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A review by tristatereader
Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
I just finished this ARC and y’all… I loved it.
Marvin Block is an amazing kindergarten teacher whose engaging mind and passion for helping his kiddos has earned him a nomination for Teacher of the Year. Winning this award would be a huge help to his struggling public school and he’s really feeling the pressure as they return from winter break. Enter Illona Stone, a new face joining his classroom. Illona is sweet, friendly, inquisitive, and comes packaged with a hot as hell single dad, Olan.
A romance ensues between Marvin and Olan. But their romance is met with some trials and tribulations related to Marvin’s past trauma as the son of a recovering alcoholic. Marvin tries to manage that part of his past (by essentially ignoring it) and throwing himself into his work. But as Olan starts to open up about his own recovery, Marvin’s mind and body can’t seem to stop going into “panic and flee” mode.
This book is a romance, yes, but it’s also about overcoming adversity, coping with past trauma (in healthy ways), and learning to accept unconditional love. M.A. Wardell does a tremendous job piecing out Marvin’s trauma history and subsequent steps toward healing. And Olan Stone (fervently fans myself)… Olan Stone has never done anything wrong in his entire life and I will die on this hill.
The kiddos were completely adorable, the side characters were absolute perfection (Jill and Nick, Jick, total couples goals) and there were some extra spicy Olavin scenes 🌶️😏. Also… hold onto your seats… we have unlabeled, QBIPOC, AND Jewish representation! Who cheered?!
Thank you to M.A. Wardell for the ARC. Look for Teacher of the Year on sale May 9th, or pre-order now and get some fun goodies!
Marvin Block is an amazing kindergarten teacher whose engaging mind and passion for helping his kiddos has earned him a nomination for Teacher of the Year. Winning this award would be a huge help to his struggling public school and he’s really feeling the pressure as they return from winter break. Enter Illona Stone, a new face joining his classroom. Illona is sweet, friendly, inquisitive, and comes packaged with a hot as hell single dad, Olan.
A romance ensues between Marvin and Olan. But their romance is met with some trials and tribulations related to Marvin’s past trauma as the son of a recovering alcoholic. Marvin tries to manage that part of his past (by essentially ignoring it) and throwing himself into his work. But as Olan starts to open up about his own recovery, Marvin’s mind and body can’t seem to stop going into “panic and flee” mode.
This book is a romance, yes, but it’s also about overcoming adversity, coping with past trauma (in healthy ways), and learning to accept unconditional love. M.A. Wardell does a tremendous job piecing out Marvin’s trauma history and subsequent steps toward healing. And Olan Stone (fervently fans myself)… Olan Stone has never done anything wrong in his entire life and I will die on this hill.
The kiddos were completely adorable, the side characters were absolute perfection (Jill and Nick, Jick, total couples goals) and there were some extra spicy Olavin scenes 🌶️😏. Also… hold onto your seats… we have unlabeled, QBIPOC, AND Jewish representation! Who cheered?!
Thank you to M.A. Wardell for the ARC. Look for Teacher of the Year on sale May 9th, or pre-order now and get some fun goodies!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism