The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
tacoshark's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage
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
ryeereads'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
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Pregnancy, and Addiction
Minor: Miscarriage
summermorning's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
soficool5's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The writing was incredible and the characters were lovely. I adored the teaching scenes and those children were just so cute. Marvin’s friendship with Jill was amazing and as a teacher I appreciate the portrayal of the teacher bestie dynamic. We would not survive without one.Â
Oh and well… those sexy scenes. Damn 🥵🔥
Definitely in my top 3 favorite books ever 💛
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Mental illness
stardustandrockets's review against another edition
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction and Pregnancy
Minor: Blood, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Mental illness
Minor: Abandonment