Teach Me (There's Something about Marysburg, #1)

by Olivia Dade

[Sam@WLABB]

One of the reasons I jumped at the opportunity to read this book was because it was a "seasoned" romance, which really means, it was a love story between two older characters. I was recently lamenting the fact, that we have no shortage of heroes in their 40s, but for some reason, there are very few older heroines. So, thank you, Olivia Dade, for showing us that even two middle aged divorcees deserve another shot at an HEA.

But, there were more delightful differences, which set this story apart from other in the genre. Both main characters, Martin and Rose had painful things in their pasts, that were keeping them from taking a chance on each other. The pair had been married to people, who basically did not love them as they were. They wanted to change them into something else, and this left an indelible mark on the both of them. There were also things in their far past such as growing up poor, being the victim of bullying, and growing up in a household rife with toxic masculinity. Despite all these things, they were both really lovely, successful, big hearted, kind, and wonderful people, and I found it really easy to ship them.

This was also a great book for you slow-burn romance lovers. Lots of tension and starts and stops and so, so many sweet and tender moments in-between. There was quite a build up, but I was really excited, when these two finally did get together, and began to move forward in their relationship.

I must confess, that I really liked the way Dade incorporated so much of their teaching profession into the story, because, let's face it - life as a teacher really is a full-time job. I taught high school science for over a decade, and I can attest to the accuracy of so many of the things both Martin and Rose experienced in the story with respect to their profession. They were passionate about their subject matter and their students, and it was great that Dade included that side of them.

Other things I enjoyed so much!
• Positive fat woman rep
• Martin was a wonderful, cinnamon roll of a hero
• Martin's relationship with his daughter, Be a
• Rose's ex-in-laws
• Nerdy banter
• A fantastic and fun grand gesture

Overall: This was a wonderful and heartwarming romance, which definitely brings something new to the table, and I am looking forward to revisiting Marysburg.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS