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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
funny
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Thank you so much to M.A. Wardell for this early print copy of Napkins!! All opinions are my own.
4.5 rounded up. This was my favorite of the Teachers in Love series so far!! I really loved Kent as a character, both understanding himself as a bisexual man and how to better fit in his role at the school. Vincent’s journey throughout was also amazing and felt natural and authentic to the realities of OCD - I really felt like Matt put his heart and soul into accurately representing Vincent’s compulsions.
And, of course, the spice was phenomenal! “Sex acts are sex, full stop” is going to be my new motto - thank you, Ruth, for your wisdom. The two men exploring things they knew they liked, as well as new experiences, was so well done! Vincent and Kent deserve a lifetime of happiness together💕
**Spoilers below**
POV: dual first person
You can expect: older millennial and Gen Z romance, opposites attract, insta-lust, coworkers to lovers, forced proximity, cat dad, low-key dedicated to the “Rumors” album.
Rep: gay main and side characters, bisexual main character, lesbian side character, OCD, panic attack, anxiety.
Spice: 4/5
CW: OCD triggers and compulsions
4.5 rounded up. This was my favorite of the Teachers in Love series so far!! I really loved Kent as a character, both understanding himself as a bisexual man and how to better fit in his role at the school. Vincent’s journey throughout was also amazing and felt natural and authentic to the realities of OCD - I really felt like Matt put his heart and soul into accurately representing Vincent’s compulsions.
And, of course, the spice was phenomenal! “Sex acts are sex, full stop” is going to be my new motto - thank you, Ruth, for your wisdom. The two men exploring things they knew they liked, as well as new experiences, was so well done! Vincent and Kent deserve a lifetime of happiness together💕
**Spoilers below**
POV: dual first person
You can expect: older millennial and Gen Z romance, opposites attract, insta-lust, coworkers to lovers, forced proximity, cat dad, low-key dedicated to the “Rumors” album.
Rep: gay main and side characters, bisexual main character, lesbian side character, OCD, panic attack, anxiety.
Spice: 4/5
CW: OCD triggers and compulsions
What to expect: bi & gay rep, OCD rep, workplace romance, forced proximity, MC's in their 40/50's
Spice: 4/4
Spice: 4/4
** i got an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
I absolutely loved this book, it was low angst, although there was a small issue that once resolved will make it even better on re-read.
But yeah, it is a books about two adult men who met, get to know each other, fell in love and work together to be together and supported each other along the way with all their quirks and in Vincent case OCD.
Then the background characters specially Brodie and Lia were exceptional, which deserves extra kudos, as writing kids is always difficult and they can be cheesy or too smart or unbelievable, here they added to the story and made it better.
I absolutely loved this book, it was low angst, although there was a small issue that once resolved will make it even better on re-read.
But yeah, it is a books about two adult men who met, get to know each other, fell in love and work together to be together and supported each other along the way with all their quirks and in Vincent case OCD.
Then the background characters specially Brodie and Lia were exceptional, which deserves extra kudos, as writing kids is always difficult and they can be cheesy or too smart or unbelievable, here they added to the story and made it better.
funny
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
“Sometimes, when you need to step up, when someone needs you enough, your fears and anxieties fade into the background.”
I swear to god, M.A. Wardell does not miss. He writes such beautiful, complex, and flawed characters that I instantly fall in love with. Kent and Vincent were no different and I absolutely adore them.
Having Vincent return from his quick moment in Teacher of the Year was so exciting. He’s been trying to date but struggles with his OCD. Enter Kent, who is very clumsy, and it seems like a relationship between them wouldn’t make sense. The chemistry between them is immediate, and it’s a surprise when Vincent shows up to Lear to work on the school’s new software.
Vincent is a man after my own heart with his love of Rumours by Fleetwood Mac (the greatest album ever made and I will die on this hill). It’s such a comfort to him and I loved the subtle references. He is so worried he’ll be too much for someone, but Kent is so patient and understanding with him. It’s so beautiful to read how their relationship unfolds.
“Stay open. Listen to your heart. Be brave. Take a leap for love.”
I didn’t think this one would make me so emotional, but I have such a soft spot for Brodie and there were tears at the end. Kent feels like a few teachers I’ve had who truly care about their students and do whatever they can to help them succeed. And seeing Vincent open up to the kids and Kent’s granddaughter is so heartwarming.
A million stars.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
This is absolutely the horniest thing I’ve ever read, but also super sweet, which is MA Wardell’s trademark style. I love how many different characteristics are represented in the main couple that you rarely see in romance novels: side rep (iykyk); partners in their 40s and 50s with bodies that don’t fit the conventionally attractive mold; a bi character who’s always known he’s bi, no sudden awakening or conflicted feelings over it; life-altering OCD that isn’t the only character-defining trait.
Vincent’s OCD isn’t magically fixed by Kent, but I do love that Vincent realizes some of his anxiety and tension triggers improve because he knows he has Kent on his side—because Kent doesn’t try or want to fix him.
Favorite Quotes:
Vincent’s OCD isn’t magically fixed by Kent, but I do love that Vincent realizes some of his anxiety and tension triggers improve because he knows he has Kent on his side—because Kent doesn’t try or want to fix him.
Favorite Quotes:
Something about Vincent Manda makes me want to tuck him into my pocket and care for him like a treasure.
They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy LEGO, and that’s kind of the same thing.
There’s a closeness—a sweetness. More than simply physical, somehow, we’re becoming an us.