I cannot count the amount of times I laughed out loud because of this book. I also shed a few tears, got extremely angry, got well hungry for Nando's and looked at paperclips in a new light!

Kristen Bailey writes in such a smooth, flowing way and really gets into each character so well that I feel I know them all. I have multiple new kids, super siblings, hilarious and cake loving colleagues, evil exes and a hot new relationship... Thanks Kristen!

I really like the way that the rom-com cliches are not at home in this book. No big misunderstandings leading to break ups, no jealous exes laying traps for the lovers to argue over and no kids plotting against new partners. There were issues of age, however, plenty of communication and a really respectful understanding that kids will always come first.

Kristen is THE ultimate rom-com queen and the modern take she puts on things, including the slang, meaning of emoji's and the multiple different words for parts of anatomy that cropped up, really educated me. The thing that impressed me most though, was how a fictional school was actually pretty accurately represented. The scenes of mobs of boys charging through the school took me way back, and then there was the fact that she knew schools run on coffee and cake...

I loved this book so much I have already bought myself a copy. 5 stars from me and cannot wait for the next one!
My big thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for the opportunity to read the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I did not expect to LOVE this book as much as I did.
I love that they are mature yet sometimes clueless and funny and relatable,
I love her kids for being just as mature.
I love his brother and nephews and roommates.
I love Beth, and I absolutely love married Ed and Mia.
And most importantly, I love what Jack and Zoe had—the easygoing conversations, the tender chemistry, and how their ending was just the beginning ✨

I really loved this! I don't think the blurb focused too much on the age gap and I kind of overlooked it when requesting the book but it was one of my favourite things about this. I liked that Zoe's kids were a little older than most single moms in the books I read and I really enjoyed the friends to lovers dynamic too.

The supporting characters were all incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, admittedly more than I thought I would.

It had me laughing, crying and rolling my eyes in equal measure and I would absolutely recommend reading this!!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. This story was sweet, sultry, hilarious, and flew by. A story of modern, professional love, heartbreak, and more, all of which make it an amazing story. This was my first book by Kristen Bailey, and I will absolutely be reading more.

Ah! I loved it! It was so good, I laughed, I cried, I laughed while I cried. I enjoyed everything about it, especially Zoe’s growth and evolution and the way Jack just gets her and sees what a treasure she is. Some of it is very British with some slang/sayings that can only be appreciated if you are aware of the colloquialism. I loved it and I REALLY hope we have a book about Dom and the boys and hopefully there’s a cameo from Jack and Zoe and Ed and Mia.

A cute rom-com about two people who meet at a wedding. The woman finds out her husband is cheating from one of her children during the reception. Not exactly your typical start to a new relationship. There is healing that needs to be done, children who are upset and a much younger man involved.

A good beach read with fun characters with good chemistry and some funny moments thrown in.

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

Thanks to netgalley and Storm publishing for the arc.

Absolutely loved this book. Kristen Bailey begins with such an agonizing, difficult plot and ends with something so beautiful and sweet that you can't believe the journey you've traveled as you've read the book. The hero and heroine and multi-faceted, unproblematic, amazing characters who you absolutely fall in love with, as well as secondary and tertiary characters along the way. It's a story about friendship as much as it is about romance, and how we all need that circle of people around us to carry us through difficult times. Amazing. I'd highly recommend!

Cute romcom that made me giggle more than once while reading it.
Zoe just found out her husband cheated on her, who is there to lift her up - Jack, the most golden retriever book boyfriend you can imagine.

There was an age gap, it didn't really bother me as both characters were written in a mature way.

The selling point of this book is the witty banter, I laughed out loud more than once and it felt very light and uplifting!

Thanks NetGalley and Kristen Bailey for the ARC!

I'm not usually a fan of romcom but the fact that this was about a fed up married woman in a mid 40's rung true to me so I thought why not?.... I loved it!! Despite the trauma our main character went through with her useless piece of doodaa ex husband, I found myself feeling quite jealous of all those exciting feeling she got to feel again that we all went through in our late teens/early twenties.
A few hot under the collar moments to spice it up and very relatable through and through.
So refreshing for a romcom's leading lady to be in her 40's and not seen as past it.
Thank you #NetGalley for a surprising fun read #TextbookRomance

Title: Text Book Romance
Author: Kristen Bailey
ISBN:1805081683
Retail Price: $34.99
Pages: 344
Publication date: July 29, 2024
Genre: Romance
Read📕: Kindle (Netgalley)
Rating🌟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🥵:🌶️
Tropes: Second chances, found family

Starts out with a newly separated mom of two who is in the beginning stages of divorce after a 20 year marriage. Zoe and Jack begin a friendship and sparks immediately fly. They begin working together and take a chance on each other in the relationship that they both need and deserve.

Jack is totally what you look for in books as a book boyfriend. He is charming, kind and lovely. He never gives up on the people he is around and doesn't let them give up on themselves.

Zoe is a wonderful mother. She is loving, motherly, and honest. I really loved how she supports her children after the betrayal of their dad. Really showed her children what an incredible mother she is.

Jack and Zoe found true love and have such a special relationship.

Thank you to the publisher Dreamscape Media, Kristen Bailey & netGalley for Advance Copy Read (ACR) IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW🤍

Have enjoyed Kristens previous books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. A great mix of love, humour, life after divorce whilst also accepting you aren't getting any younger but life can still hold so much joy and fun. A really light hearted easy read with characters that were very easy to like.

Zoe is a highly respected teacher but with baggage.....recently divorced and with 2 teenage children.
Jack is nearly 20 years her junior, a supply teacher.....with a crush on Zoe. Is the age gap too big.. or can they develop something to suit both of them here.

Highly recommend a read.

This is just such a cute romcom, I loved the two main characters and i actually don't think I've ever read an age gap before where the woman is the older one so that felt new to me. It's an easy light read that just hits the spot!

Highly recommend!

I really liked this one! I’m a sucker for rom coms and it was nice to have main characters that were a little older!! I thought this one was really fun and very sweet. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.

I just didn't connect with this one. Started reading it and the married female lead was flirting with the single younger male lead. She gets cheated on and they end up getting together. I honestly didn't finish this one, I skipped ahead to the end.

Thank you netgalley and Storm for this arc.

I loved it! This rom-com had everything I was looking for: amazing chemistry between the characters, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! This rom-com had everything I was looking for: amazing chemistry between the characters, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The chemistry between the main characters was electric and felt so genuine. Their interactions were both sweet and steamy, making it easy to root for them throughout the book. Kristen Bailey did a fantastic job of creating a romance that felt real and relatable.

As for the comedy, there were some truly hilarious parts that had me giggling out loud. The witty banter and funny situations added a light-hearted touch to the story, balancing out the more emotional moments perfectly. It's the kind of book that keeps a smile on your face even after you've turned the last page.

Overall, The Textbook Romance is a delightful read that combines romance and comedy in the best way possible. If you're a fan of rom-coms with great chemistry and plenty of laughs, this book is definitely for you.

In her early forties, Zoe’s seemingly stable life unravels when she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her with a close friend. The revelation hits hard, especially as it comes during a colleague's wedding where Zoe finds unexpected solace in Jack, a charming guest. The story takes a compelling turn when Jack starts working at Zoe’s school as a substitute teacher, leading to a flirtatious and evolving relationship that helps Zoe navigate her emotional turmoil.

Jack’s role in Zoe’s life is pivotal. As her self-esteem plummets following the betrayal, Jack’s sincere and consistent support helps her rebuild her confidence. Despite his youth and attractiveness, Jack’s genuine affection and unwavering encouragement help Zoe begin to trust in her own worth and embrace the possibility of new beginnings. His patient and respectful approach provides a stark contrast to the devastation she’s experienced, and his character is a strong asset to the narrative, showcasing a touching romance built on respect and understanding.

The novel itself offers a heartfelt exploration of personal recovery and the complexities of starting over after a significant betrayal. It’s a story of rediscovering oneself and opening up to new possibilities, anchored by Jack’s role in helping Zoe find her way. The book’s emotional depth and character development are sure to resonate with readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinions!

Kristen never misses. She writes brilliantly funny stories with are so easy to read. If I need a pick me up in between tougher reads she’s my go to!

I absolutely loved both Jack and Zoe. They were written so well. They get so normal, which is also what she’s fab at doing!

Meet at a wedding. Instant vibes. Help her after she finds out her husband is cheating on her with her friend. Yes, you read that correctly.

I must say that I enjoyed most parts, like the way Jack is understanding and caring for Zoe’s situation. Though for me, who occasionally likes a slow burn, this was too slow a burn. The writing seems at times unsure, as if the author herself wasn’t sure which way she intended the characters to go. In real life, I couldn’t see this kind of relationship lasting, but that’s my opinion.

I would consider this more of just a romance, rather than a romcom.

Overall rating: 3.5
Spice level: no spice at all, maybe one/two kissy scenes but very moderate

Zoe is at a wedding when she finds out her husband has cheated on her. At the wedding she meets Jack, who is 14 years younger than her but helps her battle her crisis of confidence. Whilst they enjoy each other's company, she realises that he needs to do his own thing, when is has a job offer in Borneo.

Zoe's husband was frustrating throughout the book - ignorant and with no emotional maturity at all. Other than that, a supporting cast of friends and family to Zoe are lovely!

This was a really lovely holiday read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.