Just like that by Cole McCadr is just phenomenal read. Cole McCade is a new to me author and tye writing is gripping, page turning. This is an emotional sexy romance that you won't be able to put it down.

A Must read. Readers shouldn't miss this show piece.

Former student meets his professor, this time as a TA, in a boarding school set romance by Cole McCade.

I was expecting something swoony and steamy, and I did get it, but I also got a dose of angst mixed in. With a perfect mix of light and dark moments, Just Like That delivered a story you'll definitely be immersed and engaged in. I definitely trust Cole McCade with my M/M romances!

An interesting age gap romance with intriguing characters. It didn’t go as deep as I would have expected but it was a good read.

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t too fond of Fox Iseya to begin with. I’d say for most of the first half of the book I wanted to slap him. I thought he was an arrogant, overbearing, selfish man who was playing with Summer and not in the best way.

On the other hand, Summer was just like his name—sunny and warm. The fact that he suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks made me even more angry at Fox.

But as Summer chipped away at Fox’s mask and we began to get glimpses of what lay behind, I started to warm to him, although it was slow. In the end, Fox’s overwhelming grief and slow return to some form of normality was what made the story for me and I was a Fox fan by the end.

This book was a thoughtful treatise on grief and the devastating affect it can have, not only on the person grieving but on those around them, especially if they can’t let go.

The writing was extremely good, maintaining a light tone, even when dealing with the darkest subject matter. That’s not to say the darker aspects weren’t treated seriously and with respect, because they were, but even then there was a lightness that carried us on, with the constant promise of hope.

If this hadn’t been a romance book (we all know they have to have a happy ending) I would have been concerned on more than one occasion that we would lose one or other of the protagonists, but even knowing they were going to come through at the end didn’t detract from those moments when you afraid they wouldn’t.

All in all this was an uplifting story, showing that bravery, about things great and small, can move you forward no matter what the obstacles, if you take it step by step and that grief, no matter how deep, can be overcome with patience and help.

The final scenes had me on the edge of my seat and the story’s climax didn’t disappoint at all.

I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review of this book.

I’ve given this book three stars, although it’s really closer to a 3.5. I found parts of the romance compelling, although I can’t say that I completely bought the two main characters, nor how their blossoming relationship played out so publicly (and to kind, a bit recklessly) in the setting of a small private school. (Example: Multiple intimate moments in a school office, where any student or staff member might come upon them.) Any fiction reader by definition needs to be willing to suspend disbelief, but there ARE limits.

The emotional turmoil Cole McCades pulls me through which new book I read from him is unmatched - and I welcome it every single time as I am not an emotional puddle for days afterward.

The relationship between Summer and Fox starts quickly and gets intense quickly. It's fitting for both characters, Summer is an anxious mess with a strong sense of justice and Fox is both serious and passionate. Both latch onto the other without truly recognizing why they are so drawn to each other.
The actual academy setting is more of a backdrop and plays less of a role than I expected for a story involving a TA and his professor. Instead it's more about our two protagonists to find a (new) path in life and working through grief/anxiety to end up in a better place.



(And when I tell you I yelled when Summer casually namedrops Malcom Khalaji like it's no big deal.)

(This is terrible, but I can't remember much of this book... I read it when I first got the ARC and forgot to write a review. My Goodreads has it down as 5 stars.... which means I loved it, and most likely re-read it straight away so I can pick at all the little details I would've missed on the first read through)

Cole McCade is just brilliant with the words. I might not remember much of this story but I have no doubt that it was a great read.

Thank you for the review copy. I really loved this title and. I have featured in my podcast as MM title to pick up.

I felt like this book was okay. I am used to reading Cole's other serial books, so this one didn't pack as much punch as that series. I would have preferred less prose and more story/sexy times.

Just Like That is the first book in the Albin Academy series that follows our two main characters: the shy, anxious, learning to be confident, Summer and the aloof, brooding with a heart of a teddy bear, Fox as they try to navigate their feelings for each other and the past grief that might be stopping them from doing so. It's a story about self discovery, loving oneself after a tragedy, overcoming past grief, and acknowledging feelings and giving happiness importance.
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First, I thought I wouldn't like reading about the age gap the characters had and the kind of professional setting the story had. But I was quite surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the main characters's dynamics and their chemistry! Both Summer and Fox had that openness with each other that they lacked with the others and it gave a solid foundation to their relationship and didn't feel forced or instant. Second, I loved reading Summer's point of view and he was so strong and knew what he wanted when it came to Fox. And Fox had such grief inside him that his Character development at the end of the story was such a good one! There weren't many important side characters, but I really loved Summer's mom! I think she might be one of my favorite Fictional mom's !
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Coming to Character Development and story, I really liked the way Summer grew as a character and tackled his anxiety while trying to help the students at the academy. I felt the joy he felt when he got through one of the parents! And that ending!! Omg I was sitting at the edge of my sofa reading about them driving. The Only thing I didn't like was the pacing. It was unpredictable and few scenes felt unnecessary in the middle. Other than that, I had an amazing time with these characters and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
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Thank you Netgalley for the review copy, which lets me give you my unbiased opinion!
Kindle/ Arc/ October 2020

What a wonderful grumpy/sunshine trope! I loved this story and how it dealt with grief and mental health.
I can not wait to read the next one in the series and continue exploring Cole's backlist.

My first from this author, and it's the start of a new series.

Summer and Fox are both layered, complicated characters who are likable despite their somewhat unlikable bits. The setting is intriguing, though I do wish we'd seen more of it--the focus in the story is definitely on the two main characters' inner growth and changes as well as their relationship (this isn't a bad thing--I just would have liked to have gotten more of a sense of the school, students, and surrounding countryside than we do). Even Summer's mother, who he has supposedly moved back to help out, barely makes a blip here; he visits her a very small handful of times.

Just Like That goes a bit OTT with the flowery prose and navel gazing at times, but at its core it's a sweet romance between a sunnily optimistic if somewhat young teacher to be (or is he? I'll never tell...) and his much-older mentor/former teacher who has his own struggles with grief and brings just the right amount of grumpy to their relationship to counterbalance things. I thought that both grief and anxiety disorder were portrayed well here..admittedly I have more experience with one than the other, but they didn't seem wildly overblown for plot like they can be at times.

One thing that gave me huuuuuuuge pause was the throwaway comment that Summer makes in the epilogue--"we've christened half the rest of the school grounds." Um, really? At a residential boy's school? I was willing to give them a pass on the school pool scene--okay, it's late, and off limits to students at that time, so mayyyyyybe--but even though we hardly see any students throughout the book, they're still there. They live there. And two faculty members are just getting it on all over campus? Really seems like a bad idea to me...

So...would I read another book from this author? Possibly. I'm not a huge fan of his writing style, but I also didn't hate the book, so...???

This is part of the Carina Adores line, which promises new HEAs every month in its LGBTQIA+ line--definitely one to keep an eye on!

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I cannot believe I haven't written a review for this book yet but that's mostly due to my own love for this book.

Just Like That first appealed to me by the premise: two teachers at a private all boys school? Yes, please. I am an avid reader of McCade's Criminal Intentions series, and when I found out Summer would be the lead in this book, I was even more excited for Just Like That.

Then I met Professor Fox Iseya and... I'm sorry, Summer, darling, but Professor Iseya... owns my heart.

Coming into this book, I knew there's be a heavy character arc, and I wanted to eat up, but McCade surprised me by making Summer, the character I'd presumed to be the center of this book's plot, to be the one offering comfort and determination for Iseya. I can't even begin on how darling this book is to me: how it portrays anxiety not as something debilitating, but a process just like any other, like getting a root canal: painful as hell, but necessary if you want it. You could simply take the tooth out, extract it out of your skull, or in this case, simply live with anxiety and don't try to change, which isn't a bad method or lifestyle, many people survive anxiety without doing a thing about it. But Summer is sick of being anxious and knows he can be much more if he wasn't staring down its barrel; feeling like it might go off at any second. So he works at it. He identifies his weaknesses and strengths at the school. And the process is so lovely, so delicious, I felt truly moved by Summer.

Then there's Iseya who is drowning in his own years old grief, which he thinks he's dealing with, when he's simply been pushing to the back of his mind, until it grows teeth and bites at him from every angle; especially when Summer offers the possibility of love, companionship, some sunshine in Iseya's dreary outlook. And it's so good to read Iseya fight with Summer's help to the very end; never one giving up on himself-Summer won't let him.

I loved this book. And if I loved it any less, I might be able to talk about it (Thank you, Austen for giving me a quote to describe my feelings so PERFECTLY).

I'm surprised it took me a while to pick this book up because once I started I just couldn't stop. I absolutely loved that attraction between the two, seeing them push one another. Summer is out of college still trying to figure out himself and he went back to his hometown to work at his old school as a Teacher Assistance for a old teacher of his Fox. There area few steamy scenes but not a ridiculous amount which I appreciate I hate when some books go overboard I want to see the change, the attraction and the romance of the couple. I just love Summer and Fox they were just what eachother needed to get out of their comfort zone and push to be better people. Overall loved this book highly recommend!

The Review
A powerful and emotional read, the author does a great job of building a complex story that focuses on character development above anything else. The bond between Summer and Professor Fox is engaging and real and draws the reader in immediately.

The balance of the two characters and their personalities was unique to see unfold here, as was the way they balanced one another. From Summer’s submissive, quiet, and yet determined personality to Professor Fox’s strong, reserved, and more assured personality, these two drive home the romance and drama of the two character’s pasts, which compliments their growing bond as well.

The Verdict
A moving, engaging, and emotional read that plunges the depths of the reader’s hearts, author Cole McCade’s novel “Just Like That” is a fantastic LGBTQ read that pushes the genre forward and creates memorable and relatable characters. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copies today!

This is the first book I've read by this author and it was great! I loved that this was more than just a romcom about a professor and his younger TA. There was depth with both main characters dealing with some heavy stuff. Summer has severe social anxiety and Fox is dealing with a tremendous loss. I enjoyed reading about them overcoming these obstacles together and watching their relationship blossom.

This story was okay for me. I had hoped for a faster pace love story, but it was a happy one. I am always appreciative of an ending that makes me smile. This story was more about healing from childhood trauma and from a lost love by way of new love.  It just didn’t wow me.

Summer Hemlock returned to his home town to become a Teaching Assistant at his former high school. He was reunited with his former professor, Fox Iseya, whom he had a crush on back in the day.


Now that they are somewhat colleagues, Summer makes his move and kisses Fox who doesn’t rebuff him. Instead he issues Summer a challenge, and for each challenge met, Summer can get a kiss from Fox. It begins this dance between the shy teaching assistant and the aloof professor.

One thing that I liked was the relationship wasn’t rushed. I also liked that the older more experienced professor took the lead and they began to break down some of the walls that they both had built around their hearts for protection. I liked that they were good for each other, it is just that I found it slow and boring. I was hoping to have some angst or more explosive encounters than the quiet subtle unpacking of their issues.  I liked the writing but I prefer more drama and a faster pace romance. It was my first time reading this author and I found it to be a slow burn which is difficult to enjoy, especially in this current pandemic time in society. I finished it but didn’t feel wowed by the story enough to be curious about any sequels.

CW: grief, character dealing with death of spouse

Wow, honestly, this book was so lushly written. I just loved Summer's mix of awkwardness and boldness with Fox. And Fox being shut off but unable to resist being thawed by Summer.

The tenderness. Fox acting like he doesn't care but lol buddy we know you doooo. The honeysuckle being placed in Fox's hair!! (by Summer)

I adored how Summer and Fox both grow by the end. Summer is still dealing with his anxiety and Fox of course still has to deal with his grief and that feeling of not being able to give Summer any of himself. the romance is not fixing this! But showing both of them how they complement each other and can help each other deal with these things.

I honestly just really loved these two. So different and yet do good for each other.

After discussing this book with several other reviewers who also enjoy queer romance, I am such high hope going in. I loved the premise and was looking forward to this age gap romance. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters here. It felt that the relationship was rushed. For me, I wanted more of the characters backstory. Who they were before becoming colleagues. It’s not enough to tell me they had history in brief passages. It was a short, sweet and quick but overall lacked “meat”.

I will not be sharing my opinions in a full review outside of NetGalley.

Genre-wise this is a M/M age-gap romance.
It was very well written and instantly drew me in with its easy style.
This had such a beautiful flow to it and the prose used here was just so lyrical.
Summer Hemlock returns to his roots in Omen Massachusetts to be close to his mother and to take up a position as a TA at his former school Albin Academy.
Summer is now working under his former teacher and crush’s shadow the frosty and rigid processor Fox Iseya.
When the professor brings attention to Summers reticent nature challenging him to step out of his safe-zone Summer without thinking of the consequences angrily kisses him.
Fox has been closed off for years, the pain of losing his wife causing him to shut down his emotions and hide behind an icy outward demeanour.
Summers unexpected move totally throws him and causes the first chunk in his defences to appear.
I did initially think that it would be Fox being the elder here making that first initial move when surprisingly it was Summer who despite his more timid and submissive nature takes the reins and first pushes forward here.
Fox initially is much more reserved but does react accordingly.
He is initially very much perturbed by what is unfolding as he’s been living in an emotionless vacuum for years due to his past grief.
Dropping his walls after all this time to allow someone closer goes totally against his every instinct.
Fox’s initial floundering is adorable and such a contrast to his usual controlled outward persona.
It’s also fascinating to see Summer emerge from his chrysalis after years of keeping his head down.
As a character Summer is such a contradiction all anxious energy mixed together with a big glug of courage.
He’s afraid but still prepared to go after what he wants despite his uncertainties or maybe even because of them.
I loved the authenticity and complexity of the characters here they were imperfect and unique which gave this, in turn, such a realism.
Dynamic wise Fox Iseya is very much the dominant personality here but that is not to say the more submissive and shy Summer doesn’t also have a voice.
And as there relationship develops further Fox is very much a protector as well as a nurturer towards the much younger Summer whilst also trying to hold himself slightly separate for his own emotional protection.
I especially adored his stern take no-nonsense approach and the way it made Summer feel grounded and secure in the face of his own fears and extreme anxiety.
locked behind Fox’s stern persona is also so much surprising vulnerability and insecurities that he keeps hidden using fear of his wrath as a tool to repel others from getting close.
They were both such diverse personalities and against the odds, they seemed to fit.
This was very much a journey of discovery for both men who each found what they didn’t know they were looking for in each other and grew so much over the course of this story.
With this, we mostly focus on summer and Fox and there building bond but rather than being bored I was enthralled.
This was an incredibly romantic story, driven solely by the emerging bonds and past traumas.
It was incredibly emotional and poignant and actually had me transfixed.
I adored both Summer and Fox very much and was totally invested in their story.
They had such explosive chemistry as well as such a deep emotional connection.
There were no major gimmicks really with this and the simplicity of the story here was actually part of its whole appeal.
This was thoughtful and insightful and the emotions and slow healing experienced here is the main focus.
The struggles of a man afraid to re-open his heart and the courage of one who though still afraid doesn’t let it define and shape his future.
Totally recommend this it was great and I enjoyed it immensely.
A thumbs up from my camp.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Just like that.