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Essence Knox knows how to carry the weight of a full life.
After twenty years teaching math at Hardwood High, raising two daughters on her own, and holding down the fort through heartbreak and hustle, she’s staring down an unfamiliar kind of quiet. The kids are grown. The house feels too big. And the past—well, it still lingers in the corners. Selling the home she built her world in should be a fresh start. She didn’t expect it to come with temptation.
Xavier Sharpe moves differently.
Retired military. Smooth voice. New to teaching but already catching eyes in the halls. When he crosses paths with Essence during her transition, the connection is instant—but nothing about it feels rushed. He’s steady where she’s guarded, patient where she’s bracing for impact. Still, Essence has loved hard and lost deeper. Opening up again? That’s not on the lesson plan.
As sparks turn into something more, they’ll both have to confront what they’re holding onto—and what they’re willing to risk. Because love after loss isn’t about starting over. It’s about knowing who you are when everything else gets quiet… and choosing love anyway.
A later-in-life romance about healing, home, and second chances—with just the right amount of heat.
After twenty years teaching math at Hardwood High, raising two daughters on her own, and holding down the fort through heartbreak and hustle, she’s staring down an unfamiliar kind of quiet. The kids are grown. The house feels too big. And the past—well, it still lingers in the corners. Selling the home she built her world in should be a fresh start. She didn’t expect it to come with temptation.
Xavier Sharpe moves differently.
Retired military. Smooth voice. New to teaching but already catching eyes in the halls. When he crosses paths with Essence during her transition, the connection is instant—but nothing about it feels rushed. He’s steady where she’s guarded, patient where she’s bracing for impact. Still, Essence has loved hard and lost deeper. Opening up again? That’s not on the lesson plan.
As sparks turn into something more, they’ll both have to confront what they’re holding onto—and what they’re willing to risk. Because love after loss isn’t about starting over. It’s about knowing who you are when everything else gets quiet… and choosing love anyway.
A later-in-life romance about healing, home, and second chances—with just the right amount of heat.
236 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2024
226 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 14, 2024
You know when you finish a book and you just sit there and stare off into space, and take a deep breath? Yeah.. this was that for me. It’s just something about two grown ass folks .. acting like two grown ass folks! I loved every second of this and it was such a breath of fresh air from everything I’ve been reading. To see two people who done been through some things simply love on eachother, was just soothing. I’m in the military, so the references to such were spot on and very easy to relate to. I loved the development of both our FMC and MMC and I think I’m a multi-POV girly cause this just did it for me! We got to learn about them individually and then how they just connected with eachother. *Deep breath* .. loved this. I would recommend it to anyone but defly if you’re looking for something full of love <3
October 12, 2025
Making room for new love
3.5 stars
This was a cute read. As my book friends would say a good palate cleanser. It's a wholesome read, with some decent sex scenes. However, it's the sexual energy, the tension that is missing.
Xavier and Essence meet at the High School they both work at. Xavier is retired military and is now embarking on his second career as an English teacher. Essence has been a math teacher for over 20 years. Both are also divorced with grown children. They are in their mid 40s, and I always love a couple I can relate to. Essence is learning to navigate life as an empty nester, while Xavier is getting used to having his newly grown, somewhat lazy son full time. Xavier and Essence are fast friends and grow into something more. I loved how no nonsense and protective Essence was.
I had a few call outs...Xavier seemed to have several moments of anxiety, but that wasn't presented around Essence and I'm unsure why? I also wanted to know where Essence decided to live, a small mention of her next step would have added some closure as it was mentioned throughout the story.
3.5 stars
This was a cute read. As my book friends would say a good palate cleanser. It's a wholesome read, with some decent sex scenes. However, it's the sexual energy, the tension that is missing.
Xavier and Essence meet at the High School they both work at. Xavier is retired military and is now embarking on his second career as an English teacher. Essence has been a math teacher for over 20 years. Both are also divorced with grown children. They are in their mid 40s, and I always love a couple I can relate to. Essence is learning to navigate life as an empty nester, while Xavier is getting used to having his newly grown, somewhat lazy son full time. Xavier and Essence are fast friends and grow into something more. I loved how no nonsense and protective Essence was.
I had a few call outs...Xavier seemed to have several moments of anxiety, but that wasn't presented around Essence and I'm unsure why? I also wanted to know where Essence decided to live, a small mention of her next step would have added some closure as it was mentioned throughout the story.
November 4, 2024
Adorable read!
I absolutely devoured this book. As someone that has worked in education for 25 years, I thoroughly enjoyed the shenanigans of being a fly on the wall at Hardwood High. Xavier is such a man's man!
He was gentle but oh so strong. I loved how he was so caring and kind. The floundering at the beginning was so relatable. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, this is actually my first Nina High read but she's definitely on my radar now. This book was written exceptionally well. For a second, at the homecoming game, I thought the story was going somewhere that would ruin the vibe, but it didn't and for that, I'm thankful.
I absolutely devoured this book. As someone that has worked in education for 25 years, I thoroughly enjoyed the shenanigans of being a fly on the wall at Hardwood High. Xavier is such a man's man!
He was gentle but oh so strong. I loved how he was so caring and kind. The floundering at the beginning was so relatable. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, this is actually my first Nina High read but she's definitely on my radar now. This book was written exceptionally well. For a second, at the homecoming game, I thought the story was going somewhere that would ruin the vibe, but it didn't and for that, I'm thankful.
November 20, 2024
Cute and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 18, 2024
This book was so cute!!!! It was a straightforward romance with no drama — I LOVED IT!!!
January 7, 2025
Rating 4.5. Such a cute read. Love a good romance and this was unique as it was later in life romance. So cute!
January 20, 2025
I ate this book right on up! I love that Nina High creates MMCs that love their women the right way. It's always a happy ending. Essence Knox is done with dating after being burned in the past. She is now an empty nester and is looking to downsize her life. The last thing she thought she would be doing is adding a MAN! Xavier is a new teacher to Hardwood High. Him and Essence's chemistry is hard not to notice and let me just say, "THAT MAN IS FINE." These characters were so well developed, and I enjoyed seeing their growth. This book touches on mental health a bit as well. I have to say the spice scenes had me giggling and kicking my feet. I truly enjoyed this read and can not wait to read the next one.
January 31, 2025
Calculated Risks
My first impressions of Author Nina High were a lasting impression. “X + E: The Teachers of Hardwood High” was a good read. I appreciated the calculated risks both Essence & Xavier unwittingly explored which propelled them into new chapters of their lives personally & romantically. …change & waves transport people from stationary contentment to progressive movement 🧐😊‼️“I’m going to show you how to take, how to accept & enjoy without doing any work.” …a great philosophy…well stated… & even better implemented‼️
My first impressions of Author Nina High were a lasting impression. “X + E: The Teachers of Hardwood High” was a good read. I appreciated the calculated risks both Essence & Xavier unwittingly explored which propelled them into new chapters of their lives personally & romantically. …change & waves transport people from stationary contentment to progressive movement 🧐😊‼️“I’m going to show you how to take, how to accept & enjoy without doing any work.” …a great philosophy…well stated… & even better implemented‼️
September 17, 2025
Grown
Oh I love a book with grown folks. No major drama and 🌶️🌶️. I was sold. Essence was not playing with her life and what she wanted. I love that Xavier realized his faults and took accountability.
Oh I love a book with grown folks. No major drama and 🌶️🌶️. I was sold. Essence was not playing with her life and what she wanted. I love that Xavier realized his faults and took accountability.
December 18, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This was so cute! I love second chance at love. These two deserved someone they could call their own. No drama between the two, spicy, and the school aspect was funny. Definitely reading the other books.
Highly recommend.
This was so cute! I love second chance at love. These two deserved someone they could call their own. No drama between the two, spicy, and the school aspect was funny. Definitely reading the other books.
Highly recommend.
November 16, 2024
Really good. New to me author. A wonderful palate cleanser!
November 24, 2024
It was okay. I thought it would be much better. The first few chapters had me excited but it got a little boring through the middle and I didn’t end up enjoying this as much as I thought I would.
December 4, 2024
This was so cute & definitely a feel good mature romance. 🤎🥰
3.75🌟
3.75🌟
January 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was a cute grown adult romance story. I would’ve liked for some of the scenes to go a little bit longer. Overall, I’m here for the grown and sexy romance
This was a cute grown adult romance story. I would’ve liked for some of the scenes to go a little bit longer. Overall, I’m here for the grown and sexy romance
March 16, 2025
Romance, Spice, and Everything Nice!
Romance, spice and everything nice! I enjoyed this love story written by Nina High. I typically don’t read romance or spice, but this book was entertaining.
Romance, spice and everything nice! I enjoyed this love story written by Nina High. I typically don’t read romance or spice, but this book was entertaining.
August 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
October 20, 2024
Special Book
The level of character depth in this book was outstanding. I laughed, I teared up and I was ready to fight all in one book. The love between Xavier and Essence was special. I like how they complimented each other and understood the position in life they were in. I thought Xavier was going to be one way when the book started and I loved seeing the extra layers underneath the surface. Essence was a bad ass through and through. She had doubts about a relationship but she knew who she was and what she had to offer. Ate this book right on up!
The level of character depth in this book was outstanding. I laughed, I teared up and I was ready to fight all in one book. The love between Xavier and Essence was special. I like how they complimented each other and understood the position in life they were in. I thought Xavier was going to be one way when the book started and I loved seeing the extra layers underneath the surface. Essence was a bad ass through and through. She had doubts about a relationship but she knew who she was and what she had to offer. Ate this book right on up!
November 26, 2024
This was an amazing read . I hadn't picked up a book in a few days and I started this one an I was good to go. Love how they show different aspects of school for teachers and goes to show cliques don't grow up.
I love how disciplined X is .
I love how disciplined X is .
December 6, 2024
I read what I like and yes, I liked this! My friends and I continued our buddy reads with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it! This story was a breath of fresh air, showcasing two mature characters who are finding love after life has already handed them its fair share of challenges. It’s a heartwarming and relatable romance that proves it’s never too late to start over.
Xavier, our main man, is a fantastic lead. As an ex-military, divorced father stepping into a brand-new career as an English teacher at Hardwood High, he’s juggling a lot. His first few weeks are rough, and you can feel his struggle to adjust. But there’s a spark in his life that keeps him going—Essence.
Essence is equally compelling. She’s a successful teacher with two grown daughters who have left the nest, leaving her with a big, quiet house and a nagging sense that her love life could use a reboot. When she meets Xavier, her cautious but deliberate decision to take a chance on romance again feels so authentic. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their journey from colleagues to something much deeper is a joy to watch unfold.
What I loved most about this story is how real it feels. Xavier and Essence aren’t perfect—they’ve been through divorces, they’ve raised kids, and they’ve both had to rebuild themselves. Their connection isn’t instant but grows naturally through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations. Watching Essence rediscover feelings she hasn’t had in over a decade and Xavier letting down his guard to embrace something new is truly satisfying.
The backdrop of Hardwood High adds an extra layer of charm. Seeing these two navigate their personal lives while balancing the chaos of teaching and mentoring students gives the story depth and relatability. Nina High captures the everyday joys and challenges of educators beautifully, making the characters and setting feel grounded and genuine.
If you’re looking for a romance that focuses on mature, well-rounded characters who find love when they least expect it, X+E: The Teachers of Hardwood High is the book for you. Xavier and Essence’s story is heartwarming, inspiring, and a reminder that love can find us at any stage of life.
Xavier, our main man, is a fantastic lead. As an ex-military, divorced father stepping into a brand-new career as an English teacher at Hardwood High, he’s juggling a lot. His first few weeks are rough, and you can feel his struggle to adjust. But there’s a spark in his life that keeps him going—Essence.
Essence is equally compelling. She’s a successful teacher with two grown daughters who have left the nest, leaving her with a big, quiet house and a nagging sense that her love life could use a reboot. When she meets Xavier, her cautious but deliberate decision to take a chance on romance again feels so authentic. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their journey from colleagues to something much deeper is a joy to watch unfold.
What I loved most about this story is how real it feels. Xavier and Essence aren’t perfect—they’ve been through divorces, they’ve raised kids, and they’ve both had to rebuild themselves. Their connection isn’t instant but grows naturally through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations. Watching Essence rediscover feelings she hasn’t had in over a decade and Xavier letting down his guard to embrace something new is truly satisfying.
The backdrop of Hardwood High adds an extra layer of charm. Seeing these two navigate their personal lives while balancing the chaos of teaching and mentoring students gives the story depth and relatability. Nina High captures the everyday joys and challenges of educators beautifully, making the characters and setting feel grounded and genuine.
If you’re looking for a romance that focuses on mature, well-rounded characters who find love when they least expect it, X+E: The Teachers of Hardwood High is the book for you. Xavier and Essence’s story is heartwarming, inspiring, and a reminder that love can find us at any stage of life.
April 1, 2025
A great read to end the month of March! I liked that there wasn’t too much drama. Especially from the exes. Wish there was a little more in the epilogue but i’m sure they’ll be pieces of their lives sprinkled in the next books in the series.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Would a high school math class and English class really be right next to each other? I’m trying to think back to when I was in high school. I guess it’s possible that the English classes and math classes are on one floor.
Mrs. Collins would only get one time! The teachers couldn’t talk to me any kind of way when I was child so they damn sure wouldn’t when i’m a full grown adult. I don’t care how old you are! I’m matching energies.
42??? First thing that came to mind is “Why do you look 50 and you’re 24?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Listen I’d get to lunch first too. Gotta get there before the underside of my palm and their unwashed hands starts grabbing shxt! Iykyk. And i’d grab extra too. They’re just going to throw it away.
Not too much on Oklahoma Miss. Nina 🤣🤣 You’re not wrong but chill lol.
I’m cackling at Miss Julie!! Not waiting for her husband to die to find some young 🍆 to ride and bounce!! Why are all attendance ladies funny af!!
I know that’s right Dr. Ranley! Put Melissa in her place! And Peppermint Patty!!
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Would a high school math class and English class really be right next to each other? I’m trying to think back to when I was in high school. I guess it’s possible that the English classes and math classes are on one floor.
Mrs. Collins would only get one time! The teachers couldn’t talk to me any kind of way when I was child so they damn sure wouldn’t when i’m a full grown adult. I don’t care how old you are! I’m matching energies.
42??? First thing that came to mind is “Why do you look 50 and you’re 24?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Listen I’d get to lunch first too. Gotta get there before the underside of my palm and their unwashed hands starts grabbing shxt! Iykyk. And i’d grab extra too. They’re just going to throw it away.
Not too much on Oklahoma Miss. Nina 🤣🤣 You’re not wrong but chill lol.
I’m cackling at Miss Julie!! Not waiting for her husband to die to find some young 🍆 to ride and bounce!! Why are all attendance ladies funny af!!
I know that’s right Dr. Ranley! Put Melissa in her place! And Peppermint Patty!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
The way I stayed up all night and flew this book to be able to post it today!
This is one of my selections for #indiespinesbookclub Indie month and I’m so glad I read it! I love this cute mature teacher romance! These teachers were giving all types of lessons at Hardwood High - all pun intended.
Xavier and Essence were so stinking cute, cutting to the chase and quickly letting their attraction known. Fun conversations, witty & flirty banter, and bonding over their teaching careers and life experiences!
I loved the focus on both being single parents of new college students / “baby adults”. This was so relatable for me especially since my baby adult will be leaving for college soon. I loved Xavier’s relationship with his son, teaching him responsibility, and encouraging him when making plans for his future. I loved the angle of Essence downgrading to a smaller space since it’s now “just her”. Essence and her daughter’s were also fun, with them constantly roasting their mom. 🤣
I also loved the intricacies of teachers in the classroom, their working relationships with other teachers and getting into a good groove with their students. This is such a cute story, with great heated sex! My honey loves me to read him spicy scenes and this one is up next!! Definitely plan to continue this series!!
This is one of my selections for #indiespinesbookclub Indie month and I’m so glad I read it! I love this cute mature teacher romance! These teachers were giving all types of lessons at Hardwood High - all pun intended.
Xavier and Essence were so stinking cute, cutting to the chase and quickly letting their attraction known. Fun conversations, witty & flirty banter, and bonding over their teaching careers and life experiences!
I loved the focus on both being single parents of new college students / “baby adults”. This was so relatable for me especially since my baby adult will be leaving for college soon. I loved Xavier’s relationship with his son, teaching him responsibility, and encouraging him when making plans for his future. I loved the angle of Essence downgrading to a smaller space since it’s now “just her”. Essence and her daughter’s were also fun, with them constantly roasting their mom. 🤣
I also loved the intricacies of teachers in the classroom, their working relationships with other teachers and getting into a good groove with their students. This is such a cute story, with great heated sex! My honey loves me to read him spicy scenes and this one is up next!! Definitely plan to continue this series!!
September 21, 2025
A great start to a series.
Bravo to Nina High on this book. One I love how she ties the Martin Brother series with the Hardwood High series. All of the characters are intertwined and within the same vicinity which has me hooked and invested.
Essence is an empty nester who is trying to figure out what’s next now she’s no longer has to dedicate her time to her daughters. As one of the most respected teachers at Hardwood High, she’s thriving among her peers and loves her teaching career.
Xavier is a now retired solider kickstarting his second career in life, a high school teacher. With a son off to college and venturing into unknown career, can Xavier find the balance between work life and personal life and enjoy the both of best worlds?
This is advertised as a mature love romance but in all honesty minus the age (mid forties) this is just a regular black romance novel. Can’t wait to continue this series.
Bravo to Nina High on this book. One I love how she ties the Martin Brother series with the Hardwood High series. All of the characters are intertwined and within the same vicinity which has me hooked and invested.
Essence is an empty nester who is trying to figure out what’s next now she’s no longer has to dedicate her time to her daughters. As one of the most respected teachers at Hardwood High, she’s thriving among her peers and loves her teaching career.
Xavier is a now retired solider kickstarting his second career in life, a high school teacher. With a son off to college and venturing into unknown career, can Xavier find the balance between work life and personal life and enjoy the both of best worlds?
This is advertised as a mature love romance but in all honesty minus the age (mid forties) this is just a regular black romance novel. Can’t wait to continue this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
This book was so well written. I loved every minute of this story! It gave feel good rom-com vibes! This is my first read from this author and definitely won’t be the last!
Essence is a beloved high school math teacher. With both daughters off to college, she is ready for the next step-selling her home. Xavier is retired from the military and ready to start his second career as a high school English teacher. On his first day, he meets Essence and they instantly have chemistry.
The pacing of this story was perfect and made their love story feel natural. I was so sad when it ended and I wanted more from X&E!!
Essence is a beloved high school math teacher. With both daughters off to college, she is ready for the next step-selling her home. Xavier is retired from the military and ready to start his second career as a high school English teacher. On his first day, he meets Essence and they instantly have chemistry.
The pacing of this story was perfect and made their love story feel natural. I was so sad when it ended and I wanted more from X&E!!
November 27, 2024
X+E
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Xavier and Essence were so cute together and balanced each other out. Essence was hilarious and seemed to make everyone comfortable around her. Xavier was a little shy with his anxiety and overthinking, but when he was alone with Essence and they had their intimate moments, his BDE came through in full force. I loved these two together and would love to get an update on them.
This story did have several editing errors and some issues with minor inconsistencies. While there were enough errors to bring up in this review, they were minor enough to not take away from my enjoyment of this story.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Xavier and Essence were so cute together and balanced each other out. Essence was hilarious and seemed to make everyone comfortable around her. Xavier was a little shy with his anxiety and overthinking, but when he was alone with Essence and they had their intimate moments, his BDE came through in full force. I loved these two together and would love to get an update on them.
This story did have several editing errors and some issues with minor inconsistencies. While there were enough errors to bring up in this review, they were minor enough to not take away from my enjoyment of this story.
May 10, 2025
🥰 This is a mature adult romance that felt extremely relatable. When I was young I couldn’t imagine my teachers having any other life outside of being a teacher. When I grew up I used to wonder what really goes on. This was the movie Breakfast Club but make it about teachers. There is no traditional plot, you blindly follow moments in these characters lives and work relations, and yet it just works. I was smiling ear to ear as the main characters let their guard down and leaned into this new chapter of their lives. I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing how the writing/storytelling evolves.
June 17, 2025
It’s refreshing to read a book where the characters are in the same stage of life I’m in. The characters are in their 40’s and in one way or another facing some big life changes while also starting a relationship with each other. There was no real drama, no third act breakup. Just two people finding their way to each other after some past failed attempts. I think many of us are afraid of changes when we get older and this story gave insight to the fact that change is hard and takes work, but is worth it if it aligns with your life goals.
August 21, 2025
Romance, spicy and everything nice! I enjoyed this love story written by Nina High. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is so relatable and is a nice change in that it explores love between a middle aged couple. Xavier and Essence were so cute together and balanced each other out. Essence was hilarious and seemed to make everyone comfortable around her. Xavier was a little shy with his anxiety and overthinking, but when he was alone with Essence and they had their intimate moments, his BDE came through in full force. I see myself reading the others in this series.
November 12, 2024
Cozy, drama free, and well-written, X + E: The Teachers of Hardwood High (Book 1) is a reminder of why I enjoy Nina High’s books. Her characters are well written, funny, and relatable. I loved this “later-in-life” romance story. It gave me all the good feels and I was happy with the ending. I cannot wait to read book 2. I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy romances with minimal spice.
November 18, 2024
Enjoyed it
I loved that Essence and Xavier were so grown and intentional about their attraction to each other, and didn't find excuses to run from it. The camaraderie among the teachers was awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed how the unpleasant ones were handled. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. Really enjoyed this. If not for the editing errors throughout, this would've been five stars for me.
I loved that Essence and Xavier were so grown and intentional about their attraction to each other, and didn't find excuses to run from it. The camaraderie among the teachers was awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed how the unpleasant ones were handled. There were quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. Really enjoyed this. If not for the editing errors throughout, this would've been five stars for me.
March 7, 2025
This was such a cute and feel-good read! I appreciated how the author got straight to the point without unnecessary delays, keeping the story engaging. I also loved how the FMC confidently expressed her needs without hesitation. The book had plenty of humorous moments, especially the banter between the MMC and Pat. This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I’ll definitely be adding more of her work to my TBR!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews