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The Teachers of Hardwood High #4
T+E: The Teachers of Hardwood High
Ebony Callaway wasn’t looking for love. After a messy divorce, all she wanted was peace, her art, and to figure out how to keep up with Basquiat, the too-big, too-stubborn puppy who turned her quiet life upside down.
Enter Dr. Tyler Hill. The handsome, steady veterinarian who shows up to help with Basquiat’s training and ends up unlocking something deeper in Ebony, too. With Tyler, she feels soft again. Safe again. Like she doesn’t have to fight to be seen or hide who she really is.
But love after heartbreak isn’t easy. Between the chaos of teaching and the weight of past mistakes, Ebony has to learn how to trust herself—and Tyler—with her heart.
And Tyler? He knows he’s found his forever in Ebony. Now all he has to do is prove he’s the kind of man who can handle her fire, her fears, and one very excitable dog.
A tender, passionate romance about healing, second chances, and the kind of love that feels like home.
Enter Dr. Tyler Hill. The handsome, steady veterinarian who shows up to help with Basquiat’s training and ends up unlocking something deeper in Ebony, too. With Tyler, she feels soft again. Safe again. Like she doesn’t have to fight to be seen or hide who she really is.
But love after heartbreak isn’t easy. Between the chaos of teaching and the weight of past mistakes, Ebony has to learn how to trust herself—and Tyler—with her heart.
And Tyler? He knows he’s found his forever in Ebony. Now all he has to do is prove he’s the kind of man who can handle her fire, her fears, and one very excitable dog.
A tender, passionate romance about healing, second chances, and the kind of love that feels like home.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
46 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 21, 2025
T+E: The Teachers of Hardwood High by Nina High is another solid story with decent writing. This series started off so strongly for me, I really enjoyed books 1 and 2, then it fell off for book 3 for me. But I wanted Ebony's redemption story, she's such a sad character in book 2, so I decided to pick up this book in the series.
Ebony's divorce and marriage isn't really explored as much in T+E as I think it should be. There's one random interaction between Ebony and her husband that doesn't do much to advance the story or explain how/why Ebony remained married to her ex Kyree for so long. I think we could've benefited from some sort of prologue that explored Ebony's life during her marriage, through the divorce, and immediately after the divorce. However, I really like the MMC Tyler - he's very well written and relatable. I appreciate that he's a diverse male character because not only is he the peacemaker in his family, which is unique for Black male characters (unfortunately), he's also a veterinarian. As a dog lover, I appreciated the glimpses of his work as a doctor shared. While the writing is "pretty," I didn't get feel a real connection between the characters - I was shocked when they professed their love for one another. I was also frustrated with the grammatical errors, I didn't notice these in the first 2 books, or any of Nina High's previous works.
All in all, if you're committed to the Teachers of Hardwood High series, like I clearly am, then you will probably enjoy this book. Though I think this book is pretty middle of the road, Nina High does a good job at introducing Quari Giles, who is in the next book, and I'm definitely going to read that one. He seems like a fun, young character who will hopefully lighten up the series a bit.
Content warnings:
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail
Ebony's divorce and marriage isn't really explored as much in T+E as I think it should be. There's one random interaction between Ebony and her husband that doesn't do much to advance the story or explain how/why Ebony remained married to her ex Kyree for so long. I think we could've benefited from some sort of prologue that explored Ebony's life during her marriage, through the divorce, and immediately after the divorce. However, I really like the MMC Tyler - he's very well written and relatable. I appreciate that he's a diverse male character because not only is he the peacemaker in his family, which is unique for Black male characters (unfortunately), he's also a veterinarian. As a dog lover, I appreciated the glimpses of his work as a doctor shared. While the writing is "pretty," I didn't get feel a real connection between the characters - I was shocked when they professed their love for one another. I was also frustrated with the grammatical errors, I didn't notice these in the first 2 books, or any of Nina High's previous works.
All in all, if you're committed to the Teachers of Hardwood High series, like I clearly am, then you will probably enjoy this book. Though I think this book is pretty middle of the road, Nina High does a good job at introducing Quari Giles, who is in the next book, and I'm definitely going to read that one. He seems like a fun, young character who will hopefully lighten up the series a bit.
Content warnings:
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail
February 3, 2026
T+E by Nina High (2025)
The Teachers of Hardwood High #4
Related The Martin Brothers Series
198-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-195
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: NC-17/X for strong sexual content
Featuring: Summer Vacation, Dogs: Mastador - English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer; Fictional Ambiguous City in Texas, Teachers - Art, PE; Divorcée, Dual POVs, Veterinarian, Family Dynamics, Puppy Training, Poop, Therapy, Overlapping Characters and Setting, Sex - Detailed, Family Drama, Anxiety, Death, References to The Martin Brothers Series, Author's Links, Bibliography for Nina High
Songs for the soundtrack: "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker, "When A Woman's Fed Up" by R. Kelly, "Tell Me It’s Real" by K-Ci & JoJo, "So Into You" by Tamia, "Can We Talk" by Tevin Campbell, "Ordinary People" by John Legend
Books and Authors mentioned: How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan and
Ron Bass [based on] How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan; All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, A Place Where You Loved Me by Jasmine Cartwright
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫👩🏾🏫🎨🐕👨🏿⚕️🐩🇨🇱
My thoughts: 📑 Page 15 - So in the previous book Nina High said that she was going to put her brother Andre in all of the books. I thought that meant that she was going to create a character that would pop up in each story but it seems like she has decided to give each future MC a big brother named Andre, this is gonna be pretty interesting. I'm all for, forever in fiction.
🔖Page 91 of 198 Chapter 15: Tyler - This story is not as spicy as the previous stories. I'm not mad about it, yet. So far the characters are deep and I'm glad they touched on trauma bonding.
This one was a little deeper than the previous books but I did not love the overall vibe it earned that 4 star, don't try to make me cry. It also wasn't a spicy as the previous books so I didn't get book bangxiety, or anything but I was prepared for them to get freaky so when they took their time I was like, oh. So based on the last 2 books I'm guessing I'm gonna have to relive this entire summer from Giles's point of view and I'm very interested to see what he has been up to they dropped hints throughout this book and I think I know what it is, and I can't wait to find out.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a sweet little series with lots of spice, plenty of humor, and tons of drama.
The Teachers of Hardwood High
1. X+E (2024)
2. B+J (2024)
3. P+B (2025)
4. T+E (2025)
5. Q+C (2025)
6. A+J (2025)
Memorable Quotes: “What are you doing this summer?” She asks me with that same pity so many people have given me this school year. I tried my best not to make my divorce my personality. I think I lost more than I thought along the way. “Not much. Just relaxing. Maybe painting some.” “You need something more exciting than that." I'm scared to ask, but I do. “Like what?” “You need to take a trip. Get your groove back with a 21-year-old. Your body is top tier. You can pull anyone you want with that waist-to-hip ratio. What do the kids say? The body is tea." Miss Julie taps her middle finger and thumb together, and I cackle. She doesn't have a fingernail in sight to really pull that move off. "Go to one of those Hedonism resorts and be butt naked. Find the man with the biggest d–” “Aht aht!” I swish the air in front of me. She was really about to say it in this office. “I’m good, Ms. Julie. I promise. I just need to relax." “You deserve that,” she pauses and puts her hand up to her mouth to whisper. “And some good, girthy dick.” “Goodbye.” I quickly turn to leave the office, but I am smiling.
“Yo, Quari, what’s up?” I say as I walk over. He’s sitting on a bench, holding a 30-pound dumbbell, but not actually doing anything with it. “Nothing. Just getting some end-of-the-school-year reps in, you know?” I don’t know. But I nod and start stretching because I’m almost old, and stretching is important when you’re almost old. “So... school’s out, huh?” I ask, interrupting whatever conversation he’s having with his phone screen. He turns to me and grins. “Yeah. Thank goodness. It was a long year. I’m done. Glad it’s over.” “Don’t you teach PE?” I ask. “Yeah, I do. Still a long year. Nine months. I worked for nine months.” “That’s a lot,” I say, shaking my head. This man is something else. I work twelve months, but okay. It’s not a competition. “So what are you working on?” I ask as I stretch my quads. “A little arm work, you know. And a little video. Think I want to start doing some workout videos. Maybe become a fitness instructor over the summer.”
I haven’t talked to Andre in a bit, so I pull up his contact—“Big Bro”—and give him a call. “Guess what I did today?” I say when he answers. “The possibilities are endless. I don’t know... you got a dog?” “What the hell, Andre. How did you figure that out?” “It’s a very ‘Ebony’ thing to do. You didn’t plan to get a dog. It’s the last day of school, right? So you got a dog.” “Why do you know me so well?” “Because I’m the best big brother on Earth.” “I can’t argue with that,” I say, laughing. “I got a dog. His name is Basquiat.” The line goes quiet. “Are you Googling that?” “Yes. And you’re a nerd.” “So?” “That’s all. Just your weekly reminder that you are a nerd.” “I’m an art nerd.” “No. Just a nerd. A good old regular nerd. But I love you. What kind of dog is it?”
The Teachers of Hardwood High #4
Related The Martin Brothers Series
198-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-195
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: NC-17/X for strong sexual content
Featuring: Summer Vacation, Dogs: Mastador - English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever, Schnauzer; Fictional Ambiguous City in Texas, Teachers - Art, PE; Divorcée, Dual POVs, Veterinarian, Family Dynamics, Puppy Training, Poop, Therapy, Overlapping Characters and Setting, Sex - Detailed, Family Drama, Anxiety, Death, References to The Martin Brothers Series, Author's Links, Bibliography for Nina High
Songs for the soundtrack: "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker, "When A Woman's Fed Up" by R. Kelly, "Tell Me It’s Real" by K-Ci & JoJo, "So Into You" by Tamia, "Can We Talk" by Tevin Campbell, "Ordinary People" by John Legend
Books and Authors mentioned: How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan and
Ron Bass [based on] How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan; All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, A Place Where You Loved Me by Jasmine Cartwright
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫👩🏾🏫🎨🐕👨🏿⚕️🐩🇨🇱
My thoughts: 📑 Page 15 - So in the previous book Nina High said that she was going to put her brother Andre in all of the books. I thought that meant that she was going to create a character that would pop up in each story but it seems like she has decided to give each future MC a big brother named Andre, this is gonna be pretty interesting. I'm all for, forever in fiction.
🔖Page 91 of 198 Chapter 15: Tyler - This story is not as spicy as the previous stories. I'm not mad about it, yet. So far the characters are deep and I'm glad they touched on trauma bonding.
This one was a little deeper than the previous books but I did not love the overall vibe it earned that 4 star, don't try to make me cry. It also wasn't a spicy as the previous books so I didn't get book bangxiety, or anything but I was prepared for them to get freaky so when they took their time I was like, oh. So based on the last 2 books I'm guessing I'm gonna have to relive this entire summer from Giles's point of view and I'm very interested to see what he has been up to they dropped hints throughout this book and I think I know what it is, and I can't wait to find out.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a sweet little series with lots of spice, plenty of humor, and tons of drama.
The Teachers of Hardwood High
1. X+E (2024)
2. B+J (2024)
3. P+B (2025)
4. T+E (2025)
5. Q+C (2025)
6. A+J (2025)
Memorable Quotes: “What are you doing this summer?” She asks me with that same pity so many people have given me this school year. I tried my best not to make my divorce my personality. I think I lost more than I thought along the way. “Not much. Just relaxing. Maybe painting some.” “You need something more exciting than that." I'm scared to ask, but I do. “Like what?” “You need to take a trip. Get your groove back with a 21-year-old. Your body is top tier. You can pull anyone you want with that waist-to-hip ratio. What do the kids say? The body is tea." Miss Julie taps her middle finger and thumb together, and I cackle. She doesn't have a fingernail in sight to really pull that move off. "Go to one of those Hedonism resorts and be butt naked. Find the man with the biggest d–” “Aht aht!” I swish the air in front of me. She was really about to say it in this office. “I’m good, Ms. Julie. I promise. I just need to relax." “You deserve that,” she pauses and puts her hand up to her mouth to whisper. “And some good, girthy dick.” “Goodbye.” I quickly turn to leave the office, but I am smiling.
“Yo, Quari, what’s up?” I say as I walk over. He’s sitting on a bench, holding a 30-pound dumbbell, but not actually doing anything with it. “Nothing. Just getting some end-of-the-school-year reps in, you know?” I don’t know. But I nod and start stretching because I’m almost old, and stretching is important when you’re almost old. “So... school’s out, huh?” I ask, interrupting whatever conversation he’s having with his phone screen. He turns to me and grins. “Yeah. Thank goodness. It was a long year. I’m done. Glad it’s over.” “Don’t you teach PE?” I ask. “Yeah, I do. Still a long year. Nine months. I worked for nine months.” “That’s a lot,” I say, shaking my head. This man is something else. I work twelve months, but okay. It’s not a competition. “So what are you working on?” I ask as I stretch my quads. “A little arm work, you know. And a little video. Think I want to start doing some workout videos. Maybe become a fitness instructor over the summer.”
I haven’t talked to Andre in a bit, so I pull up his contact—“Big Bro”—and give him a call. “Guess what I did today?” I say when he answers. “The possibilities are endless. I don’t know... you got a dog?” “What the hell, Andre. How did you figure that out?” “It’s a very ‘Ebony’ thing to do. You didn’t plan to get a dog. It’s the last day of school, right? So you got a dog.” “Why do you know me so well?” “Because I’m the best big brother on Earth.” “I can’t argue with that,” I say, laughing. “I got a dog. His name is Basquiat.” The line goes quiet. “Are you Googling that?” “Yes. And you’re a nerd.” “So?” “That’s all. Just your weekly reminder that you are a nerd.” “I’m an art nerd.” “No. Just a nerd. A good old regular nerd. But I love you. What kind of dog is it?”
September 6, 2025
I really enjoy Nina High’s Hardwood High series. I loved the idea of how soft and easy their love was. I wish we could have seen their love expand a little more, especially Tyler meeting her important people. Overall, an easy read and good palates cleanser if you’ve been reading some heavier tropes.
September 6, 2025
I couldn’t wait for this to be released and it was definitely worth the wait. Ebony was so sweet and deserving, i loved her. And Tyler, I mean who doesn’t love a vet. This was such a sweet story, I even cried and that was unexpected. I think Coach Quari is next and I can’t wait.
September 10, 2025
Nice.
Nice story. Tyler and Ebony were cool together. I'll admit I kinda skimmed over a lot of the dog stuff (not really a pet person) and I didn't enjoy how Ebony asked for a consideration that she didn't give herself, and Tyler just let it go. I like a breezy romance but I was missing the non-deal-breaking angst just a little. The stuff with Tyler's family...I don't quite know how to feel about it.
This was nice though I felt the previous books in the series had more humor and heat and umph in them. But I can respect if this was meant to be milder; it just hit different for me.
Nice story. Tyler and Ebony were cool together. I'll admit I kinda skimmed over a lot of the dog stuff (not really a pet person) and I didn't enjoy how Ebony asked for a consideration that she didn't give herself, and Tyler just let it go. I like a breezy romance but I was missing the non-deal-breaking angst just a little. The stuff with Tyler's family...I don't quite know how to feel about it.
This was nice though I felt the previous books in the series had more humor and heat and umph in them. But I can respect if this was meant to be milder; it just hit different for me.
September 30, 2025
Rediscovering love
Ebony has survived the ugliest of divorce. Once married she thought she found her forever love but instead lost herself and her passion due to her ex husband’s behaviors. On a whim, Ebony decides to kickstart her summer break by adopting a pet. Now a new pet owner with no experience and insight, did she break off more than she can chew.
Tyler is the town’s hottest veterinarian with a fan base of single women who’s waiting to be his one and only. After Ebony rushes to Tyler’s clinic for veterinary care, Tyler is glad she seeks him once again for care of her new pet.
This story showcases the patience and dedication of rediscovering oneself as well as having a second chance at love. The consistency of Tyler being present for Ebony and not rushing her to a commitment was thoughtful and warming.
Themes throughout the book:
Second chance love
Divorce
Middle child dynamics
Mental healthcare
Grief
Trust
Slow burn
Ebony has survived the ugliest of divorce. Once married she thought she found her forever love but instead lost herself and her passion due to her ex husband’s behaviors. On a whim, Ebony decides to kickstart her summer break by adopting a pet. Now a new pet owner with no experience and insight, did she break off more than she can chew.
Tyler is the town’s hottest veterinarian with a fan base of single women who’s waiting to be his one and only. After Ebony rushes to Tyler’s clinic for veterinary care, Tyler is glad she seeks him once again for care of her new pet.
This story showcases the patience and dedication of rediscovering oneself as well as having a second chance at love. The consistency of Tyler being present for Ebony and not rushing her to a commitment was thoughtful and warming.
Themes throughout the book:
Second chance love
Divorce
Middle child dynamics
Mental healthcare
Grief
Trust
Slow burn
September 12, 2025
T+E
I loved me some Ebony and Tyler. These two fit so well together and their relationship was just easy and without all the unnecessary drama. They gave each other space to just be and to just be themselves without feeling like they had to put on or hide from their thoughts and feelings. They both needed each other based on their description of their past relationships.
This wasn’t a spicy story, but it was cute and sweet and a very good pallet cleanser with characters that made me feel good and made my heart smile at the love they experienced together.
I loved me some Ebony and Tyler. These two fit so well together and their relationship was just easy and without all the unnecessary drama. They gave each other space to just be and to just be themselves without feeling like they had to put on or hide from their thoughts and feelings. They both needed each other based on their description of their past relationships.
This wasn’t a spicy story, but it was cute and sweet and a very good pallet cleanser with characters that made me feel good and made my heart smile at the love they experienced together.
September 10, 2025
Nina, sista girrrlllll!!! This was a GOODT read!!! I love this series, so I was hyped to finally get Ebony’s journey to love and you did NOT miss! I loved everything about Tyler and Ebony. Baby, the yearning, the honesty, just the way they moved around each other was beautiful. She got to be soft and he got to chosen 🥰 And not you having me boohooing 😭 I was NOT expecting that lolol. But it was so amazing watching them show up and be there for each other.
September 8, 2025
Sweet Story
I loved Ebony and her journey back to herself while still being open to love with Tyler!
Tyler was so patient and loving! I loved that he was consistent with her while still letting her be her full self.
Also Basquiat and Caucassidy shenanigans were fun to read and laugh!
Now I’m wondering if we are gonna get a story about Coach Quari!
I loved Ebony and her journey back to herself while still being open to love with Tyler!
Tyler was so patient and loving! I loved that he was consistent with her while still letting her be her full self.
Also Basquiat and Caucassidy shenanigans were fun to read and laugh!
Now I’m wondering if we are gonna get a story about Coach Quari!
September 14, 2025
Tyler + Ebony Forever
This was such a cute story. A slow burn and a little spicy. I just want to know why Nina did that to us😭. Death and divorce. Man was just saved from being scammed out of his retirement 😅.
Anywho, I really enjoyed the storyline, I think Tyler and Ebony might be my favorite couple so far.
This was such a cute story. A slow burn and a little spicy. I just want to know why Nina did that to us😭. Death and divorce. Man was just saved from being scammed out of his retirement 😅.
Anywho, I really enjoyed the storyline, I think Tyler and Ebony might be my favorite couple so far.
January 26, 2026
Romantic Comedy at its best
Tyler and Ebony's story is a quick read and funny. Basquiat is the perfect dog name for an art teacher's dog. His behavior is hilarious. He, along with Tyler's dog steal the show.
Nina High's Teachers of Hardwood High Series is a great series to get wrapped up in.
Tyler and Ebony's story is a quick read and funny. Basquiat is the perfect dog name for an art teacher's dog. His behavior is hilarious. He, along with Tyler's dog steal the show.
Nina High's Teachers of Hardwood High Series is a great series to get wrapped up in.
October 21, 2025
Nina never misses! The queen of making a long story short and you still feel like you read a novel. lol i love the writing. It moves with time but you’re not feeling rushed. The school tropes are so cute and relative to me as a former educator. I love T & E’s love!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews