What do you think?
Rate this book
The Teachers of Hardwood High #3
P+B: The Teachers of Hardwood High
Bentley didn’t come to Hardwood High to fall in love.
She came to prove something—to herself, to the people who doubted her, and maybe even to the chickens named after Destiny’s Child living in her backyard. Her plan was survive her first year teaching English, build a community in her classroom, and absolutely not get distracted by anyone with a killer smile and thighs that make her rethink her professional goals.
But then there’s Priest.
DeAnthony Priest, the intense, focused assistant basketball coach with a body built like a problem and a heart he swears is off-limits. He’s done the casual thing, the serious thing, and the heartbreak thing—and getting involved with the bright-eyed new teacher next door is definitely not part of his game plan.
They both know better.
But between after-school drinks, stolen hallway glances, and one dangerously closed classroom door, the line between coworkers and something more starts to blur. And when a talented student with everything riding on basketball connects them in unexpected ways, their emotional guardrails start to crack.
She’s trying to find her place. He’s trying not to lose control.
Neither of them expected their biggest challenge this school year would be each other.
She came to prove something—to herself, to the people who doubted her, and maybe even to the chickens named after Destiny’s Child living in her backyard. Her plan was survive her first year teaching English, build a community in her classroom, and absolutely not get distracted by anyone with a killer smile and thighs that make her rethink her professional goals.
But then there’s Priest.
DeAnthony Priest, the intense, focused assistant basketball coach with a body built like a problem and a heart he swears is off-limits. He’s done the casual thing, the serious thing, and the heartbreak thing—and getting involved with the bright-eyed new teacher next door is definitely not part of his game plan.
They both know better.
But between after-school drinks, stolen hallway glances, and one dangerously closed classroom door, the line between coworkers and something more starts to blur. And when a talented student with everything riding on basketball connects them in unexpected ways, their emotional guardrails start to crack.
She’s trying to find her place. He’s trying not to lose control.
Neither of them expected their biggest challenge this school year would be each other.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
95 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 19, 2025
Real rating: 0.25
I don’t think I can write an actual review without getting mad.
I don’t think I can write an actual review without getting mad.
May 31, 2025
**Spoilers**
I want to preface this review by saying that I am always biased toward the female characters point of view in disagreements. However, Bentley irked me from the moment she got pregnant. You don’t tell him before dinner with his family so his mother figures it out before him. When you do tell him, he has an indifferent initial reaction that he corrects that same day. She says she understands but continued to ignore him because her feelings were hurt. Okay. She then pushes him away for being there for her “too much” without clearing expressing the issue. Priest creates an outline to help prepare for the baby and he is accused of taking over. But she is overwhelmed and procrastinating issues that need to be resolved. IMO she continued to shut Priest out/hurt his feelings (and she knew that’s what she was doing) but somehow every time it came back to being his fault. She is owed grace because she is pregnant but she was pushing it. Maybe it was supposed to be a representation of their age gap that was not explicitly mentioned after the beginning chapters. Idk but Priest’s patience and willingness to let his own hurt feelings go allowed the relationship to survive. I did like the story overall and will be continuing the series.
I want to preface this review by saying that I am always biased toward the female characters point of view in disagreements. However, Bentley irked me from the moment she got pregnant. You don’t tell him before dinner with his family so his mother figures it out before him. When you do tell him, he has an indifferent initial reaction that he corrects that same day. She says she understands but continued to ignore him because her feelings were hurt. Okay. She then pushes him away for being there for her “too much” without clearing expressing the issue. Priest creates an outline to help prepare for the baby and he is accused of taking over. But she is overwhelmed and procrastinating issues that need to be resolved. IMO she continued to shut Priest out/hurt his feelings (and she knew that’s what she was doing) but somehow every time it came back to being his fault. She is owed grace because she is pregnant but she was pushing it. Maybe it was supposed to be a representation of their age gap that was not explicitly mentioned after the beginning chapters. Idk but Priest’s patience and willingness to let his own hurt feelings go allowed the relationship to survive. I did like the story overall and will be continuing the series.
Read
June 9, 2025While I've thoroughly enjoyed every book in
The Teachers of Hardwood
series, there was something about P+B that felt different. I couldn't connect with the FMC Bentley and the MMC Priest was kind of bland. The internal dialogue was repetitive and failed to truly advance the story to me. Though there was a significant age gap between the characters, the dialogue was the same. At no point in time did I get the feeling that Priest was more advanced than Bentley in any way. I also was not sold on the instalove between the two characters. It seemed very irresponsible for Bentley to get involved with a co-worker her first year as a teacher...not even her first year - her first month!
Things I did like:
1) Priest's commitment to the students, even though he was presented as a failure to his brother, to previous students, and to his head coach who was younger than him.
2) Bentley's chickens.
3) The depiction of Bentley as an eco-activist. I think I would've taken her character more seriously if she were a science teacher, too.
Unfortunately, P+B: The Teachers of Hardwood isn't as strong of a story as X+E or B+J: The Teachers of Hardwood to me. And at 70% in, I was not invested in the story enough to see it through to the end. It is my understanding that the series continues with a story about Ebony Calloway, a character who makes a brief appearance in P+B. I wish Nina High would get rid of the Pat Collins character and I hope to see characters from the previous books be more integral in this series.
Things I did like:
1) Priest's commitment to the students, even though he was presented as a failure to his brother, to previous students, and to his head coach who was younger than him.
2) Bentley's chickens.
3) The depiction of Bentley as an eco-activist. I think I would've taken her character more seriously if she were a science teacher, too.
Unfortunately, P+B: The Teachers of Hardwood isn't as strong of a story as X+E or B+J: The Teachers of Hardwood to me. And at 70% in, I was not invested in the story enough to see it through to the end. It is my understanding that the series continues with a story about Ebony Calloway, a character who makes a brief appearance in P+B. I wish Nina High would get rid of the Pat Collins character and I hope to see characters from the previous books be more integral in this series.
December 23, 2025
3.5⭐️,
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was so perfect, but after he disappointed me it became a push and pull. It was such a frustrating read after the 60% mark. I still enjoy this series, but I just keep saying IT COULD ALL BE SO SIMPLE, but they rather make it hard 🥹.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was so perfect, but after he disappointed me it became a push and pull. It was such a frustrating read after the 60% mark. I still enjoy this series, but I just keep saying IT COULD ALL BE SO SIMPLE, but they rather make it hard 🥹.
June 4, 2025
Enjoying the series
This has been an enjoyable series. I enjoy humor in books and this had several moments that had me either giggling or straight cracking up (like anytime Dr. Randley spoke. LOL).
As far as Bentley and Priest, I was a semi-fan. Bentley irked me a good bit, and I wished people gave Priest the grace they gave her. She got a pass regardless of how she acted while he got the lectures and expectations to fix everything, regardless of his own valid hurt, and I didn't love that. But I did love seeing how he took care of her and how the families came together.
Looking forward to the next one. :)
This has been an enjoyable series. I enjoy humor in books and this had several moments that had me either giggling or straight cracking up (like anytime Dr. Randley spoke. LOL).
As far as Bentley and Priest, I was a semi-fan. Bentley irked me a good bit, and I wished people gave Priest the grace they gave her. She got a pass regardless of how she acted while he got the lectures and expectations to fix everything, regardless of his own valid hurt, and I didn't love that. But I did love seeing how he took care of her and how the families came together.
Looking forward to the next one. :)
October 5, 2025
I didn’t read any of the books in this series before I read this one. My kindle suggested “P+B”, and I thought the cover and synopsis were cute, so I decided to read it.
And lowkey, I was kinda bored with Priest and Bentley’s story. They were cute and everything was copacetic, but there wasn’t anything about them that made me want them to be together or claim Priest as my man or anything of the sort.
After a while, I was fighting tooth and nail to finish this book. It wasn’t poorly written (aside from a few spelling mistakes), the pacing wasn’t off, or anything like that. “P+B” just wasn’t something I usually care to read about, and I didn’t feel connected to the characters 🤷🏾♀️
I prefer romance books that are about the development of the couple’s relationship before they have kids together. And while “P+B” does have a bit of that, Bentley becomes pregnant early on and the story becomes about them learning how to be a couple as well as preparing for a baby.
I can’t even lie. Towards the end when discussions of the baby shower started happening, I started skimming. I just didn’t care, and my eyes were glazing over.
Also, the timeline for how long Priest and Bentley have been dating is all over the place, as well as their ages. If you decide to read “P+B”, just pick a number and go with it or you’ll become frustrated. But as I mentioned before, this book isn’t terrible. It just wasn’t for me.
As far as the characters, Priest is an overthinker while Bentley is easy going. There’s a bit of a push and pull in their relationship, but they tend to always work things out. Priest and Bentley also have a very supportive group of family and friends.
And lowkey, I was kinda bored with Priest and Bentley’s story. They were cute and everything was copacetic, but there wasn’t anything about them that made me want them to be together or claim Priest as my man or anything of the sort.
After a while, I was fighting tooth and nail to finish this book. It wasn’t poorly written (aside from a few spelling mistakes), the pacing wasn’t off, or anything like that. “P+B” just wasn’t something I usually care to read about, and I didn’t feel connected to the characters 🤷🏾♀️
I prefer romance books that are about the development of the couple’s relationship before they have kids together. And while “P+B” does have a bit of that, Bentley becomes pregnant early on and the story becomes about them learning how to be a couple as well as preparing for a baby.
I can’t even lie. Towards the end when discussions of the baby shower started happening, I started skimming. I just didn’t care, and my eyes were glazing over.
Also, the timeline for how long Priest and Bentley have been dating is all over the place, as well as their ages. If you decide to read “P+B”, just pick a number and go with it or you’ll become frustrated. But as I mentioned before, this book isn’t terrible. It just wasn’t for me.
As far as the characters, Priest is an overthinker while Bentley is easy going. There’s a bit of a push and pull in their relationship, but they tend to always work things out. Priest and Bentley also have a very supportive group of family and friends.
June 24, 2025
Nina, you did it again! I really enjoyed this book and finished it in two days because I wanted to see how this played out.
Bentley is a first year teacher at Hardwood who is earthy, quirky, cute but passionate about walking in her truth and saving the world.
Priest (DeAnthony) is just a good guy all around. Seriously, this dude had no flaws except getting a little hyper focused about things, but other than that it's just so genuine. It's rare you get a male character who isn't so hung up or wrapped up in himself that he doesn't pay attention and adjust.
The thing I loved about their relationship is their willingness to see what happens but stay open. I think they balance each other well and they are surrounded by family and friends who adore them and cheer them on and call them out as needed. Sometimes we never know what curveball life will throw at us but as long as we have someone who is willing to go through it with us, it makes it worth it.
PS: I can't wait to see what happens with his brother Andre. I sensed there may be more there than we realize. Can you imagine two sisters marrying two brothers?
Bentley is a first year teacher at Hardwood who is earthy, quirky, cute but passionate about walking in her truth and saving the world.
Priest (DeAnthony) is just a good guy all around. Seriously, this dude had no flaws except getting a little hyper focused about things, but other than that it's just so genuine. It's rare you get a male character who isn't so hung up or wrapped up in himself that he doesn't pay attention and adjust.
The thing I loved about their relationship is their willingness to see what happens but stay open. I think they balance each other well and they are surrounded by family and friends who adore them and cheer them on and call them out as needed. Sometimes we never know what curveball life will throw at us but as long as we have someone who is willing to go through it with us, it makes it worth it.
PS: I can't wait to see what happens with his brother Andre. I sensed there may be more there than we realize. Can you imagine two sisters marrying two brothers?
June 16, 2025
Hippy Dippy
Hmmm 🤔, “P+B: The Teachers of Hardwood High - Book 3” had the potential to be a better read, even possibly a great romance on the horizon, until Priest met Bentley, & his life ain’t been the same🤨 🤦🏾♀️ (bittersweet ⚖️)‼️Meanwhile, if hippy-dippy, annoyingly combative & daily emasculation of Priest’s dignity while maintaining sustainability awareness is/was the appeal than mission accomplished 🤯‼️Otherwise Priest’s should concede defeat & just take care of your new responsibility. …he ain’t the first & definitely won’t be the last man to get caught up 🤷🏾♀️😿🥴‼️ Thereafter, Bentley needs to mature, she’s indecisive, insecure & unapologetically hippy-dippy weird always🤦🏾♀️🤭. Unfortunately, I just tolerated “P&B: The Teachers of Hardwood - Book 3” and its antics. More so, I just didn’t care for the character Bentley for numerous reasons. Nevertheless, 3.75 - 4.0 ⭐️’s was a generous rating and that was primarily attributed to the characters Priest & mama Pansy 🤷🏾♀️‼️
Hmmm 🤔, “P+B: The Teachers of Hardwood High - Book 3” had the potential to be a better read, even possibly a great romance on the horizon, until Priest met Bentley, & his life ain’t been the same🤨 🤦🏾♀️ (bittersweet ⚖️)‼️Meanwhile, if hippy-dippy, annoyingly combative & daily emasculation of Priest’s dignity while maintaining sustainability awareness is/was the appeal than mission accomplished 🤯‼️Otherwise Priest’s should concede defeat & just take care of your new responsibility. …he ain’t the first & definitely won’t be the last man to get caught up 🤷🏾♀️😿🥴‼️ Thereafter, Bentley needs to mature, she’s indecisive, insecure & unapologetically hippy-dippy weird always🤦🏾♀️🤭. Unfortunately, I just tolerated “P&B: The Teachers of Hardwood - Book 3” and its antics. More so, I just didn’t care for the character Bentley for numerous reasons. Nevertheless, 3.75 - 4.0 ⭐️’s was a generous rating and that was primarily attributed to the characters Priest & mama Pansy 🤷🏾♀️‼️
September 25, 2025
All of the feels
This books incorporates every emotion (anger, love, hurt, sadness, etc.) through the pages.
I was rooting for this pairing of Bentley and Priest. Bentley is a teacher who’s embarking on a journey of navigating the rookie teaching year. Her next door classroom neighbor happens to be an attractive basketball coach who’s mesmerized by her.
Attraction cannot be denied by either caution is thrown the wind. After months of secretly dating, a meet the parents dinner turns into confessions that neither were ready for.
I was rooting for Priest until he dropped the ball during confessional. He redeems himself throughout the book but boy did he drop the ball.
Beautifully written book on how love takes compromises and learning each other to make it work.
This books incorporates every emotion (anger, love, hurt, sadness, etc.) through the pages.
I was rooting for this pairing of Bentley and Priest. Bentley is a teacher who’s embarking on a journey of navigating the rookie teaching year. Her next door classroom neighbor happens to be an attractive basketball coach who’s mesmerized by her.
Attraction cannot be denied by either caution is thrown the wind. After months of secretly dating, a meet the parents dinner turns into confessions that neither were ready for.
I was rooting for Priest until he dropped the ball during confessional. He redeems himself throughout the book but boy did he drop the ball.
Beautifully written book on how love takes compromises and learning each other to make it work.
June 1, 2025
P+B
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Priest and Bentley were cute together. I liked their ebbs and flows and pushes and pulls and the way they were able to make up and talk things out without yelling and being overly dramatic. I also liked that when they had their disagreements, they both took the time to evaluate things logically instead of emotionally to make sure they were responding on fact and not solely on feelings. I loved Priest with Bentley and how he just wanted to be near her no matter what. It was sweet and endearing. I’m looking forward to more from this series.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Priest and Bentley were cute together. I liked their ebbs and flows and pushes and pulls and the way they were able to make up and talk things out without yelling and being overly dramatic. I also liked that when they had their disagreements, they both took the time to evaluate things logically instead of emotionally to make sure they were responding on fact and not solely on feelings. I loved Priest with Bentley and how he just wanted to be near her no matter what. It was sweet and endearing. I’m looking forward to more from this series.
July 13, 2025
let’s talk it out!
3.5⭐️ Age-gap romance with miscommunication & an unplanned pregnancy… whew, what a rollercoaster Bentley took me on! Priest was a man that once he was in, he was in however, Bentley had challenges with knowing what she wanted & communicating in an effective way. “It’s ok for me to do it but not okay for you”- this applies to Bentley… I was frustrated with her b/c she did the same thing she chastised Priest for. Realizing a little too late does not take away the sting. Once effective communication was had, whew what a difference that made!! I enjoyed the friends & family of both individuals… hilarious!
3.5⭐️ Age-gap romance with miscommunication & an unplanned pregnancy… whew, what a rollercoaster Bentley took me on! Priest was a man that once he was in, he was in however, Bentley had challenges with knowing what she wanted & communicating in an effective way. “It’s ok for me to do it but not okay for you”- this applies to Bentley… I was frustrated with her b/c she did the same thing she chastised Priest for. Realizing a little too late does not take away the sting. Once effective communication was had, whew what a difference that made!! I enjoyed the friends & family of both individuals… hilarious!
June 1, 2025
ooh wee
This was a good one. Bentley know she was getting on my nerves. Lol. She eventually grew on me. And please can someone cuss Ms. Collin’s out for me. It’s time for her to retire . Great job Nina with this book. Bentley and Priest story was a the treatment of you have to put in the work .
This was a good one. Bentley know she was getting on my nerves. Lol. She eventually grew on me. And please can someone cuss Ms. Collin’s out for me. It’s time for her to retire . Great job Nina with this book. Bentley and Priest story was a the treatment of you have to put in the work .
June 1, 2025
Home Run
I loved this book. The writing, storyline and characters hit a home run for me. What I like best is how quickly the MFC and the MMC got together. I didn’t know what to expect but it all flowed smoothly. Priest and Bentley are two of my favorite people. They make a great couple.
I loved this book. The writing, storyline and characters hit a home run for me. What I like best is how quickly the MFC and the MMC got together. I didn’t know what to expect but it all flowed smoothly. Priest and Bentley are two of my favorite people. They make a great couple.
August 26, 2025
I love how this story mixes humor, heart, and slow-burn romance. The tension between Bentley, the new teacher, and Priest, the no-nonsense coach, already has me hooked. Add in a student whose future ties them together, and it feels like the perfect blend of swoon-worthy and meaningful. Can’t wait to dive in!
August 28, 2025
My least favorite so far in this series. Bentley annoyed me throughout the entire book. Like, did she even like him??? Homegirl took no accountability, had no self awareness, and seemed to be emotionally unavailable. Then again she was only 25 lol so maybe that explains it. Idk, her character was so cringy I had a hard time seeing this to the end.
December 9, 2025
I absolutely lovedddd Priest and Bentley’s story. This book had me tearing up so many times in the best way. I’m a sucker for Black love and a good teacher romance, and Nina High delivered both beautifully. The emotional growth, both together and individually—felt so real and heartfelt. Their connection was tender, mature, and so easy to root for. I loved, loved, loved this book!
May 29, 2025
I love this series!
I have absolutely loved every single book in this series. The side characters are hilarious, the banter and chemistry draw you in and keep you until the end. I finished this book in one day because I just couldn’t stop reading! Amazing job!
I have absolutely loved every single book in this series. The side characters are hilarious, the banter and chemistry draw you in and keep you until the end. I finished this book in one day because I just couldn’t stop reading! Amazing job!
May 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this one!!! Bentley was putting me through it at times but her feelings were valid. I just loved Priest and how vulnerable he was. I can’t choose which is my favorite in this series yet. I’m looking forward to the next two books.
May 31, 2025
Def the best
This was definitely the best Nina High book. I've read all the ones listed at the back of this book (I think that's all of them). These 2, Bentley and Priest, they were so soft, they were truly themselves and I appreciate that. I really loved this book.
This was definitely the best Nina High book. I've read all the ones listed at the back of this book (I think that's all of them). These 2, Bentley and Priest, they were so soft, they were truly themselves and I appreciate that. I really loved this book.
June 6, 2025
Circles of love
The story was amazing. But the epilogue was perfect. I wish for every Black child to have the experience of being received by a circle of people who love them unconditionally, speaking life ver them.
The story was amazing. But the epilogue was perfect. I wish for every Black child to have the experience of being received by a circle of people who love them unconditionally, speaking life ver them.
May 31, 2025
I loved this book and this series..
June 19, 2025
Cute story.. loved the family aspect.
July 25, 2025
bentley was definitely a handful at times, but i really enjoyed the book! chapter 27 was whew 😗🤭
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book! While it had greater conflict than X&E's story, I thought it was beautiful.
December 12, 2025
Love the storyline
The book was amazing but I hate reading books with a lot of typos, other than that it was a great read.
The book was amazing but I hate reading books with a lot of typos, other than that it was a great read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews