4 1/2 stars

I think Kristen Bailey is very under-rated. I've read several of her books and have enjoyed them all. She's able to write characters with depth and storylines that haven't been overdone. There is a feeling of originality and freshness to her books.

Textbook Romance was an age gap with a different twist. Zoe and Jack meet at a wedding on a night that is one of Zoe's worst. When she sees him again the next time, it's when he starts working for her school as a supply teacher. From there, their friendship blossoms into more. But their worlds are different. Zoe is a newly single mom who is trying to balance raising her two children in a world that has been turned upside down. Meanwhile, Jack is younger and trying to decide what his next step in life will be. But they have one important thing in common - - they fall in love.

I would have liked a little more solid ending - - although I can also appreciate the way the author chose to end it.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: As always with this author's books, I found the audiobook for Textbook Romance to be quite good. The narration really helped me feel pulled into the story. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to them and review them and the opinions contained within are my own.

Oh i LOVED this book!

Fabulous banter, and not just the MC's, the kids get in on it too! Without any spoilers, its got an act 1 break up, a wedding, a meet cute, and then they MC's meet again at the end of the summer when they end up teaching at the same school.

Its wholesome, fun, and has the ups and downs of navigating the post separation world of Zoe and her ex as they co parent their kids and as Zoe gets to know Jack, who has attracted more than just her attention!

Really fun read,

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC!

Unfortunately, this book was quite a disappointment. The plot was stagnant, and the writing was less than enjoyable, with some bad jokes and lines. The characters and their relationships felt underdeveloped, not just the main couple but also the side characters. In terms of plot, it felt like there was no climax or tension. A lot of the book's tension was built on what a certain someone's reaction would be; however, we never get to read their response, and it never happens. It gets abandoned, and instead, we get a 3rd act breakup and a rushed ending.

Bailey just has a great way of writing romance that’s easy and fun! The characters felt a little older than the typical romance which was refreshing! There’s stream but also a really genuine storyline that melts your heart.

The cover immediately caught my eye, and thankfully, the story lived up to it! This romcom is both hilarious and touching, with characters that feel genuine and lovable. Zoe’s journey is so relatable, and after all she’s endured, you just want her to find happiness. Jack is everything she deserves—thoughtful, devoted to his family, and wholeheartedly captivated by her. Their witty back-and-forth and slow-burn connection kept me fully engaged. It felt right that Zoe didn’t instantly fall for him, given her recent upheaval, but the warmth and spark between them are undeniable. Eventually, they’re both head over heels, and it’s so satisfying to see. I especially loved that the ending wasn’t a typical HEA but felt honest and true to their story. I’m hoping for more updates on these two in the future, just like we had for Mia and Ed from *Sex Ed* in this book. I’d be thrilled to see where their story goes next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I enjoyed this book; it was cute and witty and the relationship between Zoe and Jack was endearing. I appreciated how the story evolved naturally even though it wasn't a typical love story. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

We follow Zoe Swift who is at a wedding of her two teacher work colleagues. Her husband can't make it, but she finds herself having a good time and meets a younger man named Jack Damon. But Zoe gets terrible news that throws her and causes her whole world and the world of her two kids to be turned upside down. Several months later when school starts, she is shocked to meet the new sub teacher, Jack.

Zoe and Jack have great chemistry. I can see why Zoe is heart broken about her life, but still finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to Jack. And Jack, his story is great. I got it, and liked him and got his whole backstory and loved his protectiveness of Zoe. And there are some very real reasons why the two of them don't want to get together, but can't resist. The love scenes were great!

Y'all, this was just such a wonderful story. Zoe and Jack meet at a wedding - They have some delightful witty banter, and then Zoe's life falls apart. Jack is there to help, but she has to focus her energy on her family. Their connection is lost, and then, AND THEN, Jack is a new teacher at Zoe's school. Zoe is now navigating a divorce and the feelings of her two teenage kiddos, but also, that connection with Jack is still strong. The way this relationship is just so darn delightful. I loved the humor that this story was written with, but it also had a lot of real feels related to romance, self-doubt, and family. This was a gem of a read, and thanks to NetGalley for the look at this July 2024 release!

Zoe is attending the wedding of friends and meets Jack who she immediately clicks with. While talking she gets the news that her husband has cheated on her and leaves in a hurry. Months on she sees Jack again as a substitute teacher at her school. Something a bit different with an age gap and older female character but I would have classed this more as a light comedy/personal growth story rather than a romance. If you look at it that way it reads much better. The characters are likeable and if you have read other books by Kristen Bailey you get to see some of the characters again. I loved the age gap and the way they interacted but the romance felt forced rather than swoony. I recommend this story to those who like to see older women getting their happily ever after and overcoming divorce. Also a good one for teachers!

I voluntarily read an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine.

A very enjoyable and cute romance, with likeable characters! i loved the character development and how someone can gain their faith and trust in others again after a betrayal.

3.5-Stars

Textbook Romance is a heartfelt and humorous journey about second chances and finding love in unexpected places. Zoe Swift, a single mom and math teacher, isn’t looking for romance after her husband’s betrayal. But when she meets the charming and younger Jack Damon, sparks fly, and their undeniable chemistry leaves Zoe questioning whether she’s ready to give love another shot.

Kristen Bailey does a great job balancing humor with the more serious aspects of healing and co-parenting. Zoe’s struggles feel real, and her witty inner monologue keeps things light. Jack is sweet and supportive, but the age gap and their personal baggage add layers of complexity to their relationship.

While the story is filled with fun, the pacing can feel slow at times, and some conflicts resolve a bit too easily. Overall, though, Textbook Romance delivers a feel-good read about life, love, and rediscovering joy, perfect for fans of rom-coms with a little heartache and a lot of laughs.

A romance between two teachers, this is a sweet story, sans the level of steam that every romance book tends to have these days. The teachers in question, one with two teen kids and just coming out of a divorce, and the other just finding his feet, hit it off and then go on to contend with questions and feelings they never thought they would be contending with. I enjoyed this very much!

Thank you to Netgalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A very nice and engaging story with age gap trope (she is older than him), a lot of british humour and loveable characters.

The dynamics between Zoe and Jack were fun to read. Their silly flirting and compassionate nature brought the best out of them. I loved how nothing was too dramatic and the desicions the characters took were practical and sensible.

This does not get 5 stars however because of the writing style. Maybe since this was an ARC I found quite a few grammatical mistakes, but I hope this is rectified in the published version.

Otherwise, it is a great book to read.

While I found this book slower than I’d hoped, I still enjoyed my time reading it.

The plot is intriguing, but the characters felt somewhat one-dimensional. The chemistry between Jack and Zoe was lacking, and the early flirtation came off as forced, especially with the "insta-love" dynamic at play. While that initially hindered their connection, it became less noticeable as the story progressed. Surprisingly, the third-act breakup, which I usually dislike, made sense for these characters and their journey.

I was initially drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover art, and fortunately, it didn’t disappoint. It’s funny, emotional, and filled with everything I love in a good romcom. Zoe is relatable, having gone through so much that you can’t help but root for her. Jack, on the other hand, is sweet, caring, and an amazing brother and uncle. He genuinely wants to do right by Zoe, who has swept him off his feet. Their banter and flirtation build slowly, which feels right given Zoe’s recent upheaval. It wouldn’t have been realistic for her to fall into his arms immediately, but the heat and affection between them eventually become palpable, and soon they’re head over heels for each other.

I especially loved that the ending wasn’t the typical "happily ever after" most authors would go for. It felt real and authentic to their situation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

Rating: 3.5 stars

I found this book to be slower than I would have liked, but I did enjoy my time reading.

While I found the plot of this book so intriguing, I found the characters to be fairly one-note. There was little to no chemistry between Jack and Zoe, and the flirting felt a bit forced, especially early on. There was quite a bit of insta-love going on, which I think worked against them initially, but didn’t affect much as the book progressed. I am normally very against a 3rd act breakup, but this is probably one of the few situations where it really made sense for the characters.

I will totally admit to being drawn into this book by the cover art but the book did not disappoint. It is funny and emotional and filled with all the things I love in a romcom book! Zoe is relatable and has been through so much that you just want something good for her and Jack definitely fits that bill. He is sweet, such an amazing brother and uncle, and just wants to do right by this woman that has swept him off his feet. I really enjoyed their banter and the flirtation and how it builds slowly. Zoe has recently had her life upended so it wouldn't have felt realistic for her to just fall into this guy's arms right after. The heat and affection between them in palpable though and before too long they are both pretty head over heels for each other. I did really love that the ending wasn't the HEA most authors would have gone for. It felt real and more authentic to their situation. I am hoping in a future book to get an update like we did for Mia and Ed from Sex Ed throughout this book. I know I would definitely be in for more with these characters and find out what happens next!

I received a digital reader copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

A sweet romance with a touch of self discovery and a beautiful ending
It’s a slow burn romance with charming characters that will steal your heart
Follow Jack and Zoe as they learn to love and trust again
Thanks @kristenbaileywrites @stormbooks @netgalley for the sweet romantic read

older woman younger man after finding out her husband cheated and jack witness her epic failure and then see him again and working together Zoe has an attraction to him. its a right person wrong time and different path in there life. Zoe navigating life with her kids and Jack living his life after putting on hold because he was helping his brother after his wife dead.

This book was incredibly sweet. I loved that Zoe’s motherhood was such a huge part of her, while not being seen as “baggage”. I really enjoyed the connection between Zoe and Jack. I was rooting for them from the beginning. If you want a book that will hit you in the feels (especially if your a mom), then this should be at the top of your list.

Thank you to the publishers, and NetGalley, for providing me with a feee copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I´ve enjoyed Kristen Bailey´s writing before (Five Gold Rings - 4 stars), so I was super excited to start this.
Age gap isn´t something I normaly read - and those where the woman is older are rare in generall - so I was blown away with how much joy this gave me.
I loved the budding relationship of the two MC. I loved the friendship that they form in the beginning and the fact that the age gap isn´t really an issue at all.
I just know that Bailey will become an auto-buy author for me.
Highly recommend!