, alas). She was smart without being arrogant, kind and strong and a wonderful character to read. And the interactions with Felix? Lovely example of actual communication!
Felix, too, was a great character to read, and I liked seeing the relationship from his point of view. I really appreciate the fact that he accepted Hesper for who she was without holding it over her or making a big deal out of things. It was just, “This is Hesper and she’s my best friend, so it’s all good.”
3. Favourite part
I appreciated the whole plot in general as a representative romance novel, but I especially liked the fact that Hesper being ace wasn’t the primary point of the story. It was a big piece of it, certainly, and I did like the detail that was involved in that to make it understandable for people who might not have that sort of experience, as well as touching on what most allosexuals might thing about ace people. However, the fact that Hesper was ace wasn’t the point of the story. The point of the story was a best-friend romance with an added bit of drama to overcome as a pair. And I loved the entire ride.
4. Critique
I don’t have any major critiques for this book. It was smoothly written, very few (if any) errors, and the story made me happy, which is rather the point of a romance novel I think. I did wonder about some of the motivations for Hesper’s father’s actions, since they seemed so illogical; honestly, though, I don’t think they were meant to be logical. That’s the point of the whole situation.
Overall, I would say that Ace of Hearts was an excellent romance novel that had a great range of characters and two MCs that I could lost myself in for a while. It was a very well done representation and didn’t feel out of place at all in the story, no matter the reader’s sexual orientatian. An excellent read!
December 20, 2025
This book has a lot of potential. However, as it currently stands, it reads like it's only the first or second draft of a novel. The first and second halves of the book seem to be two different genres, the characters are one-dimensional, there are some details that seem anachronistic and I'm not sure what decade this is supposed to be set in, and I have no idea what's going on with the whole college situation.
This last one was one of the more bewildering things to me, since I work vaguely within the field of higher education. Morrow is supposedly a community college, right? Realistically, that's the only way someone could have transferred there several weeks into a semester (although even community colleges typically require you to apply to be a student before the semester starts). But even so, if Felix was trying to graduate with a bachelor's degree, community colleges don't generally offer those. Was this one of the few community colleges that now offers four-year degrees? Also, if he was transferring there as a senior, did all his credits from Pearcy transfer? Did all those classes align with Morrow's requirements, or will Felix need to add on an additional semester or two in order to graduate?
For that matter, does Hesper have an associate's degree and is now working fulltime in the library? Or is she a fulltime employee who's also taking classes in order to earn a bachelor's degree? What job does she have that gives her the benefit of a tuition waiver for both her and her spouse, that pays a salary large enough to afford a small house (even just to rent), but also doesn't require a bachelor's degree (nor a master's degree in library science)?
These were all questions that were running through my head. Granted, they weren't relevant to the basic plot, but they should have been addressed by at least a sentence or two in the novel, given the characters' circumstances and setting.
The parts of this book that I enjoyed the most were the puns and the second half of the book. That part of the plot was intriguing, although like the rest of the book, it also deserved many more rounds of revision and editing.
For instance, there was little buildup to displays of strong emotions by the main characters. Rather than drawing me in and endearing the characters to me, they pulled me out of the story. The emotions either seemed disproportionate to the situation, or they seemed to come out of nowhere.
As for the anachronism I referenced in my first paragraph of this review, why on earth does Hesper have a home phone with an answering machine? She's in her early twenties, had moved into that house within the last few years, and she has a cell phone. There's no reason why she would have needed (or wanted) to pay for a home phone. At one point, she even remarks that anyone who knows her would simply contact her on her cell.
On that note, why is there no mention of the characters using their phones to record any of the harassment or other aspects related to . The characters didn't even talk about using their phones as a possible tool to gain more video evidence! At the very least, they should have mentioned it, even if they later dismissed it as a possibility for one reason or another. This is one of the many reasons why this book doesn't truly feel grounded in the characters' ages or the setting.
In the end, I'm giving this book three stars because I received a small amount of enjoyment from this book, and I think it has potential. Despite my many frustrations with it, I've unfortunately read a book or two that are even worse.
This last one was one of the more bewildering things to me, since I work vaguely within the field of higher education. Morrow is supposedly a community college, right? Realistically, that's the only way someone could have transferred there several weeks into a semester (although even community colleges typically require you to apply to be a student before the semester starts). But even so, if Felix was trying to graduate with a bachelor's degree, community colleges don't generally offer those. Was this one of the few community colleges that now offers four-year degrees? Also, if he was transferring there as a senior, did all his credits from Pearcy transfer? Did all those classes align with Morrow's requirements, or will Felix need to add on an additional semester or two in order to graduate?
For that matter, does Hesper have an associate's degree and is now working fulltime in the library? Or is she a fulltime employee who's also taking classes in order to earn a bachelor's degree? What job does she have that gives her the benefit of a tuition waiver for both her and her spouse, that pays a salary large enough to afford a small house (even just to rent), but also doesn't require a bachelor's degree (nor a master's degree in library science)?
These were all questions that were running through my head. Granted, they weren't relevant to the basic plot, but they should have been addressed by at least a sentence or two in the novel, given the characters' circumstances and setting.
The parts of this book that I enjoyed the most were the puns and the second half of the book. That part of the plot was intriguing, although like the rest of the book, it also deserved many more rounds of revision and editing.
For instance, there was little buildup to displays of strong emotions by the main characters. Rather than drawing me in and endearing the characters to me, they pulled me out of the story. The emotions either seemed disproportionate to the situation, or they seemed to come out of nowhere.
As for the anachronism I referenced in my first paragraph of this review, why on earth does Hesper have a home phone with an answering machine? She's in her early twenties, had moved into that house within the last few years, and she has a cell phone. There's no reason why she would have needed (or wanted) to pay for a home phone. At one point, she even remarks that anyone who knows her would simply contact her on her cell.
On that note, why is there no mention of the characters using their phones to record any of the harassment or other aspects related to . The characters didn't even talk about using their phones as a possible tool to gain more video evidence! At the very least, they should have mentioned it, even if they later dismissed it as a possibility for one reason or another. This is one of the many reasons why this book doesn't truly feel grounded in the characters' ages or the setting.
In the end, I'm giving this book three stars because I received a small amount of enjoyment from this book, and I think it has potential. Despite my many frustrations with it, I've unfortunately read a book or two that are even worse.
January 17, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down.
(I'm writing this review a few days after having finished the book, so I'm not going into a lot of detail.)
I liked both of the main characters as well as the more "prominent" side ones, though I do feel like the friendship between Hesper and Jasmine happened too quickly. It is believable through Jasmine, because she's such an extrovert that it's understandable how persistent she is and how she is almost fixated on becoming friends with Hesper. What I don't finish wrapping my head around is how quickly Hesper warms up to Jasmine, given that she supposedly doesn't "do well with people".
Also, I feel like Felix's friendship with his roommate needed to be shown more in order to be believable. I'd have liked to have known a bit more about their past together in order to understand their dynamic now.
In terms of the story, I found Hesper's storyline with her father to be much more interesting than the developing relationship between her and Felix.
Also, this is more of a pet peeve, but it weirded me out when, in her coming out scene (to Felix), Hesper includes in her speech , when she had been thinking that same thing during all of her previous chapters. I mean, either more time passes between different moments in the story than what I gathered, or it really makes no sense. You don't suddenly stop believing thoughts like those overnight.
(I'm writing this review a few days after having finished the book, so I'm not going into a lot of detail.)
I liked both of the main characters as well as the more "prominent" side ones, though I do feel like the friendship between Hesper and Jasmine happened too quickly. It is believable through Jasmine, because she's such an extrovert that it's understandable how persistent she is and how she is almost fixated on becoming friends with Hesper. What I don't finish wrapping my head around is how quickly Hesper warms up to Jasmine, given that she supposedly doesn't "do well with people".
Also, I feel like Felix's friendship with his roommate needed to be shown more in order to be believable. I'd have liked to have known a bit more about their past together in order to understand their dynamic now.
In terms of the story, I found Hesper's storyline with her father to be much more interesting than the developing relationship between her and Felix.
Also, this is more of a pet peeve, but it weirded me out when, in her coming out scene (to Felix), Hesper includes in her speech , when she had been thinking that same thing during all of her previous chapters. I mean, either more time passes between different moments in the story than what I gathered, or it really makes no sense. You don't suddenly stop believing thoughts like those overnight.
March 29, 2023
Coming across Lucy Mason's Ace of Hearts on Twitter was a pleasant surprise, and I immediately bought the PDF (that was on sale!) and started Hesper and Felix's journey.
Ace of Hearts was a light read but still explored topics of abuse and alcohol abuse in a mature way. I loved Hesper's attitude and despite feeling hopeless in the beginning because of her feelings towards Felix, she doesn't let it hold her back. She knows what she wants and won't change her boundaries for anyone. Felix is her other half, trying to navigate his new feelings for Hesper (only
to realise that he liked her the entire time) and learning how to live with her and her insecurities.
Hesper's struggle with her sexuality and the comedic antics of getting married to Felix so that he can graduate was the perfect blend of funny and seriousness. Swapping between Hesper and Felix's POV's felt natural and knowing that Felix was willing to do anything for Hesper to know he loved her made my heart burst.
I would love to read a sequel where Hesper finally gets justice against her dad and cute moments between Hesper and Felix and how they'd navigate their growing relationship.
Ace of Hearts was a light read but still explored topics of abuse and alcohol abuse in a mature way. I loved Hesper's attitude and despite feeling hopeless in the beginning because of her feelings towards Felix, she doesn't let it hold her back. She knows what she wants and won't change her boundaries for anyone. Felix is her other half, trying to navigate his new feelings for Hesper (only
to realise that he liked her the entire time) and learning how to live with her and her insecurities.
Hesper's struggle with her sexuality and the comedic antics of getting married to Felix so that he can graduate was the perfect blend of funny and seriousness. Swapping between Hesper and Felix's POV's felt natural and knowing that Felix was willing to do anything for Hesper to know he loved her made my heart burst.
I would love to read a sequel where Hesper finally gets justice against her dad and cute moments between Hesper and Felix and how they'd navigate their growing relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Since this is billed as an ace romance, I wish there'd been more time taken to explore being not just ace, but sex-repulsed and in a marriage with an allo partner.
Allo/ace relationships can (and often do) succeed and be mutually satisfying for both partners, but usually if they're creative when it comes to sexual intimacy and (usually? As far as I'm aware?) the ace partner is fine with having sex occasionally (or what they would both agree means sex to them).
I guess I didn't really think that the solution of the allo partner agreeing to never having sexual intimacy, ever, was believable. I wish there had been more discussions on what that would look like, if there would be creative solutions to both needs being met, or even just physical intimacy. Then I'd believe that this was a long-lasting romance.
(Fwiw I am on the ace spectrum myself)
Allo/ace relationships can (and often do) succeed and be mutually satisfying for both partners, but usually if they're creative when it comes to sexual intimacy and (usually? As far as I'm aware?) the ace partner is fine with having sex occasionally (or what they would both agree means sex to them).
I guess I didn't really think that the solution of the allo partner agreeing to never having sexual intimacy, ever, was believable. I wish there had been more discussions on what that would look like, if there would be creative solutions to both needs being met, or even just physical intimacy. Then I'd believe that this was a long-lasting romance.
(Fwiw I am on the ace spectrum myself)
April 8, 2024
i thought this was going to be a cute little romance book, then i saw the content warnings at the beginning and i was like WHOA okay...
i came for the ace rep and stayed for all the shit that happened (the ace rep too tho). asexual characters are pretty rare to come by, especially in the romance genre, and especially those who are sex-repulsed (and touch-averse) but still want a romantic relationship. i can't relate to that specific aspect of hesper's orientation, but it was great to see this for once! and i loved the childhood friends to lovers!
i also really liked the representation of depression and anxiety because like... it really do be like that sometimes. i also thought the way domestic abuse and trying to get justice was portrayed, it seemed pretty realistic too. the book definitely took a much darker turn in the last third or so, but i really liked it overall.
i came for the ace rep and stayed for all the shit that happened (the ace rep too tho). asexual characters are pretty rare to come by, especially in the romance genre, and especially those who are sex-repulsed (and touch-averse) but still want a romantic relationship. i can't relate to that specific aspect of hesper's orientation, but it was great to see this for once! and i loved the childhood friends to lovers!
i also really liked the representation of depression and anxiety because like... it really do be like that sometimes. i also thought the way domestic abuse and trying to get justice was portrayed, it seemed pretty realistic too. the book definitely took a much darker turn in the last third or so, but i really liked it overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
Ace of Hearts by Lucy Mason
Read the content warnings. Hesler’s father is a police officer, verbally, emotionally, and physically abusive. And he abducts her.
This book took me on a RIDE! Hesler and Felix have been best friends forever. Hesler has some major trauma she is working through and quite possibly might be neurodivergent. We aren't told, but she has some neurospiciness to her. Hesler is ACE, and her explanations are absolutely spot on. The very interesting part of this story is that Felix is not ACE. But he loves her, and he wants to be with Hesler more than anything else. I really enjoyed reading them find each other and find the relationship that works for them.
Read the content warnings. Hesler’s father is a police officer, verbally, emotionally, and physically abusive. And he abducts her.
This book took me on a RIDE! Hesler and Felix have been best friends forever. Hesler has some major trauma she is working through and quite possibly might be neurodivergent. We aren't told, but she has some neurospiciness to her. Hesler is ACE, and her explanations are absolutely spot on. The very interesting part of this story is that Felix is not ACE. But he loves her, and he wants to be with Hesler more than anything else. I really enjoyed reading them find each other and find the relationship that works for them.
April 4, 2025
This was a really sweet book, despite the heavy themes and topics it tackles. My favorite thing from this whole book is Hesper and Felix's relationship and how they navigate their feelings. They have that special non-sexual intimacy that I crave as an alloromantic asexual- I mean, man literally planned a surprise blanket fort movie night with takeout Thai food for their wedding night like seriously? Goals right there. Hesper learning how to trust not only Felix, but herself, really stuck with me. I'm so glad I got to read this book!
June 12, 2023
This was much darker than I expected from the description. It felt to me like a romance and a domestic thriller mashed together, and it didn't work well for me. I think this story had good bones, some good scenes, but they didn't feel cohesive.
Major content warnings for emotional abuse and stalking (and more!) by the main character's father, who is a police officer. The fact that he can get away with these things because he's a police officer is a major plot point.
Major content warnings for emotional abuse and stalking (and more!) by the main character's father, who is a police officer. The fact that he can get away with these things because he's a police officer is a major plot point.
February 8, 2025
2.5⭐️ rounded up
This book was both bloated and boring and super intense toward the end. But because there was no subtlety to anything—especially not the dialogue—I didn’t feel connected to Hesper and Felix. Which is a bummer!! I feel like this story had potential but maybe the author wasn’t experienced enough yet to bring it to life. IDK.
This book was both bloated and boring and super intense toward the end. But because there was no subtlety to anything—especially not the dialogue—I didn’t feel connected to Hesper and Felix. Which is a bummer!! I feel like this story had potential but maybe the author wasn’t experienced enough yet to bring it to life. IDK.
June 24, 2023
Marked as spoilers because I mention plot.
I LOVED this. Romance isn’t my thing, but watching Hesper’s Ace journey meant so much to me. There isn’t a lot of Ace rep out there in the world of LGBTQIA+ books, so watching Hesper and Felix meant a lot. Five stars all the way.
I LOVED this. Romance isn’t my thing, but watching Hesper’s Ace journey meant so much to me. There isn’t a lot of Ace rep out there in the world of LGBTQIA+ books, so watching Hesper and Felix meant a lot. Five stars all the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
dnf @ 50%
i was so here for the ace rep but this book was boring me to death 😭😭😭 there's literally best friends to lovers and a marriage of convenience, my favest tropes ever, and yet!!!!!! i'm DEVASTATED
i was so here for the ace rep but this book was boring me to death 😭😭😭 there's literally best friends to lovers and a marriage of convenience, my favest tropes ever, and yet!!!!!! i'm DEVASTATED
December 4, 2022
3.5 stars
July 3, 2023
3.75/5
August 9, 2023
Sweet romance, believable portrayal of asexuality, great relationship between the two main characters.
October 14, 2023
3.5, було приємно, але зовсім не моя історія + той момент, коли більша кількість сторінок була б правильним вибором, бо відчувалася поспішність у всьому
November 18, 2023
3,5 stars
January 11, 2025
This was such a fun read! I loved the character development and enjoyed the pacing. The ending left me grinning from ear to ear and I stayed up past midnight to finish the book.
June 16, 2023
Ace of Hearts explores a side of asexuality I haven't seen much of in fiction. Hesper is a sex-repulsed, kiss-repulsed ace who is shown to still be capable of love and deserving of being loved in return, and honestly, that was incredibly refreshing to see.
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