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

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

5.0

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:

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.