Crazy Rich Asians meets Bend It Like Beckham in this outrageously fun, Filipino-flavored romance.

When Jomar's tennis ambitions crash into Mitchelle's wounded heart during one charmingly disastrous karaoke night, they'll discover that the biggest matches aren't played on courts—but in learning to love despite the ghosts of the past.

Jomar Montalbano thinks he's ready for anything. A rising tennis star from the Philippines, he lands in London with one suitcase, one college scholarship, and zero idea how to survive without rice. He's counting on a few wins—but definitely not falling for Mitchelle Tanner.

She's the quiet girl with a vintage camera, a craving for halo-halo, and a smile that hides as much as it shows. Half-American, half-Filipina, and fully impossible to read.

He's used to power and control—but around her, he's completely unstrung.

From vulnerable confessions in a darkroom's glow to rallies that feel like Wimbledon wins, Jomar discovers that love—like tennis—is all about timing, risk, and knowing when to fight for the point.

Set in London's rainy alleys and sunlit parks, woven with island warmth and humor, Gihigugma, Ace of Hearts is an adventure about home, heart, and the courage to choose love against all odds.

Love at eighteen isn't always a mistake. Sometimes, it's a miracle.

Early Reader Praise:

“Wow, I absolutely loved this book! That's all I did all afternoon! I’m amazed by how perfectly you describe Filipino food (have you tried it all?), how you write tennis like a pro, and how you bring London’s sights to life (I know them all!). This will completely click with readers everywhere!” —Monette Andal

"I went in expecting a fun, Filipino-flavored rom-com and it delivered that in spades, but what surprised me was the tenderness beneath the humor. Jomar is such a lovable mix of confidence and cluelessness. His passion for tennis is undeniable, but it’s the moments when he struggles off the court: longing for familiar food, stumbling through cultural shocks, or being completely undone by Mitchelle, that made me root for him the most. Mitchelle, on the other hand, is the kind of heroine who lingers with you: quiet yet strong, carrying unspoken hurts while still reaching for joy. Their chemistry sparkles from the very first (disastrous but hilarious) karaoke night. What I really enjoyed was how the story blended London’s gray skies with the warmth of Filipino culture. From halo-halo cravings to the karaoke scenes, it felt like a love letter to community and home. At its core, though, this is a story about the courage to love, to let someone in despite past heartbreak, and to believe that being 18 doesn’t make your feelings any less real. It’s witty, heartfelt, and just the right amount of swoony." —Maika

“A fabulous romance that captures all the delicious tension of young love! From the heart-fluttering uncertainty of first texts to those vulnerable first touches, this story perfectly evokes the magic and mishaps of new relationships. The richly drawn tennis backdrop and mouthwatering Filipino food descriptions add irresistible flavor, while the international setting brings authentic travel challenges to life. With its will-they-won’t-they spark and gorgeous prose (‘She whispers as if letting a secret slip out in the dark’), this is a love story that will resonate with anyone who remembers—or is experiencing—their first breathtaking romance. Brava!” —Bob Hilty

Content Note: This story contains: social alcohol use, mild profanity, depictions of past romantic trauma, and competitive sports pressure.

While handled with care, please prioritize your wellbeing. The story ultimately celebrates healing and joyful connection.

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