"We grieve those lives we'll never have with people we once loved."

"And I really loved putting my hands on your lower back and feeling the waves of your hips, the movement over me...being inside you...feeling you tighten over me...I love all of it, all of you."

The above quotes are just a small sample of the variety of raw emotions that are thoroughly felt throughout the winning Textbook Romance by renowned RomCom author Kristen Bailey.

Zoe, 44, meets Jack, 29, on one of the worst days of her life. At a mutual friend's wedding she gets a call and photo proving her husband's affair with a close friend. Zoe's shocked and Jack quickly takes control and quietly brings her home.

A few months later they reconnect when he starts teaching at the same school. Through flirty banter, hilarious misconstrued emoji texts, and side eye glances it's getting harder to ignore the attraction.

"...sometimes it's hard to ignore a spark. Sometimes there's a person who shines so brightly in the corner of your eye that your attention keeps moving towards them."

As Zoe navigates an obliviously insensitive ex husband, society's frown on older women with younger men, and her own fragility as a wife and mom, Jack not only falls in love with her but loves her through it.

Reading and listening to Zoe and Jack's love journey voice actress Abigail Hardiman built up Zoe's journey with her cadence getting stronger as she overcame her heartaches. Dual narrators would have enhanced the audiobook to better distinguish Zoe and Jack.

This love story really is a textbook for how to write an enjoyable RomCom. It's first person dual POVs, it has heart, emotions, sexy encounters and leaves you with a smile.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a cute love story that pulled at my heart strings. The connection Jack and Zoe had was apparent since they met at the wedding. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this ARC

Thank you NetGalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm Publishing for the adverted readers copy.

This is a fun rom com filled with laughs, many emotions and fantastic characters.

Zoe is dealing with a big life change and is doing her best raising her kids. Jack is so kind, patience and a good person!

Jack and Zoe are both ready for a fresh start…they come into each other’s life at the perfect time. Love their banter, passion and their HEA.

A simply divine read. Jack and Zoe are well written characters and utterly believable. The love story was simply beautiful and warmed my heart whilst wrapped up listening to he rain beating at my windows. I'll be looking out for more of Kristen's books

Zoe met Jack at a wedding. They chatted, they had fun. And then she got devastating news. He got her home to her kids.

Later, she meets him at her school. He's a new substitute teacher and she's an experienced pro. She's now separated and going through a divorce. He's much younger, 14+ years. Although they were attracted to each other, she was determined to keep her distance. Until some friends contrived to get them together.

This is a great love story, sexy, but not explicit. Funny, sweet, and the reader is rooting for them. The ending is not what you might expect.

The book takes place in England so there are some words and phrases that might not be familiar to the American reader, but it won't affect your enjoyment of the book.

Strangely, I read two books back to back that had remarkably similar covers and themes (and locations). While one was MM, this one was MF but in the end, the general feel of the stories were the same. Love and betrayal and trying to figure out who you are and who you are meant to be with this "new" life you are dealt. Zoe is dealt a tough hand when her husband of 20 years decides that he is in love with someone else. Jack is the charismatic, younger man who is there to see her fall apart and do his darndest to put her back together. Zoe must now learn who she is without her husband, who her children are in this new reality and how to love herself enough to allow someone else to care about and for her. It was a nice, flowing story about things that happen to people in real life all the time and how one woman learned to overcome her pain.

Sex Ed by the same author was my favourite book of 2023. So it’s no surprise that I snatched Textbook Romance on #netgalley as soon as I saw it. I got both ebook and audiobook. I loved the narration but just had to have the text with me because I highlighted like 30% the book 😅

Textbook Romance is a story of a newly divorced Zoe and Jack — a (much) younger substitute teacher at the school where Zoe works. Jack and Zoe meet at the wedding of their mutual friends (and my favourite people in the fictional universe iykyk), and Jack happens to witness the exact moment when Zoe’s marriage collapses. He offers his help and support to Zoe and her kids, and from there, their relationship grows to adorable friendship and then to something more, effortlessly and beautifully.

The author somehow managed to make Jack perfect and flawed at the same time — I don’t know how, but I’m convinced he’s a real person. He’s compassionate with everyone in his life, he falls in love with Zoe easily and doesn’t see their age gap or her family as obstacles. I loved that in a lot of situations it was Zoe taking that first step, and not just Jack relentlessly pursuing her. He gave her time and space and gave her all his attention when she needed it 🫠 When he genuinely wondered whether Zoe will let him be a part of the family because he’d really like that, I almost cried.

There’s this effortless charm that comes with Kristen’s writing, I truly couldn’t wait to go to/from work so I’d get an hour of uninterrupted listening. I spent my whole commute time with a silly smile on my face 😊😊

I am especially grateful for the gift that is Ed — to see him play a significant part in this story was an unexpected delight. And Mia with her no-nonsense s3x advice has become the official sponsor of my crows feet 🤣🤣

I would also greatly appreciate a happy ending for Dom and the twins sometime in the future books please and thank you. They deserve the world 💔

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️ (not as explicit but very effective, for me 🤭)
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Amazing! I loved Zoe and Jack, and seeing Ed and Mia again was the icing on the cake!

From the very start I was enthralled by the characters of Zoe and Jack, from when they first meet and their conversation warned my geeky heart. The personalities of these two characters are great. Zoe’s world gets turned upside down very quickly and I loved how Jack felt protective of her even before he really knew her. There is a nice gap, time wise from that moment until Zoe and Jack meet again, time for Zoe’s circumstances to change.

Seeing Jack and Zoe developing a friendship and sharing banter was great, and seeing how they both tried to ignore their feelings. Mia was quite good in instigating them together and I loved how Ed went along with it (when he knew it was happening) even if he wasn’t entirely comfortable with it and his apologies were so great as you knew he truly wanted what was best for these two.

A story about a divorcing couple with teenage kids may not seem like a laugh a minute read, and honestly I think it portrayed a lot of it very accurately with real teenaged responses. There were times when I really enjoyed the Brian bashing and couldn’t believe how narrow sighted he could be when it came to his kids.

They slow meandering relationship of Zoe and Jack was beautiful and you could really see her happiness shining through, and when later in the story her son Dylan says he suspected about Jack because of how happy she had been and actually encouraged her to chase after him and her happy ending was beautiful and I may have shed a tear or two. The age gap wasn’t an issue for me, Jack is very mature, and as his backstory is uncovered we know why.

I really liked the ending, it wasn’t one person giving up a dream to be with another, it was two people living their best lives, together and I really hope we get to see them again navigating the next step in their relationship.

Textbook Romance by Kristen Bailey delivers an almost impossible but irresistible combination of witty, swoony, heartaching and right kind of spicy. It's so refreshing to read about a mature FMC with real issues and complications who finds love with a younger but no less wise MMC. It was sometimes hilarious and entertaining. It was sometimes deep and heartbreaking. It was sometimes unexpected pure chemistry. Zoe and Jack isn't a match you see everyday but this book will make you wish to see more of them.

Zoe and Jack meet for the first time mutual friends' wedding where Zoe gets the devastating news from her 13 year old girl that her husband is cheating on her with her best friend. Jack was a surprise supportive friend that night. They meet again when Jack takes the job of sub teacher in the school where she is a Maths teacher. Zoe is in a lot of mess. Her girl and 15 year old boy are refusing to give any chance to their cheating father. She is angry and bitter and grieving..overall surviving. Jack becomes a source of unconditional friendship but they also have this attraction. It's slowly builds up but can Zoe start a new relationship with someone like Jack?

The fourteen year age gap didn't really feel big because Jack is mature beyond his age. He may not have a stable job or never had a stable relationship. But he is the kind of selfless and caring guy who left his college and upcoming bright career in Botany to take care of his nephew and brother after sudden death of his sister in law. He loves openly and without any judgment. He is charming and witty and definitely sexy. He doesn't feel pity for Zoe. While she is often in self deprecating mode, Jack only sees a brilliant woman with the biggest heart. Their banter was everything. Zoe found herself a lot lighter and looked at herself fresh through Jack's eyes. They had a unique friendship. Jack made her laugh in saddest days. He also understood her kids are the most important thing for her.. because family is everything to him too. Jack definitely has charisma and you will easily fall for him.The most adorable part of the book is Jack and Zoe's friend circle. They were so supportive and enthusiastic and even...meddling so sweetly. It ended with an amazing happily ever after. It's the kind of book that makes you laugh and swoon but also keep you riveted with deep feelings. Zoe is a strong FMC who overcame the challenges on her own but Jack was definitely there for her..at every step.

Ps reading British authors' books is always a different kind of experience.

This might be my favorite age gap novel, and it could be because it's a reversed one. I loved that the FMC was older than the MMC. I loved how sweet and attentive Jack was to Zoe; how he truly listened to her and valued her, showing her all that she was worth. I loved seeing Zoe come out of her shell, but also how reserved she was, given her current circumstances.

This story has depth and growing pains and hilarious moments.

Thank you, NetGalley, for my eARC.

Kristen Bailey’s Textbook Romance is a delightful and heartfelt contemporary romance that successfully blends humor, emotional depth, and charming characters into a compelling read. With a clever premise and relatable themes, this novel is a refreshing take on love and second chances.

Plot Overview:
Zoe Swift, a dedicated math teacher, finds her world turned upside down when she meets the irresistibly charming Jack Damon at a friend's wedding. Jack’s wit and charisma are impossible to ignore, and the chemistry between them is palpable. When Jack later joins Zoe’s school as a supply teacher, their interactions become more frequent, and their connection deepens. Despite Zoe's fresh wounds from her husband’s betrayal and her demanding role as a single mother to two teenagers, the attraction between her and Jack becomes undeniable.

As their relationship grows, Zoe is encouraged by Jack's unwavering support to rediscover life's simple pleasures, from dancing and takeout to the joy of receiving a perfectly timed chicken emoji. However, the road to romance is far from smooth. Zoe must navigate complicated family dynamics, co-parenting with her ex, and the age gap between her and Jack, all while Jack contemplates his future.

What Works:

Chemistry and Humor: Bailey excels in creating a vibrant and engaging romance between Zoe and Jack. Their witty banter and palpable chemistry make their scenes together a highlight of the novel. Jack’s humor and charm add a refreshing lightness to Zoe’s life, balancing the more serious themes of the story.
Relatable Protagonist: Zoe is a well-drawn character dealing with realistic challenges. Her journey from heartbreak to the possibility of new love is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. Her struggles with adjusting to single motherhood and the emotional aftermath of her husband's betrayal make her a relatable and sympathetic heroine.
Heartfelt Moments: The novel shines in its depiction of life’s simple joys and the small yet significant ways that love can make a difference. Whether it's the thrill of a well-timed text or the comfort of a favorite meal, Bailey captures the essence of finding happiness in the everyday.
Complex Relationships: The story does an admirable job of addressing the complexities of Zoe’s life, including her complicated relationship with her ex and the impact of the age gap with Jack. These elements add depth and realism to the narrative, making Zoe’s journey to finding love feel genuine and earned.
What Could Be Improved:

Predictability: While the romance is engaging and well-executed, the plot does follow some familiar tropes of the genre. For seasoned readers of romance, certain aspects of the storyline might feel a bit predictable.
Conclusion:
Textbook Romance is a captivating read that skillfully combines humor, emotional depth, and endearing characters. Kristen Bailey has crafted a story that not only explores the complexities of modern love but also celebrates the joys of finding connection and happiness in unexpected places. With its charming protagonists and heartfelt moments, this novel earns a solid four stars. It’s a perfect choice for readers looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of realism.

If you’re ready to be swept off your feet by a far-from-textbook romance, grab a copy of Textbook Romance and let Zoe and Jack’s story enchant you.

I quite enjoyed this romance. I thought the writing was witty (I laughed out loud maybe 10 times), and the characters were endearing (and sympathetically written). In truth, not a whole lot happens, but I was OK with this. I smiled numerous times during, and I felt good after I finished.

Mission accomplished.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.

What I loved most about this book was that the FMC was in her 40s. I'm so tired of romantic fiction with FMCs in their 20s. This story dives into healing after divorce and while you could say it ends with a HEA, it's not a clean wrap-up like I'm used to reading. It seems like a more realistic story of learning to love yourself and open yourself to new opportunities. Overall, it was a nice read but a little slow for what I prefer to read. There were a few typos but nothing that affected the reading experience.

I absolutely loved this adorable book! The characters are great, the development of the story is wonderful, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!

And she did it again! I’ve been lucky enough to have been reading Kristen’s books for several years. I read my first one during the COVID lockdown and discovering her and her books was one of the few good things I got out of that. Since then I’ve anxiously waited each new release cause her stories are the perfect antidote for any kind of problem, setback or malaise you may be suffering. Even if you’re feeling great, after reading one of her books you’ll feel even better, thanks to heartwarming and witty plots inhabited by characters so full of heart you’ll want them to be your friends (even though they only exist on paper).

Maths teacher Zoe meets Jack at her friend’s wedding, and sparks fly between them, but a call from her daughter will dynamite her whole world. Still reeling from her husband’s recent betrayal, she’ll meet Jack again when he turns up at her school recruited as a supply teacher. As their connection grows deeper, she’ll rediscover herself, but her complicated family situation and the age gap between them will threaten to derail this new chance on romance.

Kristen’s stories are always a good mix of romance and comedy, but this time around, maybe because some of the themes it deals with are a bit heavier (cheating, divorce, how hard can it for children, etc.), I found it relied more on the romance than the comedy, and it was equally as good (don’t worry, you have a good dose of puns and double entendres too!). Textbook Romance is at its core a story about healing, in this case after a heartbreak, but I think the lessons you can take from here are also useful after any kind of situation in which your world is turned upside down. You just gotta stop for a minute and put yourself first (selfish as it may seem) and think about what you really want and/or need without any outside interference.

Zoe, a woman in her forties, has been putting her husband and her kids’ interests first for years, to the point of forgetting a little bit who she really is. She has been looking after everyone but herself so, when presented with a new chance in love, first thing she believes is she’s not worthy of it. As always, the f***ing guilt! I loved how she was able to slowly rebuild trust in people and in herself, not paying attention to social expectations and managing to see beyond a number. Because age is just a number, and when you feel is right, it is right, no matter the age gap or whatever society has to say about it.

Jack may be youngish, but he was the most loving, kindest and respectful man ever (that scumbag Brian could learn a thing or two), and from their very first interaction at the wedding you could feel he only wanted the best for Zoe, no hidden agenda at all. I loved how their relationship unfolded in a pretty organic way, with lots of flirtation and witty banter, but nothing of that insta-love that feels so forced sometimes. And also, in true Bailey form, it had the perfect dose of spicy (and remember, emojis are charged by the devil 😈 ).

One of the things I like the most about Kristen’s books is how all of them live in the same world, with some old well kwown faces popping up every now and then. Ed and Mia from Sex Ed, have an important role in the story, but we’ll also meet back Beth, from the Callaghan sisters series. I like how this has allowed me to develop some long term relationship with Kristen’s characters. You may not see each other often, but when you do is always great fun.

The ensemble of supporting characters made a very tight group and, once again, I fell in love with most of them (not you, Brian), but my favorite was, hands down, Lottie, Zoe’s daughter. She clearly knows what she wants and how she feels and she’s not afraid to express it at all. You go, girl!

When reading a rom-com usually you can guess how it is ending right from the start, but the ending here was not what you could expect of this type of story, and I liked how Kristen chose not to go with the happy ending tied with a bow, but with a more realistic one.

Textbook Romance is an engaging, funny and more mature romance filled with amazing characters, great chemistry and a 🐓. The best textbook to study this summer!

Thanks to NetGalley and stormbooks_co for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review, and to Kristen Bailey for letting me kick off the launch party once again! 🎉😄

3,5 ⭐️

I enjoyed reading this book and read it in two sittings. The story was fastpaced and I liked the character development and the setting. At some point the story was a bit slow but it all turned well. I would’ve love to see how it all turned out for Jack and Zoe. It’s the perfect book if you’re looking for an easy/quick read with a heartwarming ending.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.

Never quite sure what to do with a romance that starts with a MC that's married but this book had it all as it follows two characters that meet at a wedding of mutual friends and how these MCs kept being pulled together despite circumstances, age differences, families, and other factors. This book was super cute the way it all came together. A really great read.

#textbookromance
#arc
#netgalley

I fell in love with Zoe and Jack. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this one. Then, before I knew it, hours had went by and I was at the end, sad to say goodbye. It's emotional, sweet, funny, and real. Highly recommend!

I DNF'd this one. I got just under halfway through it, and I couldn't relate to any of the characters. I didn't feel any chemistry between the FMC and MMC, either. I'm not sure if Romance Satire is just not for me or if this one title fell flat.

Zoe Swift meets friendly Jack Damon at their mutual friend’s wedding, there seems to be a connection. Not to mention, Zoe receiving the news that her husband is cheating at said wedding. Jack, ever the chivalrous gentleman, sees her home safely.

Their paths cross again when Jack is a substitute teacher at Zoe’s school, and the sparks are undeniable. Their age difference is significant - she’s 43 with two teen children, and he’s 29, sharing a house with bachelors. Can Zoe allow her heart to open up and explore this relationship? A bit on the predictable side, this was still an enjoyable story. I really liked the dynamics of the friendships as well as the relationships Zoe has with her kids. I could have used a bit more from Kate, her sister, and Mia - a mutual friend and teacher. Both are quite funny and bold.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for the eARC.