Ace of Hearts: Lessons in Love from an Asexual Girl

by Cooklin

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBT, Graphic Novels Comics, Adult, Biography Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[emmareadsya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that was really resonated with me and a lot of my experiences growing up asexual. As with all ace media, I wish I had had this growing up, I could’ve skipped a lot of stuff. Particularly I appreciated the author showing her experience not fitting in with the church’s idea of sexuality, but also not the very sex-positive artsy college scene. I’ve felt both these things and I don’t think I’ve seen it portrayed like this before! I wish it had gone a little deeper into some things (particularly her current, clearly more positive relationship) but overall it was a nice graphic memoir.

[miki larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story! so many aspects of this was so relatable to me, and this will definitely help others feel less alone and find more understanding in themselves!

[Grace Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing story of coming-of-age as an asexual person that I hope will help other folks in their journey.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story of accepting one’s self and true identity. It was refreshing to see someone struggle not just with their Christian upbringing but also trying to fit in more sex positive, liberal spaces. How hard it is to find acceptance as a romantic asexual individual. The author went through so much trauma (although unclear if she perceives it as such) and I think it was so strong of her to share her experiences and show that YES asexuals face real challenges and struggles, but that it’s just very different than other members of the LGBTQ+ community face. It was also an important look at micro aggressions and how unnuanced sex positivity can backfire.

[Kelly Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ace of Hearts. I really enjoy a graphic memoir, there is so much emotion conveyed in the art, it adds exponentially to the message. I think this book is more about trauma and self recognition than it is about being asexual. I think this book will help young people who are in abusive relationships and have no idea that they are being abused sexually. I love that she finds all the love she'd been searching for all her life with a person who really 'sees' her for who she is and values what she has to give and respects what she can't. Bravo!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still tearing up and processing this graphic novel. Cooklin shared her experience in discovering her asexuality in a way that was full of heart. Even with some of the heavier topics I couldn't put it down!

Her journey is extremely relatable to me, and there were some words and thoughts that just clicked into place when I read them. Like they had always been there.

I feel like I'm going to read this again and again. I think it would be a good read for anyone - especially if they are considering their own sexuality.

[Tyler Obenauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

2026 Read Harder Challenge selection for a nonfiction comic.

This was a comic about the author’s romantic life culminating in her discovering her asexuality.

The illustrations were wonderfully appealing to me and I really enjoyed how she used her relationships as the storytelling device and how her journey was explored.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Diana Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

eARC through Edelweiss, publication date Nov 18. 2025

I liked the art style and easy to read text. Right amount of text and graphics per page.

Good memoir of one person's experience being asexual.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel memoir about the author's journey coming of age as an asexual person.
A deeply personal, very moving and honest story. I loved the colour scheme choice too. It makes the artwork stand out.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. We need more books that tell different people's stories so people can understand that there are so many ways to love and be loved. I loved the graphics too!!