This was an okay read, but it didn’t capture my attention as I had hoped it would. The plot was uneventful and there was very little character growth throughout.

I couldn’t connect with the characters at all, they were too underdeveloped for me to form any connection to them.

It was a very dialogue heavy book, the majority of which felt forced to me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

A super lighthearted and romantic read!
 
All of the characters were so easy to love! Especially Zoe and Jack; they were so easy to root for, and I adored following along on their love story.
 
While this had me laughing out loud a whole bunch, it also was like a sucker punch emotionally at times.
 
Zoe went through so much that I just wanted to give her the biggest hug. She is a character to look up to, though, with how she handled everything with grace for her children.
 
This was a fun and emotional read for me; I loved it from the very first page. The family dynamic is something worth mentioning too; I ate up every page with Zoe and her family!
 
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy!

It's a lovely rom-com featuring Zoe, a maths teacher who has just discovered her husband's betrayal, and Jack, currently a supply teacher, who rescues her when she finds out about her husband at a mutual friend's wedding and then serendipitously turns up at the school where she works. Whilst their chemistry is tangible, the timing is not ideal. It's a lighthearted read that explores contemporary issues. I like the protagonists, the believable family dynamics, the friendship, the humour and the romance elements.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I loved the initial book in this series and really enjoyed how aspects of it were interlinked into this story! I love Kristen Baileys writing and this was no exception, captivating, funny, serious at times but lighthearted too - this was the perfect summer read! I would absolutely recommend!

**Review: *Textbook Romance***

*Textbook Romance* is a delightful and engaging read that combines cheeky humor with heartfelt moments, set against the charming backdrop of England. From the moment you dive into this story, it’s clear that it has all the ingredients of a feel-good romance with a touch of depth.

The plot centers on Zoe, a teacher navigating life at 40 with the added challenge of starting over after discovering her husband’s affair. At a colleague’s wedding, she meets Jack, a flirtatious and endearing substitute teacher. Their initial chemistry is palpable, but Zoe’s emotional turmoil and Jack’s quest for direction in life add layers to their burgeoning relationship. Four months later, Jack finds himself back at Zoe’s school, and as they reconnect, their flirtation turns into something more substantial, with some nudges from well-meaning friends adding to their growing closeness.

One of the book’s strengths is its portrayal of the age gap between Zoe and Jack, which adds a refreshing dynamic to their romance. Zoe’s struggles with balancing motherhood, career, and personal reinvention at 40 contrast compellingly with Jack’s late twenties angst about career and adulthood. The dual perspectives enrich the story, offering readers a nuanced look at the challenges and triumphs of both characters. Jack’s reflections on growing older, including the amusing observation that while parties become more subdued, the beer selection improves, provide a blend of humor and authenticity.

*Textbook Romance* excels in balancing lighthearted moments with more serious themes. From the humorous confusion over a chicken emoji to Zoe’s poignant journey through post-affair recovery and parenting, the novel captures the spectrum of emotions with finesse. Zoe’s strength and Jack’s surprising maturity, despite his career uncertainty, create a couple that feels both genuine and aspirational.

The book is a heartfelt ode to healing after heartbreak and the courage to pursue new beginnings. The seamless dual POV allows readers to intimately connect with both protagonists, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The epilogue is a satisfying touch, providing a glimpse into the characters' future and rounding off the story beautifully.

While *Textbook Romance* flirts with five-star territory, its longing for more content makes it feel slightly incomplete. Nonetheless, it delivers an engaging and uplifting romantic comedy that fans of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, Tessa Bailey, Lynn Painter, and Sarah Adams will undoubtedly appreciate.

In summary, *Textbook Romance* is a charming and emotionally resonant read that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters. If you’re a fan of romcoms and are looking for a book that balances humor with heartfelt moments, this one should definitely be on your TBR list. ✨💖📚

a delightful equation of humor, heartache, and joy. When math teacher Zoe Swift meets the irresistibly charming Jack Damon, sparks fly faster than you can say “the square root of sixty-nine.” Their chemistry is electric, but Zoe’s recent heartbreak and the age gap add complexity. Bailey’s writing dances between laughter and tears, leaving readers with a lump in their throats.

Super sweet and realistic slow burn romance. I didn’t read the first book, so I’ll be going back and reading all of Kristen Baileys work!!

Textbook Romance is the latest release by Kristen Bailey. It is about a woman whose marriage implodes and a nice man helps her get home to her kids to deal with it. They end up working together and sparks start flying and a secret romance blooms. Will they get their happy ever after? Read Textbook Romance to find out.
I loved Zoe and Jack together and was rooting for them from the beginning. I didn’t like that she kept their relationship a secret and that she let him think that she didn’t love him. The ending was a bit different than what I was expecting. Now don’t get me wrong it was sweet and moving, but I was expecting more from the epilogue. I thought that it should have mentioned that they were in a very committed relationship or something.

Textbook Romance is a cute funny Rom-con type book. I think the author did a great job with the storyline drawing me in from page one. The book has relatable subjects, realistic characters, and a rollercoaster of emotions. I would recommend this cute read.

"'What will I do without you?' 'Survive. I have every faith. It's just the start of another chapter. I won't let this defeat you. You are too fucking marvelous.'"

I’d recommend you reading this book mildly drunk with a charcuterie board you wish you’d spent more time on.

I’d call Kristen Baileys writing my “guilty pleasure” but there is nothing to feel guilty about. This is exactly what is says on the tin - textbook romance. Hilariously, uplifting, silly and sexy trope-tastic tales of love and chaos that never fail to make me look like an utter lunatic giggling into my book. She writes books for people who have absolutely no idea what they’re doing but are just trying their best and hoping for a little storybook magic to sprinkle in their life from time to time.

Starting off again with some familiar faces from Bailey’s previous work, we find ourselves at the wedding of some old friends and it immediately fills me with warmth and recognition, this weird sense of comfort and familiarity I always find in her writing. At the wedding, the cheeky and handsome Jake meets the charming Zoe from a totally different life, - and then chaos ensues, Zoe’s world crumbles and they part ways. But it’s a love story, so of course they’ll cross paths again soon

As we explore breakups, hilariously bad set ups, meddling friends, rage, falling in love, beautiful friendships and a lot of inner conflict, we watch our characters on beautiful journeys of their own and together, Jake finding his own place in life and Zoe trying not to see herself as more than an older, middle-aged mum and divorcée - it’s larger than life but somehow so real and honest at the same time.

Moving between Zoe and Jake’s perspectives was great, they had such lively, personality-filled storytelling that was casual and friendly but so appealing. I loved hearing both of them as they thought about the other and how they saw different situations. Every person was so relatable and toes at the line of being so cringey so masterfully that it still works but absolutely cracks me up.

If you haven’t found your way into the Baileyverse yet, you really do need to and I recommend going back to the start so you can really appreciate the clever links and callbacks throughout all the stories. Another fun, sweet slow-burning romcom with that trademark Bailey formula that always hooks me in - I am obsessed.

Imagine diving into a world where a math teacher and single mom finds herself swept off her feet by the charming man at a wedding. Textbook Romance by Kristen Bailey is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and unexpected twists. Zoe’s journey from juggling equations and parenthood to navigating the unpredictable waters of romance is both hilarious and heartwarming. Bailey’s witty and relatable writing makes this book a refreshing escape. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that will make you laugh and root for love, this is the one!

Very sweet and light romance book. There is an age gap, but not the main focus of the story. It’s about Zoe finding herself after a somewhat cliche divorce. It’s not spicy at all, just a cute book. The humor is on point. Enjoyed it.

it was a fun, easy read. I forgot to review right away and had to read several summaries to remember it, so it wasn't a book or characters that stuck with me for a long time so 3 stars

A lovely uplifting romantic read that is heartwarming. Lovely characters that keep you interested in the book. A great story told from 2 points of view. A book that will make you laugh throughout.

This book is super wholesome and has very likeable (and dislikeable) characters in it. Zoe is struggling with a lot of changes in her life, and her self esteem is at an all time low. She does what many of us British people do, and uses self-deprecating humour to help herself navigate through the difficult situation she’s in. She can’t quite believe someone like Jack would be into her, and Jack needs to step up and show her what is so amazing about her. I really liked this book, and it has made me want to read more by Kristen Bailey.

This is the kind of feel-good story that will warm your heart. When Zoe's marriage crumbles after discovering her husband's betrayal with her friend, she's left wondering if she'll ever find happiness again. Enter Jack, the substitute teacher at her school, who completely changes her outlook. Despite the age difference, their connection feels natural and incredibly sweet. Jack brings out a side of Zoe that she thought was lost forever, and their journey together is both charming and uplifting. This book filled me with that cozy feeling, that lingered long after I turned the last page.

A solid 4 stars!

Textbook Romance is such a cute romantic story with down to earth characters that you can’t help to be friends with them. This story has a bit of an age gap between the two main characters, but that doesn't stop then from having undeniable chemistry, passion, & a romance that truly brings out the best in each other.

Thank You to NetGalley and to Storm publishing team for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Age Gap
Friends to Lovers
Insta Love

Jack and Zoe meet at wedding for mutual friends and there is an instant connection between them, but Zoe is 43yrs old and married, while Jack is 29 and single. Nothing happens between them but they spend the evening together chatting and dancing until Zoe gets a phone call that sends her world crashing down.

Several months later and the two meet again when Jack becomes a supply teacher at the same school where Zoe teaches Maths. Their connection hasn't waned, despite not seeing each other in several months and now that Zoe is also single they have the room to explore what is happening between them.

I loved Jack, he was a brilliant character and for someone not yet 30, he's incredibly mature when it comes to his and others emotions. He knows Zoe has been burned and he's prepared to take things at her pace as long as she needs him too, while making the most of getting to be with someone like her. He quietly stands back and supports her when issues pop up in her life, stepping in to assist when it's required by arranging lifts with friends or sending take out food for her and her two teenage children. Jack only has eyes for Zoe and he's determined to make her see in herself, what he sees even though she's not very good at taking the compliments she really does begin to thrive under Jack's love and attention.

This was such a cute story and a really quick read, perfect summer romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I loved this book! I have been on the hunt for a romance that isn't super predictable and wishy-washy and this book helped to put my faith back in romance fiction! The characters were hilarious and loveable, the story flowed at an amazing pace, I was never page flicking without as I sometimes am on this app, and a couple of times I almost missed by tube stop because I was so immersed in this story! I thought the writing was magnificent and the story was original, with so many elements adding to the magic of it. I would definitely recommend it when it comes out and am looking forward to reading more from Kristin Bailey!

A cute story with personable, believable characters and a well paced storyline.

I love the camaraderie between the characters and I even loved the corny innuendoes.

It feels like an actual real life love story rather than one based entirely in some fictitious world.

An easy read that starts with a cute meet cue, a fun story and of course the typical rom-com misunderstanding/break up before a teary emotional make up.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.