Title: Textbook Romance
Author: Kristen Bailey
Format: Ebook

Top 5 books for the year. This book is cute, smart, challenging, and everything I love about books.

Maths teacher Zoe Swift learns her husband had been cheating on her with her friend, and has to maneuver a new family dynamic for her teenaged kids. She found out at the same moment botany-expert and aspiring substitute teacher comes into her life, and starts at her school. While she's determining if she will be able to open up her heart again, he's coming to realize he may have found someone that makes him want to settle down.

This book is deliciously British. As an American, I'm sure I didn't get all of the references. But using the plural of maths, talk about Nando's, and the constant drinking of tea all add flavor to the book without being distracting.

Pros:
*The banter is on point this book. Jack is really smart with his innuendos, and it just feels clever and flirtatious.

*Jack's character is just so darn charismatic. He's like a goofy teddy bear nurse--cuddly, always able to play, and willing to take care of people.

*All the kids in this book. Zoe has kids. Jack has nephews. They work at a school of kids. It's an understated thing, but I adore how many angles this looks at development. How divorce can affect kids. How important it is to have an adult figure believe in you. Or step up to care for you. And it achieved this without having the main character get a surprise pregnancy.

Cons:

*Third act breakup, not always a fan of those.

Will be recommending to others. Will be reading more from this author!

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet story. I enjoyed it. I liked how the author had Zoe handle herself throughout the story. cautious and responsible. I wouldn’t have liked it if she had behaved reckless and immature. I also liked Jack’s character though found him to be maybe too bit of a softie at times. Nice storyline overall.

I was so excited to get a chance to read this new release from Kristen Bailey. I hadn't heard of the author before but the cover really caught my eye, and then the premise hooked me even further. This was a really fun light-hearted read that I enjoyed reading by the pool! It's perfect for anyone on a vacation or just looking for something fun to read in the summer with a cute romance plot! Thanks again for the chance to read this book!

Another laugh a minute from Kristen! This book has it all… love, laughs, smut, and some heartbreak! A dual POV from Zoe & Jack, much like many of Kristen’s other books, switching between characters mid chapter is a skill that is done beautifully here and always at the right moment! The two main characters meet at a wedding, where Zoe, a forty-something maths teacher, finds out her husband is having an affair, cue a divorce, upset kids and a fiesty sister! (Side note; shitspoon might be my new favourite word). Then there’s Jack, a 29 year old man who’s never found his way after some family devastation earlier in life. Jack gets a job as a substitute teacher at the same school as Ed and Mia, where Zoe also works.. time for some work place sexual tension 👀 soon follows a kiss by the bike shed, a set up, and a romance of two people who appear on paper to be the complete opposite of one another.. but we know what they say… opposites attract! An easy read from start to finish, plenty of innuendo and a great laugh. I’m a fan!!

Ed and Mia are back as sort of background characters this time, they had their own story in Sex Ed, also a great read btw! Beth from the Callaghan sisters series also features, I love how all of Kristen’s books have connections to one another, like she really loves her characters and wants them to live on through other stories!

This book has a fun, light-hearted feel despite Zoe’s devastation over her husband’s betrayal. The plot is largely driven by gossip between the main characters and their friends. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I absolutely LOOOOOVED this book. Highly recommend you grab this book (especially if you like workplace romance) as it's an excellent combination of the raw emotions real life can bring, alongside fun banter and innuendo to create a perfect little love story for our Jack and Zoe. Added Kristen Baileys backlist to my tbr, can't get enough!

Okay give it up for the "age gap" trope following a horrible divorce and the cheating husband. The best revenge is truly a younger, hotter and sweeter man. I feel like it is frequent in the age gap novels, much like The Idea of Young, that the older FMC questions if the differences are appropriate, I hardly ever see men question a 10 year age gap but I feel like this is so relatable and accurate. I'm happy for the classic happily ever after airport scene.

We all know Pedro Pascal is daddy and it was a very relevant little pop culture reference for us girlies who love an age gap *wink*.

Thank you to NetGalley, StormPublishing and the author Kristen Bailey for making this available to read!

Rating: 3 stars

A cute story about dating post divorce.
This story follows Zoe and her experience dating post divorce- with a little spice and an age gap between she and Jack. I liked the story and was really enjoying it- however it felt rushed and honestly felt like some of their/the story was missing. Definitely a cute story and easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

So what I’ve realized is my love for romance books centered around a single mother on her dating journey being swept away by a younger man😅

any book about a single mom, 💩ex husband + her entering a new dating journey, sign me up!👏🏾✨

This was all of that and more!
Zoe is 43 and Jack is 29

- Zoe asked her ex husband to use the doorbell and stop entering her home with his key and he has an issue?!? TUH! I’d change the locks ASAP👏🏾
- CH.8: I love when friends play match maker and their effort is so appreciated🤭
- CH.9: 🌶️🥵ookkkk lol

This was a good light read. The beginning sucked me in and before I knew it, I was 60% in. After that it sadly started feeling really slow paced and I wasn’t getting into it as much I would like.

The story was great and the characters likeable.


Thank you to StormPublishing, the author and NetGalley for providing me this book!

I think this was one of the funniest books I've read in a long time, it was absolutely hilarious, and you could really understand some of the issues they were going through!

I wouldn't usually pick up a teacher inspired book, but this one sounded good so I thought I'd give it a go, and am so glad I did. Zoe meets Jack at a friend's wedding, and not long after he joins their school as a supply teacher, so they meet up again. Zoe has recently split from her cheating husband, which came out of the blue for her, and so is still adjusting to the single lifestyle again, whilst bringing up her two teenage children.

Sparks fly between Zoe and Jack, but he is a lot younger than her and she really resists the attraction at first, but soon succumbs to Jack's charms, I mean how could she resist really, he is such a lovely person. There are numerous funny parts to this story, which I don't want to ruin for anyone, including emoji confusions and juggling lifestyles and trying to hide a new relationship from the children initially.

I loved the ending too, nothing was too rushed, and you always knew/hoped they'd work everything out in the end, whilst still following their dreams.

One of the most enjoyable and funny books I think I've ever read, so if you're looking for something to make you laugh and finish the book with a big grin on your face this is the book for you! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!

The mention of Pedro Pascal? Instant win! And this book was FUNNY! I had some serious laughs burst out of my mouth.

Con of this book, the chapters are pretty long and can drag on quite a bit.

The way how Zoe and Jack met is just well… fortunate? Aftermath of the meeting, chicken shop date at Nando's. They are adorable. It's a younger man falls for an older woman kind of story. They are both teachers at the same school.
I think he fell first. Pretty hard too. She wouldn't admit it for the longest time. But hey, she finally gave in and sparks flew all over!

Problem is, Zoe overthinks the whole thing. To the extreme! And doubts all her decisions on whether or not it is such a great idea to do such a thing (dating a younger man that is)… but in the end, the heart wants what the heart wants. And they both agreed at some point that they click really well. But Zoe being Zoe, her brain took the best of her and she blew the whole thing off. In fact, Jack was going to run for it. To the other side of the planet. But before he could truly disappear, Zoe surprises him at the airport (cute).

In the end it is a happy ever after kind of story that made me swoon and giggle every so often. Sweet but long enjoyable read if I'd say so myself.

Textbook romance is an age gap romance. Zoe is 40 and just found out her husband cheated on her with her “friend “. Jack is a almost 30 year old who likes Zoe Can this relationship go anywhere except great sex

⭐️⭐️⭐️
After Zoe finds out her husband has cheated on her, she decides put all of her focus on her job (teaching) and her teenage children. However when the next school year begins she meets Jack; a handsome, younger man that she had encountered the summer before. Sparks fly, but Zoe is unsure of how to feel about the situation. She’s older than Jack and hasn’t had a ‘date’ in a very long time. I enjoyed the last half of the book, but the beginning seemed to moved pretty slow. I also wish there would have been at least one more chapter at the end to ‘wrap things up’ (more so than the author currently did). All in all it gave a sweet rom/com vibes.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC. #booksbyashleynicole

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was my first Kristen Bailey book and i will definitely be reading more. The book was perfect for a Sunday afternoon read and overall I would recommend!

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3,5 ✨

This book is a delightful yet complex read that offers a unique blend of humor, warmth, and emotional depth. Although I have mixed feelings about certain aspects of the book, I can confidently say I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The story kicks off with a heart-wrenching premise: Zoe, our protagonist, is blindsided when her husband cheats on her with one of her best friends. Now 44, Zoe is left grappling with the notion of falling in love again, particularly when she meets Jack, a man 14 years her junior. The age gap initially seemed like it might be a significant hurdle, but Jack's maturity quickly alleviated my concerns. His character is written with such depth and understanding that the age difference becomes almost irrelevant.

One of the standout elements of the book is Zoe's relationship with her children. Their interactions are heartwarming and genuine, showcasing smart-minded kids who navigate life with a blend of innocence and wisdom that is truly refreshing.

Jack, on the other hand, is the epitome of the perfect male protagonist. His sweetness, care, and respect towards Zoe, despite all her baggage, make him incredibly endearing. His role in helping Zoe heal and find love again is portrayed with tenderness and authenticity, making their romance a joy to read.

From a linguistic perspective, the writing is straightforward and accessible, making it an excellent choice for non-native English speakers. The innuendos scattered throughout the book add a layer of fun and learning, enriching the reading experience.

Despite the many positives, I did have a few reservations. The insta-attraction between Zoe and Jack felt somewhat off, especially given their coworker relationship, significant age gap, and Zoe's heavy emotional baggage. I imagined their connection would develop more gradually, but the swift onset of their romance seemed a bit unrealistic.

The supporting characters were all well-crafted and likable, with the obvious exceptions of the ex-husband and ex-friend. Discovering that there's a previous book about Mia and Ed, Jack and Zoe's friends, was a pleasant surprise. While "Textbook Romance" stands alone perfectly, I am now eager to dive into their story as well.

The ending was beautifully wholesome. It was four in the morning and I was bawling. However, the third act breakup, driven by miscommunication, felt somewhat forced and clichéd. Miscommunication as a plot device often frustrates me, and it did detract slightly from the overall satisfaction of the narrative.

In conclusion, "Textbook Romance" is a charming and heartfelt novel that navigates complex themes with humor and grace. Despite a few minor flaws, it's a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

If you're looking for a light yet emotionally engaging read, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really cute read! I liked seeing characters from Bailey's other books again. And seeing their friends stories unfold.
I liked the chemistry between the characters and the new beginnings they work through together.
A really fun, rom-com!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Hey there, book lovers! If you're in the mood for a rom-com that's equal parts heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny, Kristen Bailey's "Textbook Romance" is the perfect read to add to your bookshelf. This gem of a novel is a delightful dive into the chaotic yet charming world of romance, academia, and the messy bits of life in between.

"Textbook Romance" centers around Clodagh, a quirky, intelligent teacher whose life is anything but ordinary. From her comically disastrous dating life to her heartfelt interactions with students, Clodagh's journey is relatable and endearing. Bailey does an exceptional job of creating a protagonist who is both flawed and fiercely lovable.

Supporting characters add layers of depth and hilarity to the story. There's Eddie, Clodagh’s adorable yet mischievous best friend, whose antics will have you in stitches, and Ben, the charmingly awkward history professor with a mysterious past. Their dynamic and chemistry drive the narrative forward, making it hard to put the book down.

Kristen Bailey's writing is a breath of fresh air. Her knack for witty dialogue and humorous observations is evident throughout the book. Each chapter is like a mini-episode of a favorite sitcom, packed with moments that range from the laugh-out-loud funny to the poignantly touching. Bailey's ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments makes "Textbook Romance" a standout in the romantic comedy genre.

At its core, "Textbook Romance" is about the unpredictability of love and life. It explores themes of self-discovery, the importance of friendship, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Clodagh’s journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best things in life come when you least expect them.

If you're a fan of novels that blend humor with heart, "Textbook Romance" is a must-read. Kristen Bailey’s unique voice and relatable characters make this book a joy from start to finish. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted escape or a story that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, "Textbook Romance" delivers on all fronts.

"Textbook Romance" is a delightful addition to the rom-com genre. Kristen Bailey has crafted a story that is both entertaining and meaningful, filled with characters who feel like friends. So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of your favorite tea, and settle in for a read that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the magic of unexpected romance.

When Jack turns up at her school, newly recruited as a supply teacher, she can’t ignore the intense effect he has on her when their paths cross in the corridors. But Zoe is still reeling from her husband's recent jaw-dropping betrayal and adjusting to life as a single mum to two teenage kids. She's not sure if she's ready to open her heart to a fling with a younger man.

As Zoe and Jack's connection grows deeper, their undeniable chemistry and Jack's steadfast support help Zoe rediscover the good things in life: her love of a good dance, the soothing power of takeout, the secret thrill of receiving a well-timed chicken emoji and the wonder of multiple orgasms. But with complicated family dynamics and co-parenting with her ex to manage, a sizeable age gap, and Jack's uncertainties about his future to factor in, she’s about to find out that love isn’t always a simple equation.

Fun, easy read! I loved the chemistry between Zoe and Jack, but the thing that really hit me with these characters was how helpful and supportive Jack was. He's that perfect friend-turned-more. I enjoyed the banter between the two as well. Fun summer read!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

🌈 Age Gap
🌈 Teachers in Love
🌈 New Friends to Lovers

🌶🌶🌶 (not super spicy but not closed door either)

I really enjoyed the last book I read by this author, Five Gold Rings, so I was excited to read an advance copy of this book.

Zoe, 44, meets Jack, 29, on the night when her marriage implodes. Their friendship helps Zoe to navigate a traumatic time in her life and their relationship evolves into something more. Their relationship is bolstered by their similar sense of humour and develops because they are both hugely empathetic people.

Despite their age difference they quickly find common ground, but Zoe worries if the timing is right. The story is told from dual perspectives so the reader understands that Jack doesn't perceive the same barriers to their relationship and he is all in quite quickly.

This entire book is filled with lovely people. Ed, Mia, Beth, Jack's brother Dom and Zoe's sister Kate are all such a wonderful characters who really bring this story to life. And of course the main characters, Zoe and Jack, are the best. I love seeing characters like this find happiness.

Plus, this book is genuinely hilarious - and I am not just saying it's funny. I couldn't stop myself from guffawing, even while reading this in the quiet compartment on the train (sorry other passengers).

If you feel a little underwhelmed by the human race at the moment, I guarantee this book will provide you with an escape into a world where people really care about each other and make you think that, if you have a little courage, things will work out.

The ending doesn't tie everything up in a nice, neat bow, like you find in other contemporary romances. It's not completely satisfying but it's right for the story.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.