Oh my goodness, this was such a fun, cute, witty read! I really enjoyed the narrator too, it really brought the story to life. This was the perfect romance read!

5⭐️
Update!! I also revived the audio ARC of this title. It’s not something I usually do since I can’t review it separately but I liked this book so much and I didn’t have any other audio books at the time.

Well listening to it made me amend my rating to a 5 Star. I loved listening to thins in a British accent. The narrator did a wonderful job. Clear voice and great pacing. I will seek the narrator Abigail Hardiman other works out I liked her so much.

I loved falling in love with the main characters all over again. It starts with every single gals dream of meeting someone at a wedding and it just gets better from there!

4.5 ⭐️! I may round up my rating after sitting on it as I really enjoyed this one but I’m very picky with my 5⭐️ reviews.

This was a delightful contemporary romance! I am so thankful to have gotten the eARC for free from Netgalley and Storm Publishing so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.

The book was down to earth and while it was an easy Hallmark-esque type of story as far as tropes, it had some meat to it and felt very natural.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Zoe and Jack unfold as while there was definite physical attraction, the author let the audience see why they were such good people rather than falling back on looks or “just because” which happens so frequently in these type of books.

I also loved seeing the features of a great teacher and that Zoe’s students recognized her skills. Lastly, and without spoilers, I liked that it wasn’t tied up in a nice little bow at the end. It left room for a sequel (which I really hope there is) but it could be ended where it was too.

You also get to revisit her characters Ed and Mia from the authors book called Sex Ed published in July 2023.

This book gets published on July 24th 2024 so put it on your TBT for a perfect summer read!


My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Quick Summary: A thank you, next romance

My Review: Textbook Romance by Kristen Bailey is a 2024 release labeled as a "totally hilarious and uplifting romantic comedy."

About the Book: A newly separated mother of two is headed for divorce after twenty years of marriage. Surprisingly, she meets her heart's second chance at love at a wedding.

Sparks fly as a friendship between Zoe Swift and Jack Damon gets a chance to bloom. When they find themselves unexpectedly working together, they take a much needed chance on each other. The OW/YM relationship is everything they both deserve to have and more.

About the Characters:

Zoe -> What a fiercely devoted mother. She was incredibly loving, nurturing, and transparent. I enjoyed watching her come into herself. As she found her voice and gave herself permission to be free from a toxic entanglement, good things came her way. The way she supported her kids after the betrayal by their father spoke volumes.

Jack -> This guy was total book boyfriend material. He was a charmer. I loved the story of his sacrifice. His heart for those he cared about was beautiful. The thing that really stood out about him was his ability to build up those who were, dare I say, broken by their circumstances. He didn't give up on them and he didn't allow them to give up on themselves.

The Ex and the Other: They were awful and unlikable.

My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):

- The Wedding

- The Setup

- The Airport

- The Final Destination

My Final Day: This story had such a vibe, and I absolutely loved it. Yay for Zoe and for Jack! This couple found something very special together. It was good to see how love and happiness could be found after a devastating, life altering event.

The author did an amazing job with communicating the emotions felt by the characters, particularly with the children. Their emotions were so real, so honest, and so understandable.

Other: Readers who enjoy books about different types of families, books about finding love when you least expect it, and books where age is not placed in a box will adore this novel.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Status/Level: 💛
Triggers: Yes

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

4 stars
This was a cute romance between teachers. The woman is a mom in her mid 40’s and the man is a mature 29, so there’s a bit of an age gap. I really enjoyed the mature interaction between both parties, neither struggling with communication (for the most part) or behavior. The friends in the storyline were all encouraging and wonderful. Even the teens were likable!

Where it struggled:
I listened to the audiobook of this and could not tell who was talking, ever. There was no voice differentiation and it almost made me stop listening to it. I would highly suggest getting a male narrator for the male parts and keeping the current narrator for the female parts. I honestly thought this was a same sex couple for a while and still couldn’t figure out which character was talking.

I want to thank the author, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Select for letting me review this ARC. It was a really enjoyable read!

Also as a note- the cover appears to say “Text Book Romance”, but is actually listed as “Textbook Romance” in goodreads. This is just to be aware that you cannot find it listed unless you type “Textbook” wigh no space in the word.

I didn’t love this one the way I loved Sex Ed. This book does contain a continuation of Ed and Mia’s story as a side plot, but it mainly follows Zoe and Jack.

Theirs was a sweet romance with an age gap. I feel like the author wouldn’t let us forget that Zoe was older in the way age gap romances with an older man usually gloss over that fact. The couple seemed really mature and realistic.

I just wasn’t super compelled to keep reading, but I enjoyed the premise.

A very sweet and well written book, an easy read and loveable story.

in her early forties Zoe thinks her life is solid, a husband, a stable career, and two wonderful teenagers however her life drastically changes when during a wedding she finds out her husband has been cheating on her. She is struggling with adapting to her changed life but when the new substitute teacher Jack befriends her sparks soon fly and she begins to learn how to lover herself again.

I received this arc as an audiobook and although I really loved the story and did enjoy the narrator I do think it would have been better improved if there had been dual narrators. There wasn't a lot of vocal differences for the characters which sometimes made it had to differentiate whose perspective of character we were on.

Aside from that I loved the story the reverse age gap was done very well and the way the relationship between the two main characters blossomed was gorgeous I was especially surprised on how spicy the book ended up being but loved it non the less. The character development was incredible for each character and seeing the FMC's confidence flourish throughout was something that stood out to me as well as the scenes of the teenagers and how they individually coped with there dads behaviour and how they supported there mum throughout the book.

The book was sprinkled with relatable humour that made me laugh out loud multiple times and nod along to the commentary - I too rather enjoy the calves of Jack Grealish
Overall a lovely reading experience

In her early forties, Zoe thinks she has a pretty good life. She has a solid marriage, of about twenty years. They have two teenaged kids. She is a math teacher. Life is great. Until her husband cheats on her with one of her friends. This absolutely devastates Zoe. She thought they were happy. She also learned the news at her colleagues' wedding. She had been chatting with a friend of the groom, Jack. Jack makes sure she gets home. Shortly after, he starts working at her school as a substitute. They are flirty. Jack really likes Zoe, but Zoe thinks he is just being nice. But she is attracted to him...

I really liked how Jack built Zoe back up. Her self esteem is so low after her husband cheated on her and left her- and to have a much younger, very attractive man would be hard for anyone to believe in. But he was sincere and showed her over and over again until she believed it.

The audiobook is narrated by Abigail Hardiman. It would have been a lot better had it used dual narrators. Abigail Hardiman doesn't even attempt a male voice in dialogue. So hearing Jack's chapters read in a very feminine way was strange. The book starts with Jack's POV and it took me a second to realize I was listening to a male POV.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Plot and Storyline:
Kristen Bailey’s Textbook Romance is an engaging and heartwarming narrative that deftly combines humor with romance. The plot is well-paced, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. The storyline is refreshingly unique, and Bailey’s ability to weave together moments of laughter and poignancy is truly commendable.

Characters:
The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, each bringing their own quirks and charms to the story. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, showcasing significant character development. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Writing Style:
Bailey’s writing style is delightful and accessible. Her use of humor is particularly noteworthy, making the story enjoyable and light-hearted while still addressing deeper emotional themes. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding to the overall charm of the book.

Themes:
The exploration of themes such as love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships is handled with sensitivity and insight. The book offers a perfect blend of romance and life lessons, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Overall Experience:
Textbook Romance is a delightful read that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Kristen Bailey has crafted a story that resonates with readers, making them laugh, cry, and everything in between. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a good mix of humor and heart.

Textbook Romance starting in a really compelling way. Our MFC finds out that her husband has been cheating with her friend. It all comes out when he is discovered vacationing in Portugal with the mistress. Our MFC is shattered. A mutual acquaintance picks up the pieces, getting her home. Checking in.

When she returns to school for fall term, her marriage is over, she is single parenting two teens, and in walks the new (hot) teacher--you guessed it, the sweet guy from the wedding that cared for her.

Overall this was enjoyable. It was surprisingly vulgar in places. Sometimes it made me laugh out loud. Sometimes it made me cringe so hard!

This book has a fun, light-hearted feel despite Zoe’s devastation over her husband’s betrayal. The plot is largely driven by gossip between the main characters and their friends. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

So what I’ve realized is my love for romance books centered around a single mother on her dating journey being swept away by a younger man😅

any book about a single mom, 💩ex husband + her entering a new dating journey, sign me up!👏🏾✨

This was all of that and more!
Zoe is 43 and Jack is 29

- Zoe asked her ex husband to use the doorbell and stop entering her home with his key and he has an issue?!? TUH! I’d change the locks ASAP👏🏾
- CH.8: I love when friends play match maker and their effort is so appreciated🤭
- CH.9: 🌶️🥵ookkkk lol

In this captivating audiobook, Textbook Romance, it's a story that resonates with anyone who has experienced love's unexpected twists and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter in life.

Jack and Zoe's story unfolds amidst the twists and turns of fate. Their initial encounter at a friend's wedding marks a turning point for Zoe, who discovers her husband's betrayal on the same night. Months later, as a newly single parent, Zoe's path crosses with Jack's once more, sparking a connection neither saw coming.

Zoe's journey of healing and self-discovery is captivating, as she grapples with letting go of past hurts while embracing the possibility of a new relationship with Jack. Their chemistry is palpable, making their evolving romance both swoon-worthy and heartwarming.

The narrator did an excellent job and their accent was skillfully portrayed, adding emotion and authenticity to the story. Textbook Romance is a must-listen for fans of romance who appreciate stories that blend emotional depth with the promise of hope.

Cute story. Likeable characters and a worthy characterization of learning to trust again after betrayal. Zoe and Brian are divorced and the story follows her dating again (enter Jack) dealing with everyone’s opinion and judgments. Not to mention dealing with an age difference (she is early 40s, he is 29) and how to discover who she is outside of her marriage. Funny anecdotes and easy dialogue.

Audiobook: British narrator, unfortunately she does not change her voice at all for different characters, ages or genders. With a lot of dialogue, this makes the story much harder to follow. I have noticed that many British audiobook narrators do not alter their voice like Americans (Jim May the ultimate Harry Potter narrator is outstanding exception)

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape select for the ARC. Book to be released July 29, 2024

Thank you to Dreamscape and Storm Publishing for the ALC of this book. I blew through this one in a day and I really enjoyed every minute of it. The narrator did a fabulous job and her voice added a fun and upbeat air to a story that had some turmoil and trauma. I will be looking forward to reading/listening to more books by Kristen Bailey in the future. The perfect author for people who enjoy books by people like Sophie Kinsella and similar. See below for a brief synopsis. 4 Stars from me! What a fun read!

Jack and Zoe meet at a wedding of a mutual friend and hit it off right away. Zoe gets some unexpected and devastating news at the wedding that will change basically all aspects of her life and Jack helps her get home and is kind and helpful. She figures she won't ever see him again and is surprised when he shows up as a substitute teacher at the school where she teaches Math. They connect again and form an unlikely bond despite their significant age gap and season of life. As they navigate the challenges of their situation, the relationship felt both real and raw. They seemed well suited and I was absolutely cheering them on. The ending was a sweet one, too. Loved it!

Thank You Netgalley and Dreamscape Select

Publish Date: July 29th, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Zoe Swift, a teacher, encounters Jack Damon at her friend's wedding and learns of her husband's betrayal. Jack ensures she returns home safely to her children.

Jack, a new teacher at her school, stirs feelings in Zoe that cannot be ignored when they cross paths at work. As she adjusts to being a single mom of two teenagers, she's uncertain about starting a new relationship. However, the connection between Jack and Zoe grows, their chemistry undeniable, and Jack has been supportive from the day they met, being there for her through all recent events.

With complicated family dynamics, co-parenting with her ex, a significant age difference, and Jack's uncertainties about his future, Zoe is about to learn that love isn't always a simple answer but maybe it can be

will she listen to the universe and take a chance on love?

I enjoyed this book, particularly the various side characters, such as the two teenagers and both their friend groups for, Zoe and Jack Although they are not the main focus of the story, it's a nice touch to the story and gives more depth in a way.

Cute age gap romcom story. Lots of opportunities to relate and connect to the characters. I liked the depth and relatability. Narrator makes the story come alive.