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Love in the Lesson Plan
She’s a first-grade teacher with a chronic illness and a heart too big for her own good.
He’s a widowed Alpha trying to keep his small family safe.
Neither planned on falling in love—but sometimes fate turns a parent–teacher meeting into a second chance.
✨ Perfect for readers who
– Single dad Alphas with soft centers
– Gentle, healing romance
– Found family and cozy hope
– Teachers who see the best in everyone
He’s a widowed Alpha trying to keep his small family safe.
Neither planned on falling in love—but sometimes fate turns a parent–teacher meeting into a second chance.
✨ Perfect for readers who
– Single dad Alphas with soft centers
– Gentle, healing romance
– Found family and cozy hope
– Teachers who see the best in everyone
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2025
About the author
Roxie Ray
143 books1,145 followersRoxie Ray is a group of writer friends who love to write Sci Fi Alien Romance and Paranormal Romance. They love to talk, read and write this lovely genre. They hope you love their books and strive to make sure you have a steamy, wonderful experience!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 22, 2026
First things first: I went into Love in the Lesson Plan fully unaware that this was a **shifter romance**, and honestly? That kind of surprise is my favorite kind. Nothing like casually turning a page and realizing, oh, we’re doing THIS now? An immediate win in my book.
One of the biggest standouts for me was the **representation of chronic illness**. It was handled with so much care and authenticity that it genuinely impressed me. It never felt like a plot device or an afterthought; it was thoughtfully integrated into the character’s life and choices, and that level of nuance deserves major praise.
Now, here’s where my personal taste kicks in. While this story was undeniably **sweet**, I found myself wanting… more pain. More tension. More *angst*. I kept waiting for that emotional gut-punch that just never quite landed. And look...I’ll admit it freely: I am not what one would call *sweet*, so romances that lean heavily in that direction can be a bit of a struggle for me. I think I needed a little more emotional messiness and maybe a little less sugar.
That said, if you love tender romance, surprise shifters, and heartfelt character work, this will absolutely hit the spot. Even if it didn’t fully wreck me the way I wanted, *Love in the Lesson Plan* still has a lot going for it, and I can absolutely see why it’ll be a favorite for many readers.
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤 ||
Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
One of the biggest standouts for me was the **representation of chronic illness**. It was handled with so much care and authenticity that it genuinely impressed me. It never felt like a plot device or an afterthought; it was thoughtfully integrated into the character’s life and choices, and that level of nuance deserves major praise.
Now, here’s where my personal taste kicks in. While this story was undeniably **sweet**, I found myself wanting… more pain. More tension. More *angst*. I kept waiting for that emotional gut-punch that just never quite landed. And look...I’ll admit it freely: I am not what one would call *sweet*, so romances that lean heavily in that direction can be a bit of a struggle for me. I think I needed a little more emotional messiness and maybe a little less sugar.
That said, if you love tender romance, surprise shifters, and heartfelt character work, this will absolutely hit the spot. Even if it didn’t fully wreck me the way I wanted, *Love in the Lesson Plan* still has a lot going for it, and I can absolutely see why it’ll be a favorite for many readers.
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤 ||
Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
December 28, 2025
Not as good as the Cuddle Clause. Low spice and more tramatic emotional moments than romantic emotional moments. It was also kind of long with a lot of content not related to the romance or the main characters together
December 20, 2025
I was given early access to this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
I really enjoyed it!
Our main characters have real life problems and are so relatable. Depression, panic attacks, loss of loved ones, even living with a chronic illness. Each topic was written with sensitivity and understanding, you could tell the author did her research.
The plot was beautifully written, the message within the pages heartwarming and inspiring.
If you are looking for a feel good read, you’ll really enjoy this one.
I really enjoyed it!
Our main characters have real life problems and are so relatable. Depression, panic attacks, loss of loved ones, even living with a chronic illness. Each topic was written with sensitivity and understanding, you could tell the author did her research.
The plot was beautifully written, the message within the pages heartwarming and inspiring.
If you are looking for a feel good read, you’ll really enjoy this one.
December 19, 2025
This was one of the sweetest stories I have read in a long time. Giving two people with trauma a voice & then allowing them to work through it together to their HEA.
Loved every step of the way, them working through their issues, separately and together. There was laughing, a little spice and a HEA! Would suggest this to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved every step of the way, them working through their issues, separately and together. There was laughing, a little spice and a HEA! Would suggest this to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Did Not Finish
January 5, 2026DNF 17%
I loved the Cuddle Clause and figured I would give Love in the Lesson Plan a whirl because of that, but unfortuantely this wasn't hooking me
I loved the Cuddle Clause and figured I would give Love in the Lesson Plan a whirl because of that, but unfortuantely this wasn't hooking me
January 3, 2026
Such a wholesome story that shows just how important it is to love and be loved in return. Excellent first read of 2026.
December 24, 2025
1.5⭐️
It was interesting to read about a chronically ill FMC and MMC with PTSD. I loved that the FMC has thin hair (which was a refreshing change from the usual FMCs with thick, beautiful hair). The message of the book was good, but I didn’t like the relationship dynamic between them. At times, she treated him like one of her students. Also, several parts of the story felt dragged. I appreciate the author’s work, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was interesting to read about a chronically ill FMC and MMC with PTSD. I loved that the FMC has thin hair (which was a refreshing change from the usual FMCs with thick, beautiful hair). The message of the book was good, but I didn’t like the relationship dynamic between them. At times, she treated him like one of her students. Also, several parts of the story felt dragged. I appreciate the author’s work, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
Dnf at 24%
After 10 pages describing how she got ready for a date, I was done. I am not that interested in her clothing options or makeup routine.
The character says she is more than just her illness, but that's what most of the story is focused on (at least the first quarter, which is all I read)
Also, the guy gets 'tickled pink' and such. His voice sounds no different from hers.
I personally dislike when authors write a character thinking stuff like 'this is no romance movie/novel'. Yes it is
After 10 pages describing how she got ready for a date, I was done. I am not that interested in her clothing options or makeup routine.
The character says she is more than just her illness, but that's what most of the story is focused on (at least the first quarter, which is all I read)
Also, the guy gets 'tickled pink' and such. His voice sounds no different from hers.
I personally dislike when authors write a character thinking stuff like 'this is no romance movie/novel'. Yes it is
December 21, 2025
I couldn't get past even the first chapter. It was all "tell" and not "show". Beyond boring internal thoughts and explaining all the terms found online for things. This was the fastest I've ever dnf a book.
February 7, 2026
A lovely romance wrapped in an awkward dialogue…. almost DNF
Love in the Lesson Plan had an interesting premise and ultimately delivered a heartfelt love story, but getting there wasn’t always an enjoyable experience for me.
One of the biggest hurdles was the language. The writing often felt like it was trying too hard to be proper, polished, and inclusive, to the point that it became distracting. A character is described as a “they” and attempts at portraying gender inclusivity ended up creating dialogue that felt stiff and unnatural. It seemed as though the story was struggling to integrate this character in a way that truly fit the world and tone instead of forcing it.
Giselle, the main character, also speaks with an overly formal tone that rarely comes across as genuine conversation. It felt like the book was so focused on avoiding offense or imperfection that the dialogue lost its natural rhythm. There were points where this made the story hard to push through, and I almost put the book down because of it.
That said, the love story itself was lovely. I really enjoyed how the relationship developed, ebbed, and ultimately resolved. Ben’s arc, in particular, was satisfying — he received meaningful closure without the narrative inflicting extra hurt just for drama’s sake.
One thing that really threw me off, though, was the introduction of a new character who reveals a secret and says “don’t tell anyone.” Despite there being no story development or filler to explain it, Ben somehow knows all about this secret at the end of the book. It felt like the door was opened to a subplot that never got the middle pieces it needed to make sense.
Lastly, the way Ben’s wealth was discussed felt oddly framed — as if the narrative wanted to highlight it but didn’t quite know how, resulting in an off-putting tone.
Overall, Love in the Lesson Plan has a warm, rewarding romantic core, but the overly careful language and inconsistent narrative choices made the journey bumpier than it needed to be.
Love in the Lesson Plan had an interesting premise and ultimately delivered a heartfelt love story, but getting there wasn’t always an enjoyable experience for me.
One of the biggest hurdles was the language. The writing often felt like it was trying too hard to be proper, polished, and inclusive, to the point that it became distracting. A character is described as a “they” and attempts at portraying gender inclusivity ended up creating dialogue that felt stiff and unnatural. It seemed as though the story was struggling to integrate this character in a way that truly fit the world and tone instead of forcing it.
Giselle, the main character, also speaks with an overly formal tone that rarely comes across as genuine conversation. It felt like the book was so focused on avoiding offense or imperfection that the dialogue lost its natural rhythm. There were points where this made the story hard to push through, and I almost put the book down because of it.
That said, the love story itself was lovely. I really enjoyed how the relationship developed, ebbed, and ultimately resolved. Ben’s arc, in particular, was satisfying — he received meaningful closure without the narrative inflicting extra hurt just for drama’s sake.
One thing that really threw me off, though, was the introduction of a new character who reveals a secret and says “don’t tell anyone.” Despite there being no story development or filler to explain it, Ben somehow knows all about this secret at the end of the book. It felt like the door was opened to a subplot that never got the middle pieces it needed to make sense.
Lastly, the way Ben’s wealth was discussed felt oddly framed — as if the narrative wanted to highlight it but didn’t quite know how, resulting in an off-putting tone.
Overall, Love in the Lesson Plan has a warm, rewarding romantic core, but the overly careful language and inconsistent narrative choices made the journey bumpier than it needed to be.
January 14, 2026
More than a Shifter Romance
This is a very good book. It's not just a "shifter romance". Like all good paranormal books it tackles difficult subject matter while the main characters figure out how to be in a relationship.
It tackles the trauma of losing family suddenly and the devastating grief that goes with it and the struggle forward and through " survivor guilt ".and the struggle to make it through.
The author also has surprisingly insight into life as a " differently able " individual. Although the character Giselle has a chronic illness , many parts of the book could apply to and be relatable to people living and aging with a lifelong disability like Severe arthritis,Cerebral palsy, or some one living with a condition like MS, Parkinson's, chronic pain, etc.
When Giselle talks about " how many spoons" she has or doesn't for the day and the challenge of getting through the day and not wanting to be a burden to her love ones it is deeply moving.
Since the book deals with very heavy issues I think it could use more humor.
This book is way more than a shifter romance.
This is a very good book. It's not just a "shifter romance". Like all good paranormal books it tackles difficult subject matter while the main characters figure out how to be in a relationship.
It tackles the trauma of losing family suddenly and the devastating grief that goes with it and the struggle forward and through " survivor guilt ".and the struggle to make it through.
The author also has surprisingly insight into life as a " differently able " individual. Although the character Giselle has a chronic illness , many parts of the book could apply to and be relatable to people living and aging with a lifelong disability like Severe arthritis,Cerebral palsy, or some one living with a condition like MS, Parkinson's, chronic pain, etc.
When Giselle talks about " how many spoons" she has or doesn't for the day and the challenge of getting through the day and not wanting to be a burden to her love ones it is deeply moving.
Since the book deals with very heavy issues I think it could use more humor.
This book is way more than a shifter romance.
April 6, 2026
Too emotionally heavy for me
The story of how both main characters over come grief, PTSD, chronic illness, amongst other things was too emotionally heavy for me, at this time of my life. I also feel the book was too long, and i could've done with 150 pages less. The story was still beautiful, just not for me right now.
It was a very slow burn, without much tension at all, and when they finally get to it (around 74% into the book) i was so drained i didn't care for it, just skipping it all together (the little i read appeared to be good).
She has a chronic illness, and he is recovering from a horrific tragedy as a single father of 2 adorable kids. She was physically weak, but could give him the emotional strength and support he needed. He was a physically strong alpha in a fragile situation. The way she understood, had a ton of patience and supported him was lovely. However, i don't feel she got enough in return, eventhough the author explains that in a poetic way, i was not satisfied with it. Still, we get a hea.
The story of how both main characters over come grief, PTSD, chronic illness, amongst other things was too emotionally heavy for me, at this time of my life. I also feel the book was too long, and i could've done with 150 pages less. The story was still beautiful, just not for me right now.
It was a very slow burn, without much tension at all, and when they finally get to it (around 74% into the book) i was so drained i didn't care for it, just skipping it all together (the little i read appeared to be good).
She has a chronic illness, and he is recovering from a horrific tragedy as a single father of 2 adorable kids. She was physically weak, but could give him the emotional strength and support he needed. He was a physically strong alpha in a fragile situation. The way she understood, had a ton of patience and supported him was lovely. However, i don't feel she got enough in return, eventhough the author explains that in a poetic way, i was not satisfied with it. Still, we get a hea.
December 28, 2025
Wolf shifter widower MMC with PTSD x Human FMC with chronic illness
• No magical remedies
• Chosen mates
• Excellent communication between mature adults
• Great portrayal of living with a chronic illness, grief, PTSD, anxiety attacks
• Guaranteed HEA ❤️
Ugh this was so cozy with a hint of spice (0.5 🌶️)
I rarely fall completely in love with FMCS but Giselle is one of those rare perfect combination of vulnerable and strong, who knows her limits and boundaries, self-aware but willing to push past discomfort, assertive but not aggressive.
And Ben, oh Ben. His character growth was a pleasure to read. Being inside his head as he deals with grief and PTSD, and it being so accurately portrayed as something that happens in real time, taking more than a few minutes - it felt so real and reminiscent of my own grief. The way all the sensitive topics were handled and portrayed makes this my favorite Roxie Ray book of all time. 🩷
• No magical remedies
• Chosen mates
• Excellent communication between mature adults
• Great portrayal of living with a chronic illness, grief, PTSD, anxiety attacks
• Guaranteed HEA ❤️
Ugh this was so cozy with a hint of spice (0.5 🌶️)
I rarely fall completely in love with FMCS but Giselle is one of those rare perfect combination of vulnerable and strong, who knows her limits and boundaries, self-aware but willing to push past discomfort, assertive but not aggressive.
And Ben, oh Ben. His character growth was a pleasure to read. Being inside his head as he deals with grief and PTSD, and it being so accurately portrayed as something that happens in real time, taking more than a few minutes - it felt so real and reminiscent of my own grief. The way all the sensitive topics were handled and portrayed makes this my favorite Roxie Ray book of all time. 🩷
December 18, 2025
This book was such a sweet, gentle, and healing slow burn. Ben, a wolf shifter carrying the tragic loss of his mate and pack, and Giselle, a medically fragile human who has already endured the loss of her mother to the same illness she now faces, are both broken in different ways.
Ben’s grief and PTSD leave him feeling unworthy, a failure, and lost. Giselle meets him with quiet acceptance, sitting with him through panic attacks and sorrow. In turn, Ben stands by her illness and its impact, seeing her not as fragile but as a beautiful calm in his storm.
As he struggles to raise his children and wrestle with guilt over loving again, and as she battles fears of being a burden, they slowly begin to heal together. Their love grows tenderly, step by step, until they find themselves building a nee pack. This was not your normal shifter romance but it was quietly tender and worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ben’s grief and PTSD leave him feeling unworthy, a failure, and lost. Giselle meets him with quiet acceptance, sitting with him through panic attacks and sorrow. In turn, Ben stands by her illness and its impact, seeing her not as fragile but as a beautiful calm in his storm.
As he struggles to raise his children and wrestle with guilt over loving again, and as she battles fears of being a burden, they slowly begin to heal together. Their love grows tenderly, step by step, until they find themselves building a nee pack. This was not your normal shifter romance but it was quietly tender and worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2025
There are so many refreshing things about this story.
Giselle is gentle and sweet while carrying the quiet strength of a person who lives with chronic illness. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate that the book did not magically cure or solve her illness - it's validating that her character is whole, accepted, and loved WITH chronic illness.
Trauma and grief are described with realism and respect. This applies to Ben and the kids. There are some shifter aspects however these are explained to the reader through the lens of being explained to the FMC - so if you're new to shifter romances, you won't be lost!
Communication between the main characters is a thing of beauty. As someone who deeply dislikes the miscommunication trope, I loved how well the characters were able to communicate and respect each other's stated needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Giselle is gentle and sweet while carrying the quiet strength of a person who lives with chronic illness. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate that the book did not magically cure or solve her illness - it's validating that her character is whole, accepted, and loved WITH chronic illness.
Trauma and grief are described with realism and respect. This applies to Ben and the kids. There are some shifter aspects however these are explained to the reader through the lens of being explained to the FMC - so if you're new to shifter romances, you won't be lost!
Communication between the main characters is a thing of beauty. As someone who deeply dislikes the miscommunication trope, I loved how well the characters were able to communicate and respect each other's stated needs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2025
I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a slow burn wolf shifter story with about a single dad doing his best to raise his kids, the first grade teacher with a chronic illness, and healing from the past while finding family with each other.
Overall, I rate it 4⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 4; 👥Characters - 4; 📖Plot - 4; 🗺️Atmosphere - 3.5; and🖋️Writing - 4 with the first 3 categories being most important. This is a book that I can see myself reading again the future.
What worked for me:
• Ben's devotion to caring for his kids even when his struggling with his own grief
• Giselle's calmness, kindness, and patience with Ben as he processes his grief
What didn't work for me:
• There were a couple of begging questions, but none that overly impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book; however, all opinions are my own.
Finished Reading
12/13/2025
Overall, I rate it 4⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 4; 👥Characters - 4; 📖Plot - 4; 🗺️Atmosphere - 3.5; and🖋️Writing - 4 with the first 3 categories being most important. This is a book that I can see myself reading again the future.
What worked for me:
• Ben's devotion to caring for his kids even when his struggling with his own grief
• Giselle's calmness, kindness, and patience with Ben as he processes his grief
What didn't work for me:
• There were a couple of begging questions, but none that overly impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book; however, all opinions are my own.
Finished Reading
12/13/2025
January 2, 2026
I related to Giselle so much in this story - she is far nicer than me though. Giselle is a teacher who cares deeply about her students well-being. She is also very sick and that prevents her from doing the normal activities in life. Ben is a shifter and something unimaginable happens to his family. He is dealing with a lot of trauma while taking care of what family he has left. Both main characters communicated so well up until the end but it was expected. They both honestly complete each other. They say “to be seen is to be loved” and this def applied to them.
Characters - 4.5 ⭐️
Plot - 4 ⭐️
Pacing - 4 ⭐️
Emotions - 4 ⭐️
Characters - 4.5 ⭐️
Plot - 4 ⭐️
Pacing - 4 ⭐️
Emotions - 4 ⭐️
December 30, 2025
this book was tragic yet wholesome. made all the better by mentioning Art therapy something I have a degree in but is not talked about much. the way this book portrayed mental health and that it was ok to not be ok and that it is ok to need to ask for help sometimes was wonderfully done. 5 stars for all the emotions I felt and how wholesome the story was
December 31, 2025
I absolutely adored the characters in this book. The complexity and realness of the things the two main characters deal with is written in a beautiful and realistic way. The story line reels you in and you’re hooked from the very first chapter. I genuinely could not put this down until I read it all!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2026
Great paranormal romance
But parts of this book are grim. Ben's PTSD is believable, and his memories are horrible. Benny, Veronica, and Natalie are fun. Giselle is almost too awesome. The story is engaging, but not what I would call cozy.
But parts of this book are grim. Ben's PTSD is believable, and his memories are horrible. Benny, Veronica, and Natalie are fun. Giselle is almost too awesome. The story is engaging, but not what I would call cozy.
January 6, 2026
Great representation
Great representation of single father, unconventional family units, chronic illnesses, PTSD, Major loss and navigating creating new connections while respecting the ones we mourn. Definitely a HAE but beautiful emotional navigating
Great representation of single father, unconventional family units, chronic illnesses, PTSD, Major loss and navigating creating new connections while respecting the ones we mourn. Definitely a HAE but beautiful emotional navigating
January 6, 2026
Absolutely wonderful story, and both the PTSD and the thyroid illness are written well, and with respect. But as someone who's dealt with both? It was too much for me to deal with, and I only got through about 30% of it. If you're not a wuss like me, you'll enjoy it.
February 3, 2026
Love
This was a really good book, different from the other mate books with the female having graves disease and the male with chronic PTSD and how they deal with those issues while falling in love.
This was a really good book, different from the other mate books with the female having graves disease and the male with chronic PTSD and how they deal with those issues while falling in love.
January 12, 2026
Great for chronic and mental illness rep. Was bored most of the book though, and found it very repetitive so it wasn’t my favourite. The cover is soooo gorgeous.
February 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This story was okay. Lighter than I expected… given some of the issues the main characters were dealing with. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it. Would I recommend it? Probably not.
🌶️🌶️
This story was okay. Lighter than I expected… given some of the issues the main characters were dealing with. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it. Would I recommend it? Probably not.
February 13, 2026
While I enjoyed the concept of this book, and majorly appreciated the chronic illness representation in the FMC, I could not get past the dialogue that often did not make sense - this usually came in the form of jokes that seemed totally out of place, or references that did not make sense with the story. I strongly suspect that the book has been written by, or edited significantly by, AI. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately the continuity and dialogue issues really threw me off.
January 25, 2026
So I discovered Roxie Ray this year and each book tugs on my heartstrings but this book was something else. Perhaps its because i have several people with chronic illnesses in my life but Ben and Giselle are my whole heart right now. Ray is so great at balancing the joy and comedy with the heartache and trials of life. This book was so raw in the best way and every moment held me captive. Its such a heartwarming story that is quintessentially Ray but still unique and fresh. Her style shines through all her books but is still distinctive and beautifully its own voice. You can't go wrong with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2025
I love this book. I love the humor and the compassion and empathy the characters show each other. At one point I asked myself if they all are a little too self-aware, but at the same time, I have friends who have helped me the way Giselle helps Ben (although my life traumas don’t compare), and as a former preschool teacher and current homeschooler I also believe and express a lot of the same things Giselle does. So I don’t think it’s too much since I see it combining some of the best parts of some of the best people I know into these characters.
The pop culture references are fun, especially the ones to the things I love, of course, and I have a new book to add to my TBR list (The Secret of Platform Thirteen), and a new trick to try with peanut butter and honey sandwiches courtesy of Giselle who is absolutely a kindred spirit! (Oh man, the need-to-pee worry before the first date is so real!) There’s a point where Giselle talks about how it feels worrying you’re a burden and another where being chronically ill doesn’t mean others need to make decisions about you for you (or infantalize you) and it’s so nail on the head (the first is something she thinks internally, the second is in a conversation, but both flow naturally in the story). There was some delightful language/turn of phrase use – “My flabbers most certainly ghasted” is a great example.
At one point I literally paused in my reading and thought “GAH they are so sweet!” in a good way; it’s warm and fuzzy and sooo nice (it reminded me a little of Have a Beary Little Christmas that way). I’m fine with insta-love and fated mates in the stories where that’s a thing, but the slow and steady, figuring things out, more – natural? – active choosing is like a soft and gentle, cozy, thick blanket as opposed to a burning hot lustiness (although the spice is good too when it comes).
I laughed far, far more than I cried, but there were a couple scenes that were poignant and gave respect to the level of grief that the characters were experiencing.
Within the first couple pages I saw myself in Giselle. As a spoonie myself it felt a little bit like a lesson/info-dump, but I can understand why the author would want to build that foundation for those not familiar with Spoon Theory or living with a chronic illness like this. After the initial lesson, future medical related events/conversations flowed more naturally
The dialogue and some of the actions from Benny feels a little older; 3rd/4th grade rather than 1st and there’s a reference to him Googling something. This may be explained by something mentioned later in the book, but it did require a bit of suspended disbelief for me.
With the strong caveat to read the full trigger warning list, especially if there's any parental death or DV related trauma in your life, I wholeheartedly recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pop culture references are fun, especially the ones to the things I love, of course, and I have a new book to add to my TBR list (The Secret of Platform Thirteen), and a new trick to try with peanut butter and honey sandwiches courtesy of Giselle who is absolutely a kindred spirit! (Oh man, the need-to-pee worry before the first date is so real!) There’s a point where Giselle talks about how it feels worrying you’re a burden and another where being chronically ill doesn’t mean others need to make decisions about you for you (or infantalize you) and it’s so nail on the head (the first is something she thinks internally, the second is in a conversation, but both flow naturally in the story). There was some delightful language/turn of phrase use – “My flabbers most certainly ghasted” is a great example.
At one point I literally paused in my reading and thought “GAH they are so sweet!” in a good way; it’s warm and fuzzy and sooo nice (it reminded me a little of Have a Beary Little Christmas that way). I’m fine with insta-love and fated mates in the stories where that’s a thing, but the slow and steady, figuring things out, more – natural? – active choosing is like a soft and gentle, cozy, thick blanket as opposed to a burning hot lustiness (although the spice is good too when it comes).
I laughed far, far more than I cried, but there were a couple scenes that were poignant and gave respect to the level of grief that the characters were experiencing.
Within the first couple pages I saw myself in Giselle. As a spoonie myself it felt a little bit like a lesson/info-dump, but I can understand why the author would want to build that foundation for those not familiar with Spoon Theory or living with a chronic illness like this. After the initial lesson, future medical related events/conversations flowed more naturally
The dialogue and some of the actions from Benny feels a little older; 3rd/4th grade rather than 1st and there’s a reference to him Googling something. This may be explained by something mentioned later in the book, but it did require a bit of suspended disbelief for me.
With the strong caveat to read the full trigger warning list, especially if there's any parental death or DV related trauma in your life, I wholeheartedly recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
Eh, I’ll round it up.
TL; DR: A cozy, redemptive romance story with shifters, found family, and PTSD, Love in the Lesson Plan has a lot to offer in the story and character departments and is only really brought down by its verbosity.
I like my cozy romances, not gonna lie; add in a dash of the supernatural and I’m even more all for it. This book had a bit of everything and a lot of some things without feeling too much in *most* regards.
Characters: Ben and Giselle are cute, their hang up’s and interest/romance feel pretty natural, if a little “love at first sight”y, but they blend well and the patience in character creation is well-fleshed out. Benny and Natalie and Veronica are my favorite part, like so many others agree, but it was nice to not hate any characters. Even the ones that showed up for a moment or two and were like “yeah, you just had an idea you wanted to show off” felt like they fit naturally into the storytelling.
Setting: Small-town teacher and disjointed family meet-cute was just fine. No big revelations, but it was well-done as-is. I guarantee one of the authors is a teacher.
Story: Again, it felt pretty natural for the entirety of the romance, which is in fact the major part of the story. My biggest gripe came in the dwelling and internalized anxieties. I get all of the traumas and everything else that has happened to individuals and families in this book, but at some point, I didn’t need to be told again. Also, the last regular chapter felt a bit disjointed and unnatural; I get what they were going for but it just didn’t feel like it belonged.
Writing: Good, but I’m here to complain: internal monologue is a good tool, but need not be the primary communication between reader and writer. Good grief I felt like sometimes I never missed dialogue so much. It felt like “here is a sentence a character said, now have four paragraphs of internal conflict. Here is how another character responded to said sentence, now have another four paragraphs of internal conflict.” It was rather exhausting and, for all of the enjoyment I had in this book, it peaked in the first half before I got really tired of in-brain conversation.
I liked this book, I don’t want the recency bias of that last category to detract from that fact. I had fun and didn’t want to really put this down and I have in fact put off other work so that I could finish it. I had a good time and loved the lack of a third-act breakup too; prayers have been answered.
3.9 🌟
TL; DR: A cozy, redemptive romance story with shifters, found family, and PTSD, Love in the Lesson Plan has a lot to offer in the story and character departments and is only really brought down by its verbosity.
I like my cozy romances, not gonna lie; add in a dash of the supernatural and I’m even more all for it. This book had a bit of everything and a lot of some things without feeling too much in *most* regards.
Characters: Ben and Giselle are cute, their hang up’s and interest/romance feel pretty natural, if a little “love at first sight”y, but they blend well and the patience in character creation is well-fleshed out. Benny and Natalie and Veronica are my favorite part, like so many others agree, but it was nice to not hate any characters. Even the ones that showed up for a moment or two and were like “yeah, you just had an idea you wanted to show off” felt like they fit naturally into the storytelling.
Setting: Small-town teacher and disjointed family meet-cute was just fine. No big revelations, but it was well-done as-is. I guarantee one of the authors is a teacher.
Story: Again, it felt pretty natural for the entirety of the romance, which is in fact the major part of the story. My biggest gripe came in the dwelling and internalized anxieties. I get all of the traumas and everything else that has happened to individuals and families in this book, but at some point, I didn’t need to be told again. Also, the last regular chapter felt a bit disjointed and unnatural; I get what they were going for but it just didn’t feel like it belonged.
Writing: Good, but I’m here to complain: internal monologue is a good tool, but need not be the primary communication between reader and writer. Good grief I felt like sometimes I never missed dialogue so much. It felt like “here is a sentence a character said, now have four paragraphs of internal conflict. Here is how another character responded to said sentence, now have another four paragraphs of internal conflict.” It was rather exhausting and, for all of the enjoyment I had in this book, it peaked in the first half before I got really tired of in-brain conversation.
I liked this book, I don’t want the recency bias of that last category to detract from that fact. I had fun and didn’t want to really put this down and I have in fact put off other work so that I could finish it. I had a good time and loved the lack of a third-act breakup too; prayers have been answered.
3.9 🌟
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