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.

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!