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Latin Lessons
Fenella Carlton has built an empire out of ambition, but her personal life is chaos—three disastrous relationships, two teenage sons, and no time for complications. The last thing she needs in her world is twenty-year-old Susie Webster, a brilliant American classics student.
Susie is fearless, determined, and far too tempting. She also seems to see straight through Fenella’s defences, and when friendship begins to blur into something more, Fenella is torn between the life she’s always known and the pull of a controversial love she can’t ignore.
Is Fenella brave enough to risk her heart again? Or will she let the chance of something extraordinary slip away?
Susie is fearless, determined, and far too tempting. She also seems to see straight through Fenella’s defences, and when friendship begins to blur into something more, Fenella is torn between the life she’s always known and the pull of a controversial love she can’t ignore.
Is Fenella brave enough to risk her heart again? Or will she let the chance of something extraordinary slip away?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
9 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Maggie McIntyre
18 books22 followersMaggie McIntyre is an award-winning author living in rural Lancashire. Maggie believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, break down barriers, and help people discover their true selves. A lover of spring flowers, warm animals, and the smell of rain, Maggie finds joy in laughter and the connections she’s built with friends around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 30, 2026
4,5 - 5 ⭐️
December 15, 2025
I loved the start, the whole description of the love interest that captured the whole, “how did this happen?” and “I mustn’t” and “I can’t not”!
I enjoy the style of writing, it’s amusing and on one of the mains side, so very British.
I found myself smiling many times. Then a serious plot turn. Then another!
I also loved my Latin knowledge being tested.... I have none, nor did I need any (google) but I did enjoy this very much. While there is a pretty big age gap there is no power dynamic and apart from age as mentioned, no gap in behaviour. The only gap is the whole divided by a common language.
I enjoy the style of writing, it’s amusing and on one of the mains side, so very British.
I found myself smiling many times. Then a serious plot turn. Then another!
I also loved my Latin knowledge being tested.... I have none, nor did I need any (google) but I did enjoy this very much. While there is a pretty big age gap there is no power dynamic and apart from age as mentioned, no gap in behaviour. The only gap is the whole divided by a common language.
December 31, 2025
I have read a few of Maggie McIntyre's books; her books are a joy to read. I enjoy her age gap romances. However, one of my issues is the constant checking in for the age differences. I liked both MC's and how they meshed together. Both were well developed and stood strong on their own, but better together.
This is not my first book by Maggie McIntyre's. I find her books engaging. I look forward to more books in the future from this author. I will also continue to follow her.
This is not my first book by Maggie McIntyre's. I find her books engaging. I look forward to more books in the future from this author. I will also continue to follow her.
December 23, 2025
Sweet Age Gap Romance
Fenella’s world is turned completely upside down when, Susie, an American student in her 20s who has come to study at Oxford breezes into her life and is completely taken with her the second they meet. Fenella ends up inviting Susie to stay with her and her teenage sons, but that starts to blur the line between them Fenella is desperately trying to keep in place.
The second we met Susie, I knew she was going to make sure she was front and centre of this story. Compared to Fenella, she was wild, and bold, determined to make herself known in the world and could not hide her feelings or agenda at all. At times she was showing how immature she was, but it was refreshing to have an age-gap romance where the younger one, wasn’t mature and seemed older than their age. Fenella was so reserved, fitting a stereotypical Ice Queen mould as she tried to resist the charms Susie kept throwing her way. I instantly knew Fenella was a kind heart under all the exterior when she was welcoming to Susie staying with her, but she really struggled with the age-gap and self-esteem as to why anyone like Susie would be interested in her. She did all she could to try and resist, but Susie was annoyingly persistent, which made for some very entertaining moments.
In the end, it was clear Susie and Fenella belonged. Fenella’s knowledge of Oxford and connections were actually very useful for Susie, but there were times where they caused moments of drama that I did wonder if that would be the end of everything. Fenella quickly felt the same when it all happened, and I think that was the moment she really started to realise what she might lose if she pushed Susie away any more. There were tons of cute moments, especially with Fenella and her sons helping Susie to settle in and start thinking of Oxford as home.
Great age-gap romance that I really enjoyed.
Fenella’s world is turned completely upside down when, Susie, an American student in her 20s who has come to study at Oxford breezes into her life and is completely taken with her the second they meet. Fenella ends up inviting Susie to stay with her and her teenage sons, but that starts to blur the line between them Fenella is desperately trying to keep in place.
The second we met Susie, I knew she was going to make sure she was front and centre of this story. Compared to Fenella, she was wild, and bold, determined to make herself known in the world and could not hide her feelings or agenda at all. At times she was showing how immature she was, but it was refreshing to have an age-gap romance where the younger one, wasn’t mature and seemed older than their age. Fenella was so reserved, fitting a stereotypical Ice Queen mould as she tried to resist the charms Susie kept throwing her way. I instantly knew Fenella was a kind heart under all the exterior when she was welcoming to Susie staying with her, but she really struggled with the age-gap and self-esteem as to why anyone like Susie would be interested in her. She did all she could to try and resist, but Susie was annoyingly persistent, which made for some very entertaining moments.
In the end, it was clear Susie and Fenella belonged. Fenella’s knowledge of Oxford and connections were actually very useful for Susie, but there were times where they caused moments of drama that I did wonder if that would be the end of everything. Fenella quickly felt the same when it all happened, and I think that was the moment she really started to realise what she might lose if she pushed Susie away any more. There were tons of cute moments, especially with Fenella and her sons helping Susie to settle in and start thinking of Oxford as home.
Great age-gap romance that I really enjoyed.
December 9, 2025
3.5
Overall I think this was good. The story had some unique aspects which I liked. Sometmes sweet, occassionally funny, a bit of angst and added drama as a bonis. The writing was great too.
I do have to admit I struggled with parts of this though. I dont like saying it because I feel like I'm doing the author a diservice which isnt the case at all. I think my issues where purely down to personal preferences. Right so that being said here goes it.
When it comes to the main characters I had real trouble connecting with them. I realise now why they behaved the way they did and said the things they did but, and heres where personal preference comes in, jeez it was real hard for most of the story for me to even like them lol.
My other niggle was the romance. Now I maybe wrong and will appologize if so, but the timing of it all left me feeling slightly confised. It seemed like 1 minute there was dislike, next there was intant love but was it over the span of a few months?
Honestly though once I got over myself lol and stopped overthinking I flew through the 2nd half/final 3rd and enjoyed it. I think anyone looking for a good, quick, solid, romance with some nice unique querks and drama to boot should give this a go and then no doubt get stuck into the rest of the series its part of.
Overall I think this was good. The story had some unique aspects which I liked. Sometmes sweet, occassionally funny, a bit of angst and added drama as a bonis. The writing was great too.
I do have to admit I struggled with parts of this though. I dont like saying it because I feel like I'm doing the author a diservice which isnt the case at all. I think my issues where purely down to personal preferences. Right so that being said here goes it.
When it comes to the main characters I had real trouble connecting with them. I realise now why they behaved the way they did and said the things they did but, and heres where personal preference comes in, jeez it was real hard for most of the story for me to even like them lol.
My other niggle was the romance. Now I maybe wrong and will appologize if so, but the timing of it all left me feeling slightly confised. It seemed like 1 minute there was dislike, next there was intant love but was it over the span of a few months?
Honestly though once I got over myself lol and stopped overthinking I flew through the 2nd half/final 3rd and enjoyed it. I think anyone looking for a good, quick, solid, romance with some nice unique querks and drama to boot should give this a go and then no doubt get stuck into the rest of the series its part of.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Engaging and Entertaining Read
This book pulled me in from the very first pages. It starts funny, weird, intriguing, and downright entertaining, and only gets better as the story develops. What begins as lighthearted and quirky quickly grows into something deeper and more engaging, with twists and turns that kept me hooked all the way through.
It’s a wonderful age-gap story, and both characters are written with charm and relatability. I found myself liking them both, even when the story leaned into its sillier moments, because those moments were still entertaining and added to the overall fun.
The pacing improves as the plot unfolds, and while the ending felt a little rushed compared to the strong development earlier on, it was still satisfying and left me glad I had taken the journey.
Overall, this is a well-developed, engaging book that balances humor, intrigue, and heartfelt storytelling. It kept me involved from start to finish, and I truly enjoyed reading it. This is a story that entertains, surprises, and makes you care about its characters. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This book pulled me in from the very first pages. It starts funny, weird, intriguing, and downright entertaining, and only gets better as the story develops. What begins as lighthearted and quirky quickly grows into something deeper and more engaging, with twists and turns that kept me hooked all the way through.
It’s a wonderful age-gap story, and both characters are written with charm and relatability. I found myself liking them both, even when the story leaned into its sillier moments, because those moments were still entertaining and added to the overall fun.
The pacing improves as the plot unfolds, and while the ending felt a little rushed compared to the strong development earlier on, it was still satisfying and left me glad I had taken the journey.
Overall, this is a well-developed, engaging book that balances humor, intrigue, and heartfelt storytelling. It kept me involved from start to finish, and I truly enjoyed reading it. This is a story that entertains, surprises, and makes you care about its characters. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but given the way it was written, it won’t be the last. This author has a way with words and draws you in, so you keep turning pages and before you know it, you’ve reached the end of the book!
We are introduced to the main characters, Fenella, and Susie in a strange yet funny way. Fenella is totally upset, yet at the same time enthralled by Susie at their first meeting. As the novel progresses it is both entertaining with equal measures of frustration.
The history of both women plays a significant role in understanding their lives and the way they interact in their lives.
The secondary characters fit seamlessly into the lives of both women as well as other family members.
This is an age gap novel that has you laughing and sometimes crying as you read it. Yet it is written so well, you can’t stop turning the pages!
I’m sure you will enjoy this book as much as I have so go & pick it up when it comes out.
I received an ARC from the author.
We are introduced to the main characters, Fenella, and Susie in a strange yet funny way. Fenella is totally upset, yet at the same time enthralled by Susie at their first meeting. As the novel progresses it is both entertaining with equal measures of frustration.
The history of both women plays a significant role in understanding their lives and the way they interact in their lives.
The secondary characters fit seamlessly into the lives of both women as well as other family members.
This is an age gap novel that has you laughing and sometimes crying as you read it. Yet it is written so well, you can’t stop turning the pages!
I’m sure you will enjoy this book as much as I have so go & pick it up when it comes out.
I received an ARC from the author.
November 24, 2025
Oxford, age-gap, clash of cultures
A clash of cultures and a clash of ages are what drives this romance. Enter Fenella Carlton, cultured, editor of a respected literary journal, very British, in her 40s, divorced with teenage sons. Into her life sails unexpectedly sassy Susie, 20, a brilliant student from the US, a Classics undergraduate at Oxford, who immediately after meeting Fenella knows what she wants: Fenella. And Fenella is tempted.
Love at first sight, age gap and of course the setting at Oxford, the Classics background are all great corner stones of this romance. I loved the story which has some interesting developments to say the least. I loved the clash of cultures between Fenella‘s Britishness and Susie‘s brash American pursuit of happiness.
It‘s a great capstone for the series Isabel and Friends (it can be read as a stand-alone).
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
A clash of cultures and a clash of ages are what drives this romance. Enter Fenella Carlton, cultured, editor of a respected literary journal, very British, in her 40s, divorced with teenage sons. Into her life sails unexpectedly sassy Susie, 20, a brilliant student from the US, a Classics undergraduate at Oxford, who immediately after meeting Fenella knows what she wants: Fenella. And Fenella is tempted.
Love at first sight, age gap and of course the setting at Oxford, the Classics background are all great corner stones of this romance. I loved the story which has some interesting developments to say the least. I loved the clash of cultures between Fenella‘s Britishness and Susie‘s brash American pursuit of happiness.
It‘s a great capstone for the series Isabel and Friends (it can be read as a stand-alone).
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In this age gap romance, Susie, a 20-year-old American, has traveled to study at Oxford. She meets Fenella, a woman in her 40s, and is instantly smitten. Fenella, who's twice divorced and has 2 teenage sons, feels something that she's trying to deny. This book is about how they come together with a bit of approach and withdraw until a serious accident puts Susie in the hospital.
It was only until the very last few chapters that I was able to warm up to Susie as a character. She's mostly impulsive and immature, especially as she aggressively pursues Fenella. I really had trouble seeing them as a couple.
The author includes a few other age gap lesbian couples in the story who are friends of Fenella's, but that still didn't make Susie any more likeable to me.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
It was only until the very last few chapters that I was able to warm up to Susie as a character. She's mostly impulsive and immature, especially as she aggressively pursues Fenella. I really had trouble seeing them as a couple.
The author includes a few other age gap lesbian couples in the story who are friends of Fenella's, but that still didn't make Susie any more likeable to me.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 14, 2025
A cute age gap romance where Latin brings together Susie, a sassy young American coming to Oxford to study the classics and the seemingly uptight, respectable Fenella who is a mother of two teenage boys.
Fenella’s hormones start raging a war against what Fenella feels is common sense and Susie feeds the flames but all the while maintaining the boundaries set by Fenella.
Their romance is wrapped up in an enjoyable tale which includes plagiarism, remembered heartache and the coming together of friends old and new to support both Susie and Fenella.
Thanks to Maggie McIntyre for the ARC - this is my honest review.
Fenella’s hormones start raging a war against what Fenella feels is common sense and Susie feeds the flames but all the while maintaining the boundaries set by Fenella.
Their romance is wrapped up in an enjoyable tale which includes plagiarism, remembered heartache and the coming together of friends old and new to support both Susie and Fenella.
Thanks to Maggie McIntyre for the ARC - this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is a love at first sight romance which I generally find hard to believe but this book had me all in for it.
I just loved the characters, Fenella the prim and proper English woman and Susie the brash American, although neither of them is quite what you expect either. This book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone, as such there are characters from other books in the series but they blend in well without you needing to know their back stories. A great balance of humour and drama and all set in a wonderfully described Oxfordshire setting. What's more to say, a lovely book.
I just loved the characters, Fenella the prim and proper English woman and Susie the brash American, although neither of them is quite what you expect either. This book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone, as such there are characters from other books in the series but they blend in well without you needing to know their back stories. A great balance of humour and drama and all set in a wonderfully described Oxfordshire setting. What's more to say, a lovely book.
November 21, 2025
A new to me author but definitely will be going out to look for more! I love finding new authors that just pull you into the story.
Fennell and Susie meet in an unexpected way - the brash outrageously confident Susie isn’t going to take no for an answer. And Fen doesn’t want anything to do with the young outrageous woman who won’t leave her thoughts.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more about the characters I met in this along the way.
Thank you so much for this ARC! I have left my honest review.
Fennell and Susie meet in an unexpected way - the brash outrageously confident Susie isn’t going to take no for an answer. And Fen doesn’t want anything to do with the young outrageous woman who won’t leave her thoughts.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more about the characters I met in this along the way.
Thank you so much for this ARC! I have left my honest review.
December 27, 2025
Fenelle is a forty something head of a magazine in England. She has a chance meeting with a twenty yr old American, Susannah at a business luncheon. Susannah has come to England to study at Oxford University. There is an instant attraction to each other. In spite of the big age gap.
I found the story engaging when I put the age gap out of my mind. I enjoyed the cast of characters. Especially Susannah. I found it well written and it keep my attention. I dont want to give any spoilers, so I will leave it here. But I am glad I read the book.
I found the story engaging when I put the age gap out of my mind. I enjoyed the cast of characters. Especially Susannah. I found it well written and it keep my attention. I dont want to give any spoilers, so I will leave it here. But I am glad I read the book.
November 22, 2025
What a sweet age-gap love story. This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed it. The characters are really like-able and the chemistry is definitely there. Love how Fenella really tries hard to not let any thing happened between Susie and her but that becomes a bit impossible. If you’re looking for a slow burn this is worth the read! I plan on checking out others stories from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this to be a good age-gap romance. The age difference doesn’t stop Fen and Susie from falling hopelessly in love. Susie wears Fenella down and they finally realize they are meant for each other. The story flows well and I was able to read it in one day. All the characters have strong voices and want to be heard. This definitely is a good choice for a snowy or rainy day read.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Sweet reunion
At first glance, this seems like a light and pleasant little novel. It turns quite serious and even has some elements of suspense and mystery to it. As a result, we have another beautiful age gap romance which Maggie McIntyre has a special talent for writing. In the end, we meet some old friends and get updates on how they are doing now.
A beautiful story with some grief and drama but a happy ending for all the characters involved.
At first glance, this seems like a light and pleasant little novel. It turns quite serious and even has some elements of suspense and mystery to it. As a result, we have another beautiful age gap romance which Maggie McIntyre has a special talent for writing. In the end, we meet some old friends and get updates on how they are doing now.
A beautiful story with some grief and drama but a happy ending for all the characters involved.
January 24, 2026
Age-gap and humour
How did this author’s books slip under my reading radar? I really enjoyed this one with its wonderful characters and humour. It made me laugh out loud. There’s a mish-mash of friends and families as the MCs got to know each other, warts and all. An age-gap with some smouldering happening while things settled into their HEA place.
How did this author’s books slip under my reading radar? I really enjoyed this one with its wonderful characters and humour. It made me laugh out loud. There’s a mish-mash of friends and families as the MCs got to know each other, warts and all. An age-gap with some smouldering happening while things settled into their HEA place.
January 24, 2026
How did this author’s books slip under my reading radar? I really enjoyed this one with its wonderful characters and humour. It made me laugh out loud. There’s a mish-mash of friends and families as the MCs got to know each other, warts and all. An age-gap with some smouldering happening while things settled into their HEA place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An age gap romance filled with frustration and flirtation all around for Fenella. Susie is closer in age to Fenella’s sons, but can’t deny there is something there. The two embark on a crazy journey getting to know each other and coming to terms with their own issues.
Review of advance copy
Wow Maggie take a bow, I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout the story, its all flowed seamlessly i just couldn't get enough i read it in one sitting its just perfection a must-read congratulations
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Loved this story. Fenella and Susannah’s meeting and developing relationship had me hooked.
January 1, 2026
Maggie McIntyre's witty new novel is lots of fun. If you love age-gap romances, this book is for you.
January 14, 2026
Sweet
This is the only book I read in this series and it was so sweet. Highly recommend this book. This is a slow burn fade to black book.
This is the only book I read in this series and it was so sweet. Highly recommend this book. This is a slow burn fade to black book.
December 22, 2025
“Latin Lessons” is a satisfying and very intelligent read. It’s set in Oxford, England, for the most part. Most of the cast of characters is associated with Oxford University in some way, and all are professionals or academics. But no one is stuffy or boring, and the tropes in this book runneth over. It’s a good mix with age gap, opposites attract, and amnesia, to name just a few. Twenty-year-old American Susie comes to the UK to study the classics at Oxford. She falls for Fenella at first sight. Forty-ish Fenella resists her own attraction to the young woman as long as she can. They have a gentle and hopeful relationship before tragedy strikes. Fen’s circle of friends are a wonderful foundation and strength for Fen and Susie. There are surprises and speed bumps along their road to happily ever after, but they do get there. I enjoyed the book immensely.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews