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A review by dermkat
Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell
Another beautiful exploration of life, mental health, and queer love from M.A. Wardell! Matt always gives us such genuine portrayals of the variety of the human experience, and Kent & Vincent are no exception. There is a 12 year age difference between them (40 and 52) and neither of them have had a ton of experiences with relationships. Kent is bi and was in a MF marriage for years, then got divorced a handful of years ago and is just trying to date. Vincent is gay and has really only ever gone on first dates, which he attributes to his OCD and people bailing when they see what his life is like because of it.
The MCs have a date that is somewhat chaotic, but still end up back at Vincent's. It doesn't end great but the next day they discover they're going to be working together on a project, for which the school contracted Vincent's place of employ. They agree to just be friends but are drawn together and soon are friends with benefits in a way.
Vincent keeps expecting Kent to leave him because of his compulsive episodes, while simultaneously growing more comfortable and confident around him even though Kent is super klutzy and frequently causes messes. The way Kent takes care to learn about Vincent's needs and accommodate them without complaint is wonderful, as is watching their relationship progress.
Also, the spicy scenes are top notch and the kink woven throughout as though it's no big deal (because it shouldn't be). This is another book with queer characters which emphasizes that every individual decides what sex is to them, that sexual acts are sex, and the heteronormative distinction of penetration as sex shouldn't be the expectation. Vincent is a side (neither a top or a bottom) and Kent is largely exploring sex what with a man can be for the first time, and the way they communicate and focus on making themselves and each other feel good without judgement.
Other highlights include: Kent's adorable four year old granddaughter, his giant Maine Coon cat, Vincent's penchant for LEGO, and other delightful side characters. We met Vincent in book one when he and Marvin went on an ill-fated date then became friends, so we got to see Marvin, Olan, and Ilona as side characters. We also got to see Theo and Sheldon from book two again, as well as student Brodie, since Kent is the principal at the school they work at and attend.
The last chapter of this book brought me to tears and I am so glad to have read this book during Pride Month. I fully believe in and endorse reading queer all year, but there's just something special reading about queer love and joy as a queer person during the month dedicated to remembering our history, protesting our marginalization, and celebrating our progress and love. Thank you, Matt, for yet another beautiful depiction of queer love.
The MCs have a date that is somewhat chaotic, but still end up back at Vincent's. It doesn't end great but the next day they discover they're going to be working together on a project, for which the school contracted Vincent's place of employ. They agree to just be friends but are drawn together and soon are friends with benefits in a way.
Vincent keeps expecting Kent to leave him because of his compulsive episodes, while simultaneously growing more comfortable and confident around him even though Kent is super klutzy and frequently causes messes. The way Kent takes care to learn about Vincent's needs and accommodate them without complaint is wonderful, as is watching their relationship progress.
Also, the spicy scenes are top notch and the kink woven throughout as though it's no big deal (because it shouldn't be). This is another book with queer characters which emphasizes that every individual decides what sex is to them, that sexual acts are sex, and the heteronormative distinction of penetration as sex shouldn't be the expectation. Vincent is a side (neither a top or a bottom) and Kent is largely exploring sex what with a man can be for the first time, and the way they communicate and focus on making themselves and each other feel good without judgement.
Other highlights include: Kent's adorable four year old granddaughter, his giant Maine Coon cat, Vincent's penchant for LEGO, and other delightful side characters. We met Vincent in book one when he and Marvin went on an ill-fated date then became friends, so we got to see Marvin, Olan, and Ilona as side characters. We also got to see Theo and Sheldon from book two again, as well as student Brodie, since Kent is the principal at the school they work at and attend.
The last chapter of this book brought me to tears and I am so glad to have read this book during Pride Month. I fully believe in and endorse reading queer all year, but there's just something special reading about queer love and joy as a queer person during the month dedicated to remembering our history, protesting our marginalization, and celebrating our progress and love. Thank you, Matt, for yet another beautiful depiction of queer love.