My Thoughts:
I became a fan of Nicole's work after I read her debut MM romance novel "Immoral". When I realized that she was coming out with another MM book so different from Immoral, I was VERY excited. I already preordered and all that fan girl jazz. I got lucky that I scored an ARC for review.
I'm happy to report that I love the stuffing out of Totally Schooled. First of all, Hailey had me from the get go. I'm a sucker for single dads book, I love it when kids steal the show. Then there's Rafe, the overprotective father who's doing his best to be the best father he could be for Hailey. These two give me all the feels. Then we meet Nolan who's a kindergarten teacher with the biggest heart and have so much love to give, and also has a penchant for fixing 'things'.
I fell in love with the characters in completely different ways. I like how Nicole showed us the real-life struggles of a single parent, specially those who don't have extended family support system. It is rough. I love Rafe as a father, fierce, protective and determined to provide the best for his girl. I love how Nolan seamlessly blended into their lives like he was meant to be there. He also knows what he wants and I love that he has boundaries. That was an important aspect for me. He broke his pattern and stood his ground. We can only improve if we know how to get out of our own way. And Hailey? what's not to love?
The struggles Nolan and Rafe faced were the luggage from their pasts. Nolan did a great job of unpacking his and putting it away. Rafe is the one who would have to pay excess luggage fees if he were to check it in. Truly, what he went through was awful. Trauma could change our responses to things so drastically. I felt like I needed to give Rafe a big hug.
The pacing of the book and the evolution of their relationship was at a great. Not too fast even if the attraction was there but it was not dragging slow either. Even the conflict resolution was so organic.
Have you ever read a book where the MCs are already in a relationship, just that they refuse to acknowledge it or didn't really know they were already in one? Do you like those kind of stories? How about a hot AF single dad and also hot AF teacher? What about a 5-year old girl who's so smart, so loving and loves Barbies? Are you a sucker for found families, great group of friends? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you'll absolutely enjoy this book!
It's a story we could fall in love with. The characters are so relatable, their struggles are too. It's one of those stories where we think, "hey, this could totally happen to me..". I mean, not the hot af stuff, but finding love in the unexpected places stuff.
Nicole, well done. And now, there's more supporting characters you have to write more books for and I'm here for all of them!
My Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
blurb:
Nolan
I’m a teacher who has only one thing missing from his life: a healthy relationship. I have a plan in place. This should be easy. No more toxic men. No more casual hookups. I want something real. A love that’s equal, not lopsided. I’m a fixer at heart, but I’m done with the hopeless and the selfish.
Rafe
I’m a dad. Pure and simple. The only thing I want is for my daughter to be happy and healthy. I keep my head down. I work like crazy, and I found her a great school in a new place. I don’t have time for anything else but her. She has my heart, leaving little for anyone else.
When this kindergarten teacher and single father come together, something has to give. Lines are crossed. Secrets are shared. Hearts shatter. Who knows? Maybe they can teach each other something.
totally schooled will be out Nov. 15. 2021
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