Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve really enjoyed all the books in this series. This one shows two “flawed” characters and how they learn to be there for one another - not to fix them but to love their whole selves.
Content warning on this one for depictions of OCD which could be triggering (*real* OCD, not just liking things organized).
I also like that this was about older folks, since those of us over 40 need love too!
Content warning on this one for depictions of OCD which could be triggering (*real* OCD, not just liking things organized).
I also like that this was about older folks, since those of us over 40 need love too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
I didn't think anything could beat Theo and Sheldon as my favourite TiL couple, but it was like Matt read my mind, said "hold my beer" and wrote Kent and Vincent into existence.
We've met both characters in previous books in the series, Vincent as Marvin's disastrous date in TOTY, and Kent as the principle of Theo and Sheldon's school in M&M. I really enjoyed both of them in the small glimpses we got of them, but getting a whole book for the two of them and getting to know them in GREAT detail made me fall in love with them...as quickly as the first two chapters!
I absolutely LOVED how these two came together. Although there's the link to the other characters, they met through a dating app, meaning their connection was so natural.
From the first chapter, Kent and Vincent were the sweetest, most adorable couple. They had their first date in the same restaurant as in TOTY, and we see Vincent having made amazing strides in managing his OCD and only using two napkins(!). He's open with Kent about his OCD from the offset, and the understanding and acceptance that Kent instantly shows was incredible. There was never any question over Kent not being supportive and doing whatever he could to make sure that Vincent was comfortable with him, and avoid any of Vincent's triggers.
On the other hand, Vincent is just what Kent needs too. He reads Kent so well, and they support each other in every way. Even when Vincent is convinced that he's too much and Kent will leave him because of his struggles (honestly, the sweetness of this man....) he steps up and out of his comfort zone to be there in situations that he would normally avoid.
Now...I'd heard that Napkins was the spiciest book of the series yet, but I was NOT expecting at the beginning of the third chapter, for Vincent to take Kent home and ask him to call him a "good boy" I was SHOOK! You know that gif from Parks and Rec where Chris Pratt is excited shocked and just looks at the camera open mouthed?! Yep, that was me....looking around for someone to confirm that I'd read what I'd just read! Let's just say for someone that is exploring this side of his sexuality again after being married to a woman for half his life, Kent takes to his Daddy role VERY WELL!!! The spice in this book is HOT, not only because of that, but how Kent and Vincent are exploring this together and finding ways to be with each other without the element of penetrative sex.
Lastly, let's give a little round of applause for the side characters in Napkins...Marvin, Theo and Sheldon aside (because we all love them already), Ruth and Corinne supporting Kent and Vincent's blossoming relationship was done so well! Ruth is freaking hilarious, giving Kent the cold hard, and most of the time inappropriate advice!
Mr Wardell, THANK YOU!! The representation of not only of the over 40's finding love for the first time(there's hope for me yet, even if I am a few years off right now!), but with the OCD representation. Everything about this book was absolute perfection! I guess I didn't quite manage to write this review without turning it into a complete gushing love-fest after all!
We've met both characters in previous books in the series, Vincent as Marvin's disastrous date in TOTY, and Kent as the principle of Theo and Sheldon's school in M&M. I really enjoyed both of them in the small glimpses we got of them, but getting a whole book for the two of them and getting to know them in GREAT detail made me fall in love with them...as quickly as the first two chapters!
I absolutely LOVED how these two came together. Although there's the link to the other characters, they met through a dating app, meaning their connection was so natural.
From the first chapter, Kent and Vincent were the sweetest, most adorable couple. They had their first date in the same restaurant as in TOTY, and we see Vincent having made amazing strides in managing his OCD and only using two napkins(!). He's open with Kent about his OCD from the offset, and the understanding and acceptance that Kent instantly shows was incredible. There was never any question over Kent not being supportive and doing whatever he could to make sure that Vincent was comfortable with him, and avoid any of Vincent's triggers.
On the other hand, Vincent is just what Kent needs too. He reads Kent so well, and they support each other in every way. Even when Vincent is convinced that he's too much and Kent will leave him because of his struggles (honestly, the sweetness of this man....) he steps up and out of his comfort zone to be there in situations that he would normally avoid.
Now...I'd heard that Napkins was the spiciest book of the series yet, but I was NOT expecting at the beginning of the third chapter, for Vincent to take Kent home and ask him to call him a "good boy" I was SHOOK! You know that gif from Parks and Rec where Chris Pratt is excited shocked and just looks at the camera open mouthed?! Yep, that was me....looking around for someone to confirm that I'd read what I'd just read! Let's just say for someone that is exploring this side of his sexuality again after being married to a woman for half his life, Kent takes to his Daddy role VERY WELL!!! The spice in this book is HOT, not only because of that, but how Kent and Vincent are exploring this together and finding ways to be with each other without the element of penetrative sex.
Lastly, let's give a little round of applause for the side characters in Napkins...Marvin, Theo and Sheldon aside (because we all love them already), Ruth and Corinne supporting Kent and Vincent's blossoming relationship was done so well! Ruth is freaking hilarious, giving Kent the cold hard, and most of the time inappropriate advice!
Mr Wardell, THANK YOU!! The representation of not only of the over 40's finding love for the first time(there's hope for me yet, even if I am a few years off right now!), but with the OCD representation. Everything about this book was absolute perfection! I guess I didn't quite manage to write this review without turning it into a complete gushing love-fest after all!
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Soft DNF for now. Can’t really get past the unprofessionalism and don’t see chemistry between them.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is book 3 of the Teachers In Love series.
It brings together Vincent - who you might remember from a failed date with Marvin in book 1 - and Kent - the principal of the school in book 2.
Vincent is still putting himself out there on the dating apps, but second dates aren’t happening. He’s working on managing his OCD, learned some tips/tricks for dealing with the symptoms, but it’s still hard at times. Most of the time. Which makes starting new relationships a challenge.
And although Kent has been bi the whole time, he hasn’t really dated since his marriage ended, and high school was a long time ago so everything is still a little…new. I absolutely love easy his friend Ruth is for him to talk to about it. And a supportive friend of an ex wife is wonderful.
Clumsy at the best of times, nerves only amplify that so you can imagine how a first date could get reeeeally messy.
Their first date together somehow manages to go so well and yet so terribly at the same time. It ends with a hookup that seems destined to be a one and done.
That is until Vincent shows up at the school the next day, part of the team implementing a new software program.
Surprise!
I love this sort of surprise. In fiction. I can’t even imagine the reality of it!
I know I already said, but it’s worth repeating - the supportive side characters are everything. I love how much they love the MCs, and that they aren’t villains trying to keep them apart.
And the way the MCs are so, I’m not sure exactly how to say this but…careful with each other? They pay such attention to whatever struggles the other is having, and do their best to ease them. It’s positively heartwarming.
Like the rest of the series, this is a don’t judge simply by the sweet cover situation, because there is so much spice inside.
There’s one thing I am less personally on board for (feet stuff?)
But in the way of ykinmk, and that’s okay. Totally fine.
(I’m being so brave y’all)
But don’t let that stop you, this is an excellent story. And if that *is* your thing? You’re going to be so happy