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.

I really wanted to love this book from the get go but I found I struggled with it at the beginning. Have a short attention span? Maybe?? However, by 30% I was engrossed and enjoying how the love story was unfolding. I really enjoyed how the author wrote about Zoe having to find herself and not just jump into a new relationship. The ending was wonderful. So real. I also think Jack might be the nicest guy I've ever read! This is another cracking Kristen Bailey story. Closed door spice.

Big thanks to Netgalley, Storm publishing and Kristen Bailey for this early release copy. This is my honest review

Another hilarious, heart felt read from one of my favourite authors.

I really enjoyed the age gap romance and loved seeing Zoe find herself after a cheating husband destroyed her self worth. Jack (the younger love interest) was also wonderful, he had such a kind soul.

The dual narrative was great and I enjoyed the past character cameos! Can’t wait for more books from this author.

In the novel Textbook Romance, math teacher Zoe Swift encounters the irresistibly funny and charming Jack Damon at a wedding. Their connection deepens when Jack becomes a supply teacher at her school. Despite Zoe’s recent heartbreak and life as a single mom, their chemistry sparks a thrilling new romance.

However, they face challenges such as their age gap and untraditional relationship dynamics. Zoe must balance her family responsibilities with this newfound love, while Jack’s uncertainties add complexity to their relationship.

The novel beautifully explores love beyond societal norms, celebrating true human connection. While not always easy, love proves worth the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotional and uplifting romantic comedy.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC.

This is a fun romcom that is a nice easy read. I loved seeing the different personalities of various pupils. I also liked that we got to catch up with Mia and Ed from Sex Ed. There are some great side characters. Jack's nephews are adorable and Zoe's kids are pretty great. Zoe's ex was trash though.
I did find the relationship seemed pretty quick after the breakup and the whole thing felt pretty instalove which isn't my favourite. The 3rd act breakup added some drama and then suddenly the book was over. The ending felt rushed and I wanted more from them and how they overcame the issues. It felt like something was missing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of the arc.

There's romance and there's textbook romance. The title has never been so apt in the description of a book. This was heartwarming, loving and absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book and I can't wait to read more by this author.
So wonderful.

Bailey’s writing style is straightforward and accessible. The dialogue is lively and the pacing of the story keeps it moving at a steady clip. The book’s setting, which includes a mix of personal and professional environments, provides a good backdrop for the romance to unfold.

While the plot follows a familiar trajectory and some elements may be predictable, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. The book delivers on its promise of a feel-good romance with plenty of humorous moments and sweet interactions.

One aspect I appreciated was the light-hearted approach to romance and the emphasis on fun and connection. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers a pleasant escape.

Overall, "Textbook Romance" is a charming and enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and uplifting love story. It’s perfect for those who enjoy romance with a dash of humor and a feel-good ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much!