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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
55 people are currently reading
8041 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Halston
23 books1,140 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 311 reviews
October 14, 2024
REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!!!
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 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. 🫶🏻
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 🫶
January 12, 2025
This book is the definition of telling-not-showing, and aside from a couple fun moments, the romance just isn’t well executed.
Lots of botched medical issues (they were freaking out about her BP when it was 130/80, which is literally normal) and MMC starts monitoring her meals in a very irritating way. Also, really bad migraine representation? Amateur Dr. Sydne was frustrated.
I probably wouldn’t have finished it except that I was having fun getting mad.
Lots of botched medical issues (they were freaking out about her BP when it was 130/80, which is literally normal) and MMC starts monitoring her meals in a very irritating way. Also, really bad migraine representation? Amateur Dr. Sydne was frustrated.
I probably wouldn’t have finished it except that I was having fun getting mad.
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.
November 25, 2025
i hate the pregnancy troupe but this was cute
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
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.
February 9, 2025
dnf @ 66%
Bickering like children, annoying and whiny. Awkward as heck "spicy scene" and generally annoying characters. Pass. I liked Valerie`s mom though.
Bickering like children, annoying and whiny. Awkward as heck "spicy scene" and generally annoying characters. Pass. I liked Valerie`s mom though.
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.
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.
December 4, 2024
Rating: 3/5
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Love Lessons had its moments, but ultimately, it fell short of its potential for me. At just under 300 pages, the pacing feeling uneven. The narrative alternated between dragging at a snail’s pace and then abruptly leaping forward, especially in the development of the main relationship. Some pivotal themes weren’t introduced until the final chapters, and by the time they appeared, there wasn’t enough room to explore them in depth. The rushed ending felt incomplete, leaving me wanting more closure and emotional payoff.
The relationship between the main characters was an area where I hoped for more—more depth, more chemistry, and more growth. Their dynamic as colleagues was somewhat explored, but their connection as soon-to-be co-parents lacked development. Beyond a handful of casual interactions outside of school, there wasn’t much substance to show how their bond deepened. The story often leaned on telling rather than showing, which made it hard to invest in their journey as a couple.
That said, there were aspects of the book that worked well. The rom-com tone brought plenty of humor, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of emotions surrounding an unplanned pregnancy. The couple’s distinct personalities and full backgrounds, along with the inclusion of their mothers, added warmth and relatability to the story. The depiction of navigating the overwhelming nature of a surprise pregnancy, especially with someone you’ve clashed with for years, felt authentic and grounded.
Overall, while Love Lessons had cute and heartfelt moments, it missed the opportunity to deliver a more fully realized and emotionally satisfying story. It’s a light, enjoyable read for fans of rom-coms, but I was left wishing for more development, depth, and a stronger conclusion.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Love Lessons had its moments, but ultimately, it fell short of its potential for me. At just under 300 pages, the pacing feeling uneven. The narrative alternated between dragging at a snail’s pace and then abruptly leaping forward, especially in the development of the main relationship. Some pivotal themes weren’t introduced until the final chapters, and by the time they appeared, there wasn’t enough room to explore them in depth. The rushed ending felt incomplete, leaving me wanting more closure and emotional payoff.
The relationship between the main characters was an area where I hoped for more—more depth, more chemistry, and more growth. Their dynamic as colleagues was somewhat explored, but their connection as soon-to-be co-parents lacked development. Beyond a handful of casual interactions outside of school, there wasn’t much substance to show how their bond deepened. The story often leaned on telling rather than showing, which made it hard to invest in their journey as a couple.
That said, there were aspects of the book that worked well. The rom-com tone brought plenty of humor, and I appreciated the realistic portrayal of emotions surrounding an unplanned pregnancy. The couple’s distinct personalities and full backgrounds, along with the inclusion of their mothers, added warmth and relatability to the story. The depiction of navigating the overwhelming nature of a surprise pregnancy, especially with someone you’ve clashed with for years, felt authentic and grounded.
Overall, while Love Lessons had cute and heartfelt moments, it missed the opportunity to deliver a more fully realized and emotionally satisfying story. It’s a light, enjoyable read for fans of rom-coms, but I was left wishing for more development, depth, and a stronger conclusion.
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
October 23, 2024
I'm not usually one for the "unexpected pregnancy" trope, but this story was really sweet! I loved how it was a bit unconventional, and I LOVED the two MCs together. This book was funny and steamy and just overall cute. If you love "enemies to lovers," put this one on your list!
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.
January 20, 2025
I am in the minority of people who don't hate the accidental pregnancy trope, so I was really hopeful going into this one. Right from the start I thought it was really cute. I loved the initial interaction between the MC's, and really liked the secondary characters. I thought the accidental pregnancy was done well, and loved seeing how the MC's came together to get ready for the baby. I saw this one described as Abbott Elementary meets Ali Hazelwood, but for me I would say Abbott Elementary meets Knocked up. All of the time with the kids were adorable, it was funny, very sweet and while there were a few open door scenes, I would say this one wasn't too spicy.
June 24, 2025
Cute!
November 3, 2024
Meh 🤷♀️
Read
December 5, 2024I DIDNT READ THE DESCRIPTION AND ITS A PREGNANCY PLOTLINE 😭😭😭 dnf @ 49%
July 18, 2024
I had such high hopes and I was so disappointed :(
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
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