Nice modern romance, with heart, and fun banter. Great prose too.

The leads had good chemistry, but the realist in me can't see it actually working in the long run, which pulled me from the story.

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

At a friend’s wedding Zoe receives a life changing call and Jack, who she just met, helps her navigate the news and get home. They reconnect later when Jack takes a job at the same school Zoe teaches at and with the help of friends explore love and life changes. A romantic comedy with a nice balance of sweet and sassy.

Another great read from Kristen a fantastic totally relatable rom com full of Witt, humour and a beautifully unfolding love story!
Divorce,adultery, teenage children and altered family dynamics all feature but are offset by friendship, kindness and new beginnings giving the book a really uplifting wholesome feel to it!
Zoe recently betrayed by her husband Brian finds solace fun and ultimately love in the form of the much younger charismatic Jack, the path of true love doesn’t run smoothly for them as we follow them on their road to happiness
Lovely to have the link to Ed and Mia and follow their progress through early marriage too!
A great read that I would highly recommend
Thank you netgallley for this early read

This is such a cute love story, perfect for any fans of Beth O'Leary! I loved Zoe's journey of reselfdiscovery after her marriage breakup - the romance between her and Jack are goals.

I was engrossed from the start. This was my first read of Kristen Bailey work, but I definitely can't wait to get stuck into her others.

Zoe meets Jack at a mutual friend's wedding. They click immediately and are enjoying a good time when Zoe's life falls apart. Her husband, allegedly at a work conference in Glasgow, is spotted, by his daughter's friend, out with another woman. the first Zoe knows is when her distraught children phone her as the reception wends on. It is Jack who copes for her, delivering her home to her teenagers and the fall-out.

Four months later Jack and Zoe meet again when he takes on a supply teaching role at the school where Zoe (and the erstwhile bride and groom) is a teacher. Gradually their happy flirty friendship develops into a relationship carefully hidden from Zoe's children. The problem is a fourteen year age-gap causing Zoe to feel she might be holding Jack back from living his best life. Can there be a resolution.

Textbook Romance is funny, engaging and sometimes unexpectedly serious.

I couldn't get into this! The writing was pretty elementary and the characters were hard to connect with. DNF a 35%. Thank you for the ARC!

A little bit of spice but a whooooole lot of sugar.

Zoe and Jack meet at a mutual friends wedding- connections are made and the fizz begins. When Zoe receives devastating news, Jack is there to help. Neither think too much of the interaction until months later when the universe intervenes and they are once again thrust into each others lives.

Delightfully predictable with easy to love and root for characters.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley in providing me an ARC in return for an honest review.

4.0

I loved “Five Gold Rings”, so was excited to read an advanced copy of the new Kristin Bailey book, “Textbook Romance”. This is a much different book. As the author admits in the author’s notes at the end, the “older“ woman is a new type of character for her, though not among books coming out this spring and summer.

I loved the dynamic between Jack, 29, and Zoe, 43, and you could feel the chemistry and simbiosis. It would always be more difficult for the older woman in that type of relationship and I love the way that he stood up for her and was intuitive enough to know when something happened to upset her even if he wasn’t there at the moment. I do feel bad for him that he, more or less, gets put in a corner, or rather tucked behind the shed in the garden.

Zoe’s situation is difficult, but unfortunately not uncommon and it’s sad that she had a hard time standing up to her husband and the former friend/homewrecker. I loved Lottie and Dylan, as well as Mia and Ed. Even more so, I loved Barney and George and Jack’s rapport with Barney and George. He was right about that being the age he should teach.

This is one of those stories where they are a happy perfect couple when they are in their own bubble but that time is few and far between. As the story ramps up, you don’t know how it’s going to end and what solution would be the best best one. After all, it’s not a happy ending if one person is giving up everything.

A fun read and, I believe, more in line with Kristen Bailey’s other books than “Five Gold Rings”.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Instantly loved this book + devoured it in less than a day. Between the perfect MMC (he’s so sweet & charismatic), the funny banter, and overall warm fuzzy vibes, I was kicking my feet and smiling as I read this. Bonus points for the British slang/writing. A great summer rom-com read with a good plot, nice pacing, and really fleshed out characters.

About: After the sudden end to her marriage, Zoe explores her friendship with a man she met at her friend’s wedding. They have instant chemistry 🔥, but are navigating a 14 year age difference, new family dynamics for her kids post-divorce, and the lead learning to love herself and do what makes her happy.

- Slow burn
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- Older woman
- Dual POV
- Fade to black/ closed door with lots of innuendo (not smut but definitely adult)

I can’t believe I stumbled upon this book and will definitely be reading more by this author.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (fade to black with lots of innuendo)

Jack and Zoe happen to meet by chance at a friend's wedding. Unfortunately, it's also the night Zoe discovers that her husband is having an affair. Four months later, Zoe is navigating life as a single parent, newly separated from her cheating husband, when Jack crosses paths with her again. As an attraction builds between the two of them, Zoe tries to let go of her grief and embrace this thing that's happening with Jack. But can she really expect something long-term with a younger man who is still figuring out what to do with his life?

After loving Five Gold Rings by this author, requesting an ARC of this one was a no-brainer. While this book focused more on heavy topics like cheating, divorce, and helping your children navigate the new family dynamic, it still had humorous moments and a beautiful romance between Jack and Zoe. I actually loved watching Zoe care for her children and help them still feel loved after what her husband did. It also made sense for her to question if Jack was just being nice to her out of pity or to help her feel good. I can't imagine being in her shoes! And Jack? He was the kindest, most loving man ever! Everything he said and did was so sincere, and he genuinely wanted the best for Zoe. Her age meant nothing to him. All he saw was an amazing woman who deserved the world, and he wanted to give it to her. Now, obviously if you're sensitive to cheating, it's important to note that Zoe isn't actually divorced yet when she is with Jack, but I wasn't bothered by that. I just focused on the beautiful love story. I did learn that this author has another book about Mia and Ed, the mutual friends of Jack and Zoe, so I'll definitely be reading their story at some point and can't wait for more from Kristen Bailey!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. This book pulled me in instantly and I finished it all in one sitting. An incredible romance that was elevated so much by exploring both Zoe and Jack’s individual lives. So often, a romance relies heavily on the spice but having this be a closed door romance really allowed us to get to know the characters and fall in love with them as well. I was hooked from the beginning and after finishing it, IMMEDIATELY added this Kristen Bailey’s other works to my TBR. Fantastic

This was a great summer read. As a person working in education it’s always nice to see characters who do as well. I enjoyed this novel but I wouldn’t really sink into the characters as I had hoped I would. I know a few teacher friends I may suggest this book to. I got this book from NetGalley as an arc.

I was unfamiliar with Kristen Bailey until I read Textbook Romance, but I am delighted to say I am a fan! She has a way with contemporary romance, and I will be following her books/added her others to my TBR! I enjoyed the main couple, separate lives and their life together, through friends, etc. My only irritation was the ending - I felt it still had some unanswered questions and I really wanted a more in depth explanation for it :-)

This was a very sweet book - some good banter & I loved the 44 year old lady / 29 year old very hot man situation. The door slightly ajar level of 🌶️ felt just right too. I loved Bailey’s Xmas romcom Five Gold Rings and will definitely be reading more books by her!

(3.5 rounded up)

"Textbook Romance" by Kristen Bailey is a delightful, heartwarming novel that showcases just how unpredictable love can be, much like trying to find the square root of sixty-nine. Zoe Swift, a math teacher who thrives on order and routine, meets the witty and charming Jack Damon at a friend’s wedding. Their immediate connection is undeniable. Unexpectedly, Jack becomes a regular presence in Zoe’s life when he starts working as a substitute teacher at her school, throwing her well-organized world into chaos! Zoe is still grappling with the betrayal of her husband and is learning to navigate life as a single mom. She's reluctant to embrace the emotions Jack awakens in her. The age difference, her responsibilities, and Jack's own uncertainty about his future make their relationship a complicated puzzle they're not sure how to piece together. Despite these challenges, their chemistry is palpable, and Jack’s steadfast support helps Zoe rediscover life’s pleasures, from dancing to the joy of a perfectly-timed chicken emoji. Kristen Bailey’s writing is refreshing and full of humor, wit, and a deep understanding of human feelings.
The characters are richly drawn, and the setting is so vividly depicted that you can almost feel the energy of the staff room and the tension in the school corridors. This novel excels in portraying character development, demonstrating how love can heal and change us, even under the most unexpected circumstances. What makes "Textbook Romance" stand out is its unique approach to romance. It's a "closed-door" story, focusing on the emotional and intellectual bond between Zoe and Jack rather than relying on physical intimacy to propel the narrative. This perspective allows readers to truly appreciate the depth of their relationship and the selflessness of their actions.
Bailey’s portrayal of love as a complex equation, incorporating factors like family dynamics, co-parenting, and personal growth, adds depth to the story. It’s a reminder that while love may be complicated, it’s always worth the effort. "Textbook Romance" is a charming and thoughtful novel that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Zoe and Jack's unconventional love story.

Thank you to The Publisher Storm Publishing, The Author Kristen Bailey, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I think this might be my first age gap book I’m read since I started back in reading. It felt Hallmarky (nothing wrong with it) but a very cute read!

4.5 ⭐️! I may round up my rating after sitting on it as I really enjoyed this one but I’m very picky with my 5⭐️ reviews.

This was a delightful contemporary romance! I am so thankful to have gotten the eARC for free from Netgalley and Storm Publishing so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.

The book was down to earth and while it was an easy Hallmark-esque type of story as far as tropes, it had some meat to it and felt very natural.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zoe and Jack unfold as while there was definite physical attraction, the author let the audience see why they were such good people rather than falling back on looks or “just because” which happens so frequently in these type of books.

I also loved seeing the features of a great teacher and that Zoe’s students recognized her skills. Lastly, and without spoilers, I liked that it wasn’t tied up in a nice little bow at the end. It left room for a sequel (which I really hope there is) but it could be ended where it was too.

You also get to revisit her characters Ed and Mia from the authors book called Sex Ed published in July 2023.

This book gets published on July 24th 2024 so put it on your TBT for a perfect summer read!


My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Textbook Romance has Jack and maths teacher Zoe meeting at the wedding of Mia and Edward from the previous wonderful book Educating Ed.
Jack and Zoe hit it off straight away enjoying each other’s company and sense of humour. When Zoe receives a devastating phone call from her son and daughter telling her they’ve found out their father is having an affair with one of Zoe’s friends. Devastated Jack helps her home and doesn’t meet her again until some months later when he is employed as a supply teacher at the same school teachers Ed, Mia and Zoe work.
The spark that started at the wedding becomes stronger and although 14+ years older than Jack she can’t help her strong feelings for him and he makes it obvious how he feels about her.
Having to navigate the trauma of her marriage breakdown and deal with its effect on her son and daughter she has many confusing emotions.
This is an absolutely lovely story with wonderful lead characters and the usual really funny scenes that add much to this tale.
These are two lovely characters that you become really invested in wanting the best for them. I would of liked a longer epilogue but only because I didn’t want the book to end.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

This was my first @kristenbaileywrites novel and it was a great first book to read.
When Zoe’s husband’s betrayal comes to light while she is out at a wedding, it’s Jack, the nice young (and handsome), man she just met that helps get her home. When Jack turns up as the new supply teacher where Zoe teaches, sparks fly. Still feeling off balance from her former life coming apart, she isn’t sure she is ready for a fling with a younger man.
This was a sweet romance and a great finding yourself novel. Zoe really had the rug pulled out from under her and Jack does such a great job helping her feel secure again. If you need a happy book with a great heart this is one for you. Look for it July 29 2024. Thank you to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for letting me review #textbookromance in exchange for getting to read it a little early.
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Locker leichte Romcom mit gutem Humor, witzigen Dialogen und solider Handlung, die man so und so ähnlich natürlich schon aus ähnlichen Büchern kennt. Aber ganz nett für zwischendurch und unterhaltsam alle mal 👍🏻