Plot and Storyline:
Kristen Bailey’s Textbook Romance is an engaging and heartwarming narrative that deftly combines humor with romance. The plot is well-paced, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. The storyline is refreshingly unique, and Bailey’s ability to weave together moments of laughter and poignancy is truly commendable.

Characters:
The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, each bringing their own quirks and charms to the story. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling, showcasing significant character development. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Writing Style:
Bailey’s writing style is delightful and accessible. Her use of humor is particularly noteworthy, making the story enjoyable and light-hearted while still addressing deeper emotional themes. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding to the overall charm of the book.

Themes:
The exploration of themes such as love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships is handled with sensitivity and insight. The book offers a perfect blend of romance and life lessons, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Overall Experience:
Textbook Romance is a delightful read that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Kristen Bailey has crafted a story that resonates with readers, making them laugh, cry, and everything in between. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a good mix of humor and heart.

Textbook Romance starting in a really compelling way. Our MFC finds out that her husband has been cheating with her friend. It all comes out when he is discovered vacationing in Portugal with the mistress. Our MFC is shattered. A mutual acquaintance picks up the pieces, getting her home. Checking in.

When she returns to school for fall term, her marriage is over, she is single parenting two teens, and in walks the new (hot) teacher--you guessed it, the sweet guy from the wedding that cared for her.

Overall this was enjoyable. It was surprisingly vulgar in places. Sometimes it made me laugh out loud. Sometimes it made me cringe so hard!

This book has a fun, light-hearted feel despite Zoe’s devastation over her husband’s betrayal. The plot is largely driven by gossip between the main characters and their friends. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

So what I’ve realized is my love for romance books centered around a single mother on her dating journey being swept away by a younger man😅

any book about a single mom, 💩ex husband + her entering a new dating journey, sign me up!👏🏾✨

This was all of that and more!
Zoe is 43 and Jack is 29

- Zoe asked her ex husband to use the doorbell and stop entering her home with his key and he has an issue?!? TUH! I’d change the locks ASAP👏🏾
- CH.8: I love when friends play match maker and their effort is so appreciated🤭
- CH.9: 🌶️🥵ookkkk lol

In this captivating audiobook, Textbook Romance, it's a story that resonates with anyone who has experienced love's unexpected twists and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter in life.

Jack and Zoe's story unfolds amidst the twists and turns of fate. Their initial encounter at a friend's wedding marks a turning point for Zoe, who discovers her husband's betrayal on the same night. Months later, as a newly single parent, Zoe's path crosses with Jack's once more, sparking a connection neither saw coming.

Zoe's journey of healing and self-discovery is captivating, as she grapples with letting go of past hurts while embracing the possibility of a new relationship with Jack. Their chemistry is palpable, making their evolving romance both swoon-worthy and heartwarming.

The narrator did an excellent job and their accent was skillfully portrayed, adding emotion and authenticity to the story. Textbook Romance is a must-listen for fans of romance who appreciate stories that blend emotional depth with the promise of hope.

Cute story. Likeable characters and a worthy characterization of learning to trust again after betrayal. Zoe and Brian are divorced and the story follows her dating again (enter Jack) dealing with everyone’s opinion and judgments. Not to mention dealing with an age difference (she is early 40s, he is 29) and how to discover who she is outside of her marriage. Funny anecdotes and easy dialogue.

Audiobook: British narrator, unfortunately she does not change her voice at all for different characters, ages or genders. With a lot of dialogue, this makes the story much harder to follow. I have noticed that many British audiobook narrators do not alter their voice like Americans (Jim May the ultimate Harry Potter narrator is outstanding exception)

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape select for the ARC. Book to be released July 29, 2024

Thank you to Dreamscape and Storm Publishing for the ALC of this book. I blew through this one in a day and I really enjoyed every minute of it. The narrator did a fabulous job and her voice added a fun and upbeat air to a story that had some turmoil and trauma. I will be looking forward to reading/listening to more books by Kristen Bailey in the future. The perfect author for people who enjoy books by people like Sophie Kinsella and similar. See below for a brief synopsis. 4 Stars from me! What a fun read!

Jack and Zoe meet at a wedding of a mutual friend and hit it off right away. Zoe gets some unexpected and devastating news at the wedding that will change basically all aspects of her life and Jack helps her get home and is kind and helpful. She figures she won't ever see him again and is surprised when he shows up as a substitute teacher at the school where she teaches Math. They connect again and form an unlikely bond despite their significant age gap and season of life. As they navigate the challenges of their situation, the relationship felt both real and raw. They seemed well suited and I was absolutely cheering them on. The ending was a sweet one, too. Loved it!

Thank You Netgalley and Dreamscape Select

Publish Date: July 29th, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Zoe Swift, a teacher, encounters Jack Damon at her friend's wedding and learns of her husband's betrayal. Jack ensures she returns home safely to her children.

Jack, a new teacher at her school, stirs feelings in Zoe that cannot be ignored when they cross paths at work. As she adjusts to being a single mom of two teenagers, she's uncertain about starting a new relationship. However, the connection between Jack and Zoe grows, their chemistry undeniable, and Jack has been supportive from the day they met, being there for her through all recent events.

With complicated family dynamics, co-parenting with her ex, a significant age difference, and Jack's uncertainties about his future, Zoe is about to learn that love isn't always a simple answer but maybe it can be

will she listen to the universe and take a chance on love?

I enjoyed this book, particularly the various side characters, such as the two teenagers and both their friend groups for, Zoe and Jack Although they are not the main focus of the story, it's a nice touch to the story and gives more depth in a way.

Cute age gap romcom story. Lots of opportunities to relate and connect to the characters. I liked the depth and relatability. Narrator makes the story come alive.