20sidedbi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcoholism
Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infidelity
atlastheninth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
theskyboi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Marvin Block is a gay, Jewish kindergarten teacher with an immense passion for the work that he does in shaping the minds of tomorrow's world. His journey toward becoming teacher of the year hits a slight bump in the road when his new student, Illona, and her father, Olan Stone, come into his classroom.
I felt so immediately welcomed into every setting in this novel. The author does an impeccable job of laying out the scenery in a way that almost had me checking real estate listings in Maine. Similarly, the dialogue is captivating, realistic, and structured, all of which helped me to sink into Marvin and Olan's world.
Emotions and eroticism are well within Wardell's wheelhouse. I was feeling grief, compassion, frustration, and arousal all throughout this book. The clarity with which I could see myself in these characters' shoes let me feel the weight of their experiences as men, as parents, and as professionals.
A further note on the erotic nature of the book... I loved it! I wouldn't say that it's for everyone, but I didn't realize that the physical intimacy would heighten my reading of a book in the romance genre. For those who feel a certain sense of realism lacking from MM stories, this author is your vindication.
Above all else, Wardell's mission to paint gay men and educators alike in complex, varied hues is a noble effort—and one he has achieved flawlessly. I look forward to seeing what comes in future stories within his growing body of work!
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Sexual content
nightgoesblack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
gwenynenbrenin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Working through their issues and communicating (sort of) is SUCH breath of fresh air and things resolving things too, with both working through things heathily and they manage to get on board with the important thing in the others life.
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
crinkledmochi's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Pregnancy and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
louisekf's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcoholism, and Panic attacks/disorders
jennp28's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Alcoholism and Panic attacks/disorders
evelynyle_88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love how he described Marvin's love for Olan in this book. I certainly can't wait to read Teachers in Love #2; which is Mistletoe & Mishigas. And I'm so lucky to have the arc of that book! I'm ready to continue my journey in this series... of course with different characters!
Thank you so much, Matt! You are incredible! What a sweet story!
Graphic: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Addiction and Pregnancy
Minor: Blood, Infidelity, and Miscarriage