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Goose Run #2
John Wilder Gets Schooled
John Wilder is a full time roofer, a part time stripper, and the world’s greatest dad. Okay, so that last one is a work in progress, but Wilder is doing his best—it’s just that between working two jobs and parenting, he’s struggling, and Gracie’s grandparents are just waiting for him to fail. Getting off on the wrong foot with Gracie’s disapproving kindergarten teacher is the last thing he needs. But Wilder is determined to ace this parenting thing and wipe the judgemental look off Avery Smith’s cute, kissable face—wait, what?
Avery Smith is in his first year teaching, and he’s already got a problem parent. Exhibit A, John Wilder. He turns up late, forgets to bring his daughter snacks, and Avery’s sure he spotted him at the bar the next town over wearing glitter and a G-string. But Avery soon discovers that there’s more to Wilder’s situation than meets the eye, and he finds himself drawn to the attractive single dad. Except Avery has one hard and fast rule—no crushing on the straight dads, no matter how tempting. And Wilder is straight, right?
Turns out Wilder is about to learn a lot of things about himself, and Avery is the perfect teacher.
Avery Smith is in his first year teaching, and he’s already got a problem parent. Exhibit A, John Wilder. He turns up late, forgets to bring his daughter snacks, and Avery’s sure he spotted him at the bar the next town over wearing glitter and a G-string. But Avery soon discovers that there’s more to Wilder’s situation than meets the eye, and he finds himself drawn to the attractive single dad. Except Avery has one hard and fast rule—no crushing on the straight dads, no matter how tempting. And Wilder is straight, right?
Turns out Wilder is about to learn a lot of things about himself, and Avery is the perfect teacher.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
25 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
103 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 2, 2025
It was great coming back to tiny quirky Goose Run!
Baby boy Wilder was a very nice character in the previous book, so when this was announced, I just knew I had to read his story.
Wilder is suddenly thrown into single parenthood after his ex gets a scholarship at university, and he has to care for Gracie alone. As we saw in the previous book, he is really doing the best he can to provide for her, but things are hard, so it takes a bit of adjustment.
After a maybe not-so-great first impression with Gracie’s teacher, he tries to up his game. Avery, aka Mr Smith, is not impressed by Wilder’s attempts to be a punctual parent, to say the least.
After a bit of prejudice and judging, Avery realizes there’s more to Wilder than he originally thought, and they embark on a nice friendship that develops into a cute relationship.
I would have liked maybe closure with the grandparents' issue, and like their living situation, I guess. But so far, even though the books in the series have ended in an HFN, I feel content and can’t wait to read Chase and Cash’s books.
Thanks to the authors for this arc! - Happy release day!
Baby boy Wilder was a very nice character in the previous book, so when this was announced, I just knew I had to read his story.
Wilder is suddenly thrown into single parenthood after his ex gets a scholarship at university, and he has to care for Gracie alone. As we saw in the previous book, he is really doing the best he can to provide for her, but things are hard, so it takes a bit of adjustment.
After a maybe not-so-great first impression with Gracie’s teacher, he tries to up his game. Avery, aka Mr Smith, is not impressed by Wilder’s attempts to be a punctual parent, to say the least.
After a bit of prejudice and judging, Avery realizes there’s more to Wilder than he originally thought, and they embark on a nice friendship that develops into a cute relationship.
I would have liked maybe closure with the grandparents' issue, and like their living situation, I guess. But so far, even though the books in the series have ended in an HFN, I feel content and can’t wait to read Chase and Cash’s books.
Thanks to the authors for this arc! - Happy release day!
November 5, 2025
Really loved the return to Goose Run!
Wilder was super easy to relate to if you're a parent. I wanted to give him a hug and tell him he was doing great! I also loved that the co-parenting was so positive.
Avery was the cutest awkward guy ever! I loved his enthusiasm for teaching and crafting, and the way he took to being in Gracie's life was so great. He has me craving spaghetti so badly too!!
I love the chosen family with Wilder, Danny, Chase and Cash but adding Miller and now Avery makes it feel like the feral chaos gremlins finally have some adult supervision 😂 I'm dying to see if the chore chart happens...
Really looking forward to Chase's story because he's so harsh and blunt and there's definitely a good reason for it, but I feel strongly that Cash is going to be my favourite of these four friends.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
Wilder was super easy to relate to if you're a parent. I wanted to give him a hug and tell him he was doing great! I also loved that the co-parenting was so positive.
Avery was the cutest awkward guy ever! I loved his enthusiasm for teaching and crafting, and the way he took to being in Gracie's life was so great. He has me craving spaghetti so badly too!!
I love the chosen family with Wilder, Danny, Chase and Cash but adding Miller and now Avery makes it feel like the feral chaos gremlins finally have some adult supervision 😂 I'm dying to see if the chore chart happens...
Really looking forward to Chase's story because he's so harsh and blunt and there's definitely a good reason for it, but I feel strongly that Cash is going to be my favourite of these four friends.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
December 4, 2025
✰ 3 stars ✰
After my disappointing first time in Goose Run, I'm glad my second trip proved to be a more pleasant one of a romance between two opposites, who find contentment with each other. 💝 Despite the less than stellar first impression Wilder did have with Gracie's kindergarten teacher, Avery. But it's clear how devoted he is to Gracie, how he and the rest of the Goose run squad dote on her and pitch in, as he tries to pay the bills between his two jobs as a roofer and part-time stripper.
It's that soft and caring side of him that warms up Avery's heart. That underneath the blustering fumbles he makes that has this teacher raise an eyebrow is a gentle soul, who only ever puts his best foot forward in whatever he does. Who faces his problems head-on without complaint, because he's so very committed and determined to be the very best father for his 5 yo daughter.
Their romance is a sweet slow-burn as Wilder learns a bit about himself - feelings he'd repressed because of his religious parents and friendship with Danny. A rekindling of a flame that he may have unwittingly blown out - had a part of me known that I’d been trying to defend myself too? - simply to protect himself from an onslaught that with his presumed mistake with Cassidy that led to his unfortunate without forgiveness falling out. 😢
“Don’t be too quick to judge John Wilder, Avery. He might surprise you.”
I liked how Avery was patient with Wilder's vulnerable side; that for all his bravado on stage and not letting on how defeated he feels at himself at the responsibilities he's willingly taken on as a twenty-two-year old father, it was when John Wilder Gets Schooled in unexplored waters, Avery was a patient and gentle partner, who sweetened the deal with his own private tutoring. 🎓💞👨❤️💋👨
I appreciated how the authors showed Cupid's bow striking that they wanted more than just no-strings sex with you anytime you want, but the affection and soft moments of being physically sans the horniness. 🥰 And that was a nice mature way of embracing a steady relationship - boyfriends. It felt grounded and believable.
I'm not sure how I feel exactly about the conflict that struck a chord for a mere fraction between Wilder and Gracie's maternal grandparents, but I understand how that anger and grudge lie with Wilder's own repressed feelings about his sexuality, and how it correlates with his own conflicted relationship with his Pastor father. It makes sense, but it could have been a different one (to me). 😔
“I think the nicest things are people and how they make us happy.”
I'm also finicky when it comes to convenient endings that provide easy turnarounds for characters, so Avery having a house, Wilder's job taking a turn for the better, the inconclusive resolution with Cassidy's parents - those little aspects, argh, grate on me. I don't know why I deny romance characters happy endings in all departments, but maybe I'm just jaded. 🤷🏻♀️
The found family blossomed with good-natured bonding over potato salad and concern for Wilder. 🫂 It was heartwarming to see how they welcomed Avery into their wholesome group, each endearing to Avery in their own way. Despite my lukewarm reception of Danny and Miller's romance, their guidance was cute, and the mystery of Catch and Cash continues to pique my interest and heart. That boy, Cash needs to be squeezed in the biggest bear hug ever. 🥺
Gracie was adorable. Loved how she loved Avery to bits, that made Wilder even prouder of his sweetpea. Totally loved the forgetfulness on Wilder's part, the exasperation Avery would feel, but also the kindness in which he sees just how much Wilder is trying that it's enough to melt his heart and want him even more. 🫶🫶
“... I already got lucky. Because I’m here with you.”
After my disappointing first time in Goose Run, I'm glad my second trip proved to be a more pleasant one of a romance between two opposites, who find contentment with each other. 💝 Despite the less than stellar first impression Wilder did have with Gracie's kindergarten teacher, Avery. But it's clear how devoted he is to Gracie, how he and the rest of the Goose run squad dote on her and pitch in, as he tries to pay the bills between his two jobs as a roofer and part-time stripper.
It's that soft and caring side of him that warms up Avery's heart. That underneath the blustering fumbles he makes that has this teacher raise an eyebrow is a gentle soul, who only ever puts his best foot forward in whatever he does. Who faces his problems head-on without complaint, because he's so very committed and determined to be the very best father for his 5 yo daughter.
Their romance is a sweet slow-burn as Wilder learns a bit about himself - feelings he'd repressed because of his religious parents and friendship with Danny. A rekindling of a flame that he may have unwittingly blown out - had a part of me known that I’d been trying to defend myself too? - simply to protect himself from an onslaught that with his presumed mistake with Cassidy that led to his unfortunate without forgiveness falling out. 😢
“Don’t be too quick to judge John Wilder, Avery. He might surprise you.”
I liked how Avery was patient with Wilder's vulnerable side; that for all his bravado on stage and not letting on how defeated he feels at himself at the responsibilities he's willingly taken on as a twenty-two-year old father, it was when John Wilder Gets Schooled in unexplored waters, Avery was a patient and gentle partner, who sweetened the deal with his own private tutoring. 🎓💞👨❤️💋👨
I appreciated how the authors showed Cupid's bow striking that they wanted more than just no-strings sex with you anytime you want, but the affection and soft moments of being physically sans the horniness. 🥰 And that was a nice mature way of embracing a steady relationship - boyfriends. It felt grounded and believable.
I'm not sure how I feel exactly about the conflict that struck a chord for a mere fraction between Wilder and Gracie's maternal grandparents, but I understand how that anger and grudge lie with Wilder's own repressed feelings about his sexuality, and how it correlates with his own conflicted relationship with his Pastor father. It makes sense, but it could have been a different one (to me). 😔
“I think the nicest things are people and how they make us happy.”
I'm also finicky when it comes to convenient endings that provide easy turnarounds for characters, so Avery having a house, Wilder's job taking a turn for the better, the inconclusive resolution with Cassidy's parents - those little aspects, argh, grate on me. I don't know why I deny romance characters happy endings in all departments, but maybe I'm just jaded. 🤷🏻♀️
The found family blossomed with good-natured bonding over potato salad and concern for Wilder. 🫂 It was heartwarming to see how they welcomed Avery into their wholesome group, each endearing to Avery in their own way. Despite my lukewarm reception of Danny and Miller's romance, their guidance was cute, and the mystery of Catch and Cash continues to pique my interest and heart. That boy, Cash needs to be squeezed in the biggest bear hug ever. 🥺
Gracie was adorable. Loved how she loved Avery to bits, that made Wilder even prouder of his sweetpea. Totally loved the forgetfulness on Wilder's part, the exasperation Avery would feel, but also the kindness in which he sees just how much Wilder is trying that it's enough to melt his heart and want him even more. 🫶🫶
November 26, 2025
Oh, this is SO MUCH better than Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer!! I am not usually eager to read about "bi/gay virgin" trope because it usually ends up with a lot of exploration to sex scenes, and it isn't my thing. However, John Wilder Gets Schooled ended up VERY SWEET and touching!
My heart was full for John Wilder - he's 22 years old, he is trying this full parenting for the first time since the mother of his daughter is away for college scholarship, he's trying to make the end's meet by getting any jobs he can (including stripping)... OMG Wilder!!! I adored him.
I totally could understand why Avery did too. Sure, Avery didn't get the first good impression of Wilder, but after Avery knew Wilder more, it was understandable that Avery would fall for this young man.
The relationship took time to progress. The "approach to gay sex" was also happening in a nice timeline (Wilder didn't suddenly want to try EVERYTHING, and I thought it was funny that Avery gave him homework!). I loved the relationship with the "side-casts" meaning friends and family, most notable Wilder's friends of Danny, Chase, and Cash, of course. And Gracie, the daughter, was cool!
So yes, this one is winner for me! The only down-side is that there isn't a conclusion to the grandparents situation. They're still going to be a thorn to John's side in the future, I am sure.
My heart was full for John Wilder - he's 22 years old, he is trying this full parenting for the first time since the mother of his daughter is away for college scholarship, he's trying to make the end's meet by getting any jobs he can (including stripping)... OMG Wilder!!! I adored him.
I totally could understand why Avery did too. Sure, Avery didn't get the first good impression of Wilder, but after Avery knew Wilder more, it was understandable that Avery would fall for this young man.
The relationship took time to progress. The "approach to gay sex" was also happening in a nice timeline (Wilder didn't suddenly want to try EVERYTHING, and I thought it was funny that Avery gave him homework!). I loved the relationship with the "side-casts" meaning friends and family, most notable Wilder's friends of Danny, Chase, and Cash, of course. And Gracie, the daughter, was cool!
So yes, this one is winner for me! The only down-side is that there isn't a conclusion to the grandparents situation. They're still going to be a thorn to John's side in the future, I am sure.
November 22, 2025
Oh man, you want to read an awesome rom com with alllll the feels, perfect found family and some clandestine exploration of the spicy variety… read this! Really I cannot stress this enough, read this!
This story pulled me, pure entertainment with the authors signature witty writing and then all the feels came pouring in and o was hooked on Mr Smith and Johnny. Avery and Wilder. Gosh did Wilder make the worst first impression and it was downhill from there with nary a sight of recovery. Then the “accidental” lap dance made things superrrrr not awkward. But obviously thing started to turn around the more they saw of each other and Avery has a bit of a growing up moment when he saw people come with all sorts of stories he may not be privy to but he recovered fast and made his tribe at work and at home - kind of adopted Wilder’s tribe TBH. There were Manya hilarious situations some of them even involved a feral goose. Then we got to the part where Avery is a good “teacher” for Wilder’s awakening, convenient really with them being neighbours and all, best kept secret you know. But will it stay secret and is it already more than exploration and first times, like cuddles and emotional support and falling in love.
Highly recommend reading if you love forced proximity, sexual exploration, single dad, secret relationships, touch of forbidden, found family, healing, small town, bit of a d/s vibe and a lot of good boys, smiling while you’re reading.
Big shout out to Gracie for being the star of the show.
This story pulled me, pure entertainment with the authors signature witty writing and then all the feels came pouring in and o was hooked on Mr Smith and Johnny. Avery and Wilder. Gosh did Wilder make the worst first impression and it was downhill from there with nary a sight of recovery. Then the “accidental” lap dance made things superrrrr not awkward. But obviously thing started to turn around the more they saw of each other and Avery has a bit of a growing up moment when he saw people come with all sorts of stories he may not be privy to but he recovered fast and made his tribe at work and at home - kind of adopted Wilder’s tribe TBH. There were Manya hilarious situations some of them even involved a feral goose. Then we got to the part where Avery is a good “teacher” for Wilder’s awakening, convenient really with them being neighbours and all, best kept secret you know. But will it stay secret and is it already more than exploration and first times, like cuddles and emotional support and falling in love.
Highly recommend reading if you love forced proximity, sexual exploration, single dad, secret relationships, touch of forbidden, found family, healing, small town, bit of a d/s vibe and a lot of good boys, smiling while you’re reading.
Big shout out to Gracie for being the star of the show.
December 5, 2025
While I understand he is run ragged and having a really hard time transitioning to more of a full time father role … it just icked me out so bad always watching him be late for his daughter at school and forgetting different things when it came to her.
There were some really weird comments and quotes made throughout this book too that just made me uncomfy and honestly everything just didn’t work for me with this one
Their first kiss was a tough read and the casual yeah I have Percocet at home and then they have their first kiss on said Percocet … and it was RECIPROCATED? gimme a BREAK
So im done with this one at 40% and will skip Chases book I think but would REALLY like to come back for Cash’s story if he’s getting one so we’ll see but this one in particular is gonna be a no from me
There were some really weird comments and quotes made throughout this book too that just made me uncomfy and honestly everything just didn’t work for me with this one
Their first kiss was a tough read and the casual yeah I have Percocet at home and then they have their first kiss on said Percocet … and it was RECIPROCATED? gimme a BREAK
So im done with this one at 40% and will skip Chases book I think but would REALLY like to come back for Cash’s story if he’s getting one so we’ll see but this one in particular is gonna be a no from me
November 6, 2025
The Goose Run found family are back again and this time Wilder is the centre of attention. Goose Run is the type of place where everyone is doing their best to just keep their head above water. Wilder is no exception working two jobs to help make life better for his found family and his delightful 5 year old daughter Gracie. With all that going in he sometimes forgets to look after himself. Circumstances lead him being in a no strings attached “situationship” with Gracie’s kindergarten teacher Avery who is so adorably awkward and cute. With Avery, Wilder can safely explore the side of himself that had been deeply hidden.
This delightfully enjoyable read gave me some laughs - looking at you Temu Captain America and Crafty McPaperfold - as well as some feels as the true inner layers to Wilder are slowly revealed. There’s a minor miscommunication moment that’s solved rather quickly, steamy mixed with sweet and a heartwarming HEA for these two wonderful men and Gracie. If you enjoy a single dad, found family small town romance then I highly recommend this book. There’s also a sneak peak at who gets their story told next so I’m very much looking forward to more in this series.
This delightfully enjoyable read gave me some laughs - looking at you Temu Captain America and Crafty McPaperfold - as well as some feels as the true inner layers to Wilder are slowly revealed. There’s a minor miscommunication moment that’s solved rather quickly, steamy mixed with sweet and a heartwarming HEA for these two wonderful men and Gracie. If you enjoy a single dad, found family small town romance then I highly recommend this book. There’s also a sneak peak at who gets their story told next so I’m very much looking forward to more in this series.
Read
December 2, 2025This series continues to be utterly charming. Low stakes but not boring, small town but grungy instead of cutesy, and really genuine characters and romances.
October 26, 2025
This writing duo never disappoints! I laughed so often, and some scenes had me swooning and fanning myself. I love the found family of Danny, Wilder, Cash, and Chase, and that the love interests just become part of it.
I also love that this is truly small-town romance with average people just trying to get by. There are no billionaires swooping in to save the day (okay, the first book had a lawyer, but Danny is no sugar baby lol), just characters doing their best and falling in love. Oh, and that one guy (“Temu Captain America”) with the goose. 🤣🤣🤣
Tropes: single dad, hurt/comfort, teaching someone the ropes of being with a guy, found family, small town, and probably several others I’m not thinking of (is “whoops, I’m giving a lap dance to my daughter’s teacher” a trope?)
I also love that this is truly small-town romance with average people just trying to get by. There are no billionaires swooping in to save the day (okay, the first book had a lawyer, but Danny is no sugar baby lol), just characters doing their best and falling in love. Oh, and that one guy (“Temu Captain America”) with the goose. 🤣🤣🤣
Tropes: single dad, hurt/comfort, teaching someone the ropes of being with a guy, found family, small town, and probably several others I’m not thinking of (is “whoops, I’m giving a lap dance to my daughter’s teacher” a trope?)
November 26, 2025
4.5 stars
This book was awesome, I'm so very glad a dear friend recommended it to me.
I haven't read the first book of the series but the dynamics between all the characters is perfectly clear, I was able to enjoy their interactions very much.
John Wilder is a young man who's struggling to stay afloat: he has a 4 years daughter full time and he tries to take care of her the best he can, while handling two jobs to make ends meet. In fact he works as a roofer during the day and as a stripper on weekend nights.
Luckily for him he has three dear friends who help him with little Gracie.
Avery Smith is the new kindergarten teacher in town, he's excited about his new job and he's also bought a little house for himself. His first days in town, though, turn out to be very challenging when he realises that the parents who brings his daughter late to school and forgets her snacks is also his neighbour and the hot stripper who gave him a lap dance.
Avery is very judgmental about Wilder, at first, and the other parents' gossip doesn't help, but as the days pass and they have more interactions, Avery understands that Wilder is a devoted dad who doesn't have an easy life but put his daughter's comfort above anything else. Avery also gets to know Wilder's friends and he feels very at ease with them.
Wilder has his bi awakening after spending time with Avery and, thanks to a medication that hit hard, he finds the courage to kiss him. From that moment it will be hard for them to stay away from each other and soon their arrangement for a no strings relationship will be replaced by fondness, affection and love.
I appreciated that the physical side of their relationship has a very slow pace despite the strong attraction they felt. I loved that they were friends who supported each other and spent time connecting outside the bedroom. Avery has been a rock for Johnny and I adored how he was a steady presence for Gracie too.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I was expecting more drama from the grandparents, it seemed that they were a constant worry for Wilder, but in the end nothing happened.
I adored all the guys, especially Cash (I foresee I will cry a lot reading his book): he and his twin Chase deserve a happy ending too. At the end of the story there's a preview of Chase's book and it seems it will be a dislike to lovers, I'm already very much invested.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
This book was awesome, I'm so very glad a dear friend recommended it to me.
I haven't read the first book of the series but the dynamics between all the characters is perfectly clear, I was able to enjoy their interactions very much.
John Wilder is a young man who's struggling to stay afloat: he has a 4 years daughter full time and he tries to take care of her the best he can, while handling two jobs to make ends meet. In fact he works as a roofer during the day and as a stripper on weekend nights.
Luckily for him he has three dear friends who help him with little Gracie.
Avery Smith is the new kindergarten teacher in town, he's excited about his new job and he's also bought a little house for himself. His first days in town, though, turn out to be very challenging when he realises that the parents who brings his daughter late to school and forgets her snacks is also his neighbour and the hot stripper who gave him a lap dance.
Avery is very judgmental about Wilder, at first, and the other parents' gossip doesn't help, but as the days pass and they have more interactions, Avery understands that Wilder is a devoted dad who doesn't have an easy life but put his daughter's comfort above anything else. Avery also gets to know Wilder's friends and he feels very at ease with them.
Wilder has his bi awakening after spending time with Avery and, thanks to a medication that hit hard, he finds the courage to kiss him. From that moment it will be hard for them to stay away from each other and soon their arrangement for a no strings relationship will be replaced by fondness, affection and love.
I appreciated that the physical side of their relationship has a very slow pace despite the strong attraction they felt. I loved that they were friends who supported each other and spent time connecting outside the bedroom. Avery has been a rock for Johnny and I adored how he was a steady presence for Gracie too.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I was expecting more drama from the grandparents, it seemed that they were a constant worry for Wilder, but in the end nothing happened.
I adored all the guys, especially Cash (I foresee I will cry a lot reading his book): he and his twin Chase deserve a happy ending too. At the end of the story there's a preview of Chase's book and it seems it will be a dislike to lovers, I'm already very much invested.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
November 29, 2025
When I read Danny's book, whenever Wilder's character was mentioned I was always so curious about him and his daughter. I wanted to know more about his story, what his background was, how he got to where he did, I wanted to know all of it.
Wilder is struggling after getting full custody of his precious daughter, he's not only trying to figure out how to raise her but also how to deal with her rude grandparents, on top of trying to manage different jobs just to make ends meet. It makes sense that he shows up late for pick up and drop off, right? He's learning, and turns out he's about to learn a lot more about Gracie's teacher seeing as he's their new neighbor.
Avery, AKA Gracie's teacher, started out as a bit of a stickler for the rules, which was fair of him to do. However, he was quick to judge the man who forgot to pack his daughter snacks, and was late to pick her up. When he moves in next door to them, he's able to get to know the man behind the glitter and scattered brain, and he sees Wilder for who he is and loves him for it.
I'm going to start with the characters, all of them are SO personable and have such vibrant personalities, they are all different from one another and I loved that! They were all unique and brought their own attributes to the story, it also helped provide fantastic dialogue and commentary which I really enjoyed. The family Wilder, Gracie, Cash, Chase, Danny, Miller, and now Avery, have formed is truly beautiful. I loved reading about them together and their interactions with each other were full of love even when they were bickering.
Gracie's grandparents, both sets of them, were despicable! I strongly disliked them, if anybody was the villain in this story it was them. I can't believe Wilder's parents kicked him out so young, what devastates me the most is how that has probably happened before in real life to people. It's real and raw, and I'm sure for some, relatable. I can definitely relate to having cruel and judgemental family members, that's for sure.
I thought the story flowed very smoothly, their relationship developed in such a great way, and the dialogue was fantastic!! They might've started off as just hook up buddies but that soon morphed into so much more. They had their ups and downs while they tried to find their footing but they got there in the end, and that was a magnificent thing!
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions ~~
Wilder is struggling after getting full custody of his precious daughter, he's not only trying to figure out how to raise her but also how to deal with her rude grandparents, on top of trying to manage different jobs just to make ends meet. It makes sense that he shows up late for pick up and drop off, right? He's learning, and turns out he's about to learn a lot more about Gracie's teacher seeing as he's their new neighbor.
Avery, AKA Gracie's teacher, started out as a bit of a stickler for the rules, which was fair of him to do. However, he was quick to judge the man who forgot to pack his daughter snacks, and was late to pick her up. When he moves in next door to them, he's able to get to know the man behind the glitter and scattered brain, and he sees Wilder for who he is and loves him for it.
I'm going to start with the characters, all of them are SO personable and have such vibrant personalities, they are all different from one another and I loved that! They were all unique and brought their own attributes to the story, it also helped provide fantastic dialogue and commentary which I really enjoyed. The family Wilder, Gracie, Cash, Chase, Danny, Miller, and now Avery, have formed is truly beautiful. I loved reading about them together and their interactions with each other were full of love even when they were bickering.
Gracie's grandparents, both sets of them, were despicable! I strongly disliked them, if anybody was the villain in this story it was them. I can't believe Wilder's parents kicked him out so young, what devastates me the most is how that has probably happened before in real life to people. It's real and raw, and I'm sure for some, relatable. I can definitely relate to having cruel and judgemental family members, that's for sure.
I thought the story flowed very smoothly, their relationship developed in such a great way, and the dialogue was fantastic!! They might've started off as just hook up buddies but that soon morphed into so much more. They had their ups and downs while they tried to find their footing but they got there in the end, and that was a magnificent thing!
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions ~~
December 2, 2025
Abso-flipping-lutely adorable! In “John Wilder Gets Schooled,” Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey meld the perfect blend of light-hearted fun with true pathos.
John, once the town hero - turned disappointment when he got his girlfriend pregnant and refused to marry her, raises their five-year-old daughter Gracie solo – well, with the help of his three roommates and fellow outcasts. But he just can’t work two jobs and get her to kindergarten on time. Gracie’s teacher, Avery, assumes the worst, until he buys the house next door to Gracie’s rough and tumble home, filled with misfits and love. Avery is intrigued. But John hasn’t wanted sex in years and always thought he was straight. Maybe Avery needs to school more than one Wilder.
Ms. Henry and Honey specialize in characters who could live in great angst. They’ve been thrown away, misunderstood and abused. Instead, the authors give them dignity to create honor in their own unique ways, making the most of their circumstances however possible. In fact, the story is amazingly upbeat and amusing, though I was drawn to John’s exhaustion and confusion from chapter one.
Avery becomes a great mirror for John’s strengths, while John loosens up the young teacher, who spends ten minutes choosing font for the kindergarten newsletter. By the end, John thinks, “Maybe I wasn’t everything I was supposed to be, everything everyone had expected, but I was doing my best and I was doing right by Gracie and the family I’d chosen for myself, and that wasn’t nothing.” This doesn’t give away the plot arc. Because the novel’s glory is in the small moments between John and Avery, moments which allow them to exceed their own expectations. Developing these instances is Ms. Henry and Honey’s sweet spot.
I smiled a lot. Here's one chuckle, based on John’s side gig as a stripper: “Her college-aged daughter, who had arranged the party, had underestimated exactly how much fun Mom had to make up for after those twenty-seven years. She explained this to me as she apologetically unpeeled Mrs. Challenor’s face from my a— crack.”
“John Wilder Gets Schooled,” the second installment of Goose Run, is easy to read, easy to love, easy to hunger for more of the delightful characters, 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. It’s perfect for days when we lose faith, need a chuckle, or want to binge on the romantic equivalent of potato chips. Bet you can’t read just one Goose Run story!
John, once the town hero - turned disappointment when he got his girlfriend pregnant and refused to marry her, raises their five-year-old daughter Gracie solo – well, with the help of his three roommates and fellow outcasts. But he just can’t work two jobs and get her to kindergarten on time. Gracie’s teacher, Avery, assumes the worst, until he buys the house next door to Gracie’s rough and tumble home, filled with misfits and love. Avery is intrigued. But John hasn’t wanted sex in years and always thought he was straight. Maybe Avery needs to school more than one Wilder.
Ms. Henry and Honey specialize in characters who could live in great angst. They’ve been thrown away, misunderstood and abused. Instead, the authors give them dignity to create honor in their own unique ways, making the most of their circumstances however possible. In fact, the story is amazingly upbeat and amusing, though I was drawn to John’s exhaustion and confusion from chapter one.
Avery becomes a great mirror for John’s strengths, while John loosens up the young teacher, who spends ten minutes choosing font for the kindergarten newsletter. By the end, John thinks, “Maybe I wasn’t everything I was supposed to be, everything everyone had expected, but I was doing my best and I was doing right by Gracie and the family I’d chosen for myself, and that wasn’t nothing.” This doesn’t give away the plot arc. Because the novel’s glory is in the small moments between John and Avery, moments which allow them to exceed their own expectations. Developing these instances is Ms. Henry and Honey’s sweet spot.
I smiled a lot. Here's one chuckle, based on John’s side gig as a stripper: “Her college-aged daughter, who had arranged the party, had underestimated exactly how much fun Mom had to make up for after those twenty-seven years. She explained this to me as she apologetically unpeeled Mrs. Challenor’s face from my a— crack.”
“John Wilder Gets Schooled,” the second installment of Goose Run, is easy to read, easy to love, easy to hunger for more of the delightful characters, 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. It’s perfect for days when we lose faith, need a chuckle, or want to binge on the romantic equivalent of potato chips. Bet you can’t read just one Goose Run story!
December 3, 2025
Loved this to bits 😍
I'm loving this series, and hugely looked forward to this second story, John Wilder Gets Schooled. As with 'Danny Miller Gets A Lawyer,' it's a lovely mix of humour, so heart warming and sweet. John Wilder, who insists he's straight, finds himself attracted to Avery, a dedicated, teeny weeny slightly judgmental, school teacher. Who happens to be John 's daughter 's first year teacher👨🏫
The star of the show though is definitely John Wilder, (aka Wilder), he juggles the demanding life of a full time roofer and part time stripper while doing his best to bring up Gracie, his young daughter. When Wilder delivers Gracie to school, her first day no less, and they're late, and he immediately clashes with Gracie’s teacher, Avery 🤨
Avery immediately jumps to conclusions and sees Wilder as a prime example of the worse parent ever, late, forgetful, and just generally unreliable. Wilder is irritated by Avery's snap judgments, even as he finds the cute teacher undeniably attractive. I love how this initial clash, sharp and embarrassing, soon softens into a sweet and tender, slow burn romance. The story hinges on Avery moving past his snap judgments to see the real, sweet, and struggling dad beneath Wilder's seemingly 'don't give a damn' careless exterior 👷♂️
Wilder's journey of self discovery, is so precious as he realises his attraction to Avery means that he's been so wrong about his own sexuality, this is handled beautifully. I just wanted to bring Wilder home and shower hugs on him, (but then which red blooded human being wouldn't?🥵).
I adore Wilder whatever he gets up to, but it's the gentle, vulnerable, shy person beneath his confident exterior, that really pulls at my heart strings. Obviously, Avery also recognises this, and finds himself getting in deeper with Wilder. The blossoming of the guys relationship is a lovely balance of emotion, sweetness and laugh out loud humour 🥰👨❤️💋👨
The small town setting of Goose Run is perfect for this lovely found family atmosphere story. If you enjoy single parent stories, a bit of slow burn, and the opposites attract tropes, you'll love this heartwarming and upbeat read. Bring on Cantankerous Chase Hooper's story , can't wait to discover the twins background 😍😭
I'm loving this series, and hugely looked forward to this second story, John Wilder Gets Schooled. As with 'Danny Miller Gets A Lawyer,' it's a lovely mix of humour, so heart warming and sweet. John Wilder, who insists he's straight, finds himself attracted to Avery, a dedicated, teeny weeny slightly judgmental, school teacher. Who happens to be John 's daughter 's first year teacher👨🏫
The star of the show though is definitely John Wilder, (aka Wilder), he juggles the demanding life of a full time roofer and part time stripper while doing his best to bring up Gracie, his young daughter. When Wilder delivers Gracie to school, her first day no less, and they're late, and he immediately clashes with Gracie’s teacher, Avery 🤨
Avery immediately jumps to conclusions and sees Wilder as a prime example of the worse parent ever, late, forgetful, and just generally unreliable. Wilder is irritated by Avery's snap judgments, even as he finds the cute teacher undeniably attractive. I love how this initial clash, sharp and embarrassing, soon softens into a sweet and tender, slow burn romance. The story hinges on Avery moving past his snap judgments to see the real, sweet, and struggling dad beneath Wilder's seemingly 'don't give a damn' careless exterior 👷♂️
Wilder's journey of self discovery, is so precious as he realises his attraction to Avery means that he's been so wrong about his own sexuality, this is handled beautifully. I just wanted to bring Wilder home and shower hugs on him, (but then which red blooded human being wouldn't?🥵).
I adore Wilder whatever he gets up to, but it's the gentle, vulnerable, shy person beneath his confident exterior, that really pulls at my heart strings. Obviously, Avery also recognises this, and finds himself getting in deeper with Wilder. The blossoming of the guys relationship is a lovely balance of emotion, sweetness and laugh out loud humour 🥰👨❤️💋👨
The small town setting of Goose Run is perfect for this lovely found family atmosphere story. If you enjoy single parent stories, a bit of slow burn, and the opposites attract tropes, you'll love this heartwarming and upbeat read. Bring on Cantankerous Chase Hooper's story , can't wait to discover the twins background 😍😭
December 2, 2025
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Goose Run series, so if you've read that one, the characters and settings will be familiar. There are some callbacks to the previous book, but I'd still say this one could be read without reading the first one (though it's worth the read).
In this one, we get to know John Wilder, a young man who works as a roofer and stripper to make ends meet and to support his daughter, Grace. His relationship with Gracie's mom is amicable, but she's away at college, so the parenting falls to him, with backup from his roommates/found family and occasionally Grace's maternal grandparents.
When Grace starts kindergarten, Wilder makes enough newbie mistakes (getting her to school late, forgetting to pack snacks) that he doesn't make a great first impression with her teacher, Avery Smith, who is himself in his first year of teaching. A chance encounter outside of school gives Avery a very different view of Wilder. As if the occasion wasn't awkward enough, Avery soon starts seeing much more of Wilder for a reason I won't spoil (but which is also a carryover from the first book).
After their early misunderstandings, the two get to know each other better and form a close and supportive friendship that eventually evolves into a relationship - to the surprise of Wilder, who was probably the last person to realize he was bi. Given his parents and his history, it's entirely believable, and the realization was handled well - with a gradual build and some reasonable hesitancy, rather than immediately diving in and wanting/doing everything.
This book was even more enjoyable than the first one. It was nice to get to know more about the familiar characters and to meet the new ones, and this was a mostly light, easy read. By the end (no spoilers), there's a solid start to a relationship, a new opportunity for one of the guys that will make things easier, and an even bigger found family. I'm looking forward to the next one (and seeing what it takes to tame Chase), and after getting more of a peek into Cash's world, I'm curious what's in store for him as well!
Thanks so much to the authors for the advance copy! This is my honest review.
This is the second book in the Goose Run series, so if you've read that one, the characters and settings will be familiar. There are some callbacks to the previous book, but I'd still say this one could be read without reading the first one (though it's worth the read).
In this one, we get to know John Wilder, a young man who works as a roofer and stripper to make ends meet and to support his daughter, Grace. His relationship with Gracie's mom is amicable, but she's away at college, so the parenting falls to him, with backup from his roommates/found family and occasionally Grace's maternal grandparents.
When Grace starts kindergarten, Wilder makes enough newbie mistakes (getting her to school late, forgetting to pack snacks) that he doesn't make a great first impression with her teacher, Avery Smith, who is himself in his first year of teaching. A chance encounter outside of school gives Avery a very different view of Wilder. As if the occasion wasn't awkward enough, Avery soon starts seeing much more of Wilder for a reason I won't spoil (but which is also a carryover from the first book).
After their early misunderstandings, the two get to know each other better and form a close and supportive friendship that eventually evolves into a relationship - to the surprise of Wilder, who was probably the last person to realize he was bi. Given his parents and his history, it's entirely believable, and the realization was handled well - with a gradual build and some reasonable hesitancy, rather than immediately diving in and wanting/doing everything.
This book was even more enjoyable than the first one. It was nice to get to know more about the familiar characters and to meet the new ones, and this was a mostly light, easy read. By the end (no spoilers), there's a solid start to a relationship, a new opportunity for one of the guys that will make things easier, and an even bigger found family. I'm looking forward to the next one (and seeing what it takes to tame Chase), and after getting more of a peek into Cash's world, I'm curious what's in store for him as well!
Thanks so much to the authors for the advance copy! This is my honest review.
December 7, 2025
4.5 stars
This is book two in the author’s Goose Run series and features a single dad/child’s teacher romance.
I’ve been waiting for this ever since reading book one, Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer! In it we got to know Wilder, Danny’s best friend and Gracie’s dad, but it wasn’t until this book that we really got to see the struggles he faced, not only with being the new custodial parent with Gracie’s mom attending college out of state but also the community’s attitude towards him after he refused to marry Cassidy, his baby Mama, in high school.
I loved the close knit found family all of these guys (Wilder, Danny and the twins, Chase and Cash) formed together; they truly were each other’s ride or dle and it showed. It was a little sad, if you allowed yourself to think about it, that having only each other to depend on was such a necessity but it was a little perfect too that they DID have each other and the lengths they were all willing to go to in order to support each other.
I was low key stressing for the majority of the book, waiting for the other shoe to drop—you’ll know why when you get to it—but even with that, it still wasn’t enough to dim my enjoyment.
I loved getting to see Wilder finally coming into his own after the way he was kicked out by his parents and Avery, Gracie’s Kindergarten teacher, finally winning the hot guy after always thinking of himself as awkward rather than special.
This was an awesome read with very little angst though, admittedly, there were a couple of misunderstandings that were resolved quickly since they talked it out (imagine that!), but it was worth every single bit of it. There WAS one part that as I read it, I was thinking, ‘yeah right, THAT wouldn’t fly IRL,’ but in a romance, it was perfect and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. So, totally realistic, probably not, but that’s why I read romance—for a little break from real life every now and then. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, check it out, you’re gonna be so glad you did! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in the author’s Goose Run series and features a single dad/child’s teacher romance.
I’ve been waiting for this ever since reading book one, Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer! In it we got to know Wilder, Danny’s best friend and Gracie’s dad, but it wasn’t until this book that we really got to see the struggles he faced, not only with being the new custodial parent with Gracie’s mom attending college out of state but also the community’s attitude towards him after he refused to marry Cassidy, his baby Mama, in high school.
I loved the close knit found family all of these guys (Wilder, Danny and the twins, Chase and Cash) formed together; they truly were each other’s ride or dle and it showed. It was a little sad, if you allowed yourself to think about it, that having only each other to depend on was such a necessity but it was a little perfect too that they DID have each other and the lengths they were all willing to go to in order to support each other.
I was low key stressing for the majority of the book, waiting for the other shoe to drop—you’ll know why when you get to it—but even with that, it still wasn’t enough to dim my enjoyment.
I loved getting to see Wilder finally coming into his own after the way he was kicked out by his parents and Avery, Gracie’s Kindergarten teacher, finally winning the hot guy after always thinking of himself as awkward rather than special.
This was an awesome read with very little angst though, admittedly, there were a couple of misunderstandings that were resolved quickly since they talked it out (imagine that!), but it was worth every single bit of it. There WAS one part that as I read it, I was thinking, ‘yeah right, THAT wouldn’t fly IRL,’ but in a romance, it was perfect and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. So, totally realistic, probably not, but that’s why I read romance—for a little break from real life every now and then. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, check it out, you’re gonna be so glad you did! 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
If you’re after a rom-com that blends chaotic humour with genuine heart, this one absolutely delivers. Wilder and Avery’s story is packed with awkward encounters, unexpected tenderness, and a cast of side characters who make their world feel wonderfully lived-in.
Wilder barrels into Avery’s orderly life like a one-man disaster zone with late drop-offs, missing snacks, and a first impression that’s more “please don’t call the headteacher” than “model parent”. But as the layers peel back, it becomes clear he’s doing everything he can to hold his life together for his daughter, and that rough exterior hides someone far more vulnerable and endearing than Avery ever expected.
Avery, meanwhile, is navigating his first year teaching with all the nerves and good intentions you’d expect, only to realise that the single dad he’d mentally filed under “problem parent” might actually be the person he can’t stop thinking about. Watching Avery confront his own assumptions and slowly warm to Wilder’s messy, love-soaked world is one of the book’s real joys.
Their chemistry unfolds in a way that’s both sweet and hilariously mortifying, from accidental encounters to increasingly charged moments that neither of them planned for. The forced proximity and new-neighbour dynamic only turn the heat (and the confusion) up a notch, especially as Wilder begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
What really makes the story shine is the sense of found family threading through it, friends, co-workers, and one small, unforgettable child who steals the spotlight every time she appears. The community is warm, eccentric, and ready to rally when it matters. Absolutely loved it!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Wilder barrels into Avery’s orderly life like a one-man disaster zone with late drop-offs, missing snacks, and a first impression that’s more “please don’t call the headteacher” than “model parent”. But as the layers peel back, it becomes clear he’s doing everything he can to hold his life together for his daughter, and that rough exterior hides someone far more vulnerable and endearing than Avery ever expected.
Avery, meanwhile, is navigating his first year teaching with all the nerves and good intentions you’d expect, only to realise that the single dad he’d mentally filed under “problem parent” might actually be the person he can’t stop thinking about. Watching Avery confront his own assumptions and slowly warm to Wilder’s messy, love-soaked world is one of the book’s real joys.
Their chemistry unfolds in a way that’s both sweet and hilariously mortifying, from accidental encounters to increasingly charged moments that neither of them planned for. The forced proximity and new-neighbour dynamic only turn the heat (and the confusion) up a notch, especially as Wilder begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
What really makes the story shine is the sense of found family threading through it, friends, co-workers, and one small, unforgettable child who steals the spotlight every time she appears. The community is warm, eccentric, and ready to rally when it matters. Absolutely loved it!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
December 3, 2025
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
4*
Lighthearted and funny. Really enjoyed. There are some heavier topics, such as toxic family and single-parent burnout, but they are treated with a lighter touch.
Wilder is a mess. He’s trying his best to give his daughter, Gracie, a good life, but he’s struggling to stay afloat. At first, Gracie’s teacher, Avery, is not impressed with the hot dad who can’t get his act together. Then there’s the stripping incident… 🔥👏😂 But after spending time together for a class event, Avery realizes that Wilder is actually gentle and sweet and amazing with kids. It’s a perfect moment of seeing people for who they really are.
The slow burn romance feels realistic, with Wilder finding time here and there, but unable to commit to anything. His life is too scattered. When Wilder feels overwhelmed or exhausted, Avery holds him, gives his emotions space, and carefully lifts up his burdens. I love how Avery approaches Wilder with gentle confidence and quiet presence. It sounds amazing to receive that kind of care. 🥺
There’s a third act misunderstanding, but it’s addressed pretty quickly. The relationship talk in front of Gracie is one of my favorite moments. They keep having to edit their word choices while surrounded by kids. 😂
I think the ending is more of an HFN. They are serious about one another, but also taking slow, small steps. We don’t really get a look into the future, just enough to know they are progressing.
Random thoughts:
-Sadly, school security has had to become pretty hardcore in the US. I kept wondering how the parents go into the school so easily and where the security checkpoints are. 😔
-Pretty low steam. No full-on sex, just mouths and hands. With how much Wilder enjoys new discoveries, I wish we could see more of his first times. That said, their steamy moments are fun and feel authentic.
-Things go from officially dating to ILU to the ending reeeeeally fast. I wanted more time with these guys while they figure stuff out. Wilder hasn’t had much experience in the way of serious relationships, so I wanted to see more of him learning and growing into it.
-No progress / resolution with toxic family. Feels like an important thread that gets dropped.
-I wish we could see Avery meeting Gracie’s mom or Wilder meeting Avery’s big crazy family.
4*
Lighthearted and funny. Really enjoyed. There are some heavier topics, such as toxic family and single-parent burnout, but they are treated with a lighter touch.
Wilder is a mess. He’s trying his best to give his daughter, Gracie, a good life, but he’s struggling to stay afloat. At first, Gracie’s teacher, Avery, is not impressed with the hot dad who can’t get his act together. Then there’s the stripping incident… 🔥👏😂 But after spending time together for a class event, Avery realizes that Wilder is actually gentle and sweet and amazing with kids. It’s a perfect moment of seeing people for who they really are.
The slow burn romance feels realistic, with Wilder finding time here and there, but unable to commit to anything. His life is too scattered. When Wilder feels overwhelmed or exhausted, Avery holds him, gives his emotions space, and carefully lifts up his burdens. I love how Avery approaches Wilder with gentle confidence and quiet presence. It sounds amazing to receive that kind of care. 🥺
There’s a third act misunderstanding, but it’s addressed pretty quickly. The relationship talk in front of Gracie is one of my favorite moments. They keep having to edit their word choices while surrounded by kids. 😂
I think the ending is more of an HFN. They are serious about one another, but also taking slow, small steps. We don’t really get a look into the future, just enough to know they are progressing.
Random thoughts:
-Sadly, school security has had to become pretty hardcore in the US. I kept wondering how the parents go into the school so easily and where the security checkpoints are. 😔
-Pretty low steam. No full-on sex, just mouths and hands. With how much Wilder enjoys new discoveries, I wish we could see more of his first times. That said, their steamy moments are fun and feel authentic.
-Things go from officially dating to ILU to the ending reeeeeally fast. I wanted more time with these guys while they figure stuff out. Wilder hasn’t had much experience in the way of serious relationships, so I wanted to see more of him learning and growing into it.
-No progress / resolution with toxic family. Feels like an important thread that gets dropped.
-I wish we could see Avery meeting Gracie’s mom or Wilder meeting Avery’s big crazy family.
November 10, 2025
Thanks to Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I'm normally a HUGE fan of these authors (I'm actually currently rereading a trilogy by Sarah Honey right now) but I have to say, sadly, this was not for me in the worst way. I probably should have passed on the ARC, because to be blunt, I don't want children anywhere near my romance.
Aside from finding it just generally off putting to have a child as a main feature in a genre that I am, frankly, interested in for the adult activities, I feel that so often (as was the case here), the child in question is, instead of a character with their own wants, needs, and development, just a handy plot point to come wandering in between the adults doing adult things. With one main character being a new single parent and the other being a kindergarten teacher, SO MUCH of this book was about children, and that's just not what I'm here for.
I skimmed/skipped large sections to avoid the parts that were more suited for a mommy blog than an MM romance novel, and there wasn't much to the rest of the book. The MMCs didn't strike me as being particularly well suited for each other, and while I am a fan of a cozy low stakes romance, the conflict here either stemmed from miscommunication, or the characters, again, just not being particularly well suited for each other. The town of Goose Run was, as always, absolutely charming, and I loved getting to see the awful goose again, but that was really about it for me.
I'm normally a HUGE fan of these authors (I'm actually currently rereading a trilogy by Sarah Honey right now) but I have to say, sadly, this was not for me in the worst way. I probably should have passed on the ARC, because to be blunt, I don't want children anywhere near my romance.
Aside from finding it just generally off putting to have a child as a main feature in a genre that I am, frankly, interested in for the adult activities, I feel that so often (as was the case here), the child in question is, instead of a character with their own wants, needs, and development, just a handy plot point to come wandering in between the adults doing adult things. With one main character being a new single parent and the other being a kindergarten teacher, SO MUCH of this book was about children, and that's just not what I'm here for.
I skimmed/skipped large sections to avoid the parts that were more suited for a mommy blog than an MM romance novel, and there wasn't much to the rest of the book. The MMCs didn't strike me as being particularly well suited for each other, and while I am a fan of a cozy low stakes romance, the conflict here either stemmed from miscommunication, or the characters, again, just not being particularly well suited for each other. The town of Goose Run was, as always, absolutely charming, and I loved getting to see the awful goose again, but that was really about it for me.
November 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this trip back to Goose Run. This time we get to know a little more about Wilder. Single dad to an adorable little girl in kindergarten while working two jobs has him stretched thin on time and emotionally drained. A not so great first impression with Avery, Gracie’s kindergarten teacher, leaves him hanging by a thread.
When Avery moves in next door to Wilder and his friends, he begins to see that maybe he has been judging Wilder too harshly and that Wilder needs more grace than he needs to be reminded of the ways he isn’t achieving parenting perfection.
While Wilder and Avery are attracted to each other, I love how both of them craved more just being in each other’s company. When a ghost from Wilder’s past turns up and makes him feel less than and like he is screwing things up for everyone, I love that Avery claims him publicly in the school parking lot.
One loose end that we never really heard much about how it got resolved was the situation with Cassidy’s (Gracie’s mom) parents and their push to take custody away from Wilder. It was mentioned a good bit at the beginning but then sort of just never came up again.
From the first book, I could tell that Wilder is the guy who makes sure that everyone else is taken care of, and if there’s any time left, he’ll think about taking care of himself. I’m so glad that he got his happy ending!
I love that our little found family keeps growing and I cannot wait to see who else joins them in future books. Thank you to the authors for letting me take another trip back to Goose Run with an ARC.
When Avery moves in next door to Wilder and his friends, he begins to see that maybe he has been judging Wilder too harshly and that Wilder needs more grace than he needs to be reminded of the ways he isn’t achieving parenting perfection.
While Wilder and Avery are attracted to each other, I love how both of them craved more just being in each other’s company. When a ghost from Wilder’s past turns up and makes him feel less than and like he is screwing things up for everyone, I love that Avery claims him publicly in the school parking lot.
One loose end that we never really heard much about how it got resolved was the situation with Cassidy’s (Gracie’s mom) parents and their push to take custody away from Wilder. It was mentioned a good bit at the beginning but then sort of just never came up again.
From the first book, I could tell that Wilder is the guy who makes sure that everyone else is taken care of, and if there’s any time left, he’ll think about taking care of himself. I’m so glad that he got his happy ending!
I love that our little found family keeps growing and I cannot wait to see who else joins them in future books. Thank you to the authors for letting me take another trip back to Goose Run with an ARC.
December 5, 2025
I loved returning to Goose Run, and yes, the goose is as funny as ever, though less prominent than in the first story. Which worked well for this story.
John Wilder is a single dad, working on doing the very best he can for his adorable daughter, Gracie. He and Gracie's mum didn't get married, because they didn't want to, and unfortunately, John was the one who really shouldered the blame, including being thrown out by his parents. But Danny Hall (from book #1) and his grandmother saved John and he's part of the unconventional family living in Danny's grandmother's house, doing his best to raise Gracie, including working as a part time stripper and full time roofer for his uncle Steve. Only thing is, Gracie's grandparents do not like him and are waiting for him to fail.
Avery is the new kindergarten teacher in Goose Run, and he's a little upset when John is late, a lot. He doesn't know that John has so many responsibilities besides being a really good dad. But they get along eventually, especially when Avery buys the house next door to Danny's grandmother's house. What happens next, of course, is that John? Not as straight as he - or Avery - thought he was.
So it starts off as no strings attached fun and a kind of tuition for John. Needless to say? Not for long.
This is a hilarious and lovely romantic comedy. I am enjoying the world of Goose Run very much and look forward to reading the next two stories, the stories of the twins in the unconventional family.
I received an advance copy from the authors and this is my honest review of the story.
John Wilder is a single dad, working on doing the very best he can for his adorable daughter, Gracie. He and Gracie's mum didn't get married, because they didn't want to, and unfortunately, John was the one who really shouldered the blame, including being thrown out by his parents. But Danny Hall (from book #1) and his grandmother saved John and he's part of the unconventional family living in Danny's grandmother's house, doing his best to raise Gracie, including working as a part time stripper and full time roofer for his uncle Steve. Only thing is, Gracie's grandparents do not like him and are waiting for him to fail.
Avery is the new kindergarten teacher in Goose Run, and he's a little upset when John is late, a lot. He doesn't know that John has so many responsibilities besides being a really good dad. But they get along eventually, especially when Avery buys the house next door to Danny's grandmother's house. What happens next, of course, is that John? Not as straight as he - or Avery - thought he was.
So it starts off as no strings attached fun and a kind of tuition for John. Needless to say? Not for long.
This is a hilarious and lovely romantic comedy. I am enjoying the world of Goose Run very much and look forward to reading the next two stories, the stories of the twins in the unconventional family.
I received an advance copy from the authors and this is my honest review of the story.
November 10, 2025
JOHN WILDER GETS SCHOOLED - LISA HENRY
While this is book 2 in the Goose Run series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are with one another often enough for you to understand who they are and the dynamics of their found family.
This is what I consider a slow burn romance, and bi-awakening for the MC John Wilder. It gives you a depth to each person and it is more enjoyable when you can understand their mindset.
Avery is a new teacher and learning the process while trying to determine if he made the right choice following in his older brother Dallas’s footsteps. Initially he is annoyed with Wilder while he adjusts to being a full-time single dad, but gets to know him better when he saves a class field trip to the Adventurama. Then he discovers John Wilder is his neighbor and things get interesting.
John is trying to get a handle on being the main care giver for Gracie, and after several rough starts with her teacher, he realizes Avery isn’t a bad person. When the two of them have an unexpected encounter at the club John dances at for additional money, the sparks ignite for both men.
With understanding and care John and Avery spend more time together and find they are interested in dating one another and finally work through the internal conflicts stopping them from committing themselves to this relationship.
There are a lot of great side characters and there are laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Great author to ready anytime!
While this is book 2 in the Goose Run series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters are with one another often enough for you to understand who they are and the dynamics of their found family.
This is what I consider a slow burn romance, and bi-awakening for the MC John Wilder. It gives you a depth to each person and it is more enjoyable when you can understand their mindset.
Avery is a new teacher and learning the process while trying to determine if he made the right choice following in his older brother Dallas’s footsteps. Initially he is annoyed with Wilder while he adjusts to being a full-time single dad, but gets to know him better when he saves a class field trip to the Adventurama. Then he discovers John Wilder is his neighbor and things get interesting.
John is trying to get a handle on being the main care giver for Gracie, and after several rough starts with her teacher, he realizes Avery isn’t a bad person. When the two of them have an unexpected encounter at the club John dances at for additional money, the sparks ignite for both men.
With understanding and care John and Avery spend more time together and find they are interested in dating one another and finally work through the internal conflicts stopping them from committing themselves to this relationship.
There are a lot of great side characters and there are laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Great author to ready anytime!
November 11, 2025
John Wilder Gets Schooled was such a fun and sweet story. John Wilder Gets Schooled by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey is the 2nd book of the Goose Run series. I loved Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer (the 1st book in the series), and John Wilder Gets Schooled is no different. I loved it.
John Wilder, who goes by Wilder, has just taken primary custody of his 5 year old daughter. He works as a roofer and is a stripper on the side. On his daughter's first day of Kindergarten he is a bit of a mess when meeting her teacher, Avery, for the first time. These 2 did not start off on the best footing.
Avery is putting down roots in Goose Run and buys a house which happens to be right next to Wilder's house where he lives with Gracie and his found family. While on a pain killer, Wilder kisses Avery. This is his first kiss with a man and when he remembers what happened the next day, he wants to do it again.
So begins the "casual" relationship between Wilder and Avery. The more time they spend together, both in bed and just hanging out, the "casual" of their relationship shifts. Once they both share their feelings have changed, it just feels right.
John Wilder Gets Schooled has a perfect found family and is exactly what I look for when reading about found families. The book is fluffy, but has some real depth.
I am looking forward to reading all about Chase!
Steam: 3.5/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Thank you to the authors for providing an eARC for an honest review.
John Wilder, who goes by Wilder, has just taken primary custody of his 5 year old daughter. He works as a roofer and is a stripper on the side. On his daughter's first day of Kindergarten he is a bit of a mess when meeting her teacher, Avery, for the first time. These 2 did not start off on the best footing.
Avery is putting down roots in Goose Run and buys a house which happens to be right next to Wilder's house where he lives with Gracie and his found family. While on a pain killer, Wilder kisses Avery. This is his first kiss with a man and when he remembers what happened the next day, he wants to do it again.
So begins the "casual" relationship between Wilder and Avery. The more time they spend together, both in bed and just hanging out, the "casual" of their relationship shifts. Once they both share their feelings have changed, it just feels right.
John Wilder Gets Schooled has a perfect found family and is exactly what I look for when reading about found families. The book is fluffy, but has some real depth.
I am looking forward to reading all about Chase!
Steam: 3.5/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Thank you to the authors for providing an eARC for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
Cute, sweet, fun romance between John Wilder, roofer and stripper, and kindergarten teacher Avery.
Wilder is single-parenting 5-year-old Gracie since her mom is off to college, and it's time for her to start school. They're late on the first day, and her new teacher, Avery is none too pleased. When Avery finds out that the house he just bought is next door to Wilder (& Danny & Chase & Cash), he gets to know Wilder better and they fall in love slowly. I love the other Goose Run characters (we met them in book 1)
This is a great addition to the Goose Run series. I loved the book and it's well worth the time to read it. I did feel that it ended a bit abruptly - it seemed like they were being set up for a custody battle with either Wilder's parents or the mom's parents, but that just all died down (maybe this will resurface in the next books?) And I did find it odd that Gracie never seemed to miss the mother she who had been raising her for 5 years - never mentioning her and there never seemed to be any contact between them. Seriously, most moms would find it really hard to go off to college and leave their child behind. Still, this never came up as a plot point, so I guess we just have to ignore it. This book was just so much fun in so many other ways that I'm not going to think too hard about the stuff that could have been better.
Looking forward to the next one - Chase's turn, I think....
Wilder is single-parenting 5-year-old Gracie since her mom is off to college, and it's time for her to start school. They're late on the first day, and her new teacher, Avery is none too pleased. When Avery finds out that the house he just bought is next door to Wilder (& Danny & Chase & Cash), he gets to know Wilder better and they fall in love slowly. I love the other Goose Run characters (we met them in book 1)
This is a great addition to the Goose Run series. I loved the book and it's well worth the time to read it. I did feel that it ended a bit abruptly - it seemed like they were being set up for a custody battle with either Wilder's parents or the mom's parents, but that just all died down (maybe this will resurface in the next books?) And I did find it odd that Gracie never seemed to miss the mother she who had been raising her for 5 years - never mentioning her and there never seemed to be any contact between them. Seriously, most moms would find it really hard to go off to college and leave their child behind. Still, this never came up as a plot point, so I guess we just have to ignore it. This book was just so much fun in so many other ways that I'm not going to think too hard about the stuff that could have been better.
Looking forward to the next one - Chase's turn, I think....
November 23, 2025
Back to the quirky small town of goose run for another story, this time with John and Avery. Overall I really enjoyed their story. The enemies to lovers aspect kept me interested, and John Wilder’s sweet little girl Gracie was a very cute addition.
The book is very well written, you get a clear deep dive into both men and their family dynamics. Avery was very fortunate to grow up in a loving environment with an accepting family, whereas John unfortunately didn’t have the same experience, being disowned after getting his girlfriend pregnant.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part, my only criticism - hence the 4 stars, is that for me it felt a little unfinished. The complaint that was made by Pastor John was kind of swept under the rug, and I guess I just expected a little more there.
The other thing that felt incomplete was Gracie’s grandparents. It was touched upon that Gracie didn’t seem overly enthusiastic by the end of the book about staying with her grandparents, I was hoping that might have been explored a little bit more. That’s just my own personal opinion, other than that it was a very sweet, fun read. I’ve read and reviewed quite a few Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey books and I really enjoy them. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Chase.
I received this book as an ARC, and my opinions are completely my own.
The book is very well written, you get a clear deep dive into both men and their family dynamics. Avery was very fortunate to grow up in a loving environment with an accepting family, whereas John unfortunately didn’t have the same experience, being disowned after getting his girlfriend pregnant.
I really enjoyed this book for the most part, my only criticism - hence the 4 stars, is that for me it felt a little unfinished. The complaint that was made by Pastor John was kind of swept under the rug, and I guess I just expected a little more there.
The other thing that felt incomplete was Gracie’s grandparents. It was touched upon that Gracie didn’t seem overly enthusiastic by the end of the book about staying with her grandparents, I was hoping that might have been explored a little bit more. That’s just my own personal opinion, other than that it was a very sweet, fun read. I’ve read and reviewed quite a few Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey books and I really enjoy them. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Chase.
I received this book as an ARC, and my opinions are completely my own.
November 25, 2025
I'm sorry authors, Wilder and Avery were that captivating that I finished their story right away. I didn't see it coming and when it happened, I was shocked... I wanted more. Thankfully the next book is already in previews, so I have that to look forward to.
Anyway what was so captivating about Wilder? His bisexual-awakening. I loved the flow of the book from their initial meeting to being the problem parent, to finding out their neighbors and their eventual HEA.
I really enjoyed seeing Wilder's struggle with being a single parent and trying to do it all and finding time to "not have a relationship".
I love these everyday characters, the found family, the choas of it all. It was a touching story.
recommend as a standalone, but you'll definitely want to read about Danny and the twins some more.
****
below are the questions I have about the book that I would like expanding on, I've put it in spoiler mode because it's very specific
Anyway what was so captivating about Wilder? His bisexual-awakening. I loved the flow of the book from their initial meeting to being the problem parent, to finding out their neighbors and their eventual HEA.
I really enjoyed seeing Wilder's struggle with being a single parent and trying to do it all and finding time to "not have a relationship".
I love these everyday characters, the found family, the choas of it all. It was a touching story.
recommend as a standalone, but you'll definitely want to read about Danny and the twins some more.
****
below are the questions I have about the book that I would like expanding on, I've put it in spoiler mode because it's very specific
December 6, 2025
This book was insanely good. The way Avery immediately decided that Johnny was irresponsible and how much he disliked him at first — and to be fair, he wasn’t entirely wrong, because Johnny was constantly late, and people don’t usually appreciate that. But he didn’t know him, so his reaction wasn’t completely justified either.
But!
Johnny did everything he could to give Gracie as much as possible. He worked two jobs, and even then it sometimes wasn’t enough — especially if we consider Gracie’s mother’s parents, or even Johnny’s own parents… If there are two sets of parents I can absolutely hate, it’s them. Not only do Cassidy’s (Gracie’s mother’s) parents want to regain custody of their granddaughter at any cost and force her to go to church, but Johnny’s father also files a complaint against Avery because he “got too close to his son,” with whom he hasn’t even spoken in almost six years… ugh…
Avery and Johnny were really sweet, by the way. Even though they both agreed to sex without commitment, they both realized they wanted more. The funny part is that they completely misunderstood each other’s signals about it.
And Johnny’s friends… they were fantastic. Chase, Danny, Miller… but my favorite was Cash. For some reason he caught my attention so much, and I really hope he gets his own story too, because he deserves it. 🥹
And oh my god, the bets Avery’s coworkers made 😂😂 they were absolutely hilarious 😂
But!
Johnny did everything he could to give Gracie as much as possible. He worked two jobs, and even then it sometimes wasn’t enough — especially if we consider Gracie’s mother’s parents, or even Johnny’s own parents… If there are two sets of parents I can absolutely hate, it’s them. Not only do Cassidy’s (Gracie’s mother’s) parents want to regain custody of their granddaughter at any cost and force her to go to church, but Johnny’s father also files a complaint against Avery because he “got too close to his son,” with whom he hasn’t even spoken in almost six years… ugh…
Avery and Johnny were really sweet, by the way. Even though they both agreed to sex without commitment, they both realized they wanted more. The funny part is that they completely misunderstood each other’s signals about it.
And Johnny’s friends… they were fantastic. Chase, Danny, Miller… but my favorite was Cash. For some reason he caught my attention so much, and I really hope he gets his own story too, because he deserves it. 🥹
And oh my god, the bets Avery’s coworkers made 😂😂 they were absolutely hilarious 😂
December 8, 2025
John Wilder Gets Schooled is the second book in the Good Run series. I missed reading the first book so I can definitely say that this one can be read as a standalone but I’ll also add that now I’d like to go back and read book one, Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer.
Like other books I’ve read by this writing duo, it has humor and wit, as well as tender moments. John Wilder is a newly full-time dad, after his daughter’s mother gets a scholarship and goes away to college. He’s struggling with juggling all of the things he’s never had to do before and he gets on the wrong side of his daughter’s teacher right from the beginning because he’s late to deliver her to school and late to pick her up. When he starts to have inappropriate thoughts about said teacher, he realizes that he may not be as straight as he always thought.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s sweet in places, a little sad in others (Wilder’s parents are jerks and so are his baby momma’s parents) but he loves his daughter above everything and will always do his best for her. Avery isn’t what Wilder was looking for but he’s just what he, and Gracie, need.
This story has a nice group of supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Like other books I’ve read by this writing duo, it has humor and wit, as well as tender moments. John Wilder is a newly full-time dad, after his daughter’s mother gets a scholarship and goes away to college. He’s struggling with juggling all of the things he’s never had to do before and he gets on the wrong side of his daughter’s teacher right from the beginning because he’s late to deliver her to school and late to pick her up. When he starts to have inappropriate thoughts about said teacher, he realizes that he may not be as straight as he always thought.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s sweet in places, a little sad in others (Wilder’s parents are jerks and so are his baby momma’s parents) but he loves his daughter above everything and will always do his best for her. Avery isn’t what Wilder was looking for but he’s just what he, and Gracie, need.
This story has a nice group of supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
November 16, 2025
- bi-awakening
- found family
- teacher
This is the second in the Goose Run series, and this time it's the turn of John Wilder - or John, Johnny, or Wilder (depending on who is doing the name calling 😉 ). Wilder is a single parent - on great terms with his daughter's mum, but not so much with his own parents or his daughter's other grandparents. I loved Wilder, he's thrown into a situation and is doing his best to bring his daughter up with the help of his found family after his own threw him out. Enter Avery, his daughter's teacher and they don't exactly get off on the right foot either.
This was a fun read, full of interesting side characters - some we met in the first book and some new - and lots of learning for Wilder. It's a slow burn, at the start Wilder is 100% convinced he's straight, until he develops an attraction to Avery and comes to terms with that. These two together are super cute, honestly. I loved them 'experimenting' with each other and you just know it's more than that but they take their time admitting it - both to themselves and then each other. It's also a story about found family and finding your place in the world.
I really enjoyed this and was happy to be back in Goose Run, and I really want more.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
- found family
- teacher
This is the second in the Goose Run series, and this time it's the turn of John Wilder - or John, Johnny, or Wilder (depending on who is doing the name calling 😉 ). Wilder is a single parent - on great terms with his daughter's mum, but not so much with his own parents or his daughter's other grandparents. I loved Wilder, he's thrown into a situation and is doing his best to bring his daughter up with the help of his found family after his own threw him out. Enter Avery, his daughter's teacher and they don't exactly get off on the right foot either.
This was a fun read, full of interesting side characters - some we met in the first book and some new - and lots of learning for Wilder. It's a slow burn, at the start Wilder is 100% convinced he's straight, until he develops an attraction to Avery and comes to terms with that. These two together are super cute, honestly. I loved them 'experimenting' with each other and you just know it's more than that but they take their time admitting it - both to themselves and then each other. It's also a story about found family and finding your place in the world.
I really enjoyed this and was happy to be back in Goose Run, and I really want more.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 3, 2025
A pleasure to read, a fascinating community, and a happy ending
So John Wilder, the son of a preacher, and his high school sweetheart had a baby. Neither wanted to get married, although John volunteered to do so. Cassidy, the mother of their daughter Gracie, wanted to go to college. So John, a roofer who strips at night for cash, took on being the single father. He dotes on Gracie but struggles to get her ready for her first day of kindergarten.
He finds Avery Smith, a first-year teacher, attractive but assumes he's frustrated with Wilder's lateness and forgetfulness. As the community of Goose Run loses its charm, it isn’t until the class embarks on an adventure—visiting a strange display of found animals—that Wilder steps in when the other parent drops out.
It creates some positive tension between the two men, who work wonderfully together with the children, and alters some of Avery’s opinions about his role as a substitute parent.
Too much detail here could spoil the plot, but of course, there is a happy ending, and a promise of more fun in Goose Run with the other characters in this quirky place. It’s a truly heartwarming story about independence and leaning on strong friends when families falter. Lisa Henry has created a place you want to revisit, to see who else will find happiness in this richly developed town.
So John Wilder, the son of a preacher, and his high school sweetheart had a baby. Neither wanted to get married, although John volunteered to do so. Cassidy, the mother of their daughter Gracie, wanted to go to college. So John, a roofer who strips at night for cash, took on being the single father. He dotes on Gracie but struggles to get her ready for her first day of kindergarten.
He finds Avery Smith, a first-year teacher, attractive but assumes he's frustrated with Wilder's lateness and forgetfulness. As the community of Goose Run loses its charm, it isn’t until the class embarks on an adventure—visiting a strange display of found animals—that Wilder steps in when the other parent drops out.
It creates some positive tension between the two men, who work wonderfully together with the children, and alters some of Avery’s opinions about his role as a substitute parent.
Too much detail here could spoil the plot, but of course, there is a happy ending, and a promise of more fun in Goose Run with the other characters in this quirky place. It’s a truly heartwarming story about independence and leaning on strong friends when families falter. Lisa Henry has created a place you want to revisit, to see who else will find happiness in this richly developed town.
December 2, 2025
Super sweet single dad/kindergarten teacher romance. John Wilder was once the golden boy of Goose Run. A popular jock and son of the local pastor, his life abruptly changes course when he becomes a teenage father who won't marry someone who doesn't want it. Now he's crashing on a friend's couch, working as a roofer, side gigging as a stripper, and acting as a lone parent while his daughter's mother is attending college. With Gracie starting school the pressure on Wilder is really starting to get to him and he feels especially judged by Mr. Smith the kindergarten teacher. Wilder can feel it every time he's late or doesn't quite know what he's doing. Avery has his first teaching job and he's trying his hardest to not let the worst parent in his class get under his skin. As Avery starts to learn more about the real Wilder and his circumstances, he starts to warm to his mess of a neighbor. Their attraction is real, but neither one of them is in a good place to get into a real relationship. So they agree on an arrangement where Avery helps Wilder learn about his newly realized bisexuality, no strings just physical. As with any good romance, that plan crumbles quickly when they start getting real feelings for each other. It's a very sweet read that's pretty low on the spice scale but has lots of great moments of intimacy and love. Would totally recommend, it'll put a smile on your face.
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