A review by dogoodwithbooks
Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell

emotional funny 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

4.0

 Closed Door Mod: Chapter 3 (some parts), Chapter 7 (some parts), Chapter 9 (some parts), Chapter 17, Chapter 18 (some parts), Chapter 24, Chapter 27, Chapter 29 

In the third installment of M.A. Wardell’s Teachers in Love series, we meet Vincent, Marvin’s blind date from Teacher of the Year, and Kent, the principal at the school where Sheldon and Theo works in Mistletoe & Mishigas. After a whirlwind of a first date, Kent thinks that he’ll never see Vincent again. To his shock (and horror), he finds out that Vincent works for the company coming in to install a new software program that will determine his future as principal. Vincent has his own reasons for wanting this install to go well, and pursuing things any further with Kent wouldn’t do him any good. Yet, neither could deny the connection they have and Vincent and Kent ultimately have to decide if their relationship is worth the risk. 

While it didn’t quite capture my heart compared to Mistletoe & Mishigas, I did thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only does Napkins & Other Distractions contains some of Wardell’s funniest writing out of the entire series, Wardell still manages to keep the signature charm and heart his books in this series are known for. At this point in the series (with the last book coming out in 2025), it’s interesting to see the world that Wardell has created come together with characters from the first two books making appearances and I felt that he blends that world together quite well. Plus, I appreciated the effort Wardell put into the OCD rep for Vincent and how it ultimately impacts his character development. 

If you’re looking for an age-gap, workplace romance but both the MCs are over 40 and want mental health rep, you might enjoy Napkins & Other Distractions. 
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