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The Teachers of Hardwood High #5
Q+C: The Teachers of Hardwood High
A love story about going viral, on and off camera.
Quari Giles likes his life loud. He coaches seventh grade girls basketball, keeps Hardwood High laughing, and swears he is not looking for more. Then the Aspire mentor program brings homegrown influencer Ciara Lawson back to campus for a series of filmed visits, and the fun coach with a wandering focus suddenly wants to show up serious.
Ciara built a career on bright humor and clean shots. Off camera she is tired of being reduced to a body and a trend. Her mother calls it shaking her ass online. Brands call it content. Ciara calls it work. What she does not expect is a PE teacher who treats her like she is enough without an audience.
Weekly check-ins turn into inside jokes and late texts. A viral clip puts them under a spotlight. Mom comes for her. The internet piles on. Quari holds the line with steady care, team huddles, and a calm that settles her racing brain. He is chaos at practice and peace when it counts.
She teaches him intention. He teaches her rest. Together, they learn that being seen and being visible are not the same. When the noise rises, they choose each other. Officially.
A fresh, flirty, heartfelt romance set at Hardwood High with kid shenanigans, Ranley-isms, and one coach determined to be better than he was yesterday..or something like that.
Quari Giles likes his life loud. He coaches seventh grade girls basketball, keeps Hardwood High laughing, and swears he is not looking for more. Then the Aspire mentor program brings homegrown influencer Ciara Lawson back to campus for a series of filmed visits, and the fun coach with a wandering focus suddenly wants to show up serious.
Ciara built a career on bright humor and clean shots. Off camera she is tired of being reduced to a body and a trend. Her mother calls it shaking her ass online. Brands call it content. Ciara calls it work. What she does not expect is a PE teacher who treats her like she is enough without an audience.
Weekly check-ins turn into inside jokes and late texts. A viral clip puts them under a spotlight. Mom comes for her. The internet piles on. Quari holds the line with steady care, team huddles, and a calm that settles her racing brain. He is chaos at practice and peace when it counts.
She teaches him intention. He teaches her rest. Together, they learn that being seen and being visible are not the same. When the noise rises, they choose each other. Officially.
A fresh, flirty, heartfelt romance set at Hardwood High with kid shenanigans, Ranley-isms, and one coach determined to be better than he was yesterday..or something like that.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
25 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 29, 2025
I Love This Series
Nina High writes such sweet beautiful love stories about regular people falling in love. I usually enjoy the male MCs story and journey of finding love. Ciara finding herself and allowing her heart to guide her was my favorite part of this book. Toxic moms in books always stress me because it’s so far from my reality. But I get why it is important to show how it impacts character development. But I loved the balance created between the way the two MCs mothers showed up for them.
Nina High writes such sweet beautiful love stories about regular people falling in love. I usually enjoy the male MCs story and journey of finding love. Ciara finding herself and allowing her heart to guide her was my favorite part of this book. Toxic moms in books always stress me because it’s so far from my reality. But I get why it is important to show how it impacts character development. But I loved the balance created between the way the two MCs mothers showed up for them.
February 4, 2026
Q+C by Nina High (2025)
The Teachers of Hardwood High #5
Related The Martin Brothers Series
+166-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-164
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: XXX for strong sexual content
Featuring: Fictional Ambiguous City in Texas, Teachers - PE, Basketball Coach; Social Media Influencers, Dual POVs, Social Media Platforms, Family Dynamics, Toxic Parent, Imposter Syndrome, Overlapping Characters and Setting, Childless Lifestyle, Uterine Issues, Sex - Detailed, Family Drama, References to The Martin Brothers Series, Preview of A+J - Chapters 1 & 2, Author's Links, Bibliography for Nina High
Songs for the soundtrack: "Ego" by Beyoncé, "Crazy In Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, "Upgrade U" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
Books and Authors mentioned: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫🤳🏿💃🏿⛹️🏾♂️🇨🇱
My thoughts: So this starts where the last book left off, so instead of a repeat of summer with a new POV you get a continuation of the school year. It was nice to see how Coach Giles felt about Dr. Washington, it wasn't what I expected. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the others. The primary reason is that so many storylines just fell off without resolution. I was especially interested in her cramps. I thought we weren't going to get a big brother Andre for a minute, I found myself smiling when he showed up. I'm very excited about the final book. Miss Julie has been cracking me up this whole series.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a great series.
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: I pull up Ciara’s page and start watching. She’s so fine, and her smile shines. I connect my earbuds and really watch some of her other content. She dances and laughs and has fun, but she also just talks and shares her thoughts. I like that she has beauty and brains. She’s the kind of woman my mom would love for me to bring home. I haven’t been in any relationship long enough to want to take a woman to meet my family. Apparently, I’m only attracted to women out of my league. I have a thing for a bad ass woman in a pencil skirt. Once they find out I’m just a teacher, they start trying to make me their project, telling me I need to reach for more. What I do want is someone who can accept that I am who I am and not try to change me. I don’t want more than being a teacher. I chose this career because I like kids and sports. I’m happy to come to work every day. Not exactly happy to be in this faculty meeting, but every day gives me a new challenge. I’ve never had the same day as a PE teacher, and that’s exactly the kind of chaos my brain thrives on.
“Hey Ciara,” she answers, sounding pleasant. “Hey, Mom! What are you up to?” “Cooking dinner. Antwon asked for fried chicken, but I ran out of oil. I’m just getting started now.” I look at the time on my phone. It’s 7pm. But anything her baby boy wants, he gets. “What’s up with you?” She asks. “I just got an email from the assistant principal at Hardwood High confirming me dropping in for a school-wide assembly.” I hold my breath and wait for her to reply. “Why?” I can hear the frown on her face. “They want me to help them with a mentorship program they have.” “You’re going to mentor little girls to learn to shake their asses on social media for money like you do?” There it is. I want to punch myself in the face for even thinking of calling her. That’s not what I do on social media. It’s not what I’m known for at least. She watched the one video that has me dancing in it... not even really shaking my ass...and she’s got me labeled as an online whore. “I don’t know why you even got that marketing degree if you were just gonna be a video ho.” I roll my eyes. A video ho? Wow. This is my fault. I let the instinct to call your mom when something good happens to you win over logic. How did I not expect the conversation to go in this exact direction. “Mom, I’ve used my marketing degree to grow my following on social media. It’s my job now,” I tell her for the hundredth time. “You don’t have a job. You just play on that phone all day. Whatever money you have probably comes from men who like watching you.” I count my mother as the first person to ever break my heart. And she’s the one who does it continuously. I try to be a good daughter. I call her and get her gifts on all the right days. I’ll go to doctor appointments with her. I try to have a positive relationship, but I’m always met with negativity. “Well, Antwon was the one who suggested they ask me,” I add, knowing that bringing him up will adjust her attitude. “Antwon did? How sweet. He’s trying to help you get known for something good. That’s my baby boy.” The smile I hear in her voice makes my stomach turn. I’m not jealous of Antwon by any means. He is pretty perfect. He’s graduating in May, and I can’t wait to see what he does after Hardwood High School. I struggle to understand why everything I do is negative. What did I do to make my mom dislike me so much except be born a girl?
The Teachers of Hardwood High #5
Related The Martin Brothers Series
+166-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-164
Genre: African-American Romance, Contemporary Romance
Rating as a movie: XXX for strong sexual content
Featuring: Fictional Ambiguous City in Texas, Teachers - PE, Basketball Coach; Social Media Influencers, Dual POVs, Social Media Platforms, Family Dynamics, Toxic Parent, Imposter Syndrome, Overlapping Characters and Setting, Childless Lifestyle, Uterine Issues, Sex - Detailed, Family Drama, References to The Martin Brothers Series, Preview of A+J - Chapters 1 & 2, Author's Links, Bibliography for Nina High
Songs for the soundtrack: "Ego" by Beyoncé, "Crazy In Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, "Upgrade U" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
Books and Authors mentioned: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫🤳🏿💃🏿⛹️🏾♂️🇨🇱
My thoughts: So this starts where the last book left off, so instead of a repeat of summer with a new POV you get a continuation of the school year. It was nice to see how Coach Giles felt about Dr. Washington, it wasn't what I expected. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the others. The primary reason is that so many storylines just fell off without resolution. I was especially interested in her cramps. I thought we weren't going to get a big brother Andre for a minute, I found myself smiling when he showed up. I'm very excited about the final book. Miss Julie has been cracking me up this whole series.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a great series.
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: I pull up Ciara’s page and start watching. She’s so fine, and her smile shines. I connect my earbuds and really watch some of her other content. She dances and laughs and has fun, but she also just talks and shares her thoughts. I like that she has beauty and brains. She’s the kind of woman my mom would love for me to bring home. I haven’t been in any relationship long enough to want to take a woman to meet my family. Apparently, I’m only attracted to women out of my league. I have a thing for a bad ass woman in a pencil skirt. Once they find out I’m just a teacher, they start trying to make me their project, telling me I need to reach for more. What I do want is someone who can accept that I am who I am and not try to change me. I don’t want more than being a teacher. I chose this career because I like kids and sports. I’m happy to come to work every day. Not exactly happy to be in this faculty meeting, but every day gives me a new challenge. I’ve never had the same day as a PE teacher, and that’s exactly the kind of chaos my brain thrives on.
“Hey Ciara,” she answers, sounding pleasant. “Hey, Mom! What are you up to?” “Cooking dinner. Antwon asked for fried chicken, but I ran out of oil. I’m just getting started now.” I look at the time on my phone. It’s 7pm. But anything her baby boy wants, he gets. “What’s up with you?” She asks. “I just got an email from the assistant principal at Hardwood High confirming me dropping in for a school-wide assembly.” I hold my breath and wait for her to reply. “Why?” I can hear the frown on her face. “They want me to help them with a mentorship program they have.” “You’re going to mentor little girls to learn to shake their asses on social media for money like you do?” There it is. I want to punch myself in the face for even thinking of calling her. That’s not what I do on social media. It’s not what I’m known for at least. She watched the one video that has me dancing in it... not even really shaking my ass...and she’s got me labeled as an online whore. “I don’t know why you even got that marketing degree if you were just gonna be a video ho.” I roll my eyes. A video ho? Wow. This is my fault. I let the instinct to call your mom when something good happens to you win over logic. How did I not expect the conversation to go in this exact direction. “Mom, I’ve used my marketing degree to grow my following on social media. It’s my job now,” I tell her for the hundredth time. “You don’t have a job. You just play on that phone all day. Whatever money you have probably comes from men who like watching you.” I count my mother as the first person to ever break my heart. And she’s the one who does it continuously. I try to be a good daughter. I call her and get her gifts on all the right days. I’ll go to doctor appointments with her. I try to have a positive relationship, but I’m always met with negativity. “Well, Antwon was the one who suggested they ask me,” I add, knowing that bringing him up will adjust her attitude. “Antwon did? How sweet. He’s trying to help you get known for something good. That’s my baby boy.” The smile I hear in her voice makes my stomach turn. I’m not jealous of Antwon by any means. He is pretty perfect. He’s graduating in May, and I can’t wait to see what he does after Hardwood High School. I struggle to understand why everything I do is negative. What did I do to make my mom dislike me so much except be born a girl?
December 3, 2025
This is a serious meet cute 😍 . Who doesn't fall for a confident guy with a great sense of humor ??? Quari with a Q is the high schools teachers version of a class clown but with layers ready to be revealed . He is given the opportunity to meet the woman of his social media dreams and let's just say the slow burn 🔥 begins .
Ciara is the it girl who everyone thinks has it all but she fakes it to make it until a certain gym coach helps her see her truth. This is a sweet love story ❤️ can't wait for what's up next . keep it up Nina High and loved big brother Andre's infamous appearance.
Ciara is the it girl who everyone thinks has it all but she fakes it to make it until a certain gym coach helps her see her truth. This is a sweet love story ❤️ can't wait for what's up next . keep it up Nina High and loved big brother Andre's infamous appearance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Q+C
I really enjoyed Quari and Ciara’s story. It was lighthearted and fun. They were so cute together. In previous books, Quari was described as a jokester and never serious, but I didn’t get that vibe from him. I felt he was misunderstood and truly lived us life as simply and drama free as possible. He and Ciara gave each other just what they needed and accepted each other as they were. He was able to be himself without judgment and he allowed her to not have to be “on” around him and just be herself without thought of doing multiple “takes” to make things perfect. Their relationship allowed for them both to be authentic.
The story had very minimal drama. I did want to know what Ciara’s mother’s issue was with her though because that lady was nasty to her for no reason, but I appreciated that Ciara realized she could love her from a distance and didn’t have to endure the way she was being treated.
The sneak peek into Ms. Julie’s story left me intrigued and ready for the next book.
I really enjoyed Quari and Ciara’s story. It was lighthearted and fun. They were so cute together. In previous books, Quari was described as a jokester and never serious, but I didn’t get that vibe from him. I felt he was misunderstood and truly lived us life as simply and drama free as possible. He and Ciara gave each other just what they needed and accepted each other as they were. He was able to be himself without judgment and he allowed her to not have to be “on” around him and just be herself without thought of doing multiple “takes” to make things perfect. Their relationship allowed for them both to be authentic.
The story had very minimal drama. I did want to know what Ciara’s mother’s issue was with her though because that lady was nasty to her for no reason, but I appreciated that Ciara realized she could love her from a distance and didn’t have to endure the way she was being treated.
The sneak peek into Ms. Julie’s story left me intrigued and ready for the next book.
January 15, 2026
I dug it
This was a 3.75 for me rounded up. I liked Ciara and Quari's instant chemistry that neither of them ran from, and that Ciara didn't play any games about wanting him. Their rapport felt breezy and natural.
My rating is due to some things feeling unfinished for me, like at least an update on how Ciara's rebrand was going or something about her family. It would've been nice to see her stand up to her mother at least once before blocking her. That whole thing that seemed to be a big deal for her for a good chunk of the book just felt left up in the air. And there were some editing slips throughout, notably Ciara seeming to leave for work meetings in Mexico with no mention of showering or grooming or even changing out of her nightshirt.
But I still liked these two together overall. Quari was a jokester but he was gentle and attentive with Ciara, and I liked that.
This was a 3.75 for me rounded up. I liked Ciara and Quari's instant chemistry that neither of them ran from, and that Ciara didn't play any games about wanting him. Their rapport felt breezy and natural.
My rating is due to some things feeling unfinished for me, like at least an update on how Ciara's rebrand was going or something about her family. It would've been nice to see her stand up to her mother at least once before blocking her. That whole thing that seemed to be a big deal for her for a good chunk of the book just felt left up in the air. And there were some editing slips throughout, notably Ciara seeming to leave for work meetings in Mexico with no mention of showering or grooming or even changing out of her nightshirt.
But I still liked these two together overall. Quari was a jokester but he was gentle and attentive with Ciara, and I liked that.
December 1, 2025
Finding Balance
The Aspire Mentor Program at Hardwood High is back at it again bringing unsuspecting single individuals together one story at a time.
Coach Giles is known to be a walking joke and aspiring influencer. Never to volunteer for anything that’s non sports related, he decides to participate in the Aspire program to meet his favorite influencer.
Ciara didn’t know what will transpire after volunteering to host a series of workshops at a mentorship program at her old high school. After meeting Coach Giles, her outlook on life begins to shift. Finding the simplicity of being authentic takes her on an unexpected journey to achieving balance. Lucky for her Coach Giles becomes the safe landing spot she truly needs.
Spice level: 🌶️
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Celebrity romance
Complicated parent dynamics
The Aspire Mentor Program at Hardwood High is back at it again bringing unsuspecting single individuals together one story at a time.
Coach Giles is known to be a walking joke and aspiring influencer. Never to volunteer for anything that’s non sports related, he decides to participate in the Aspire program to meet his favorite influencer.
Ciara didn’t know what will transpire after volunteering to host a series of workshops at a mentorship program at her old high school. After meeting Coach Giles, her outlook on life begins to shift. Finding the simplicity of being authentic takes her on an unexpected journey to achieving balance. Lucky for her Coach Giles becomes the safe landing spot she truly needs.
Spice level: 🌶️
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Celebrity romance
Complicated parent dynamics
January 4, 2026
Q has come up in the background of all of the Hardwood High stories, so I was really happy to finally hear his story. I love a plotline when people underestimate the over-the-top, golf ball friend, only to learn that they really do have some depth to them. I mean, who knew he coached middle school basketball and really loved being a PE teacher? I also love how he showed up for Ciara. As an influencer, she was always ‘on’ but Q showed her that’s ok to just take a step back. As for her mama, I wish I could have slapped her for her, but you know what, sometimes you have to just leave people where they are – family included. Overall, this is a great story and I can’t wait to read more about the other teachers of HH.
January 2, 2026
Perfect Combination
Oooh 🎶 “A perfect combination, love plus you & me…” 🎶🎤another oldie but goody 🤭‼️Nevertheless, “Q+C: The Teachers of Hardwood High (The Hardwood High School series)” - Book 5 was a great read. More so, Quari (only black folks are this creative 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤭‼️) was the perfect antidote for Ciara’s troubles. However, the Author neglected to mention, this storyline could also invoke traumas & or triggers stemming from repetitive emotional childhood & adult children neglect & abuse.
Oooh 🎶 “A perfect combination, love plus you & me…” 🎶🎤another oldie but goody 🤭‼️Nevertheless, “Q+C: The Teachers of Hardwood High (The Hardwood High School series)” - Book 5 was a great read. More so, Quari (only black folks are this creative 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤭‼️) was the perfect antidote for Ciara’s troubles. However, the Author neglected to mention, this storyline could also invoke traumas & or triggers stemming from repetitive emotional childhood & adult children neglect & abuse.
November 30, 2025
Love, love, love
I thought book 4 was the cat’s meow, but this story is chef’s kiss! I was smirking from the first chapter and had a full smile, with teeth, by the end. The promise of laughter that is Quari is front and center balanced quite nicely with a deep IQ and EQ. Love the pop ups from past books! If I have a complaint, it is a wish it was longer. If a sequel is ever a thought, this is my candidate! I would love to see where they go next.
I thought book 4 was the cat’s meow, but this story is chef’s kiss! I was smirking from the first chapter and had a full smile, with teeth, by the end. The promise of laughter that is Quari is front and center balanced quite nicely with a deep IQ and EQ. Love the pop ups from past books! If I have a complaint, it is a wish it was longer. If a sequel is ever a thought, this is my candidate! I would love to see where they go next.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was genuinely sweet. I don’t usually like when the woman is the aggressor, but Ciara made it work and never felt forced. Quari was a standout for me: a regular, busy guy who still showed up consistently for Ciara in the ways that mattered. This might be my favorite couple after Janae and Ben.
November 29, 2025
I was really sad for this to be over!!! It was so worth the wait… i feel like we should of got a lil more closure between her and her mom… I’ve been loving the hardwood high series and I’m excited about the next one… I’m obsessed with Ciara and Quari.
November 29, 2025
Love it.
I can jot wait till the next book come out. The !other in this
book was a piece of work. Everyone need to learn to protect the mental. I like that she realize she want something that was all her own.
I can jot wait till the next book come out. The !other in this
book was a piece of work. Everyone need to learn to protect the mental. I like that she realize she want something that was all her own.
January 4, 2026
Another great love story
I love how the characters grow from book to book. I’m so happy that Q found someone to love him completely. C has perfect for him and they both made a great impact on each other. I’m ready for the next one.
I love how the characters grow from book to book. I’m so happy that Q found someone to love him completely. C has perfect for him and they both made a great impact on each other. I’m ready for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews