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Bottom of The Class
You only get to have your senior year once.
And if Callum George can never live his last wild year of high school again, he's going to make sure it's the best one of his life. He'll audition for every role. Drag his friends out on every whim. Do anything and everything he wants, no matter how wild.
And anything and everything he can to forget his parents' recent divorce.
But he never expects the distraction he needs to come in the form of his new drama teacher. Mr. Redford is the most gorgeous man he's ever seen in his life...and completely off limits.
That won't stop Callum from trying.
Not when the thrill of secret touches, the promise of the forbidden, makes Mr. Redford even more enticing. Not when under the teacher's seemingly cold indifference smolders a desire just waiting to break past its boundaries. Callum knows it's wrong. Redford knows he can't.
But when can't only makes them want it more...Callum will discover a new side to discipline when he ends up at the bottom of the class.
This story is approximately 30,000 words in length and contains adult language & explicit erotic scenes. Content warning for stalking, internalized homophobia and a student/teacher relationship.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2018
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36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 9, 2019
partially read it because of the controversy because that's who i am as a person, and partially read it because i'm a big fan of the student/teacher dynamic.
it was, as the 3 star rating shows, okay. just average, run-of-the-mill stuff, not quite boring but never quite becoming compelling either. i liked it, but i wouldn't really recommend it. there was just nothing that really made it stand out, and then there was that Dramatique "plot twist" that wasn't particularly a plot twist because it was really predictable.
it was, as the 3 star rating shows, okay. just average, run-of-the-mill stuff, not quite boring but never quite becoming compelling either. i liked it, but i wouldn't really recommend it. there was just nothing that really made it stand out, and then there was that Dramatique "plot twist" that wasn't particularly a plot twist because it was really predictable.
June 10, 2018
Teacher/Student 'taboo' story... only it wasn't terribly taboo (because I'm jaded and read a lot of crazy shit). I couldn't resist reading it though bc I guess the author got some flack for the story.
The whole thing is done from the student's perspective, and he's a bit messed up - going through his parents' ugly divorce, trying to finish his senior year and get the heck out of his town to move to New York.
Through his eyes, the teacher looks even more messed up than the student does. The whole thing kind of goes round and round till finally it looks like something might happen... and the ending drove me nuts.
So there it is, I'm going back to my truly taboo stories 'cuz this one didn't cut it for me.
The whole thing is done from the student's perspective, and he's a bit messed up - going through his parents' ugly divorce, trying to finish his senior year and get the heck out of his town to move to New York.
Through his eyes, the teacher looks even more messed up than the student does. The whole thing kind of goes round and round till finally it looks like something might happen... and the ending drove me nuts.
So there it is, I'm going back to my truly taboo stories 'cuz this one didn't cut it for me.
April 11, 2019
★ ★ — 2 Stars!
Annoying characters and writing flaws weighed down a potentially great taboo story.
Annoying characters and writing flaws weighed down a potentially great taboo story.
June 17, 2018
My one star review has nothing to do with the “taboo” subject of the books. In fact, the student/teacher part of the relationship was probably the least bad part of the book.
No. This book gets a 1 because the writing was complete and utter trash. Run on sentences, incomplete sentences, punctuation missing, typos for all the eye can see. For a minute I thought Lina accidentally uploaded the wrong copy until I went and looked through another three or four of her books.
It wasn’t an accident. Lina Langley is just unapologetically a bad writer. And that would be fine if I hadn’t spent my time and money on this travesty.
I got 62 pages in before giving up in disgust.
Lina, please pay an editor to look over your writing. If you are paying an editor, request your money back and get a better one.
No. This book gets a 1 because the writing was complete and utter trash. Run on sentences, incomplete sentences, punctuation missing, typos for all the eye can see. For a minute I thought Lina accidentally uploaded the wrong copy until I went and looked through another three or four of her books.
It wasn’t an accident. Lina Langley is just unapologetically a bad writer. And that would be fine if I hadn’t spent my time and money on this travesty.
I got 62 pages in before giving up in disgust.
Lina, please pay an editor to look over your writing. If you are paying an editor, request your money back and get a better one.
Want to read
July 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/19/2019)! 🎁
necronomicon
June 6, 2018To each their own, but this blurb really squicks me out. It seems like every day, we see stories on the news about teachers being inappropriate with their students. I could get behind a story if it were college, but freaking high school? No, just no, not my thing, at all.
June 19, 2018
Bottom of the Class
Callum George, 17 can't stop fantasizing about his new drama teacher, Mr Aaron Redford nearly twice his age. Callum pushes for more than friendship except for a stolen kiss Aaron tells him No until Callum arrives on his doorstep on his eighteenth birthday. With pictures circulating the school Aaron has no choice but to move on. The epilogue brings to book to a good ending.
I would have liked more heat as it's a taboo subject.
Callum George, 17 can't stop fantasizing about his new drama teacher, Mr Aaron Redford nearly twice his age. Callum pushes for more than friendship except for a stolen kiss Aaron tells him No until Callum arrives on his doorstep on his eighteenth birthday. With pictures circulating the school Aaron has no choice but to move on. The epilogue brings to book to a good ending.
I would have liked more heat as it's a taboo subject.
June 12, 2018
Callum is a 17, almost-18-year-old boy who's in his senior year of high school when he meets his new drama teacher, Mr. Redford, and is immediately attracted to him. What follows is months of covert and not so covert glances, shy touches and even some kissing between the two. But nothing sexual happens until the day Callum turns 18 and he shows up to Aaron's apartment to find him in the process of leaving town, moving, actually.
I have to admit that teacher/student romances can be super hot and not squicky, but in this instance, unfortunately, it was the latter. Not because anything bad per se, happened, but Callum was definitely not of age and Aaron should have known better than to get involved with him in any way, no matter that Callum pushed and pushed.
I guess the main reason I rated Bottom of the Class so low is because neither character is particularly likable, especially Callum. He's an immature, spoiled (not so much materialistically) little boy. Aaron was pleasant, but a bit boring and one-dimensional. Callum was one-dimensional, too, along with being annoying and obnoxious. As far as the relationship, it was rather boring, too. Nothing much happened there until the end, when they finally gave in. Their one scene wasn't even hot, and I felt cheated. If I was going to read a taboo story, at least it should have been hot, and this wasn't hot in any way, shape or form.
For most of Bottom of the Class the pace was slow and humdrum. Then it went into hyper-speed at the end, leaving me with a bit of whiplash. Then the epilogue, which was probably the best part of the entire story, and I was left with a feeling of dissatisfaction and squicked out. For a forbidden/taboo story, this was awfully boring!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to admit that teacher/student romances can be super hot and not squicky, but in this instance, unfortunately, it was the latter. Not because anything bad per se, happened, but Callum was definitely not of age and Aaron should have known better than to get involved with him in any way, no matter that Callum pushed and pushed.
I guess the main reason I rated Bottom of the Class so low is because neither character is particularly likable, especially Callum. He's an immature, spoiled (not so much materialistically) little boy. Aaron was pleasant, but a bit boring and one-dimensional. Callum was one-dimensional, too, along with being annoying and obnoxious. As far as the relationship, it was rather boring, too. Nothing much happened there until the end, when they finally gave in. Their one scene wasn't even hot, and I felt cheated. If I was going to read a taboo story, at least it should have been hot, and this wasn't hot in any way, shape or form.
For most of Bottom of the Class the pace was slow and humdrum. Then it went into hyper-speed at the end, leaving me with a bit of whiplash. Then the epilogue, which was probably the best part of the entire story, and I was left with a feeling of dissatisfaction and squicked out. For a forbidden/taboo story, this was awfully boring!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
not-worth-my-time-and-money
June 28, 2018NOPE. See my comment below.
June 7, 2018
I'd heard about the "controversy" surrounding this book and decided to give it a try. I'd never heard of this author until I subscribed to her mailing list and grabbed her "cocky" book.
This book is pretty tame. I won't spoil it because I feel people should read things for themselves before they make judgments.
What I will say is, I felt there could've been more with this book. It was too fast. The characters weren't fleshed out. Single POV books, unless written well, usually don't do it for me, but I didn't rate it a three based on that. I'm rating it a 3 because it missed the mark. So much could've been done with this story and it seemed like there was a rush to the end. I couldn't get a good read on Aaron or Mr. Redford as a character. As another reviewer said, he was hot and cold.
I will applaud the author for sticking to her guns and writing the story she wanted to tell. The cover is nice too.
This book is pretty tame. I won't spoil it because I feel people should read things for themselves before they make judgments.
What I will say is, I felt there could've been more with this book. It was too fast. The characters weren't fleshed out. Single POV books, unless written well, usually don't do it for me, but I didn't rate it a three based on that. I'm rating it a 3 because it missed the mark. So much could've been done with this story and it seemed like there was a rush to the end. I couldn't get a good read on Aaron or Mr. Redford as a character. As another reviewer said, he was hot and cold.
I will applaud the author for sticking to her guns and writing the story she wanted to tell. The cover is nice too.
June 10, 2018
When Callum first sees his new drama teacher, he is instantly attracted to him. He finds himself extra nervous, super horny, and unable to speak.
Callum's current home life is not so good. His parents are getting divorced and he needs to watch his sister a lot. All of this in his final year of high school
As he gets to know Mr Redford, he realizes that he has never been so at ease with a teacher before. He enjoys seeing the different sides of Mr Redford when they are outside of school. Callum learns that his teacher was once going to be an actor, but came home to help his parents. Although his acting dreams never were fulfilled, he is happy helping others to follow their dreams. He wants to make a difference, at least in helping the drama program, but hopefully with some lives too.
With Bottom of the Class, I am absolutely shocked with how much I enjoyed the story. There is so much more to it than just a forbidden teacher/student relationship. The author does a great job of developing these two men. The issues that surround each of them are complex.
They have to deal with family issues and being stalked, in addition to the fact that their relationship is forbidden. Their journey is an emotional ride that I enjoy a lot. The ending is just beautiful. I found myself an emotional wreak while reading it. It is just perfect!
I highly recommend Bottom of the Class by Lina Langley.
Callum's current home life is not so good. His parents are getting divorced and he needs to watch his sister a lot. All of this in his final year of high school
As he gets to know Mr Redford, he realizes that he has never been so at ease with a teacher before. He enjoys seeing the different sides of Mr Redford when they are outside of school. Callum learns that his teacher was once going to be an actor, but came home to help his parents. Although his acting dreams never were fulfilled, he is happy helping others to follow their dreams. He wants to make a difference, at least in helping the drama program, but hopefully with some lives too.
With Bottom of the Class, I am absolutely shocked with how much I enjoyed the story. There is so much more to it than just a forbidden teacher/student relationship. The author does a great job of developing these two men. The issues that surround each of them are complex.
They have to deal with family issues and being stalked, in addition to the fact that their relationship is forbidden. Their journey is an emotional ride that I enjoy a lot. The ending is just beautiful. I found myself an emotional wreak while reading it. It is just perfect!
I highly recommend Bottom of the Class by Lina Langley.
June 7, 2018
Yes this deals with a student/teacher relationship and yes the MC is underage when the story first starts, but he does turn 18 about 3/4 of the way through and nothing happens but a couple of kisses when he is under 18. I found this story to be sexy, cute, and yes even taboo. Callum wanted his teacher, Mr. Redford (Aaron), who if I'm correct maybe 29/30 (I'm guessing from what I read) Callum is the one to go in for the two kisses and Mr. Redford is the one says they can't be together.
What I didn't like was this weird subplot with Aaron's parents. They have him followed and the PI or whoever it is takes photos of him. They are very wealth and conservative and once they know he's gay they said they want to write him out of their will unless he acts straight...like what even? It seems that part of the story is unfinished and weird after thought.
I like the ending. Callum has had very limited contact with Aaron since he left town in the middle of the school year. Callum is still deeply in love with Aaron and can't stop thinking about him. Aaron ends up turning up at his front door in NY and Callum bursts into tears and Aaron confesses his love for Callum. The perfect happy ending.
I found this a sexy, interesting, and cute read. I would recommend it, but like I mentioned there is that weird subplot that doesn't go anywhere.
What I didn't like was this weird subplot with Aaron's parents. They have him followed and the PI or whoever it is takes photos of him. They are very wealth and conservative and once they know he's gay they said they want to write him out of their will unless he acts straight...like what even? It seems that part of the story is unfinished and weird after thought.
I like the ending. Callum has had very limited contact with Aaron since he left town in the middle of the school year. Callum is still deeply in love with Aaron and can't stop thinking about him. Aaron ends up turning up at his front door in NY and Callum bursts into tears and Aaron confesses his love for Callum. The perfect happy ending.
I found this a sexy, interesting, and cute read. I would recommend it, but like I mentioned there is that weird subplot that doesn't go anywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2018
He might be the bottom, but he has class!
Everyone makes mistakes, often on purpose, especially when it comes to love. Almost everything comes down to love, even on the bottom. Love is the true force that tries to control the many evils in the world. Sex, jealousy, greed, power, dominance, theft, starvation, thirst, sanatation, shelter, education, employment, ownership, politics, abuse, abandonment, and other similar issues in life try to win over love.
Cullem sees beyond his age and lack of experience, but he does not see the evil in other's eyes. He pushes for what he wants, but without patience. Youthful exuberance is warped by lack of understanding of the world and others. He must fulfill his dream even if it seems imposible. Pictures make Aaron's life impossible, but the future can be as pictured.
This book has gotten many negative comments about it being wrong and should not promote teacher/student sex. I thought the first time always involved a teacher and a learner. Maybe not usually a professional teacher, buy kids have learned about sex from adults. What is wrong is when forced or too big of an age difference. Abuse is always wrong even when desired.
I was a better candidate for bottom of the class than Callum, but had far less favorable experiences. He had better friends and less distractions. But I had love, too.
Everyone makes mistakes, often on purpose, especially when it comes to love. Almost everything comes down to love, even on the bottom. Love is the true force that tries to control the many evils in the world. Sex, jealousy, greed, power, dominance, theft, starvation, thirst, sanatation, shelter, education, employment, ownership, politics, abuse, abandonment, and other similar issues in life try to win over love.
Cullem sees beyond his age and lack of experience, but he does not see the evil in other's eyes. He pushes for what he wants, but without patience. Youthful exuberance is warped by lack of understanding of the world and others. He must fulfill his dream even if it seems imposible. Pictures make Aaron's life impossible, but the future can be as pictured.
This book has gotten many negative comments about it being wrong and should not promote teacher/student sex. I thought the first time always involved a teacher and a learner. Maybe not usually a professional teacher, buy kids have learned about sex from adults. What is wrong is when forced or too big of an age difference. Abuse is always wrong even when desired.
I was a better candidate for bottom of the class than Callum, but had far less favorable experiences. He had better friends and less distractions. But I had love, too.
June 11, 2018
Well, this was annoying. I have a soft spot for teacher/student stories, but this one was just lame.
For one, Callum is very immature. He keeps telling himself all those things he will not do, you know, not moon after his teacher, not kiss his teacher, but he always breaks those self-promises by the next paragraph anyway. When he pep talks himself into not doing something you can be sure he'll do it in short order.
Mr. Redford is not a lot better, though at least we are not privy to his inner thoughts. He keeps giving Callum mixed messages, saying no while at the same time pulling closer and encouraging him.
The book just was really flat to me. There characters are one-dimensional and there are just not a lot of strong emotions portrait. Callum feels like a teenager with a crush, everything happens so fast and he hasn't really spent all that much time with Mr. Redford, but for him it's love already, and Mr. Redford is somewhere between adoring and reserved, but I just didn't see the connection, the chemistry. I had no idea what Mr. Redford was seeing in Callum.
There are also quite a few errors in the book, wrong or missing words mostly.
For one, Callum is very immature. He keeps telling himself all those things he will not do, you know, not moon after his teacher, not kiss his teacher, but he always breaks those self-promises by the next paragraph anyway. When he pep talks himself into not doing something you can be sure he'll do it in short order.
Mr. Redford is not a lot better, though at least we are not privy to his inner thoughts. He keeps giving Callum mixed messages, saying no while at the same time pulling closer and encouraging him.
The book just was really flat to me. There characters are one-dimensional and there are just not a lot of strong emotions portrait. Callum feels like a teenager with a crush, everything happens so fast and he hasn't really spent all that much time with Mr. Redford, but for him it's love already, and Mr. Redford is somewhere between adoring and reserved, but I just didn't see the connection, the chemistry. I had no idea what Mr. Redford was seeing in Callum.
There are also quite a few errors in the book, wrong or missing words mostly.
June 11, 2018
Characters in this one are sketched lovingly, with a delicate hand, as they navigate the uncharted waters of adulthood in their own ways (some even for the first time). It is somewhat surprising that the homophobia is allocated to particular mindsets in Kansas and the Midwest, suggesting that the USA has a specific hierarchy of how homophobia thrives in places based on how much exposure that place's residents have to the choices that accessibility and infrastructure have to offer. It is a tough thing to emerge unscathed from feeling trapped by your own surroundings, and the book only goes as far as exploring this phenomenon from the perspective of a single character. I would have appreciated learning more about Aaron's point of view throughout the narrative. I recommend this tale, but the glossy sheen leaves the reader wanting to learn more by the end of the book.
*ARC received in exchange for candid review.
*ARC received in exchange for candid review.
August 23, 2018
This is for the audiobook version. This book didn’t work for me but, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. I can see how others would enjoy it. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters interesting. The characters were developed and thought out. Callum and Aaron are the MC’s of this book. The story is told by Callum’s POV.
The narration wasn’t bad I am neutral as far as it is concerned. I am really picky about narration and this wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. The narrators style is more narration than voice actor. It wasn’t monotone, but it could have used more ups and downs with emotions and events. Because it was more narration the voice differences weren’t a lot. It was my first time listening to this narrator. He does have a pleasant voice and because he wasn’t bad I would listen to him again. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
The narration wasn’t bad I am neutral as far as it is concerned. I am really picky about narration and this wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. The narrators style is more narration than voice actor. It wasn’t monotone, but it could have used more ups and downs with emotions and events. Because it was more narration the voice differences weren’t a lot. It was my first time listening to this narrator. He does have a pleasant voice and because he wasn’t bad I would listen to him again. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
July 5, 2018
I pretty much liked this story. It's quite fluffy, simple and careful. The title doesn't really match with the plot itself, but it does explore teenage crushes and the whole student-teacher relationship in a rather mild manner. The author threads carefully around the age of consent topic, and I really like how she pictures the internal struggle of Cal around his attraction to his teacher.
I would qualify this as a rather subdued story, and a nice counterpart to other books that portray a similar relationship, but seen from the adult point of view, such as The City Kid, by Paul Redinger. I particularly liked how Ms. Langley remained quite truthful to the level of angs teens can experience through their crushes. That gave the story an pretty authentic taste.
I would qualify this as a rather subdued story, and a nice counterpart to other books that portray a similar relationship, but seen from the adult point of view, such as The City Kid, by Paul Redinger. I particularly liked how Ms. Langley remained quite truthful to the level of angs teens can experience through their crushes. That gave the story an pretty authentic taste.
August 21, 2018
I listened to the audible of this book so some of the complaints I've seen in reviews about bad grammar or writing style I can honestly say I didn't experience at all. The narration was good and I was able to follow the story just fine. This story could definitely be considered controversial by some however nothing happens until the MC is 18 years of age and the "teacher" is constantly trying to push Callum away from him. This was the first time I ever experience a book with a "taboo" topic and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how it was handled. I wish the book had been longer but it was an enjoyable short listen.
July 18, 2018
It's (just) poorly written, with an unfortunate choice of title (and subtitle)...
The main topic, the (insta) attraction of a high school student, Callum, for his teacher, Aaron, is understandable, if slightly unbelieveable, but could happen... but the rest of the plot (Aaron's family spying on him, taking photographs and sending them to other students): what's up with that? That makes no sense and could have easily been dropped from the story entirely, with other explanations created for Aaron's (sudden) departure.
The main topic, the (insta) attraction of a high school student, Callum, for his teacher, Aaron, is understandable, if slightly unbelieveable, but could happen... but the rest of the plot (Aaron's family spying on him, taking photographs and sending them to other students): what's up with that? That makes no sense and could have easily been dropped from the story entirely, with other explanations created for Aaron's (sudden) departure.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this teacher /student romance. I really like the storyline, it's very well written and I like how the relationship developed and progressed between Aaron, the teacher, and Callum, the student. I appreciated how Aaron really tried to put off Callum whike being his teacher and especially while he was underage. Great story that I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the teacher/student genre.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 29, 2018
It was fairly short. It wasn't heavy on the taboo either. I mean yes there is the start of something, but I thought it was handled fairly well. I enjoyed the fact that .
August 16, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it!
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.
October 28, 2018
Lina
I read another one of Lina's books before. Enjoyed it but didn't think it was long enough. This book was just the opposite. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It was very passionate and exciting. Thanks 👍💋
I read another one of Lina's books before. Enjoyed it but didn't think it was long enough. This book was just the opposite. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It was very passionate and exciting. Thanks 👍💋
November 20, 2018
I absolutely loved this book, I didn't want it to end, I was gripped, its a beautiful love story. Look forward to reading more by this author. I recommend it
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.
June 8, 2018
Five Stars
I found this to be a very sweet love story. Some may find it taboo as it’s a love between a student and teacher, but I adored this one.
I found this to be a very sweet love story. Some may find it taboo as it’s a love between a student and teacher, but I adored this one.
June 23, 2018
very cute story. i liked it and it was interesting and fun to read
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018
August 12, 2018
Bottom of The Class
Awesome book. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. This book was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend this book.
Awesome book. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. This book was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend this book.
August 20, 2018
Good quick read
I enjoyed this quick read. The characters are sweet together in their flirtation, no sexual connection until Callum is of legal age. Definitely recommend.
I enjoyed this quick read. The characters are sweet together in their flirtation, no sexual connection until Callum is of legal age. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews