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📚🌈 “Napkins & Other Distractions” by @mawardellauthor 💖 is a delightful addition to the Teachers in Love series, and I absolutely adored it. The story follows Kent Lester, a principal ready to explore his bisexuality, and Vincent Manda, who struggles with OCD and a history of unrequited love. Their relationship blossoms beautifully, with a perfect balance of tender moments and scorchingly hot scenes.

The spicy elements in this book are on another level, but they serve a purpose beyond just heat; they deepen the connection between Kent and Vincent, allowing them to grow individually and together. The writing captures their care and desire for each other, especially as they explore new aspects of their sexuality. These scenes are written with care and detail, emphasizing consent, communication, and mutual respect. I found the spice to be dynamic and meaningful, never feeling gratuitous.

One of the standout aspects for me was the mature and loving communication between Kent and Vincent. It was refreshing to see older queer men portrayed positively, and I especially appreciated the representation of baldness, which added a personal touch. The cameos from previous characters added to the charm, and the diverse representation throughout the book was wonderfully done.

“Napkins & Other Distractions” is a heartwarming and steamy read that reminds us all that love is for everyone, regardless of where you are in life or how different you may feel. It celebrates diversity and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Out on June 4th! ☺️💖

#bookstagram #mawardell #queerbooks #lgbtbooks #spicybook #mmromance #mmromancebooks #bookrec #bookreccomendations #bookreview

“Napkins & Other Distractions” by M.A. Wardell is a delightful addition to the Teachers in Love series, and I absolutely adored it. The story follows Kent Lester, a principal ready to explore his bisexuality, and Vincent Manda, who struggles with OCD and a history of unrequited love. Their relationship blossoms beautifully, with a perfect balance of tender moments and scorchingly hot scenes.

The spicy elements in this book are on another level, but they serve a purpose beyond just heat; they deepen the connection between Kent and Vincent, allowing them to grow individually and together. The writing captures their care and desire for each other, especially as they explore new aspects of their sexuality. These scenes are written with care and detail, emphasizing consent, communication, and mutual respect. I found the spice to be dynamic and meaningful, never feeling gratuitous.

One of the standout aspects for me was the mature and loving communication between Kent and Vincent. It was refreshing to see older queer men portrayed positively, and I especially appreciated the representation of baldness, which added a personal touch. The cameos from previous characters added to the charm, and the diverse representation throughout the book was wonderfully done.

“Napkins & Other Distractions” is a heartwarming and steamy read that reminds us all that love is for everyone, regardless of where you are in life or how different you may feel. It celebrates diversity and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Napkins & Other Distractions” by M.A. Wardell

Celebrating love and identity through queer stories.

Queer as Books

José Orlando

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I’m José Orlando, a Puerto Rican gay reader and reviewer who found healing and love for reading through queer books. Growing up without representation and discovering these stories in my 30s was life-changing. I began sharing my journey on TikTok, connecting with the amazing BookTok community. Now, my mission is to celebrate diverse, queer stories and champion authors—especially indie—so queer readers find themselves in these stories and allies can grow from them.