Release date: July 29, 2024

Audio format. Plot in a nutshell: Zoe's husband Brian betrays her by having an affair with one of their friends. As a now single mom to two teenagers, Zoe meets supply teacher Zack (who's many years her junior) and a romance ensues.

What I liked
-There were a few laugh out loud enjoyable moments in the book.
-Character development was good; I found the author wrote in a way to make you like or hate the character which I enjoyed
-I liked the message the book delivered on moving on past betrayal
-I liked the rom-com theme of a woman with children and the co-parenting aspect as this is not something you see very often.

What I didn't like:
-This is a big one.....One single narrator for the voice of both Zoe and Jack did not work at all. It was very difficult to distinguish between the characters and took away from my enjoyment of the book. There was little to no attempt to do even different tones in the narration.

Overall the plot and story of this book were fine (nothing special) but the audio narration was a big fail for me. I am giving this an average 3/5 for the book itself but subtracting a start for the narration for an overall rating of 2/5. I do not recommend this book at all in audio format. The book itself did give me Sophie Kinsella vibes and I would recommend trying to read this book in book format if you enjoy this style but 100% skip the audio!

Thank you to Dreamscape Select | Storm Publishing for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for a review.

"We grieve those lives we'll never have with people we once loved."

"And I really loved putting my hands on your lower back and feeling the waves of your hips, the movement over me...being inside you...feeling you tighten over me...I love all of it, all of you."

The above quotes are just a small sample of the variety of raw emotions that are thoroughly felt throughout the winning Textbook Romance by renowned RomCom author Kristen Bailey.

Zoe, 44, meets Jack, 29, on one of the worst days of her life. At a mutual friend's wedding she gets a call and photo proving her husband's affair with a close friend. Zoe's shocked and Jack quickly takes control and quietly brings her home.

A few months later they reconnect when he starts teaching at the same school. Through flirty banter, hilarious misconstrued emoji texts, and side eye glances it's getting harder to ignore the attraction.

"...sometimes it's hard to ignore a spark. Sometimes there's a person who shines so brightly in the corner of your eye that your attention keeps moving towards them."

As Zoe navigates an obliviously insensitive ex husband, society's frown on older women with younger men, and her own fragility as a wife and mom, Jack not only falls in love with her but loves her through it.

Reading and listening to Zoe and Jack's love journey voice actress Abigail Hardiman built up Zoe's journey with her cadence getting stronger as she overcame her heartaches. Dual narrators would have enhanced the audiobook to better distinguish Zoe and Jack.

This love story really is a textbook for how to write an enjoyable RomCom. It's first person dual POVs, it has heart, emotions, sexy encounters and leaves you with a smile.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ July 29, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select
Est Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 18 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Abigail Hardiman
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ long chapters, workplace romance, age gap, single parent, slow burn, some steamage

Zoe (44) & Jack (29) meet on the night she learns her hub, who she's been with since she was 20, has been cheating with her best friend. Then it turns out he's the new teacher at her school.

Zoe was a great mother and I liked the relationship she had with her 2 kids, as well as with her students. The divorce took up a bit more of the plot then I would have liked. I know it's the whole point of the book and why the main characters get together, but I could have went for more focus on the new relationship. Since there's an age gap that's talked about a lot and that got to be overdone.

Jack was really sweet and a great uncle to his twin nephews. I like when uncle's are supportive and show up to sporting events when they can. He's a bit quick with his feelings for Zoe, though.

While I wasn't a fan on the 3rd act, I can see why it was done based on the ages of the characters. But still I do like when characters are able to make their own decisions and they're not made for what the other thinks is best for them.

Overall, I did enjoy it well enough, but I quite possibly would have enjoyed it more had I read it and not listened (see my notes below). The chapters were really long which gave me a slow moving vibe, and I'm not too sure how I feel about the ending.

Narration notes:
Why in the ever loving ever was there only 1 female narrator when it as dual 1st?? I've grown accustomed to it when it's in the 3rd, but 1st!?!?! Come on. She did not even try to do a male voice at all, which I guess maybe was just as well, but it was very distracting. If I didn't catch who was talking then it would take me a minute to figure out who it was. (Just realized I said the same thing in my review for Kristen's other book Sex Ed.)

Series notes:
It's not tagged as a series, but the characters from Sex Ed are involved for a good bit here.

What a sweet, feel good story. There were so many real life elements woven into this to make it feel real but not forced. I loved the conflicting emotions surrounding protecting your family and still making time for your happiness and hating a choice while still doing what’s best for the ones you love. It’s rare to find a book that doesn’t have a happy ending that forces someone to give up a dream and this one absolutely nailed it.

(4.5 stars) Many thanks to the author, @NetGalley and @dreamscape_media for the advanced listening copy of the book!

James meets Zoe at a mutual friend’s wedding on the day her life falls apart. Months later, Zoe is reeling from her recent divorce, trying to keep her fragile new family dynamic, with two heartbroken children, from falling apart when James appears as a substitute teacher at the school where she teaches math. He’s young - too young for her. She’s in her 40s, he’s 29 - but they have an undeniable connection. Where Zoe feels the weight of obligations keeping her in one place, James is content to try different careers without a long-term plan other than his brother, nephews, and friends. As they begin to give in to their physical and emotional attraction, they struggle with figuring out how two people who seem so different could find a way to fit together without sacrificing themselves.

There are several things I love about Kristen as an author. First, her wit is unmatched. Second, she takes tropes that I usually find cringe and puts a spin on them, making me love the story and feel profoundly connected to the sweet, complicated characters she creates. In Sex Ed, she took the “teach me” trope and turned it into something extraordinary. Here, she takes an age gap trope and makes you root for what the characters bring out in each other while truly addressing the complications of a ~15-year age gap. The messy, complicated relationship between Zoe and James is fantastic, as is how Kristen creates raw emotion between Zoe, her ex, and their children as they navigate their father’s destruction of their marriage. James is an epic golden retriever, constantly thinking of others (sometimes to his detriment), but he teaches Zoe much about embracing joy.

Abigail Hardiman narrates the audiobook and she is one of my favorite British narrators.

Sex Ed by the same author was my favourite book of 2023. So it’s no surprise that I snatched Textbook Romance on #netgalley as soon as I saw it. I got both ebook and audiobook. I loved the narration but just had to have the text with me because I highlighted like 30% the book 😅

Textbook Romance is a story of a newly divorced Zoe and Jack — a (much) younger substitute teacher at the school where Zoe works. Jack and Zoe meet at the wedding of their mutual friends (and my favourite people in the fictional universe iykyk), and Jack happens to witness the exact moment when Zoe’s marriage collapses. He offers his help and support to Zoe and her kids, and from there, their relationship grows to adorable friendship and then to something more, effortlessly and beautifully.

The author somehow managed to make Jack perfect and flawed at the same time — I don’t know how, but I’m convinced he’s a real person. He’s compassionate with everyone in his life, he falls in love with Zoe easily and doesn’t see their age gap or her family as obstacles. I loved that in a lot of situations it was Zoe taking that first step, and not just Jack relentlessly pursuing her. He gave her time and space and gave her all his attention when she needed it 🫠 When he genuinely wondered whether Zoe will let him be a part of the family because he’d really like that, I almost cried.

There’s this effortless charm that comes with Kristen’s writing, I truly couldn’t wait to go to/from work so I’d get an hour of uninterrupted listening. I spent my whole commute time with a silly smile on my face 😊😊

I am especially grateful for the gift that is Ed — to see him play a significant part in this story was an unexpected delight. And Mia with her no-nonsense s3x advice has become the official sponsor of my crows feet 🤣🤣

I would also greatly appreciate a happy ending for Dom and the twins sometime in the future books please and thank you. They deserve the world 💔

The narration was perfect, especially the children voices :)

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️ (not as explicit but very effective, for me 🤭)
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Zoe Swift a married maths teacher meets funny and charming Jack Damon at a friends wedding and from there her life is never the same again.

Zoe finds out of her husbands betrayal at the wedding while talking / flirting with Jack, who then ensures that she gets home safely to her children.

When Zoe returns back to school after the summer holidays she finds out Jack has been hired as the new supply teacher, which leads to their connection growing, but as is always the case the course of love does not run smooth, with an ex-husband trying to co-parent their 2 children and uncertainty over the age gap.

This is a wonderful down to earth story of the complexities of life and the breakdown of one relationship and the start of a new one, especially when there are children involved.
I loved the banter between Zoe and Jack and Zoe's sassy teenage daughter is a delightful addition to the story.

This almost feels like a homage to great teachers and what a wonderful job they do despite having their own lives and difficulties to deal with.

This is a slow paced book, but with the wonderful character dynamics and the brilliant narration I was happy to immerse myself in this world.

An uplifting, yet emotional romantic comedy.

Once the review is accepted on Amazon I will add the link below

Zoe goes to a friend’s wedding where she meets Jack, a much younger man. They hit it off…as friends of course. Zoe is married with two kids, but discovers her husband had an affair. She struggles with single mom life while trying to be positive post divorce. While she’s teaching her math class she runs in to Jack, a substitute teacher at the school. With undeniable chemistry, they try the whole friends with benefits thing. Can they come up with a solution to the problem?

This was a cute audiobook! And I’ll be honest, it’s one hundred percent better with British accents.

Thank you to Net Galley, Kristen Bailey, Dreamscape media, and Storm Publishing for the ARC! Pub date 7/29/24!

Textbook Romance was a cute and uplifting novel. I appreciate the dashing young man taking an interest in an older woman. While I am not in the market, it is fun to read books where 40-somethings are desired! Enough of this older man, young gold-digger crap. haha!

I found the book entertaining and finished it quickly. Something I did not love was the fact that Jack gave up on Zoe so easily. Come on, man! This is not a case of if you love them, set them free.

Super cute book with a little spice. Love that these two had so much chemistry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Zoe's life takes an unexpected turn at the most ironic of settings—a wedding. A dedicated mathematics teacher (or "maths" teacher, as the British would say), Zoe finds herself celebrating the union of her colleagues, Ed and Mia. Among the guests is Jack, Ed's old college friend.
As the festivities unfold, the jovial atmosphere is shattered by a phone call from Zoe's daughter bearing devastating news that causes Zoe's marriage to implode. In a gesture of kindness, Jack ensures Zoe's safe return home before rejoining the wedding celebration.

Jack's backstory adds depth to the narrative. His college friends have long harbored concerns about his life trajectory. Following graduation, Jack made significant sacrifices to support his family, a decision that ultimately derailed his personal aspirations. Recognizing his potential, Ed and Mia persuade Jack to join their school as a substitute teacher, offering him a chance to reorient his life.

Upon reuniting with Zoe in this new setting, Jack feels an undeniable connection. However, he's acutely aware of her vulnerable state as she continues to grapple with the aftermath of her husband's betrayal. This creates a compelling tension between Jack's growing feelings and his respect for Zoe's need to heal.

As the story unfolds, Zoe finds herself grappling with an unexpected and growing attraction to Jack, despite their significant age difference. Initially resistant, she eventually yields to her feelings, leading to a deepening connection between them. The author skillfully portrays the evolution of their relationship, as both Zoe and Jack develop genuine care and affection for each other, but when Jack gets an opportunity to get back on track Zoe is worried she will only hold him back. She can’t even tell her kids about Jack so how can he give up everything for an uncertain future with her?

Kristen Bailey's novel proves to be an engaging and unpredictable read, keeping readers guessing until its surprising conclusion. The author masterfully balances humor with poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

This novel has certainly left a lasting impression, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of Kristen Bailey's works in the future. Her skillful blend of wit, emotion, and compelling character development makes for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The audiobook narrator, ​​Abigail Hardiman, was fabulous.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for a chance to listen to an advance copy.

This cover and title caught my eye immediately. This is a cute read. Tropes include single parent, age difference, slow-burn, friends to lovers. The slow development of their relationship was well paced. A cute, enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advanced audiobook version of this book.

Textbook Romance is my third book from Kristen Bailey (after 5 Gold Rings and SexEd), and it reinforced for me that this is an author I will keep picking up over and over again. Bailey's sense of humor hits just right in this age gap, 2nd change, and complicated family romance.

I loved Zoe and Jack's dynamic. From a "let's just have benefits and not get too serious" arrangement to a slow-growing friendship and love for one another, they showed so much support for each other as Jack figured out what to do with his life and Zoe figured out how to live her life post marriage. On paper, they didn't seem like a good fit, but in reality, they brought out the best in each other.

I liked that the ending wasn't a neat little bow but actually required more work, more growth, and more compromise than we are used to in a romance. Well done once again Kristen Bailey.

This was such a fun listen about learning to love after infidelity in marriage. I do think it would have been better if there were two narrators because it was difficult to get into both characters with the same narrator voicing both.

I enjoyed the dynamic and connection that was built between Jack and Zoe; although the age gap portion was brought up way too many times.

Loved this book, but that’s no surprise since I have enjoyed everything that I’ve listened to by this author!

Zoe and Jack’s romance is a slowww burn, but so heartwarming and emotional at the same time.

Zoe is in a different relationship at the beginning of this story, but that quickly dissolves and you see her meet Jack and watch their friendship bloom.

The fact that they started as friends and turned into more gave this story so much depth.

This narrator was new to me and did a good job bringing this story to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the advanced listeners copy.

# Textbook Romance

“Textbook Romance" by Kristen Bailey begins with Zoe finding out that her husband of many years has been cheating on her while she's at a friend's wedding. Jack happens to be there, too, and helps her get home. A few months later Zoe returns to school as a math teacher and Jack is thrust back into her life because he has taken a job as a substitute teacher.

Now, about half of the way through reading I looked up the author and realized that this is technically the second book in a series. Two of the side characters in this book were the main characters in the first, “Sex Ed". If you happen to make the same mistake I did, it's still a great read and there's nothing that I feel I was missing by not reading the first.

I almost DNF’d this because the combination of infidelity and Zoe having teenagers dealing with the fallout was a difficult topic. But I'm glad I kept with it. The relationship between Zoe and her two kids is real and loving. Jack is such a wholesome love interest. The narrator also did a fantastic job with the dual POV.

I recommend this book to someone who wants to read a romance centered around two adults who are just living their lives and enjoys a mild to medium level of spice.

I absolutely adored this book. Zoe and Jack meet at mutual friends wedding. There is instant chemistry, but Jack realizes that she is a married mom, so he backs off. Months later Jack takes a job as substitute teacher and end up at the school Zoe teaches at. Zoe is now separated from her husband and sparks are flying.

This was a wonderful rom-com. Kristen Bailey has the best banter, and fills her books with British wit. Zoe, Jack and their friends are so wonderful. You really root for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the advanced listener copy. Narrator Abigail Hardiman does a great job narrating. This book is an absolute delight. I highly recommend it.

Zoe and Jack’s story is full of fun moments but deep, tough one. They will make you cry and laugh, and swoon over Jack’s heart and his way with Zoe. A love story that no one saw coming but that everyone agrees was meant to happen. The audiobook with Abigail Hardiman makes a great story even better.

Zoe had just discovered her husband was cheating on her at a wedding where she met soon-to-be coworker Jack. Over the next few months she went through the process of adjusting to life without her husband whilst having two teenagers to take care of.

I loved how Jack wanted her to see herself in a more positive light. He was almost fifteen years younger than her which was difficult for her to be okay with but he convinced her that having a fling of sorts could work. Her friends definitely helped 😂

Her kids were the sweetest teenagers. I expected them to give her a hard time after the separation from their father but they rallied around her.

It all came down to whether Jack would stay behind especially after he got a job offer that would take him out of the country for five years. I loved how it worked out.

I listened to the audio and enjoyed it. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a literal gem. I LOVED James, he was so kind and sweet, the absolute epitome of the perfect book boyfriend, and he comes into Zoe’s life just when she needs him and it’s beautiful.

I loved the hijinx, the sweet moments together, the way she fell slowly for him. I loved their banter and their texts. This was a really really sweet book.

And the narrator was superb! I was hooked from the beginning, I loved her voice, and it was nice to listen to a book set in the UK with a voice that matched perfectly. Give this book a read, asap!

This was a sweet, yet heartbreaking (at times) story.

We open up with Zoe Swift at her friend's wedding. While there she meets a handsome younger man sitting at her table, and has a conversation with him. That's it. She's married. She's not looking for anything else.

And then her world falls apart. Right in front of this beautiful stranger...when she gets a phone call from home. As he tries to work out what's happening, he gets her an Uber and accompanies her home, and then returns to the wedding.

Being as the world is a VERY SMALL place, when she returns to work after the summer break (she's a school teacher) she is shocked to find this beautiful stranger in her company, as he has just accepted a position as a substitute teacher.

As Zoe tries to navigate her new life, with her teenagers, she finds that her mind keeps drifting back to Jack Damon. As she learns more and more about him, she begins to really care for him. And as time goes on, they seem to really be crushing on each other...

I'm going to end my rambling there, as I don't want to give anything away...
BUT...I WANT TO MEET JACK DAMON!!
And his nephews...and brother...and friends.

Zoe will end up having to make some very tough choices and we're not sure how things are going to turn out...but thankfully she has some good friends, and a great sister to lean on when times get tough. (Not to mention her tough as nails daughter, and her sweet, devoted son...)

3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 for me, rounded up to 4!

Thanks to #NetGalley, #DreamscapeSelect and #StromPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
**** The book releases on 7/29/24 ****

#TextbookRomance by #KristenBailey and narrated beautifully by #AbigailHardiman.

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