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Love Lessons
A spicy enemies-to-lovers rom-com about rival kindergarten teachers, perfect for fans of Abbott Elementary !
Quirky, free-spirited Valerie Marquez likes to make sure her kindergarten class has fun while learning. Uptight, by-the-book Andrew Wexler is allergic to fun, and loud music gives him a migraine, which makes sharing a wall with the other kindergarten teacher who loves to blast music all day his worst nightmare.
But during the end-of the school year party, their shared tension morphs into a night of wild sex. What neither expected was the surprise consequence of that night.
A baby.
And, if sharing a wall with her nemesis was hard, sharing a classroom with him, while she’s feeling hormonal and hungry, is much harder. Turns out that co-teaching isn’t the hardest thing they’ll have to overcome. Trying not to fall in love with her baby daddy is much harder.
Quirky, free-spirited Valerie Marquez likes to make sure her kindergarten class has fun while learning. Uptight, by-the-book Andrew Wexler is allergic to fun, and loud music gives him a migraine, which makes sharing a wall with the other kindergarten teacher who loves to blast music all day his worst nightmare.
But during the end-of the school year party, their shared tension morphs into a night of wild sex. What neither expected was the surprise consequence of that night.
A baby.
And, if sharing a wall with her nemesis was hard, sharing a classroom with him, while she’s feeling hormonal and hungry, is much harder. Turns out that co-teaching isn’t the hardest thing they’ll have to overcome. Trying not to fall in love with her baby daddy is much harder.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
About the author
Sidney Halston
23 books1,130 followersJeanette Escudero worked as an attorney before picking up a pen at thirty years old to write something other than legal briefs. Being published fulfilled a dream and gave her an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side. Writing as Sidney Halston, she is the USA Today bestselling author of the Panic series, the Worth the Fight series, the Iron-Clad Security novels, and the Seeing Red duet. In addition to writing and reading, Jeanette has a passion for travel and adventure. She and her family have been to the Galapagos Islands and have hiked Yellowstone, the Shenandoah mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents, she currently lives in South Florida with her husband and her three children, in whom she’s instilled a love of nature and an appreciation for the planet. For more information visit www.sidneyhalston.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
July 28, 2024
Andrew and Valerie are kindergarten teachers that have always been at odds due to their polarizing teaching styles. Andrew is very militant while Valerie has a very free spirited teaching style. Until one night, with the help of a little alcohol they end up sleeping together. After going their separate ways for summer break, Valerie finds out that she’s pregnant. Valerie and Andrew not only have to find a way to navigate the pregnancy and raising a child, but due to a tree falling on their building they have to co-teach a class together.
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
Okay I have to admit this book was pretty cute (especially as a fellow early childhood teacher). I really enjoyed that you felt like you really knew the characters, their backgrounds and even that you got to know their families a little bit.
I know a lot of the reviewers felt like it wasn’t a true enemies-to-lovers, and I would partially agree? It was more enemies to lovers light. Though if you’re a teacher and have ever come across another teacher that has a teaching style you completely disagree with, you know the emotions that it can bring up and that they aren’t usually positive. ☠️
I do wish the book was a little longer. It felt like the romantic relationship between Andrew and Valerie could have been expanded on a little bit more than it was since a lot of it centered around the pregnancy.
———————————————————————
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sidney Halston and the publisher Avon, Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
Okay I have to admit this book was pretty cute (especially as a fellow early childhood teacher). I really enjoyed that you felt like you really knew the characters, their backgrounds and even that you got to know their families a little bit.
I know a lot of the reviewers felt like it wasn’t a true enemies-to-lovers, and I would partially agree? It was more enemies to lovers light. Though if you’re a teacher and have ever come across another teacher that has a teaching style you completely disagree with, you know the emotions that it can bring up and that they aren’t usually positive. ☠️
I do wish the book was a little longer. It felt like the romantic relationship between Andrew and Valerie could have been expanded on a little bit more than it was since a lot of it centered around the pregnancy.
———————————————————————
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sidney Halston and the publisher Avon, Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
March 22, 2024
You CANNOT pitch a book as spicy… when this book has two sex scenes. Both of which last maybe a page and a half.
And enemies to lovers? These are two kindergarten teachers who have different teaching styles and get annoyed with each other.
And enemies to lovers? These are two kindergarten teachers who have different teaching styles and get annoyed with each other.
July 29, 2024
3.5⭐ rounding up!
This was such a cute and realistic accidental pregnancy story with two kindergarten teachers who hated each other while teaching at the same school. But you know what they say... there's a thin line between hate and love, and you can totally see it while reading. I personally needed more swoon and giddiness to get into the book since the premise was a bit mundane for my taste, but if you like to see each step of the pregnancy journey from two people, heck, you will adore this! ❤️
I love how realistic this book felt in terms of emotions. It is scary to have an unplanned pregnancy, and it's even scarier when the father is someone you've been "hating" for 4 years. Valerie is a quirky, artsy, and eccentric woman who loves to be independent. She never expected to be a mom, so her entire life does a 180, especially when she finds out that Andrew wants to be involved as much as possible; who knew Andrew had a heart? lol jk he does and is TOO SWEET.
That forced proximity with the pregnancy is what makes the characters get to know each other, be there for one another, and eventually fall in love. It was like a reverse process of a happy couple, but such a good one! 💕
Tropes
🍼Accidental Pregnacy
🍼Forced Proximity
🍼Work Romance
🍼Witty Banter
🍼3rd Dual POV
Thank you Avon Books & Netgalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: the blurb looked up intriguing and this girl loves a good romcom 🫶
This was such a cute and realistic accidental pregnancy story with two kindergarten teachers who hated each other while teaching at the same school. But you know what they say... there's a thin line between hate and love, and you can totally see it while reading. I personally needed more swoon and giddiness to get into the book since the premise was a bit mundane for my taste, but if you like to see each step of the pregnancy journey from two people, heck, you will adore this! ❤️
I love how realistic this book felt in terms of emotions. It is scary to have an unplanned pregnancy, and it's even scarier when the father is someone you've been "hating" for 4 years. Valerie is a quirky, artsy, and eccentric woman who loves to be independent. She never expected to be a mom, so her entire life does a 180, especially when she finds out that Andrew wants to be involved as much as possible; who knew Andrew had a heart? lol jk he does and is TOO SWEET.
That forced proximity with the pregnancy is what makes the characters get to know each other, be there for one another, and eventually fall in love. It was like a reverse process of a happy couple, but such a good one! 💕
Tropes
🍼Accidental Pregnacy
🍼Forced Proximity
🍼Work Romance
🍼Witty Banter
🍼3rd Dual POV
Thank you Avon Books & Netgalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝙥𝙧𝙚-𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙: the blurb looked up intriguing and this girl loves a good romcom 🫶
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 17, 2024DNF at 5%
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't even make it through the first chapter before I had to put my kindle down and stop reading. This is an enemies to lovers between two teachers and I don't know if it's the language used but I cannot stand the writing. These two grown adults also act like bickering children and it's frankly very immature. From the little I read, they seem to fight over every little thing with the children in their class watching. I don't think I have the motivation to continue reading so here is my mini review. There are better enemies to lovers romance out there that don't insult the intelligence of the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't even make it through the first chapter before I had to put my kindle down and stop reading. This is an enemies to lovers between two teachers and I don't know if it's the language used but I cannot stand the writing. These two grown adults also act like bickering children and it's frankly very immature. From the little I read, they seem to fight over every little thing with the children in their class watching. I don't think I have the motivation to continue reading so here is my mini review. There are better enemies to lovers romance out there that don't insult the intelligence of the reader.
September 5, 2024
"You said the truth, and when you say the truth it can never be the wrong thing."
This was a cute and super bingeable enemies to lovers romance read. There was witty banter, I had a few chuckles along the way and I loved the two MCs.
I think the pregnancy trope was well done in this one and, I also liked fact that Valerie and Andrew didn't immediately fall in love. Their relationship was a working progress and that was a lot more fun to read. As an introvert myself, I found Andrew to be very relatable at times.
The story did feel a bit rushed at times to me but I still enjoyed it. The ending was exactly what I expected. Typical HEA that I'm not at all mad about. An enjoyable read for sure that I binged in a few hours.
This was a cute and super bingeable enemies to lovers romance read. There was witty banter, I had a few chuckles along the way and I loved the two MCs.
I think the pregnancy trope was well done in this one and, I also liked fact that Valerie and Andrew didn't immediately fall in love. Their relationship was a working progress and that was a lot more fun to read. As an introvert myself, I found Andrew to be very relatable at times.
The story did feel a bit rushed at times to me but I still enjoyed it. The ending was exactly what I expected. Typical HEA that I'm not at all mad about. An enjoyable read for sure that I binged in a few hours.
August 21, 2024
I would first like to start this off with please forgive any spelling errors for I have been unable to find my glasses for 48 hours so I'm slightly blind while writing this.
I would like to continue this review by saying I hated this book more than I thought I would. Up until about 55% I had hope for a solid 3 star read, that hope quickly dwindled when I realized there truly will be no tangible development throughout this story. The book starts off with Valerie and Andrew, two feuding kindergarten teachers who constantly "get at each others throats", which I saw as more of a mild irritation that both of them experience throughout the school day. And then one night after the end of school teacher party, they fell into passion, forgetting all of their hate... but babes where??? There was nothing there that I felt this hate turn into sudden lust, no true tension besides him being irritated at her playing music too loud and her being irritated at how by the book he is. And I could get past this if I could've seen some actual development of their relationship as teachers and as soon to be co-parents, but this relationship development was mostly as teachers and then seeing him cook dinner for her a few times and a few descriptions of them hanging out outside of school.
BUT BABES WHERE IS THE TRUE TENSION OF HATE TO LOVE???? If this book had a slogan it would be "There's a thin line between hate and love" and that just was not it. By the end of the 294 pages, as they were saying "I love you" the energy it had was the same as if I was saying "I love you" to Luke or Jasmine, like I needed Andrew to be groveling more, more effort to be the romantic for Valerie to fall in love with him, because he was saying how much he liked her forever but it wasn't until the second to last chapter that she was like "yea I guess we're already together".
And yeah, you can argue, "But Meredith! He was making dinner for her! He was driving her home! He was being so caring and protective!" yea and Valerie thought all of that was because of the baby. I needed more of him convincing her that he's been in love with her the entire time they've known each other but there was simply nothing. I wouldn't even say there was a small flame between them, it was more of just like that empty airflow of gas when you turn a lighter on but it's not working correctly. I'm so sorry that this review is kind've mean, but this book had actual potential to be good and I'm mad about that.
There is one thing I would like to thank this book for, and it's proving to me that I can still type with long nails. Thank you and goodnight
I would like to continue this review by saying I hated this book more than I thought I would. Up until about 55% I had hope for a solid 3 star read, that hope quickly dwindled when I realized there truly will be no tangible development throughout this story. The book starts off with Valerie and Andrew, two feuding kindergarten teachers who constantly "get at each others throats", which I saw as more of a mild irritation that both of them experience throughout the school day. And then one night after the end of school teacher party, they fell into passion, forgetting all of their hate... but babes where??? There was nothing there that I felt this hate turn into sudden lust, no true tension besides him being irritated at her playing music too loud and her being irritated at how by the book he is. And I could get past this if I could've seen some actual development of their relationship as teachers and as soon to be co-parents, but this relationship development was mostly as teachers and then seeing him cook dinner for her a few times and a few descriptions of them hanging out outside of school.
BUT BABES WHERE IS THE TRUE TENSION OF HATE TO LOVE???? If this book had a slogan it would be "There's a thin line between hate and love" and that just was not it. By the end of the 294 pages, as they were saying "I love you" the energy it had was the same as if I was saying "I love you" to Luke or Jasmine, like I needed Andrew to be groveling more, more effort to be the romantic for Valerie to fall in love with him, because he was saying how much he liked her forever but it wasn't until the second to last chapter that she was like "yea I guess we're already together".
And yeah, you can argue, "But Meredith! He was making dinner for her! He was driving her home! He was being so caring and protective!" yea and Valerie thought all of that was because of the baby. I needed more of him convincing her that he's been in love with her the entire time they've known each other but there was simply nothing. I wouldn't even say there was a small flame between them, it was more of just like that empty airflow of gas when you turn a lighter on but it's not working correctly. I'm so sorry that this review is kind've mean, but this book had actual potential to be good and I'm mad about that.
There is one thing I would like to thank this book for, and it's proving to me that I can still type with long nails. Thank you and goodnight
July 29, 2024
- thank you to NetGalley for the arc! -
I did enjoy this book, and the dynamic between Valerie & Andrew. What was unfortunate, was the lack of depth the novel had. I wish I saw more depth within the relationship between Valerie & Andrew. It moved slowly, until something would happen between them suddenly- it felt like things either moved at a snail’s pace, or went from zero to one hundred. It was never in the middle. Further, some concepts weren’t realized until some of the final pages, then we don’t even get to see these things play out too much. The ending did feel rushed, or uncompleted. I wish I could have had a better understanding on the dynamic and the emotional impact they each had on one another. This book did have additional potential, that I would have loved to see develop.
I did enjoy this book, and the dynamic between Valerie & Andrew. What was unfortunate, was the lack of depth the novel had. I wish I saw more depth within the relationship between Valerie & Andrew. It moved slowly, until something would happen between them suddenly- it felt like things either moved at a snail’s pace, or went from zero to one hundred. It was never in the middle. Further, some concepts weren’t realized until some of the final pages, then we don’t even get to see these things play out too much. The ending did feel rushed, or uncompleted. I wish I could have had a better understanding on the dynamic and the emotional impact they each had on one another. This book did have additional potential, that I would have loved to see develop.
May 15, 2024
dnf at 5%
thank you netgalley and harper collin’s for a copy of this earc in exchange for my honest review.
the way this was written was a no for me..i did not like how the pov was basically a 3rd person speaking in past tense it was odd. also the fact that it opens with “hit me with your best moo kylie” that just was showing how this book wasn’t for me.
thank you netgalley and harper collin’s for a copy of this earc in exchange for my honest review.
the way this was written was a no for me..i did not like how the pov was basically a 3rd person speaking in past tense it was odd. also the fact that it opens with “hit me with your best moo kylie” that just was showing how this book wasn’t for me.
July 22, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. The only problem with this book was it was too short, I didn't want it to end. It's a good enemies to friends romance. It's very well written with serious moments as well as rom-com hilarious moments. Two Kindergarten teachers Andrew and Valerie are kindergarten teachers at a well known prep school. They have two very different types of teaching styles and get on each other's nerves all the time. They constantly are fighting and arguing. When a huge tree falls and destroys their classrooms they have to go to a different part of the school and work together co-teaching their class together. Before that they had a going away party for a fellow teacher. Problem is they had a one night stand, and Valerie gets pregnant. This one is good you must read this one. This book had everything you want in a romance book. All the emotions in all the right places. I recommend this book highly to anyone and everyone. You must give it a try.
August 14, 2024
This was a cute romance, marketed as similar to Abbott Elementary. Valerie and Andrew are kindergarten teachers with their classrooms right next to each other and they have had an ongoing feud for years. Valerie is quirky and fun, while Andrew is reserved, stoic, and despises how vibrant Valerie is. When their tension leads to a steamy one night stand, Valerie becomes pregnant, and they have to become co-parents at the same time that they are forced to share a classroom at work.
One thing that I didn't love about this book unfortunately was Valerie's character. I think because the setting of the book is in an elementary school, and Valerie is pregnant with a baby and dealing with kindergarteners, it made it obvious at times that Valerie acted very childish and immature for her age. I didn't really connect with her character that well. There was a LOT of spice, right from the start, which is to expected with an accidental pregnancy and enemies to lovers trope. I did think that the romance was cute, in how Andrew and Valerie were forced together in the classroom and in their personal life, and had to get to know each other and grow as humans to become parents. I loved the setting of the elementary school and I do think the book gave off Abbott Elementary vibes. I do wish there was more of an exploration of Andrew and Valerie's relationship and more emotional depth to this book, as at times I feel like we skipped over parts of their relationship evolving to focus on the pregnancy.
Overall, this was a cute book and a very spice/steamy romance!! Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the free book in exchange for my honest review!
One thing that I didn't love about this book unfortunately was Valerie's character. I think because the setting of the book is in an elementary school, and Valerie is pregnant with a baby and dealing with kindergarteners, it made it obvious at times that Valerie acted very childish and immature for her age. I didn't really connect with her character that well. There was a LOT of spice, right from the start, which is to expected with an accidental pregnancy and enemies to lovers trope. I did think that the romance was cute, in how Andrew and Valerie were forced together in the classroom and in their personal life, and had to get to know each other and grow as humans to become parents. I loved the setting of the elementary school and I do think the book gave off Abbott Elementary vibes. I do wish there was more of an exploration of Andrew and Valerie's relationship and more emotional depth to this book, as at times I feel like we skipped over parts of their relationship evolving to focus on the pregnancy.
Overall, this was a cute book and a very spice/steamy romance!! Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the free book in exchange for my honest review!
September 9, 2024
i read this book bc i bought it as a “blind date with a book” and since i paid money for it, of course i Had to read it. the writing was simply not good. the dialogue was frequently weird, and sometimes there would be fights that just didn’t really make that much sense. or like internal conflicts within the characters that were just like ??? also the pacing was Strange. anyway pregnancy trope BOOOOO. do i think the characters would have gotten together if she hadn’t gotten pregnant? no. do i think they would continue to be together after the last page? yes. would i recommend this book to others? i’m not likely to. however, i would be lying if i said i wholly hated it. however however, not a high quality book imo.
July 30, 2024
Review:
Abbott Elementary meets Ali Hazelwood??? Ummmm YES PLEASE!
What I liked about the book:
1. I thought their bickering was funny and adorable. You have two complete opposites: the fun-loving, artsy FMC who doesn’t even cuss outside of work and the structured, surly MMC who has the test results to back it up. It was also equally enjoyable to see them come together and make their individual strengths work for their little family unit, changing each other’s minds on some of the things they once thought were annoying or useless about the other.
2. I loved how the author made it known that their initial meeting that set them on the enemies path was really because of how he reacted to something outside their control. I have read other books where one MC is mad at the other MC because they got a job promotion they didn’t think they deserved, funds reserved for something were redirected to that person for some bureaucratic reason, etc. However, what sets this book apart is the fact that Andrew knew day two after meeting her that he had messed up and needed to apologize, but instead was taken by something else that pissed him off in the moment and that apology was never made. He was reasonable in understanding that her getting a job with the funds that were supposed to go to a special project for him was in no way her fault, but he just couldn’t get that apology out before something else irked him. Hence, they became enemies. I actually liked this a lot and felt it could totally happen and I wouldn’t necessarily blame anyone. It just made sense.
3. I rather enjoyed how they were not “together” for most of the book. It was fun to see him know that he couldn’t push her into a relationship, but also he just knew that they would end up together if he waited it out. I also appreciated that she didn’t want him to just be in a relationship with her because he felt responsible given the pregnancy. Her fighting their relationship because she thought his sense of right was the only thing drawing him to her was enjoyable.
4. I loved the take on pregnancy. From the always being tired and nauseous, to the constant horniness once you hit a certain point (get that D, honey!), to heavier topics like having to watch your salt intake because of preeclampsia scares, the book did a great job highlighting the good and the bad of pregnancy.
What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. I assumed there would be a bit more spice given the blurb. It definitely wasn’t non-existent, but I believe there were only two scenes and they weren’t overly descript.
2. I felt the MCs' chemistry was OK. There were definitely times it really shined and I was laughing as well as feeling the sparks, but there were other times I got the feel that this was definitely more of a forced partnership.
3. I felt like the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste. With them stringing along defining their relationship, I was a little sad to see it summed up in 2 lines in the last 2% of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Sidney Halston for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own
3.5 stars!
Abbott Elementary meets Ali Hazelwood??? Ummmm YES PLEASE!
What I liked about the book:
1. I thought their bickering was funny and adorable. You have two complete opposites: the fun-loving, artsy FMC who doesn’t even cuss outside of work and the structured, surly MMC who has the test results to back it up. It was also equally enjoyable to see them come together and make their individual strengths work for their little family unit, changing each other’s minds on some of the things they once thought were annoying or useless about the other.
2. I loved how the author made it known that their initial meeting that set them on the enemies path was really because of how he reacted to something outside their control. I have read other books where one MC is mad at the other MC because they got a job promotion they didn’t think they deserved, funds reserved for something were redirected to that person for some bureaucratic reason, etc. However, what sets this book apart is the fact that Andrew knew day two after meeting her that he had messed up and needed to apologize, but instead was taken by something else that pissed him off in the moment and that apology was never made. He was reasonable in understanding that her getting a job with the funds that were supposed to go to a special project for him was in no way her fault, but he just couldn’t get that apology out before something else irked him. Hence, they became enemies. I actually liked this a lot and felt it could totally happen and I wouldn’t necessarily blame anyone. It just made sense.
3. I rather enjoyed how they were not “together” for most of the book. It was fun to see him know that he couldn’t push her into a relationship, but also he just knew that they would end up together if he waited it out. I also appreciated that she didn’t want him to just be in a relationship with her because he felt responsible given the pregnancy. Her fighting their relationship because she thought his sense of right was the only thing drawing him to her was enjoyable.
4. I loved the take on pregnancy. From the always being tired and nauseous, to the constant horniness once you hit a certain point (get that D, honey!), to heavier topics like having to watch your salt intake because of preeclampsia scares, the book did a great job highlighting the good and the bad of pregnancy.
What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. I assumed there would be a bit more spice given the blurb. It definitely wasn’t non-existent, but I believe there were only two scenes and they weren’t overly descript.
2. I felt the MCs' chemistry was OK. There were definitely times it really shined and I was laughing as well as feeling the sparks, but there were other times I got the feel that this was definitely more of a forced partnership.
3. I felt like the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste. With them stringing along defining their relationship, I was a little sad to see it summed up in 2 lines in the last 2% of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Sidney Halston for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own
3.5 stars!
August 2, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Synopsis: Quirky, free-spirited Valerie Marquez likes to make sure her kindergarten class has fun while learning. Uptight, by-the-book Andrew Wexler is allergic to fun, and loud music gives him a migraine, which makes sharing a wall with the other kindergarten teacher who loves to blast music all day his worst nightmare. But during the end-of the school year party, their shared tension morphs into a night of wild sex. What neither expected was the surprise consequence of that night. A baby. And, if sharing a wall with her nemesis was hard, sharing a classroom with him, while she’s feeling hormonal and hungry, is much harder. Turns out that co-teaching isn’t the hardest thing they’ll have to overcome. Trying not to fall in love with her baby daddy is much harder.
Review: I thought this book was incredibly cute. I picked it up after a crazy day spent at the hospital for a family member, and read it the rest of the night. Couldn't put it down. It was cute, sweet, and I just loved the dynamic between Andrew and Valerie. I loved their moms as characters as well. This was the exact kind of book I needed.
Synopsis: Quirky, free-spirited Valerie Marquez likes to make sure her kindergarten class has fun while learning. Uptight, by-the-book Andrew Wexler is allergic to fun, and loud music gives him a migraine, which makes sharing a wall with the other kindergarten teacher who loves to blast music all day his worst nightmare. But during the end-of the school year party, their shared tension morphs into a night of wild sex. What neither expected was the surprise consequence of that night. A baby. And, if sharing a wall with her nemesis was hard, sharing a classroom with him, while she’s feeling hormonal and hungry, is much harder. Turns out that co-teaching isn’t the hardest thing they’ll have to overcome. Trying not to fall in love with her baby daddy is much harder.
Review: I thought this book was incredibly cute. I picked it up after a crazy day spent at the hospital for a family member, and read it the rest of the night. Couldn't put it down. It was cute, sweet, and I just loved the dynamic between Andrew and Valerie. I loved their moms as characters as well. This was the exact kind of book I needed.
August 30, 2024
Firstly, thank you to Avon for sending me an ARC of this—but RIP the USPS for getting it to me nearly a month after the pub date 🙃 Anywhoo, this book was cute! I don’t know why I didn’t realize it was an accidental pregnancy, which is usually a trope I hate, but this made me rethink my stance on it. I loved having this book set in Miami and seeing both MCs interact as teachers and how they used it to navigate their relationship. Andrew is just such a sweetheart and Valerie is a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man, but is fine letting him help when she needs it. The writing was a little simplistic, but the story made up for it, so overall a good read.
August 10, 2024
My new fav from Sidney Halston!! This was a super fun enemies to lovers surprise pregnancy romance between two rival kindergarten teachers. I loved the grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract vibes of this book. The two MCs were great together. Accidental pregnancies can be a hard trope to pull off but I really, really enjoyed this one. It was also good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Out on a limb by Hannah Bonam-Young - my first favorite accidental pregnancy romance! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: a couple open door scenes
Steam level: a couple open door scenes
August 7, 2024
Está lejos de ser perfecto pero lo disfruté muchísimo y estuvo cute. Escriban más libros de romance entre maestros XFAVOR.
August 30, 2024
3.5 ★
monumental? surely not, but she was cute enough.
monumental? surely not, but she was cute enough.
July 18, 2024
I had such high hopes and I was so disappointed :(
May 13, 2024
Erm… I’m quite speechless. This book was not what I was expecting
It’s an “enemies to lovers” book, but in reality it’s two teachers who act like children. I think the children they teach behave more like adults. The pregnancy trope took me for a loop. I didn’t think it was well written.
Valerie just seemed the most immature and wouldn’t contribute anything to their relationship, unlike Andrew who at least put in some thought. But still their romance seemed more forced than anything else.
I love dual POVs. This one?? Huh… no. It was a 3rd person point of view then would switch to first person and it oddly placed and it didn’t flow.
I give this a 1.5/5 stars. Just no.
***ARC WAS GIVEN TO ME FOR FREE. THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN***
It’s an “enemies to lovers” book, but in reality it’s two teachers who act like children. I think the children they teach behave more like adults. The pregnancy trope took me for a loop. I didn’t think it was well written.
Valerie just seemed the most immature and wouldn’t contribute anything to their relationship, unlike Andrew who at least put in some thought. But still their romance seemed more forced than anything else.
I love dual POVs. This one?? Huh… no. It was a 3rd person point of view then would switch to first person and it oddly placed and it didn’t flow.
I give this a 1.5/5 stars. Just no.
***ARC WAS GIVEN TO ME FOR FREE. THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN***
August 1, 2024
When Valerie gets hired on as a kindergarten teacher, her fellow teacher Andrew, starts to despise her because her salary, was paid for using money that he had earned for his classroom. Their first meeting did not go well, and they had completely different teaching styles, which has always kept the rivalry between them going strong.
However, one day, Valerie and Andrew sleep together, resulting in an accidental pregnancy. Now they need to learn how to get along and get passed their rivalry due to unforseen circumstances forcing them to share a classroom, while also learning how to raise a child together.
This story was quite cute, but a very cliche concept. However, this type of concept can be great if done well and this one wasn't bad. I do feel that the romance aspect of the story was a bit bland, mostly centered around the pregnancy, and we weren't able to see more of the build up of their feelings without the pregnancy blurring the lines and forcing the characters together. Nothing happened, they were still rivals, and then suddenly they sleep together without any build up in their relationship. Then, they barely talked and are then forced together due to the above noted unforseen circumstances (not the pregnancy) and the pregnancy. I do not have any bad feelings about the accidental pregnancy concept, it was what made me request this book in the first place since I do not see books with this trope often, however, I just wish there was more to the story than the pregnancy since it overtook so much once it was introduced.
This book is also pitched as an "enemies-to-lovers" book, however, it was more like "rivals because i was mean when we first met and I felt bad about it afterwards but now I can't backtrack". Also not really spicy. Maybe had one or two short scenes.
This book definitely would have been better if it was longer, and the story line/romance was able to be expanded on a bit more.
Thank you to Sidney Halston, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
However, one day, Valerie and Andrew sleep together, resulting in an accidental pregnancy. Now they need to learn how to get along and get passed their rivalry due to unforseen circumstances forcing them to share a classroom, while also learning how to raise a child together.
This story was quite cute, but a very cliche concept. However, this type of concept can be great if done well and this one wasn't bad. I do feel that the romance aspect of the story was a bit bland, mostly centered around the pregnancy, and we weren't able to see more of the build up of their feelings without the pregnancy blurring the lines and forcing the characters together. Nothing happened, they were still rivals, and then suddenly they sleep together without any build up in their relationship. Then, they barely talked and are then forced together due to the above noted unforseen circumstances (not the pregnancy) and the pregnancy. I do not have any bad feelings about the accidental pregnancy concept, it was what made me request this book in the first place since I do not see books with this trope often, however, I just wish there was more to the story than the pregnancy since it overtook so much once it was introduced.
This book is also pitched as an "enemies-to-lovers" book, however, it was more like "rivals because i was mean when we first met and I felt bad about it afterwards but now I can't backtrack". Also not really spicy. Maybe had one or two short scenes.
This book definitely would have been better if it was longer, and the story line/romance was able to be expanded on a bit more.
Thank you to Sidney Halston, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
July 22, 2024
2.5 -⭐⭐💫
"You know, there's a very thin line between love and hate."
Love Lessons is an adult standalone contemporary romance following Valeria and Andrew, two kindergarten teachers with widely different teaching styles that clash quite loudly at work. Yet when a moment of spontaneity leads to an unexpected pregnancy and further chaos arises when both are forced to teach together...in the same classroom. Will they find the line between hate and love is truly not clear or will they have to teach themselves a painful lesson?
I had high hopes for this book but ultimately I struggled to connect with the characters.
The premise is cheesy and cute. The classroom setting resonated with me as a teacher. I even like some of the drama that came with them having to learn to work together both in the classroom and in preparation for parentage. The hamsters were a real trip down memory lane for me! Valeria is very much a teacher who loves flexibility and engagement while Andrew is more rigid and rule following. I felt their clashes were so much enemies to lovers but just wildly different teachings that effectively engage their students.
I think for me the one issue I had with this book was that the romance that was supposed to unfold never really went anywhere - there were few moments of intimacy and no true banter (just fighting over teaching styles). It felt more like roommates trying to get along and then suddenly at the end they say they love each other. In addition, there were some pacing issues, inconsistencies, and things that just didn't make sense to me.
There is spice in this book that I would say is about a 1 spicy pepper out of 5. It is quite brief and only occurs twice in the novel - at the beginning and then towards the end. Again the spice wasn't romantic. I didn't feel a connection between the characters or love - it mainly just felt like they were horny and needing someone and the other was there.
Overall, I felt the premise was easygoing and there are some interesting elements to explore around family, work, and finding your place but without strong investment in the characters I was finding my mind wavering while I read.
Thank you so much Avon for this arc.
"You know, there's a very thin line between love and hate."
Love Lessons is an adult standalone contemporary romance following Valeria and Andrew, two kindergarten teachers with widely different teaching styles that clash quite loudly at work. Yet when a moment of spontaneity leads to an unexpected pregnancy and further chaos arises when both are forced to teach together...in the same classroom. Will they find the line between hate and love is truly not clear or will they have to teach themselves a painful lesson?
I had high hopes for this book but ultimately I struggled to connect with the characters.
The premise is cheesy and cute. The classroom setting resonated with me as a teacher. I even like some of the drama that came with them having to learn to work together both in the classroom and in preparation for parentage. The hamsters were a real trip down memory lane for me! Valeria is very much a teacher who loves flexibility and engagement while Andrew is more rigid and rule following. I felt their clashes were so much enemies to lovers but just wildly different teachings that effectively engage their students.
I think for me the one issue I had with this book was that the romance that was supposed to unfold never really went anywhere - there were few moments of intimacy and no true banter (just fighting over teaching styles). It felt more like roommates trying to get along and then suddenly at the end they say they love each other. In addition, there were some pacing issues, inconsistencies, and things that just didn't make sense to me.
There is spice in this book that I would say is about a 1 spicy pepper out of 5. It is quite brief and only occurs twice in the novel - at the beginning and then towards the end. Again the spice wasn't romantic. I didn't feel a connection between the characters or love - it mainly just felt like they were horny and needing someone and the other was there.
Overall, I felt the premise was easygoing and there are some interesting elements to explore around family, work, and finding your place but without strong investment in the characters I was finding my mind wavering while I read.
Thank you so much Avon for this arc.
August 13, 2024
This was a case of this is cute!...but.
I loved the idea of a friends-to-lovers workplace romance between teachers--yes, please! My habit of never reading the blurb (or, apparently, even looking at the cover all that closely) meant that the surprise pregnancy part took me a little by surprise (I read the first 2/3 of this while on vacation and floating in the pool. As I was closing the book on the first day to get out, I saw the doodles on the chalkboard and yes, figured it out then). It's not my favorite trope, but I can work with it if the rest of the story is solid. Which this...kind of was? Sometimes?
There were a lot of little fun and/or funny bits that I would have highlighted if I'd been reading on my ereader, and I did like both Andrew and Valerie as characters. The progression of their romance felt very uneven, though--it was either nothing was happening/going on in their heads relationship-wise or bam! *everything* was. I also didn't love that the "enemies" part of their trope essentially came from having different teaching styles? I mean, OK, but...really? By the time they were team teaching, especially, so much of that seemed not OK to be doing with an audience of 5- and 6-year olds. Weren't they supposed to be the grown-ups in that scenario?
The chapters being named after fruits and vegetables that are commonly used to demonstrate how big the baby is in utero was really cute, and the ending was all kinds of sweet. I'm still not totally convinced that they would have ended up together if it weren't for the baby, though.
In short--not my favorite book of the year, but it had some fun bits. I'd be more than willing to read another book by the author--but would much prefer that it doesn't include the same (enemies-to-lovers, surprise pregnancy) tropes.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I loved the idea of a friends-to-lovers workplace romance between teachers--yes, please! My habit of never reading the blurb (or, apparently, even looking at the cover all that closely) meant that the surprise pregnancy part took me a little by surprise (I read the first 2/3 of this while on vacation and floating in the pool. As I was closing the book on the first day to get out, I saw the doodles on the chalkboard and yes, figured it out then). It's not my favorite trope, but I can work with it if the rest of the story is solid. Which this...kind of was? Sometimes?
There were a lot of little fun and/or funny bits that I would have highlighted if I'd been reading on my ereader, and I did like both Andrew and Valerie as characters. The progression of their romance felt very uneven, though--it was either nothing was happening/going on in their heads relationship-wise or bam! *everything* was. I also didn't love that the "enemies" part of their trope essentially came from having different teaching styles? I mean, OK, but...really? By the time they were team teaching, especially, so much of that seemed not OK to be doing with an audience of 5- and 6-year olds. Weren't they supposed to be the grown-ups in that scenario?
The chapters being named after fruits and vegetables that are commonly used to demonstrate how big the baby is in utero was really cute, and the ending was all kinds of sweet. I'm still not totally convinced that they would have ended up together if it weren't for the baby, though.
In short--not my favorite book of the year, but it had some fun bits. I'd be more than willing to read another book by the author--but would much prefer that it doesn't include the same (enemies-to-lovers, surprise pregnancy) tropes.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 28, 2024
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Love Lessons.
Love Lessons is about two kindergarten teachers who do not get along. They regularly have conflict with one another. When one of the kindergarten classrooms goes out of commission for the foreseeable future, Andrew and Valerie are forced to share a classroom with each other. As the story progresses, a shared classroom is not the only event that further drives the forced proximity between these two enemies.
Love Lessons is a quick read and there are some really lovely moments between Valerie and Andrew. I really love a good use of text messaging and I thought their text exchanges back and forth were a really nice piece of the book. The pacing of the story didn't feel consistent. The beginning has really fast pacing and when we got to the middle I felt the pacing had really slowed. At the same time, the latter half of the story, it didn't feel like the relationship developed at quite the pace necessary for the ending. I think some of the sharp interactions they still have with each other later in the story distracted from the developing relationship between the two. It makes the HEA at the end feel somewhat rushed because it feels uncertain if they've fully developed their love for each other. Love Lessons is a quick read and would recommend for anyone who likes forced proximity and/or enemies to lovers tropes.
Love Lessons is about two kindergarten teachers who do not get along. They regularly have conflict with one another. When one of the kindergarten classrooms goes out of commission for the foreseeable future, Andrew and Valerie are forced to share a classroom with each other. As the story progresses, a shared classroom is not the only event that further drives the forced proximity between these two enemies.
Love Lessons is a quick read and there are some really lovely moments between Valerie and Andrew. I really love a good use of text messaging and I thought their text exchanges back and forth were a really nice piece of the book. The pacing of the story didn't feel consistent. The beginning has really fast pacing and when we got to the middle I felt the pacing had really slowed. At the same time, the latter half of the story, it didn't feel like the relationship developed at quite the pace necessary for the ending. I think some of the sharp interactions they still have with each other later in the story distracted from the developing relationship between the two. It makes the HEA at the end feel somewhat rushed because it feels uncertain if they've fully developed their love for each other. Love Lessons is a quick read and would recommend for anyone who likes forced proximity and/or enemies to lovers tropes.
August 3, 2024
I really wanted to love this one since it’s about two Kindergarten teachers that fall in love. I work in Kindergarten so I figured it would be the perfect book to read before school started and maybe find some connection, but it wasn’t for me.
I wouldn’t say this was an enemies to lovers type book, I would phrase it as disgruntled with one another to tolerate each other to more than friends, not quite lovers, but a little love. I know it’s a mouth full and would never be advertised on a book, but that’s the kind of vibe that this book gave to me.
I’m not a seasoned romance reader, but I feel like if a book is promised to be a spicy enemies to lovers story it should live up to its expectation, but the spiciness was bland and a little awkward for my taste.
Lastly, I feel like the pregnancy shouldn’t have been revealed in the description since the entire book revolved around it. The book didn’t have any twists and that could’ve been the big “oh sh*t” moment, but it was predictable and nothing else really surprised me.
Okay, I’m done hating on this book but I do recommend it to anyone who loves a predictable romcom.
I wouldn’t say this was an enemies to lovers type book, I would phrase it as disgruntled with one another to tolerate each other to more than friends, not quite lovers, but a little love. I know it’s a mouth full and would never be advertised on a book, but that’s the kind of vibe that this book gave to me.
I’m not a seasoned romance reader, but I feel like if a book is promised to be a spicy enemies to lovers story it should live up to its expectation, but the spiciness was bland and a little awkward for my taste.
Lastly, I feel like the pregnancy shouldn’t have been revealed in the description since the entire book revolved around it. The book didn’t have any twists and that could’ve been the big “oh sh*t” moment, but it was predictable and nothing else really surprised me.
Okay, I’m done hating on this book but I do recommend it to anyone who loves a predictable romcom.
September 11, 2024
I really wanted to love this, but I think 3 stars is me being generous 😭
I did enjoy the banter between Andrew and Valerie, and I liked the classroom setting with them both being teachers. I liked how they were forced to co-teach as well and I’m a huge fan of forced proximity!
My biggest issues with this book were the pacing and lack of chemistry. I don’t really understand how the MC’s were enemies to lovers, they were just two teachers who got annoyed at the other’s teaching style. To me the characters seemed really immature for adults but I liked the story enough to continue. I’m not always a huge fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, I thought it was okay in this book but I neverrrr felt any chemistry between the characters 😭 Their feelings went 0 to 100 SO QUICK it wasn’t believable at all. So much of the story focused on her pregnancy instead of the relationship development between our MC’s, it’s hard to believe they would have gotten together if she didn’t get pregnant. Also this is supposed to be a spicy book but there are really only 2 spicy scenes in it 😗😗
Overall I don’t think I would recommend this one :(
Thank you to netgalley for this arc!!
I did enjoy the banter between Andrew and Valerie, and I liked the classroom setting with them both being teachers. I liked how they were forced to co-teach as well and I’m a huge fan of forced proximity!
My biggest issues with this book were the pacing and lack of chemistry. I don’t really understand how the MC’s were enemies to lovers, they were just two teachers who got annoyed at the other’s teaching style. To me the characters seemed really immature for adults but I liked the story enough to continue. I’m not always a huge fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, I thought it was okay in this book but I neverrrr felt any chemistry between the characters 😭 Their feelings went 0 to 100 SO QUICK it wasn’t believable at all. So much of the story focused on her pregnancy instead of the relationship development between our MC’s, it’s hard to believe they would have gotten together if she didn’t get pregnant. Also this is supposed to be a spicy book but there are really only 2 spicy scenes in it 😗😗
Overall I don’t think I would recommend this one :(
Thank you to netgalley for this arc!!
August 3, 2024
This book was absolutely adorable. The chapter names turning into fruits in relation to the size of the baby was a perfect addition.
The characters are both lovable in their own way, and are the epitome of opposites attract. I loved that even when they push each other buttons, consent is still very clear in the important interactions of their relationship, and that they respect another’s emotional boundaries.
I also appreciated the different relationship styles they both had with their mothers. As someone who has a less conventional relationship with their mother, I can relate to the anxiety that Valerie experiences when talking to her mother. Not everyone has the unconditionally loving relationship that Andrew and his mother share, and I think Sidney Halston did an excellent job at portraying both types of relationships.
This is a quick read that you can immediately get sucked into. I may or may not have ignored all other responsibilities and read it in one sitting because it was just so cute, I didn’t want to put it down.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for:
❤️ Surprise Pregnancy
✏️ Rivals to Lovers
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✏️ Workplace Romance
❤️ Forced Proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The characters are both lovable in their own way, and are the epitome of opposites attract. I loved that even when they push each other buttons, consent is still very clear in the important interactions of their relationship, and that they respect another’s emotional boundaries.
I also appreciated the different relationship styles they both had with their mothers. As someone who has a less conventional relationship with their mother, I can relate to the anxiety that Valerie experiences when talking to her mother. Not everyone has the unconditionally loving relationship that Andrew and his mother share, and I think Sidney Halston did an excellent job at portraying both types of relationships.
This is a quick read that you can immediately get sucked into. I may or may not have ignored all other responsibilities and read it in one sitting because it was just so cute, I didn’t want to put it down.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for:
❤️ Surprise Pregnancy
✏️ Rivals to Lovers
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✏️ Workplace Romance
❤️ Forced Proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 25, 2024
Full disclosure: accidental pregnancy is not one of my favorite tropes. However, some of my most surprising top reads have centered around the trope, and the synopsis for this one sounded promising. Unfortunately, it was mostly a miss for me.
I did like the rival teacher and school aspect of the book. I felt it did a good job of showing how different people can approach the same task in a different way and still have successful results. Everyone, including and maybe especially a kindergartener, learns in a different way and having two polar opposite teaching styles represented and forced to work together was a great concept.
There was some good chemistry between Andrew and Valerie in the rare instances that they got along, but for almost the entire book it simply felt like they genuinely disliked each other. I didn’t feel the attraction grow between them as the pregnancy progressed. I think part of this was due to a lot of telling over showing the moments that were supposed to help strengthen their connection. I just didn’t buy into the romance at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did like the rival teacher and school aspect of the book. I felt it did a good job of showing how different people can approach the same task in a different way and still have successful results. Everyone, including and maybe especially a kindergartener, learns in a different way and having two polar opposite teaching styles represented and forced to work together was a great concept.
There was some good chemistry between Andrew and Valerie in the rare instances that they got along, but for almost the entire book it simply felt like they genuinely disliked each other. I didn’t feel the attraction grow between them as the pregnancy progressed. I think part of this was due to a lot of telling over showing the moments that were supposed to help strengthen their connection. I just didn’t buy into the romance at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2024
I picked out this book because It looked interesting not really reading the back and realizing it’s a book about my least favourite trope, which is entirely my fault and not the author’s or anything.
With that being said I had to dnf this book. I liked both the characters personalities, but there is nothing more I hate than love by circumstance (ie having a baby together, marriage for a green card ect).it always feels forced and fake because it’s convenient for them to fall in love!!, your obviously your going to be more likely to fall in love with someone if your having a baby together! And because the “circumstance” was she got pregnant there wasn’t any build up to the first kiss! which (for reasons unbeknown to me) pissed me off.
With that being said I had to dnf this book. I liked both the characters personalities, but there is nothing more I hate than love by circumstance (ie having a baby together, marriage for a green card ect).it always feels forced and fake because it’s convenient for them to fall in love!!, your obviously your going to be more likely to fall in love with someone if your having a baby together! And because the “circumstance” was she got pregnant there wasn’t any build up to the first kiss! which (for reasons unbeknown to me) pissed me off.
August 2, 2024
4 ⭐️
“There is a thin line between love and hate…”
This was a cute and fun novel about two teachers who don’t like each other facing the outcome of one night together. Valerie the main character ends up pregnant by Andrew , her fellow Kindergarten teacher whom she can barely stand. The two of them must navigate this new discovery as well as untangle their complicated feelings about each other. This was a different type of romance novel so it was a palette cleanser for me. I only wish there was more of a build up before that romantic night in the first or second chapter..
“There is a thin line between love and hate…”
This was a cute and fun novel about two teachers who don’t like each other facing the outcome of one night together. Valerie the main character ends up pregnant by Andrew , her fellow Kindergarten teacher whom she can barely stand. The two of them must navigate this new discovery as well as untangle their complicated feelings about each other. This was a different type of romance novel so it was a palette cleanser for me. I only wish there was more of a build up before that romantic night in the first or second chapter..
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