I enjoyed reading Jack of Hearts as it highlights a lot of issues with teens in particular, even in 2018/19. Being in high school is hard, I am sure everyone will agree there. Jack is gay, he is a bit of a party animal and his reputation precedes him, although not everything spoken in the rumour mill is true heck he likes to be talked about so really mind what he was supposed to have done at the last party.

Jack also writes an advice column on his friend’s blog and yes he may divulge a bit too much of his private life, but it does help the anonymous people he answers.

He starts receiving notes in his locker and it soon turns to be a full-on stalker. And when he turns to his headteacher for help, his prejudiced attitude says basically Jack has bought it all on himself and should just calm down.

In this book, we see how this affects Jack and how he deals with it, but there is also a lot of humour too, his friends are great, there is banter, tiffs and so much more. It was a great book.

This is a really difficult book to review, so I'm not really going to attempt to. I'll just say this:

There are teenagers for whom this is exactly the book they need. It's like sex ed in novel form, detailed and informative without being didactic, talking about all the stuff that secondary school biology classes don't talk about. It deals with the emotional side of things as well as the practical (and boy does it deal with the practical). It's unapologetically sex-positive and frank and refreshing.

I was not that teenager. In fact, if I'd read this as a teenager I probably would have been traumatised, because I was a sex-repulsed, emotionally delicate, asexual and confused teenager without the maturity or interest in sex to enjoy something like this. Even at eighteen or nineteen I would have struggled with this one because of the level of graphic detail.

And I'm reluctant to say that, because I think it might put some people off recommending it to younger readers, whereas there are DEFINITELY teenagers out there who need it. I wouldn't ever want to say that it wasn't appropriate, because people need sex ed from somewhere, and this seems like a pretty good way of giving it to them. It's not like it's gratuitous or pornographic -- it's just detailed.

But for me, personally, as a teenager... it would've been way too much, and I wouldn't have enjoyed it at all. Because (gasp!) all teenagers are different. I was a sensitive one, especially where sex was concerned.

So, yeah. Makes it pretty hard to review, because I can only do so from my perspective, and I don't want my perspective to affect other people's ideas about who the book is 'suitable' for, or whatever.

(I could probably have reviewed the 'story' element of it more, but I left it too long after reading it to be able to recall enough pertinent details. I do know I stayed up too late reading it because I was invested, despite having a job interview the next day, so... that's a good sign, right?)

You know what? I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars but that final line clinched it as a 5.

It's a very good premise for a book - a relationship/sex advice column from a gay guy. Also a good theme about sexual reputation preceding gay boys to a level that straight boys would never experience - and how everyone thinks they know you just because you have a bad reputation.

I'm so used to quiet gay boys who are barely out of the closet in young adult books, it's refreshing to see Jack who doesn't give a crap outwardly whilst still having some depth and doubts in his internal voice. And to actually depict gay sex in a realistic way, showing the logistical side of it too instead of fading to black is unheard of in all YA I've read so far.

It's so original and so funny. I was very invested in carrying on reading so I can find out who's sending the notes - which didn't seem like such a big deal to start with. I like that Jack carries on just being who he is despite the notes - sometimes in spite of the notes.

The 'it could be worse' refrain throughout the book was a little heartbreaking. I can relate - I always used to say some variation of this about my anxiety - even though Jack is usually saying it in relation to his sexuality.

Jack of Hearts hooked me from the very first page. It's touching, funny, dark and emotional and packs a hell of a moral punch. This is such an important book which truly helps to highlight the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

I have yet to come across a book which is so blunt and honest about sexuality and the struggles of the community. The characters are so well-rounded and I felt like I could truly see Jack and was with him for every step of the ride.

Perfect for fans of Love, Simon and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

This is the story of Jack Rothman, a 17 year old gay boy living in New York. However, that is where the stereotypes end and this novel comes into its own. Jack makes no bones about the fact he loves sex and he loves a fun night in with any like minded boy. He is out and proud and he loves his life and all that he experiences. As the story begins Jack is with his best friend Jenna who informs him one morning at school,that he is going to write an advice column for her blog. Anonymous teenagers will email for advice on sex and sexual relations, real advice that will answer any question truthfully and honestly. Jenna believes that as Jack is so open and up front about his sexual encounters, he will have no difficulty sharing his expertise. On the same day Jack starts receiving notes left in his locker. To begin with Jack almost ignores them and dismisses them as a prank, however , all to soon, they become threatening and frightening and suddenly Jack's life is not his own.

This is a wonderful novel that attacks the stereotypical view of young camp teenagers. Here is a young man who doesn't fetishise or glamorise anything, who says it like it is. Most importantly the message this book tells YA readers is: this is your body and your choice, you say what you want and don't want and you use protection and keep your self safe. The advice the novelist gives in Jack's words doesn't hold back in any way , it's up front and totally believable.This is a great read that shows the ups and downs of young love and experimentation and how pervasive bullying and stalking can be and the impact they can have on an individual and their self worth.

L C Rosen has written an amazing book that will appeal across the generation gap because it's open and honest, beautifully written and 'says it like it is' . Sexuality without hangups, sexual experimentation without stigma and above all the idea that teenagers are more able to express their emotions, wants and needs than we 'adults' give them credit for.

I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would! I loved the plot and it was so much darker than I was expecting. I think I had kinda forgot what this was about so I went in to it a bit blind.

I loved Jack, Jenna and Ben so much. They're little friendship group was sassy, loyal and had the kind of arguments only found in true friend and family groups- where you can talk to each other with pure venom one minute and then go back to being besties the next.

I loved that this book showed that there is not just one type of queer person. The representation in this book is so great. And not just because of different sexualities being presented and the way so many things were explored through Jack's column! It was just nice to see LGBTQ people shown as the real people they are and not just caricatures. Some are fabulous, some are straight laced, some are jocks, some are theatre geeks, some like fashion, some wear make up, some wear heels and some wear suits. It feels a bit like in fiction in general at the minute there is either the manly gay guy who doesn't act gay or there is the gay best friend and there is no in between. I dunno, it was just kinda cool that everyone in this book felt authentic.

The plot had me on the edge of my seat because I was trying to figure out who was doing it and why. Watching it chip away at who Jack was was awful. I loved when he fought back and reclaimed himself. I loved who it turned out to be because I really didn't see it coming!

This book also showed the prejudice that is still rife in our society. The fact that his principal was a victim shaming bastard I'm sure had nothing what so ever to do with the fact that Jack was gay. Nope. Not at all. He was way more interested in the schools image. Thank God for Nance! Everyone needs a Nance in their life!

Overall I really, really enjoyed this! Great characters, great plot and great representation.

After what initially appears to be a light-hearted, laugh out loud book, this took a much more serious turn into looking at what is so often wrong with society in terms of the way sex and sexuality are viewed. I loved the fact that Jack holds no punches and that this books is littered with curse words which makes it feel all the more real. A great read!

Jack of Hearts by Lev A.C. Rosen was quite an enjoyable read. Jack is a gay high school student and is persuaded to write a column for the school newspaper, which works in a Q&A format answering questions about sex and sexuality. Very open and honest.

I enjoyed this book and the way it was written. The characters were funny and sharp and the subject matter was explicit but not needlessly so. Lots of good lessons for teens and YAs to learn within this about sex, LGBT life and relationships.

This is a fab coming of age book and an essential read for all older teens.
It’s like a modern day Judy Blume novel and I would have loved it if I read it 20 years ago.
The sex scenes are very graphic, however are educational and relevant and highlight lots of important messages.

I enjoyed this a lot more than what I initially thought I would, I loved the narration throughout.

It's very graphic with it's sex scenes, however I do find this to be important, but not only that there's advise as well!!

I think if I'd of read this a few years ago I may of enjoyed it a bit more, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This book should be an essential read for all teens. Maybe not in schools, due to its explicit content, but it is an important book nonetheless. Behind the storyline there is an important message about safe sex and sex education in the real world, for both straight and gay girls and boys alike.

The story itself was brilliant. The main characters were relatable and likeable. The storyline had me gripped and was a definite page turner. I found myself reading much later into the night than I had planned on many occasions because I just couldn’t tear myself away! The resolution wasn’t predictable, which is always good, as I always feel sort of cheated when it is.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. Well done, it’s a fantastic read. I hope to read more of the authors work in the future.

Jack of Hearts was a thouroughly fun read. I found Jack’s voice engaging and enjoyed following him through the story. He is witty and likeable, despite his ‘I don’t care what you think’ attitude, which I can sometimes find grating if overdone. I loved how excerpts from his column were included as part of the book.

It is great to see a story for young people that deals with sex and relationships in such an open way. Through Jack’s columns the book touches on a range of questions that can face teenagers, and deals with them in an honest way, which I found very refreshing. I have not read another YA book that deal with sex in such a brutal, honest way and doesn’t leave anything out (even the embarrassing bits!)

3.75 stars

"Jack of Hearts" was a fun yet disturbing YA novel with fun characters and a great message. I really liked the excerpts from the column Jack is writing throughout the story and I think that the novel managed to send some great messages on how to deal with sex, relationship and identity issues without sounding to preachy.

I liked to read about a character who felt comfortable with himself and his sex life without trying to force his own opinions on others. The relationships between him and his friends were cute and I really liked how his sex partners were depicted as well.

The stalking storyline itself was well done and I found the whole thing thoroughly disturbing, but, unfortunately, how the story was resolved felt somewhat off. The resolution wasn't really all that well done and felt rather rushed.

Apart from the ending, the story was fun with some great characters.

I’m not sure whether I would’ve enjoyed this book more had I read it 20 years ago. It was ok but the sex got quite tedious for me, but that could be because I’m not at the right age to appreciate it. The story was a great idea but I found myself skim reading a lot of the scenes

This was fantastic. Great story and the witty voice of the narrator was so charming and made you pay full attention. I was so inversted in every character. Five giant shining stars!

Maybe I'm too old for this book, even though I generally love YA. I'm sure it would suit the age group it''s meant for, but for me I soon became bored with all that sex. But I know that teens think about it all the time, so I suppose it's fair enough. Perhaps it should have a 'not suitable for people over the age of XX' on the cover!

If Gossip Girl (because the characters are wealthy teenage New Yorkers) met a sex-ed advice column focusing mostly on gay love (but not only), this would be their offspring. This book takes a very positive outlook on sex and how enjoying it and having a lot of it. It speaks of consent and how if the people involved have consented then anything goes. It made me think of the openness of Hannah Witton's non-fiction book Doing It.

**THIS!**
Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) addresses all that I have ever felt (and more!) about the fetishisation of gay men in both the media, in fandoms and in real life. To be honest, before I joined the book-ish community and started spending more time online, I had never really encountered this phenomenon much outside of tumblr posts dedicated to One Direction (forcing sexualities on someone? I don’t care if they’re celebrities, it’s not cool). The fetishisation of lesbians and bisexual women, oh god yes. But gay men? Not so much.
I think this is because I used to spend a lot of my time immersed right in the middle of the LGBTQ+ community (now I am back at home and suffering from more than a little separation anxiety), whereas this predominantly comes from straight women. And let me be honest, right here and now - wanting two men to kiss does not make you an ally of the LGBTQ+ community; ignoring and effectively erasing the rest of the community, I repeat, does not make you ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Do you think all of the men that watch lesbian porn aren’t homophobic? Do you think all of the men in clubs, who have made inappropriate comments towards me aren’t? Because, let’s be honest, they don’t care about who queer women love, they just want to watch them do it.
And, the fetishisation of gay men works in exactly the same way.
To be honest, I think this is the only book I have read this year that has a gay male protagonist and was written by a gay male author. There are so many books out there, solely featuring characters from the LGBTQ+ community that are cisgendered and male, written by straight women.
I bet you’re thinking of some right this second.
I know I am.
And do you know what? Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) is the only one of them in which I have recognised the gay men in my life that I love, in its characters. All of the others were idealised straight-girl fantasies of what male/male relationships are like, whereas this portrayed the characters as real people outside of their places in OTPs.
L.C Rosen really nailed it in this one. And, I hope more authors will follow his glorious footsteps and make the topography of queer Young Adult literature, a little more authentic, a little more real, a little more own voices.

This is an interesting YA novel about Jack Rothman, a gay high school student in New York, who takes on the ‘Jack of Hearts’ Sex Advice column for his school newspaper. Alongside his best friends Jenna and Ben (who is also gay but much less confident), Jack lives his promiscuous life, all the while dealing with ‘Pinky’, a stalker, who leaves pink notes in Jack’s locker - notes that increasingly beceone more threatening as time goes in.

The novel is great, in some ways, for being open about LGBT issues. Jack wears make-up; he is explicit about his sex life. I see what the writer is doing - demystifying what it means to be young and gay. However, parts of this are overly gratuitous: I really don’t think that excessive expletives are required. And, you could argue that if the book is meant to instil confidence in young gay people, the emphasis on Jack’s (somewhat feminine) appearance reinforces such stereotypes.

I am pleased that I read this but, with the risk of sounding prudish, which I am not, I do think some of the novel is over the top and unsuitable for YA readers. I guess it’s a matter of choice, which is fine, but perhaps it should come with a cautionary message.