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Benchmarks #2
Orientation
Max Murphy’s no-fail plan for kicking this year’s ass and getting his life back on track:
1. Forget about the cheating ex. Forget all about him. No more sad sack moping. None of that downer vibe. None of it.
2. Look for a new place to live in order to move out of my sister’s basement. Free digs are great but killing my sex life.
3. Return the intramural softball league to glory and greatness.
4. Fall in fresh, lusty love with Jory Hayzer, the hot new science teacher the minute I see him and his sexy Superman hair.
5. Get the hot science teacher on my trivia team. Couples who play together stay together.
6. Spend an entire school year wooing the very hot but also very skittish science teacher. Fall in hard, crazy love with him in the process.
7. Freak out, screw it all up, and hope to hell there’s a way to make it right.
1. Forget about the cheating ex. Forget all about him. No more sad sack moping. None of that downer vibe. None of it.
2. Look for a new place to live in order to move out of my sister’s basement. Free digs are great but killing my sex life.
3. Return the intramural softball league to glory and greatness.
4. Fall in fresh, lusty love with Jory Hayzer, the hot new science teacher the minute I see him and his sexy Superman hair.
5. Get the hot science teacher on my trivia team. Couples who play together stay together.
6. Spend an entire school year wooing the very hot but also very skittish science teacher. Fall in hard, crazy love with him in the process.
7. Freak out, screw it all up, and hope to hell there’s a way to make it right.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
236 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Kate Canterbary
48 books5,553 followersUSA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
October 3, 2020
4 Maximum Lovin' Stars ⭐
Just feast your eyes on this gorgeous cover, and the men inside were just as delicious. Orientation was a feel good story of love striking you unexpectedly in the sweetest possible way. I found myself grinning the entire time.
Awkwardly adorable, and a lover of lists and order, Jory Hayzer is flustered to be late on the first day of orientation. Luckily for him, fellow teacher Max Murphy comes to his aid and ensures that Jory's day isn't a complete write off. There is no denying the instant attraction, but better then that is their immediate camaraderie.
He smirked. "Phys ed teachers. We've got a lot of balls."
"I bet you do," I replied, a laugh thick in my words.
"And where should I find you and your balls?"
"In the closet."
Although workplace fraternisation isn't frowned upon, Jory is hesitant in pursuing a relationship with Max. He is the kind of man that can't be rushed and needs life to go at his pace. But here's the clincher, Max respects that and realises right way that great things are worth waiting for. And even whilst in a relationship, the courting is evident...
"I've heard about this," Max said through clenched teeth.
Since I had a very large dick in my mouth, my response came in the form of raised eyebrows.
"This is the marriage blow job. The blow job that's so good it ends in a proposal."
I just loved Max in all his goofiness, eagerness and affability. The complete opposite to Jory, they were just the perfect balance. Where Jory struggled to put his feelings into words, Max understood and was comfortable to let him be. It just made the development of their love more rewarding.
I've said this before but I'll say it again, you're missing out if you haven't discovered this author's works. She has mastered simplicity at its finest. Just average people and romances you can relate to and witty dialogue that has you smirking foolishly!
Just feast your eyes on this gorgeous cover, and the men inside were just as delicious. Orientation was a feel good story of love striking you unexpectedly in the sweetest possible way. I found myself grinning the entire time.
Awkwardly adorable, and a lover of lists and order, Jory Hayzer is flustered to be late on the first day of orientation. Luckily for him, fellow teacher Max Murphy comes to his aid and ensures that Jory's day isn't a complete write off. There is no denying the instant attraction, but better then that is their immediate camaraderie.
He smirked. "Phys ed teachers. We've got a lot of balls."
"I bet you do," I replied, a laugh thick in my words.
"And where should I find you and your balls?"
"In the closet."
Although workplace fraternisation isn't frowned upon, Jory is hesitant in pursuing a relationship with Max. He is the kind of man that can't be rushed and needs life to go at his pace. But here's the clincher, Max respects that and realises right way that great things are worth waiting for. And even whilst in a relationship, the courting is evident...
"I've heard about this," Max said through clenched teeth.
Since I had a very large dick in my mouth, my response came in the form of raised eyebrows.
"This is the marriage blow job. The blow job that's so good it ends in a proposal."
I just loved Max in all his goofiness, eagerness and affability. The complete opposite to Jory, they were just the perfect balance. Where Jory struggled to put his feelings into words, Max understood and was comfortable to let him be. It just made the development of their love more rewarding.
I've said this before but I'll say it again, you're missing out if you haven't discovered this author's works. She has mastered simplicity at its finest. Just average people and romances you can relate to and witty dialogue that has you smirking foolishly!
May 29, 2022
Welp! Insta everything. I have nothing against Insta but this is not it.
October 9, 2022
It wasn't quite perfect, but the best parts were authentic and genuine.
Despite it being a novella and insta-crush/insta-love, it still took place over a full school year. Did it feel a little rushed? Yeah, a bit. Why don't I care about this? Because the anxiety rep wasn't just accurate and thoughtful, it was spelled out AND it was understood and supported by the less anxious MC.
Max. The big handsome Coach Maximum who teaches Health and Physical Education. Holy adorable. He was absolutely smitten with Jory. He made mistakes, he learned from his mistakes, he took the time to evaluate what Jory needed when anxious and did it every step of the way. This guy is just ridiculously supportive. He also has his own insecurities and hang-ups from being cheated on in his last relationship. That was also dealt with well.
Jory with his kickass ties and science-y stuff (as Max calls it.) Jory had his own coping system for his anxiety and it was not a case of needing a relationship to feel stable. His inner thoughts while anxious didn't make me anxious, but he was very relatable. I loved his way of setting healthy boundaries.
Kate Canterbary tends to write great side characters and writes women well. I enjoyed Max's sister and all of her therapist level relationship advice!
For those out there that are annoyed by school teachers not portrayed accurately, I thought the focus on the school year stress, take home work, class prep, and lack of free time was done well (or at least better than usual.) I appreciated that Jory often didn't have time for weeks and weeks to arrange a date with Max because he was bogged down with teacher stuff.
This novella can be read as a standalone, but I did find the vast amount of side characters overwhelming and a little distracting. I was constantly racking my brain to see if I knew who they were from other books. It was just a bit much. Although, I definitely remembered Tom and Wes!
If you just want something low-angst and very cute with awesome anxiety rep, this is a great little story for that!
Despite it being a novella and insta-crush/insta-love, it still took place over a full school year. Did it feel a little rushed? Yeah, a bit. Why don't I care about this? Because the anxiety rep wasn't just accurate and thoughtful, it was spelled out AND it was understood and supported by the less anxious MC.
Max. The big handsome Coach Maximum who teaches Health and Physical Education. Holy adorable. He was absolutely smitten with Jory. He made mistakes, he learned from his mistakes, he took the time to evaluate what Jory needed when anxious and did it every step of the way. This guy is just ridiculously supportive. He also has his own insecurities and hang-ups from being cheated on in his last relationship. That was also dealt with well.
Jory with his kickass ties and science-y stuff (as Max calls it.) Jory had his own coping system for his anxiety and it was not a case of needing a relationship to feel stable. His inner thoughts while anxious didn't make me anxious, but he was very relatable. I loved his way of setting healthy boundaries.
Kate Canterbary tends to write great side characters and writes women well. I enjoyed Max's sister and all of her therapist level relationship advice!
For those out there that are annoyed by school teachers not portrayed accurately, I thought the focus on the school year stress, take home work, class prep, and lack of free time was done well (or at least better than usual.) I appreciated that Jory often didn't have time for weeks and weeks to arrange a date with Max because he was bogged down with teacher stuff.
This novella can be read as a standalone, but I did find the vast amount of side characters overwhelming and a little distracting. I was constantly racking my brain to see if I knew who they were from other books. It was just a bit much. Although, I definitely remembered Tom and Wes!
If you just want something low-angst and very cute with awesome anxiety rep, this is a great little story for that!
September 30, 2020
4.5 stars!
I love this book! A funny, sweet, sexy and romantic m/m romance that is functional, witty, and super freaking cute. Opposites attract as an alpha sports teacher and uptight science geek fall hard and fast in this fun novella.
This is the second book in the Benchmarks series, a spin-off from the Walshes series (which you don’t have to read first, but you should because it’s awesome), focussing on the teachers at a progressive school run by Lauren Halstead-Walsh (heroine from Underneath It All).
It's orientation day for the new teachers at Bayside School, and science teacher, Jory is a mess of nerves and anxiety. After bouncing around from job to job, he is desperate to make a good impression so that he can finally settle into a job that fulfills him. School sports teacher and coach, Max, has been at the school since it’s opened, and after taking one look at the sexy but nervous new science teacher, he is smitten. The attraction goes both ways, and the flirtation between the two guys is bold, exciting, and hella swoony!
It’s slow going, as Jory’s anxiety won’t allow him to jump into anything too quickly, but Max is patient, and it’s so, so gorgeous watching these two guys take the tentative steps towards a relationship – openly, honestly and whole-heartedly. The anticipation was sizzling as I watched it all unfold, and it’s sexy, sweet, and so beautifully romantic.
We get to see moments in time with these two guys over the course of the school year, which I thought was a really fun way to read their story. There’s very little angst or drama, just enough to add depth to their relationship and bring some emotion without getting stupid, and I loved every bit of their story.
Absolutely gorgeous, I’m so excited for more from this series.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! A funny, sweet, sexy and romantic m/m romance that is functional, witty, and super freaking cute. Opposites attract as an alpha sports teacher and uptight science geek fall hard and fast in this fun novella.
This is the second book in the Benchmarks series, a spin-off from the Walshes series (which you don’t have to read first, but you should because it’s awesome), focussing on the teachers at a progressive school run by Lauren Halstead-Walsh (heroine from Underneath It All).
It's orientation day for the new teachers at Bayside School, and science teacher, Jory is a mess of nerves and anxiety. After bouncing around from job to job, he is desperate to make a good impression so that he can finally settle into a job that fulfills him. School sports teacher and coach, Max, has been at the school since it’s opened, and after taking one look at the sexy but nervous new science teacher, he is smitten. The attraction goes both ways, and the flirtation between the two guys is bold, exciting, and hella swoony!
“I think I’d like to fall in love with you. If you’ll let me.”
He pressed his lips to my wrist and my knees damn near buckled. “I’ll think I’d like to let you.”
It’s slow going, as Jory’s anxiety won’t allow him to jump into anything too quickly, but Max is patient, and it’s so, so gorgeous watching these two guys take the tentative steps towards a relationship – openly, honestly and whole-heartedly. The anticipation was sizzling as I watched it all unfold, and it’s sexy, sweet, and so beautifully romantic.
“Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
We get to see moments in time with these two guys over the course of the school year, which I thought was a really fun way to read their story. There’s very little angst or drama, just enough to add depth to their relationship and bring some emotion without getting stupid, and I loved every bit of their story.
Absolutely gorgeous, I’m so excited for more from this series.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
All the Things I Love!
Orientation is a swoony, heartwarming read. I simply adored Max and Jory. These two characters are quirky and precious and perfect for one another. The physical attraction is electric and only topped by their compatibility. Ms. Canterbary did a magnificent job of creating a story with both emotional depth and intense sexual energy. I enjoyed getting to know more about the Bayside School Family and the brief glimpses of other beloved characters. This book gave me so many feels! It made me giddy with joy and I most definitely needed that.
Orientation is a swoony, heartwarming read. I simply adored Max and Jory. These two characters are quirky and precious and perfect for one another. The physical attraction is electric and only topped by their compatibility. Ms. Canterbary did a magnificent job of creating a story with both emotional depth and intense sexual energy. I enjoyed getting to know more about the Bayside School Family and the brief glimpses of other beloved characters. This book gave me so many feels! It made me giddy with joy and I most definitely needed that.
October 18, 2020
Ugh, it’s me! It’s not the book. I blame my previous reads, I crave insta-love, this wasn’t it.
October 3, 2020
Hmm, I didn’t love this. It felt rushed, too much in their heads. Jory was too neurotic and Max was a slightly less neurotic puppy.
October 1, 2020
Excellent
This is a sweet yet sexy M/M romance that so!ply made me smile. Excellent writing and a great story made this a great read. Recommended!!
This is a sweet yet sexy M/M romance that so!ply made me smile. Excellent writing and a great story made this a great read. Recommended!!
October 15, 2020
Himbo and high-strung with some insta-love thrown in. Can’t go wrong with that formula or with Kate Canterbary.
Max and Jory were all kinds of sweet, and I love how this book dealt with anxiety. I love even more how it dealt with the kind of heart that beats in a himbo. Very low angst.
Max and Jory were all kinds of sweet, and I love how this book dealt with anxiety. I love even more how it dealt with the kind of heart that beats in a himbo. Very low angst.
October 17, 2020
*3.5 STARS*
I think this might be a first for me, but I want this to be a full length novel. This story was just so light and cute that I wanted every little detail and the ending had me begging for more. If you've previously read Kate Canterbary's The Walshes Series, you are in for delightful surprise appearances.
The story was a quick read with insta-love, at least for Max, who falls hard and fast for Jory. Jory, who struggles with anxiety, takes a little bit of time before falling for Max, but the cuteness was just the same. They have some tender moments and plenty of steamy ones over the course of the school year. What I missed the most was all the details of these moments, as they are mentioned in passing instead of taking me along on the journey.
There was a minor miscommunication but overall the relationship and flow for Jory and Max was well balanced. Both characters work through their lives and struggles and come out stronger on the other side. These quirky characters contrast each other perfectly and this novella was the ideal opposites attract read.
I think this might be a first for me, but I want this to be a full length novel. This story was just so light and cute that I wanted every little detail and the ending had me begging for more. If you've previously read Kate Canterbary's The Walshes Series, you are in for delightful surprise appearances.
The story was a quick read with insta-love, at least for Max, who falls hard and fast for Jory. Jory, who struggles with anxiety, takes a little bit of time before falling for Max, but the cuteness was just the same. They have some tender moments and plenty of steamy ones over the course of the school year. What I missed the most was all the details of these moments, as they are mentioned in passing instead of taking me along on the journey.
There was a minor miscommunication but overall the relationship and flow for Jory and Max was well balanced. Both characters work through their lives and struggles and come out stronger on the other side. These quirky characters contrast each other perfectly and this novella was the ideal opposites attract read.
August 6, 2021
I really loved this sweet novella! It is a M/M, co-worker, opposites attract romance between two teachers. I’m excited to see which teachers are next in the Benchmarks series and I’m hoping it’s Clark and Noa?!
Jory is adorable. Adorkable? At the open of the book he’s stressing hard about being late for new teacher orientation. He’s wearing a green button up and a tie with pink and blue crabs on it. He says things like, “I was as positive as a proton about that.” He’s anxious and nervous and one of those people who plans, plans, plans for every potential roadblock.
Max is the PE teacher at the school and last year went through a bad breakup. He’s instantly smitten with Jory but has to reign himself back not to smother him because he’s the epitome of a giant friendly dog who doesn’t know his size. Like: “can I smother you with love????”
Their first few dates were so realistic and honest. Wanting to please the other person, wanting to make a good impression, being nervous as hell. Everything about this was low angst cuteness.
Jory is adorable. Adorkable? At the open of the book he’s stressing hard about being late for new teacher orientation. He’s wearing a green button up and a tie with pink and blue crabs on it. He says things like, “I was as positive as a proton about that.” He’s anxious and nervous and one of those people who plans, plans, plans for every potential roadblock.
Max is the PE teacher at the school and last year went through a bad breakup. He’s instantly smitten with Jory but has to reign himself back not to smother him because he’s the epitome of a giant friendly dog who doesn’t know his size. Like: “can I smother you with love????”
Their first few dates were so realistic and honest. Wanting to please the other person, wanting to make a good impression, being nervous as hell. Everything about this was low angst cuteness.
September 29, 2020
This is a quick and fun novella that has so much heart and soul. This book was originally part of a very limited edition charity anthology and now has more to the story.
There is something so special about these two. Max is a coach and PE teacher that's all heart, and Jory is a nerdy, hot, science teacher that struggles with anxiety. Like with all of Kate's characters there is such an endearing quality about them. They are so real that you just want to know them in real life. I want to just hug them and their tender spots and cheer them on with everything they do. Jory is something special, but I have to admit I'm crushing hard on Max. I need a Max and his tender, loveable self in my life.
If you are a Kate Canterbary fan, some previous characters will make guest appearances. I really enjoyed this story, and hopefully we will get to see snippets of these characters in future books.
There is something so special about these two. Max is a coach and PE teacher that's all heart, and Jory is a nerdy, hot, science teacher that struggles with anxiety. Like with all of Kate's characters there is such an endearing quality about them. They are so real that you just want to know them in real life. I want to just hug them and their tender spots and cheer them on with everything they do. Jory is something special, but I have to admit I'm crushing hard on Max. I need a Max and his tender, loveable self in my life.
If you are a Kate Canterbary fan, some previous characters will make guest appearances. I really enjoyed this story, and hopefully we will get to see snippets of these characters in future books.
September 28, 2020
Orientation was part of an LBTQ anthology hosted by the Bookworm Box and was only available on paperback. I did not get my hands of the antho, but was so happy that Kate Canterbary decided to release and add more words to this story.
This is a quick and easy m/m story of Jory and Max. Jory who hates to be late for anything, is late for his orientation at the new charter school he will be working at as a science teacher, until he bumps into the phys ed teacher Max. Sparks and chemistry from the very beginning.
Jory is your nerdy hot looking one with some social anxiety and Max is your outgoing fun loving character. Both have some underlying issues and Max's came out a little later. It could have gone a perpetual rabbit hole if not taken care of, but the other did a good job of handling the conflict rather quickly.
I really enjoyed Jory and Max's story. Like any reader, I would have loved a bigger story, but nonetheless enjoyed this cute novella.
Fans of Kate Canterbary will not be disappointed.
This is a quick and easy m/m story of Jory and Max. Jory who hates to be late for anything, is late for his orientation at the new charter school he will be working at as a science teacher, until he bumps into the phys ed teacher Max. Sparks and chemistry from the very beginning.
Jory is your nerdy hot looking one with some social anxiety and Max is your outgoing fun loving character. Both have some underlying issues and Max's came out a little later. It could have gone a perpetual rabbit hole if not taken care of, but the other did a good job of handling the conflict rather quickly.
I really enjoyed Jory and Max's story. Like any reader, I would have loved a bigger story, but nonetheless enjoyed this cute novella.
Fans of Kate Canterbary will not be disappointed.
September 29, 2020
I loved this sweet and swoony story. It is an M/M romance between Max, the hunky gym teacher and Jory, the nerdy new science teacher with Superman hair and quirky ties.
“I didn't need much. Just one look at Jory, one clear-eyed look. I had to see that green, checkered shirt and Superman hair.... I couldn't explain why my gut churned with an unbearable urge to guard and protect him from anything that might cause him distress.”
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“I didn't need much. Just one look at Jory, one clear-eyed look. I had to see that green, checkered shirt and Superman hair.... I couldn't explain why my gut churned with an unbearable urge to guard and protect him from anything that might cause him distress.”
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 26, 2020
DNF at 67%.
Boring AF.
Boring AF.
October 1, 2020
A well written novella that packs it all in. Swooney, sweet, vulnerable, steamy; what’s not to love. A m/m romance that is filled with concerns and insecurities about life and love, and just being honest. Even though this starts off instalove, there is still the building of a relationship, just in little snippets that occur during each season over a year. Max and Jory, their love for each other, the roles they play, talk about relationship goals we could all learn from. This book was just what I needed (sigh).
October 6, 2020
I am a huge fan of the Walsh series by Kate Canterbary, but this spin-off series of novellas so far has been okay. Orientation features a burly gym teacher instantly falling for the new, uptight science teacher, and the time hopping forward kept making me feel like I was missing out on parts of the romance I wanted to know.
A short, quick read fine for fans of the Walsh-a-verse.
CW: parental death (in the past), cheating (in the past, not of between love interests), angst
A short, quick read fine for fans of the Walsh-a-verse.
CW: parental death (in the past), cheating (in the past, not of between love interests), angst
November 2, 2020
Why was this a book? This could've been a nice (even shorter) novella for all the development it offered. There was *no* conflict. At all. Zero. Zilch. Nada. It just... coasted. Two guys met, liked each other, went on a few dates, HEA. Max was a bit overbearing and they literally had two conversations before falling in love. We got introduced to a bunch of people who barely appeared in the story again. I also hate the name Jory with the passion of a thousand suns.
September 29, 2020
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This book just kept me warm and fuzzy. These two guys are perfect and their story is just so precious and sweet.
Max is so fun loving but feeling scared and insecure. He wants to have love in his life and is scared of messing up or scaring them off. He is such a sweet and amazing man. His ex is a terrible person for what he did and how he got Max to doubt himself and his trust in others. I love how honest and straight forward he is How earnest he is as well. He loves his family and is patient and kind. Love love him.
Jory is reserved and a bit OCD. He has plans and plans for plans and a routine. He isn’t as fun loving as Max and doesn’t go with the flow as well but is still a great character and perfect for Max. He complements him and helps him feel safe and loved. Max helps Jory come out of his shell and open up more.
Their meet cute is sweet with Max helping Jory find the library and Max’s ball jokes dealing with him being a Phys Ed teacher. I love how at ease Max has Jory feel from the beginning. You can feel the attraction and the hesitation from both guys. Max because he doesn’t want to lose Jory and Jory because he is in a new place and situation trying to adjust. Both want to date each other just does take a bit of time. Max is patient on that front. The first date was kooky and fun. Max went overboard but Jory did feel comfortable to tell him and so Max adjusted for the next date allowing Jory to gain footing and comfort by planning it. Throughout these two had communication and friendship which made their relationship solid.
The book takes place during the school year and we have both Jory’s and Max’s point of view. It is hard to pick a favorite view because they are equally wonderful.You get to see their feelings and insecurities in a very real way. Kate Canterbary has written a wonderfully sweet and amazing romance between two opposites that balance each other out and complete one another. Loved from beginning to end and had a smile and warm and fuzzies the whole time reading this incredibly sweet and at times intimately sexy romance.
This book just kept me warm and fuzzy. These two guys are perfect and their story is just so precious and sweet.
Max is so fun loving but feeling scared and insecure. He wants to have love in his life and is scared of messing up or scaring them off. He is such a sweet and amazing man. His ex is a terrible person for what he did and how he got Max to doubt himself and his trust in others. I love how honest and straight forward he is How earnest he is as well. He loves his family and is patient and kind. Love love him.
Jory is reserved and a bit OCD. He has plans and plans for plans and a routine. He isn’t as fun loving as Max and doesn’t go with the flow as well but is still a great character and perfect for Max. He complements him and helps him feel safe and loved. Max helps Jory come out of his shell and open up more.
Their meet cute is sweet with Max helping Jory find the library and Max’s ball jokes dealing with him being a Phys Ed teacher. I love how at ease Max has Jory feel from the beginning. You can feel the attraction and the hesitation from both guys. Max because he doesn’t want to lose Jory and Jory because he is in a new place and situation trying to adjust. Both want to date each other just does take a bit of time. Max is patient on that front. The first date was kooky and fun. Max went overboard but Jory did feel comfortable to tell him and so Max adjusted for the next date allowing Jory to gain footing and comfort by planning it. Throughout these two had communication and friendship which made their relationship solid.
The book takes place during the school year and we have both Jory’s and Max’s point of view. It is hard to pick a favorite view because they are equally wonderful.You get to see their feelings and insecurities in a very real way. Kate Canterbary has written a wonderfully sweet and amazing romance between two opposites that balance each other out and complete one another. Loved from beginning to end and had a smile and warm and fuzzies the whole time reading this incredibly sweet and at times intimately sexy romance.
August 22, 2021
100% spoiler-free book review
Before I read any Kate Canterbary’s book, I thought I couldn’t like any M/M story. I felt that it couldn’t interest me, that I wouldn’t feel as many emotions as possible for any good romance. But then, I loved the Walsh series so much that I decided to try to “Fresh Catch” and I fell in love with Cole and Owen, then with Wes and Tom in “Missing in Action.” Therefore I wasn’t surprised to enjoy Orientation. Kate Canterbary is so talented that she doesn’t need to create those unrealistic characters who are super hot billionaires, alpha male. Here Jory and Max have the same anxieties, fears as any of us regular human beings. Part of me found myself in Jory and his insecurities, how he had to take his time with every new situation.
What makes Kate Canterbary’s writing unique is that she doesn’t only stick to the romance itself. The context is also essential and very well described. Here, even though it’s a novella, I love how Bayside school’s education approach is well detailed.
Often, I find that novellas are written in a hurry and that authors don’t pay as much attention to their regulate novels. Here it’s nothing like that. It is like the story was made for this format, and every part is well balanced. I love that it is divided into 4 season’s parts.
Oscar Wilde wrote, “Books are well written or badly written.”
It’s probably the main reason why I love Kate Canterbary’s book so much.
Before I read any Kate Canterbary’s book, I thought I couldn’t like any M/M story. I felt that it couldn’t interest me, that I wouldn’t feel as many emotions as possible for any good romance. But then, I loved the Walsh series so much that I decided to try to “Fresh Catch” and I fell in love with Cole and Owen, then with Wes and Tom in “Missing in Action.” Therefore I wasn’t surprised to enjoy Orientation. Kate Canterbary is so talented that she doesn’t need to create those unrealistic characters who are super hot billionaires, alpha male. Here Jory and Max have the same anxieties, fears as any of us regular human beings. Part of me found myself in Jory and his insecurities, how he had to take his time with every new situation.
What makes Kate Canterbary’s writing unique is that she doesn’t only stick to the romance itself. The context is also essential and very well described. Here, even though it’s a novella, I love how Bayside school’s education approach is well detailed.
Often, I find that novellas are written in a hurry and that authors don’t pay as much attention to their regulate novels. Here it’s nothing like that. It is like the story was made for this format, and every part is well balanced. I love that it is divided into 4 season’s parts.
Oscar Wilde wrote, “Books are well written or badly written.”
It’s probably the main reason why I love Kate Canterbary’s book so much.
August 4, 2021
This was a perfectly sweet and feel-good mm romance between two teachers, the P.E. teacher and the new science teacher. Max is the P.E./health ed teacher and after recently being cheated on, he has some trust issues. Jory is the new science teacher and his character really spoke to me, an over-thinker with a type-A personality and always worrying about being late or planning out exactly how things will go. On the first day of in-service before school starts, Max finds a worried Jory outside the building and takes him under his wing to show him around the school. I loved these sweet cinnamon rolls together, Max is kind of a mess (in a good, fun way) and Jory is the serious one.
The read is about 150-ish pages on KU and follows Max & Jory over the course of the entire school year. Once they both are into one another, their relationship moves real quick and I loved that this was low-angst and just such a sweet, fun time.
The read is about 150-ish pages on KU and follows Max & Jory over the course of the entire school year. Once they both are into one another, their relationship moves real quick and I loved that this was low-angst and just such a sweet, fun time.
October 1, 2020
This novella is a swoon-y MM romance spun off from the Walsh series and it is book 2 of the Benchmark series. It is written in first person from dual POV and covers almost a year in time.
Max is the muscle mountain of a guy who teaches PE and has a heart of a teddy bear. He has survived the heartbreak of a cheating ex and is looking for a relationship where he doesn't have to sacrifice himself to be in it. Jory is the perfect nerdy new science teacher. He has the neat clothes and the weird ties and the anxiety of a perfectionist. They are absolutely perfect for each other. They both experience an instant attraction and Max feels an immediate need to care for and protect Jory- *sigh.* They have some heat and lots of feelings packed into this adorable story leading to a wonderful HEA.
Max is the muscle mountain of a guy who teaches PE and has a heart of a teddy bear. He has survived the heartbreak of a cheating ex and is looking for a relationship where he doesn't have to sacrifice himself to be in it. Jory is the perfect nerdy new science teacher. He has the neat clothes and the weird ties and the anxiety of a perfectionist. They are absolutely perfect for each other. They both experience an instant attraction and Max feels an immediate need to care for and protect Jory- *sigh.* They have some heat and lots of feelings packed into this adorable story leading to a wonderful HEA.
September 29, 2020
It was an absolute pleasure to read Orientation! Kate Canterbary fans will not be disappointed! It’s a brilliant addition to The Benchmark series which is all about the teachers at Bayside School, the school run by Lauren Halsted-Walsh!
Max Murphy is the Phys Ed teacher at Bayside and Jory Hayzer is the new science teacher. They’re seemingly exact opposites. Max is outgoing, while Jory is nerdy and anxious, but there’s is a deep and mutual attraction. This is such a sweet and swoony story because the thing is with Jory is that he just needs a bit more time to get there. There’s no rushing into this relationship for him, he’s hesitant and anxious yet Max has him feeling dizzy and delirious. And Max is sweet and doesn’t rush anything, giving Jory space to be himself. Jory gets to the point where he doesn’t want to be cautious about his feeling anymore. And for Max it’s his chance for a happily ever after because he’s been unlucky in love. It’s a thing of beauty to see their relationship develop and go along for the ride!
Max Murphy is the Phys Ed teacher at Bayside and Jory Hayzer is the new science teacher. They’re seemingly exact opposites. Max is outgoing, while Jory is nerdy and anxious, but there’s is a deep and mutual attraction. This is such a sweet and swoony story because the thing is with Jory is that he just needs a bit more time to get there. There’s no rushing into this relationship for him, he’s hesitant and anxious yet Max has him feeling dizzy and delirious. And Max is sweet and doesn’t rush anything, giving Jory space to be himself. Jory gets to the point where he doesn’t want to be cautious about his feeling anymore. And for Max it’s his chance for a happily ever after because he’s been unlucky in love. It’s a thing of beauty to see their relationship develop and go along for the ride!
September 29, 2020
I loved this sweet and swoony story. It is an M/M romance between Max, the hunky gym teacher and Jory, the nerdy new science teacher with Superman hair and quirky ties.
"I think I'd like to fall in love with you. If you'll let me."
He pressed his lips to my wrist and my knees *darn near buckled. "I'll think I'd like to let you."
Orientation is the second novella in the Benchmark series set at the Bayside School. It is 100% standalone and only has slight mentions of characters from this author’s previous stories.
“...maybe he was feeling this way too. Maybe we were both blushing and tender and scared as hell to get this wrong because we knew it could be very, very right.”
Steamy and sweet, this novella has little angst and lots of swoon. A definite must read.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
"I think I'd like to fall in love with you. If you'll let me."
He pressed his lips to my wrist and my knees *darn near buckled. "I'll think I'd like to let you."
Orientation is the second novella in the Benchmark series set at the Bayside School. It is 100% standalone and only has slight mentions of characters from this author’s previous stories.
“...maybe he was feeling this way too. Maybe we were both blushing and tender and scared as hell to get this wrong because we knew it could be very, very right.”
Steamy and sweet, this novella has little angst and lots of swoon. A definite must read.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
October 1, 2020
Lovable characters
In this book you are introduced to two more of the Bayside School faculty. Max, Bayside’s easy going Health and Phys. Ed. teacher, and Jory, the new Science teacher.
What I liked most about this story is that it really shows that having the right person in your life can help you overcome insecurities and fears you may have. Max and Jory were able to accept each other as they were and build a trusting relationship that helped with the baggage from their past.
Some nice cameo appearances were made by a few of the Walsh family members.
In this book you are introduced to two more of the Bayside School faculty. Max, Bayside’s easy going Health and Phys. Ed. teacher, and Jory, the new Science teacher.
What I liked most about this story is that it really shows that having the right person in your life can help you overcome insecurities and fears you may have. Max and Jory were able to accept each other as they were and build a trusting relationship that helped with the baggage from their past.
Some nice cameo appearances were made by a few of the Walsh family members.
June 1, 2025
Content warnings: cheating (in the past), shitty parenting, mental health
I absolutely flew through this in the wee small hours of the morning and while I didn't enjoy it QUITE as much as Professional Development, it was a delightful romance between two teachers at the same school. I really loved that it dealt with Jory's experiences being at a new school every year with no stability because, like, relatable content.
I absolutely flew through this in the wee small hours of the morning and while I didn't enjoy it QUITE as much as Professional Development, it was a delightful romance between two teachers at the same school. I really loved that it dealt with Jory's experiences being at a new school every year with no stability because, like, relatable content.
September 30, 2020
Enjoyed reading about Max and Jory
This was a quick, fun but also sexy time read. Great story and wonderful characters but all things I come to expect from this author. I’m excited to read more stories in this series and this book gave us a little more of a glimpse into the possible characters in future books
This was a quick, fun but also sexy time read. Great story and wonderful characters but all things I come to expect from this author. I’m excited to read more stories in this series and this book gave us a little more of a glimpse into the possible characters in future books
September 30, 2020
Jory and Max
Jory is a young anxiety ridden science teacher starting at another new school. Max is the gym teacher on the mend after spending too long in a relationship with a cheater. They have an instant attraction and interest in one another. Cute, sexy, sweet and emotionally well written.
Jory is a young anxiety ridden science teacher starting at another new school. Max is the gym teacher on the mend after spending too long in a relationship with a cheater. They have an instant attraction and interest in one another. Cute, sexy, sweet and emotionally well written.
September 30, 2020
Happy sigh
I loved every. Single. Word. Of this. Kate Canterbury is a master wordsmith and her writing is just breathtaking. Don't know how I'm going to pick something to read next because most anything else is gonna be a letdown!
I loved every. Single. Word. Of this. Kate Canterbury is a master wordsmith and her writing is just breathtaking. Don't know how I'm going to pick something to read next because most anything else is gonna be a letdown!
October 1, 2020
4 stars
Max & Jory were just perfect for each other ❤️, so understanding of each other’s personality differences and quirks. For fans of this authors other series, there were a few familiar characters that popped up in the storyline as well.
Max & Jory were just perfect for each other ❤️, so understanding of each other’s personality differences and quirks. For fans of this authors other series, there were a few familiar characters that popped up in the storyline as well.
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