Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Teacher of the Year: Steamy Lit Special Edition

Sometimes when reading a book I dread reading on because I know something bad will happen, because the story needs it. But not here. It was so cute and you know that everything will be perfect by the end and I am in love. I’m usually not a contemporary reader, let alone contemporary romance but here I am. I loved every second of it. It was so nice and easy to read, I devoured this book.

Content Warnings

tacoshark's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I found this a bit uneven. I really liked Marvin, the main character, but I found the romance a bit hard to buy into bc I couldn’t quite get on board with how wonderful the love interest was portrayed as - I found some of his actions a little emotionally manipulative in a way that made it hard to want to root for these two. The writing was pretty solid, though the editing needed some work. I have the next book in the series and will probably read it to see if I like that pairing better. (Btw the spice level on this book was WAY more than expected - I didn’t mind it but it was a lot.)

Content Warnings

theskyboi's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

Up until now, I had never had the pleasure of reading a romance that spoke to my desires and sentiments as a gay man; M.A. Wardell changed that for the better. What can I say that hasn't been said before about this masterpiece?

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!

Content Warnings

nightgoesblack's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful sad slow-paced

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

Content Warnings

asdavis94's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

gwenynenbrenin's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful medium-paced

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

IT'S SO CUTE. Marvin is such a nerd, so is Olan, and they're so cute together.

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.

Content Warnings

rosiebreads123's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

More...