A Foot in the Door

Open Doors #3

by Vinni George

The student…
If he wants a job when he finishes grad school, Tanner Brown needs to get a foot in the door. But when he arrives at the country’s largest statistics conference to find he has nowhere to stay, he’s not sure it’s worth it. Especially when he realizes his hot faculty crush just witnessed his embarrassment from a front row seat.

The professor…
Dr. Beckett James is happily focused on his career until one of his former students slides into his line of sight. Tanner is brilliant and engaging, and when he ends up without a room, Beckett has no choice but to offer him a place to stay for the weekend. Even if it means testing his restraint.

The problem…
When their conference fling turns into an on-campus complication, Tanner and Beckett will have to control the variables that threaten to keep them apart or risk losing their chance at a happy ending before it’s even begun.

A Foot in the Door is the third full-length novel in the Open Doors series featuring a statistics professor who makes a mean curry, a ginger-haired student with a bright future, and an offer neither can refuse.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, M M Romance, LGBT, Gay, College, Queer

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2022

About the author

Vinni George has been a lover of romance novels (of all shapes, sizes, and colors) since she first got her hands on one of her grandmother’s Harlequins and has never looked back. She lives in Ohio with her two favorite guys (her husband and son) and, hopefully—one day—a dog. When she’s not writing, Vinni can be found working for her family’s business, which provides plenty of plot bunnies. In her spare time, Vinni is a soccer mom who dabbles in performance art, quilting, and various culinary pursuits and enjoys traveling.

Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a mellow story, enjoyable to read, only, it missed something. I think because it lacked emotions and communication. They were hot together but that was it, it was more about bodily tension, attraction, and the sex they had.
The friends, students, and colleagues parts were good. The hiatus part was ditto good, that part was palpable, I even would have loved some more hurt. I also enjoyed the study parts.

Tanner and Beckett are former student and professor. Secretly Tanner had a crush on his professor, and it was the same for Beckett. They meet at a conference. Tanner’s hotel reservation didn’t came through and there is no room available. Beckett who stays at his sister's house offers him a room. One thing leads to another.
At some point, it gets somewhat complicated when Tanner gets an offer he can’t and shouldn’t resist.

Tanner and Beckett are a sweet couple together, but oh boy how they didn’t talk!
Overall a sweet romance, for me a bit too mellow, but nicely written!

[dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is at times alarmingly believable: the interactions between the professor and the student don't come out of nowhere, and all along they're vividly aware of the university policy constraints that govern when they can and can't be together. Even the character who knows that our MCs are both gay and who just assumes (without knowing the truth) that accusing the student of having slept with his prof to get ahead is believable.

Even a decent fraction of the "how STEM academia works" stuff is believable: the academic rockstars being essentially treated like royalty if they show up at a conference panel, the "my advisor didn't come to the conference where I was presenting my first paper because she was about to become a grandmother, but she called me from the hospital to see how it went", and so on. Heck, our hero has bugs in his Python because he screwed up data types, but is better at working with Tableau. That, that I can believe.

[Just to say it's not *all* real: no, the hotness data startup doesn't have access to all of the oceanography data that our hero's best friend is doing on his project, not because of data privacy stuff (though that's relevant), but because surely the data formats wouldn't map over immediately and perfectly. Like, I almost expected to start hearing about their Research Data Management policy... Oh, and restaurant cafeterias don't have Michelin stars. Like, I get that this company prints money (lots of companies in this space do), but this gets a little ridiculous.]

That said, this book isn't nealy as good in the "engaging and surprising plot" goal: the sensible resolution of our heroes' situation is telegraphed from practically the first page of the book. There are ways this could have had a decent plot, not just a good setting, and in this, at least, the book largely fails.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, laid-back, and amiable story of two super likable characters. Beckett is a good-natured professor with a sweet habit of wanting to save people. And when he and Tanner run into each other at a conference, Tanner is definitely in need of some saving! But their relationship is so much more! Something clicks with them, their bond is deep.

I enjoyed this take on the professor/student relationship, not your typical forbidden fruit trope, but rather a complication to achieving one's dreams. Would good communication have made their lives easier? Of course, but then we would be out of a story.

What’s more, this story has a lot of wonderful friends and family and a very lovely Happy Ending. I also appreciated that though it had drama, it wasn’t super angsty. I do read a lot of angst and sometimes it’s nice to not have your heart stomped on, rather just have an enjoyable story.

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinni George's Open Doors series has been a series of hits, and this book is no different.

Open Doors is the story of Tanner and Beckett, a graduate student and a professor at the university he studies at. Tanner was intrigued by Beckett during one of his first semesters, when he had Beckett as a professor. Becket was mutually intrigued. However, nothing happened because Beckett is an honorable man who does not violate university rules about fraternization.

A few years later, they meet again. Tanner is in his final semester and is invited to attend a prestigious data analysis conference as a presenter. However, everything is going wrong. He misses his first flight and when he gets to the hotel, there's no room for him. Beckett is across the room, notices him, and offers him room at his sister's house.

Thus begins their relationship, one that gets complicated when Tanner is noticed and picked for a data challenge that Beckett is the faculty advisor for.

This book feels different from other student/teacher books because Beckett is not Tanner's teacher. There are no conflicts of interest, and the moment one appears, they are legitimately torn between it. It is a story about patience and love and doing the right thing. It is a story about choosing your future, working hard for what you want - be it a dream job or romance.

The characters stand out, with great cameos from others from the series and set up for the next book as well. Becket and Tanner felt incredibly real and I understood their thought processes throughout the whole book. I understood their motivations and I found myself cheering for the individual characters.

This is a relatively low angst dual POV book with an amazing love story.

** DISCLAIMER: ARC recieved from GRR and this is my fair and honest review.**

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought this was going to be a "hot for my professor" trope and I was here for that, then it turned into something bigger. Instead of just "I might be fired/get kicked out of college" this was about the impact to Tanner's life.

Tanner is a grad student that is older, as he went back to school after working in the real world for awhile. Beckett was his professor during his first year of grad school, but was not at the time of their actual meeting up at the conference.

These two had some really good sexytimes and fell hard for each other while at a conference after Tanner had a really bad no good day. Then the 75% angst happened and they pretty much went months without talking to each other. Finally, the day of Tanner's graduation comes and we are at a HEA.

I really wish there was a bit more interaction during the time jump, but I knew why it was happening.

I really would like to know more about Phin. He was so supportive.

This book was received from Gay Romance Reviews

[Ana Nimity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series on a whim. It was a brand-new author and I liked the blurb so I gave it a chance and am so glad that I did. I've enjoyed all of Vinni George's work.

This book is sweet and heartwarming like the others, with plenty of heat and only a small amount of angst - actual angst, because we know something's coming, just not when. It's a professor-student, small age gap (8 years) romance with humor, engaging characters, and just plain good writing.

While this book can be read as a standalone, characters from the other books do make appearances, so I highly recommend starting from the beginning, and don't skip the freebie Door Opens on the Left from the YBBB giveaway. (I didn't read it first and had to go back and pick it up, which was fine, but would have been better if I'd read that first.)

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars …..



This Open Doors series by Vinni George is extremely riveting….

A Foot in the Door brings Tanner Brown who is a student of 28 years old…
After arriving at the conference he checks out his accommodation he finds there isn’t any…
From a front row seat Tanner’s former Professor could see what was happening..
Professor Dr Beckett James offers Tanner a place to stay …..
Tanner had an enormous crush on Beckett the crush hadn’t faded as-seeing
him again he knew the same feelings were there — A lot!

There have similar feelings towards each other which grow extremely fast , can they? , should they ?
Can they have a relationship? How could it work ?
To find out more , read the book as you will definitely not be disappointed….
Will easily recommend this book.

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner and Becket were just adorable. Their chemistry on page was off the charts and I just loved the ease in which their relationship flowed. Sometimes you find that person that just fits and these two were that for each other.

Throw in some teacher/student complication but seriously the swooniest not letting you give up your dreams or make them harder for you and it was just so stinking good!

I also love this friend group.

[Pam _P who cusses A Lot · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should have been a novella. It's cute, sure, but FFS the non communication and going on and on and on with nobody really talking went on forever. Then the choice which side characters to write a fucking essay about and which ones are here and you miss it, could've cut 8 chapters with nobody missing a thing. We could see how all this will work out and when the conclusion came to fruition, I could think of a dozen other obstacles the author could have believably put in their way. Instead they just droned on: does he like me? Does he not like me? Are we apart forever? Or just 8 fucking stupid, failure to conceptualize weeks? Paragraphs could have been replaced 🤦‍♀️

Also it's ok to write PROSTATE. Special place, place where you see stars, etc, c'mon! It's dumb.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story

Firstly let me say I’ve got this book off gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Tanner was having the worst possible day, He was trying to get to a conference and all that kept happening was problem after problem. Bless his heart. But finally he got to the conference/hotel only to find out that the room that he had booked was no longer available. Talk about wishing you never got out of bed that morning. But as he was sitting there trying to work out what he wanted to do he caught sight of Dr James across the way. He was a professor at the University and he had him last semester as one of his teachers. And he had the biggest crush you could ever have on a man. When he noticed him coming over he just wanted to hide.

Dr Beckett James was at a conference for the weekend. It was a chance for him to catch up with other professors and close friends. When he sees somebody familiar go flying over in the conference lobby he knew somebody was having a bad day. But then he noticed it was one of his students from last semester. The redheaded Tanner Brown. When he went over and found out that he had no hotel booked for the conference he was quick to get on the phone to find out what was going on with his booking. Only to find out it was a mixup but the problem was there was nowhere for him to now get a room. So he offered to let him stay with him at his sisters house. Tanner wasn’t sure at first but quickly agreed as there was just no other options.

To say the chemistry was electric is an understatement every time these two touched it was like signals were flying off in every direction. They tried to fight it but in the end a kiss was all it took. They got snowed in for one day so they had one extra day to themselves. But they said it wouldn’t happen when they got back to campus how wrong could they be??

Could these two have a future or where there is problems ahead of them??

I found this to be a real lovely read about two people who just couldn’t stay away from one another I really liked Tanner he was just adorable. From his blushes ( which I totally understand as a very fair skinned lady with red hair) to his cute adorable ways. This is only the second book I’ve read from Vinni George but I cannot wait for the next book in the series. There was just something really lovely about this book to read.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we first meet Tanner he is not having much luck. What started out as a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" (Loved the reference btw) ironically leads Tanner to the love of his life. He just has no idea about that part of his future yet. What he does know is the hotel he booked for a conference claims they have no reservation for him. On top of that, there doesn't seem to be any vacancies anywhere. He's well and truly screwed...until Dr. Beckett James saves the day anyway.

Beckett is a man who lives to save the day. He can't watch someone struggle without wanting to help. When he sees his former student in the hotel lobby looking utterly lost he knows he has to find out what's going on. This inevitably leads to him offering Tanner to stay with him for the duration of the conference and we all know what happens with forced proximity do we not folks? In fact I was surprised how long the two lasted without attacking one another, especially after Tanner witnessing Beckett eat his breakfast the first morning.

"There were moments in life that inexorably altered one's worldview, and watching Beckett James eat a goddamn banana was one of them. I'd never be able to look at a banana again without thinking of this moment..."

Honesty, I loved Tanner. He had a bright mind, but was never cocky about it. He was mature and was often the first one to bring up the hard topics with Beckett despite being 7 years his junior. Beckett got on my nerves for the simple fact that his savior complex led to the drama of the story. He and Tanner slipped so perfectly into a relationship with each other and I was mad at Beckett for not thinking things through before he acted. I wanted to shake him and say "What were you thinking!!"

I loved how it all worked out in the end. It was also fun to get to see some old friends like Sam and Archer. I'm super excited Brody's book is next. There's something endearing about him and I look forward to getting to know him more, along with Tanner's bestie in book 4.

[Denisesc21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really been enjoying this series. All the men are very different and in different situations. Which, side note, HUGE props to the author on the timeline of these books. It isn't easy to write a book where you can tell that something happens to another couple in "their book", and keeping it within the timeline. It is easier, with a series, to have one couple go through their book, then move to the next. These books all have very intertwined timelines, and I just loved it!

These two met when Tanner was in Beckett's class previously, but didn't connect until Tanner is stranded at a conference and Beckett saves him by giving him a place to stay. Tanner, a poor grad student, is almost done with his degree, and ready to look for a job in his chosen career, and in fact he went back to school after working for several years, so he's an older student, setting him with some real world experience with Beckett. He can only hope to work for the company that Beckett's friend owns.

Beckett meanwhile never missed love, couldn't have cared less about it, but in no time flat fell hard for Tanner. This led to the conflict of teacher/student at the same school, then later while Tanner was chosen to participate in a competition that would net him a job at the company of his dreams. I won't spoil it, but what Beckett did was pretty cr@ppy, in my estimation. There could have been about 10 other options he could have chosen, and he went for the worst option...which, of course, they needed conflict, but this was not what I had expected, and it kind of left me heartbroken, as well.

All in all, though, I found the book entertaining, and enjoyed the geekiness of these guys when it came to numbers and patterns. They really were a very good match for each other. The cover fit the description of Beckett, to a T, as well.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Brody and Phin. There was some serious tension going on with these two during A Foot in the Door.

4 pieces of eye candy

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve enjoyed teacher/student relationships less and less, as they so often contain disturbing power imbalances. Part of me still wishes Tanner and Beckett had just waited six months (lol), but I very much appreciated how they were up front about their interest and acknowledged the university’s policies (and actually followed them), that Tanner was an older graduate student (28–his brain’s full grown!), and that they weren’t in a direct teacher/student relationship—until they were.

I thought I’d be more annoyed at Beckett for what could be seen as making a decision about Tanner’s future, but while I think he went about it all wrong, I think he actually made the right choice for him (and ultimately Tanner). His decision was based very much on both his academic integrity and the future that he knew Tanner wanted (and thus which he couldn’t live with himself for destroying), and he actually discussed it with Tanner (though it was in the act of breaking up, the motivation wasn’t hidden). I think he basically panicked after Julian called, because it would have made so much more sense to sit down, discuss it, and propose a temporary break up with the intent of figuring things out after Tanner graduated. So there was a lot of angst that maybe wasn’t totally necessary, and I wished they had just talked afterwards, but at the same time, it didn’t feel like an unrealistic emotional response to what was going on.

I liked both of them immediately and felt so bad for Tanner about his rotten day—but what awesome ultimate results it had! It was fun to see their friend groups intersect, and I can definitely envision them happy together.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

How a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day made all the difference
Tanner Brown is 28yo in a Master’s program at MacMillan, yes and older than most in his program. Oh, and he has a crush on a former professor, Dr. Beckett James who just happens to be at the right place at the right time to save Tanner, but will it really “save” him? Beckett is a phenom of professors, tenured at 36yo, highly sought after for his expertise and unknowingly has a white knight complex. When he recognizes poor Tanner in a predicament, he steps in and offers to let him room with him for the duration of the conference that they are both attending. OK. You can see where this is going but it gets complicated when they become more...but not in the most predictable way.
Such a well-written and thoroughly intriguing M/M romance. The author didn’t fall for the pretend “hate” to get out of something or making these men wishy-washy about their feelings. They’re statisticians after all. Facts are highly important. Right? Along the way you can touch base with former couples from previous books, none of which I have read but did not hinder my understanding of the plot or their parts in it. It did make me want to know their stories; I’ll admit. Perfect ending too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews. If you want to know the significance of the title of this book, check out the blurb. Not really what you think...little note: author knows that the Master’s degree is not in the degree holder. Such a good book! I’ll remember this one for a while.

[Melita Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed George's Open Doors series. In this book, Tanner is a graduate student preparing to co-present at a high-level conference. Everything goes wrong including no room when he finally arrives at the conference hotel. A professor at his university notices him and provides him a place to stay. Too bad this isn't an 'only one bed' story! The professor, Beckett, had Tanner in a class but about a year earlier. There'd been mutual appreciation although neither had acted on it because--power imbalance. It's so nice to read a story where that and inappropriate relationships are discussed and thought about multiple times. The college handbook is even checked.

There's only a small age gap--around 7 years, I think, so this isn't a 23 year old student with a tenured mid- to late-thirties or older professor.

While there's no impediment to a relationship right now, you *know* there's going to be one, right?

Tanner and Beckett are very cute. Some issues could have been resolved quicker if they'd just talked, but it wasn't so bad that I found it really annoying. The secondary characters were good with enough info given to differentiate them and help remind a reader about their stories from the previous books.

I was provided an ARC by the author after winning a random giveaway. My review is my own opinion.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ARC received from GRR for an honest review.

This book was enjoyable. The two main characters are Tanner and Beckett; Tanner is a former student of professor Beckett. When the audience first meets Tanner, he is having bad luck. Tanner’s horrible day paradoxically leads Tanner to the love of his life. The hotel he booked for a conference tells him they do not have his reservation. Unfortunately, there are no vacancies anywhere. Tanner is left helpless, until Dr. Beckett James rescues the day.

Beckett is a man who clearly lives to be the hero. When he sees Tanner in the hotel lobby looking lost, he knows he has to help out. Beckett’s helping leads to him offering Tanner a place to stay with him for the conference. With Tanner and Beckett’s close proximity, attraction follows.

I loved Tanner. He has a bright mind, but he is never arrogant about it. He’s mature, and he brought up difficult topics with Beckett despite being seven years younger than him. Beckett bothered me a bit; his hero complex led to most of the drama in the story. Beckett and Tanner slipped flawlessly into a relationship, so I was mad when Beckett didn’t think before he acted.

I liked the way everything worked out in the end. This author, Vinni George, was new to me, and it was a pleasurable read. In the future, I may read more of her novels.

[Alison Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much and this latest addition to the Open Doors world was so good! One of my favorite things about this series is how each book is connected but not in a way in which you have to have read every book to follow along. I loved getting to see Beckett, who we met very briefly in book one, find his HEA with Tanner. Tanner initially comes off like a hot mess but what starts as the worst day ever turns into a chance encounter with the one person Tanner has been lusting after for a year. Though they have obviously already met, I loved Tanner and Beckett's second meeting in the hotel lobby and everything that followed that weekend in Boston! Despite their whirlwind weekend in Boston, seeing Beckett and Tanner actually build a real relationship together back in Chicago was so sweet to see. One of my favorite parts was when Beckett took care of Tanner when he was sick. So sweet! I hated that Beckett made decisions about their relationship without talking with Tanner first and the time that followed was kind of hard to read because both men just needed to talk with the other! However, the ending was absolutely perfect and I love where Beckett and Tanner end up! I can't wait for the next book in the series! Phin seems like an amazing and hilarious character and I am excited to finally learn more about the mysterious Brody!

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Tanner was having one of the worst days of his life when he met Beckett, and seeing how he swooped in to save the day instantly won me over. What started as a nice gesture turned into sizzling chemistry and a connection that couldn't be denied. With student/professor romances, there's always a forbidden element involved, and I was hooked on every second of it. The two of them had such a sweet, heartfelt connection, and I was really rooting for them to find a way to be together. Initially, I thought things would be smooth sailing since they had no conflicts of interest at the school, but sadly that didn't last. It hurt to see them walk away from each other temporarily, but at the same time it showed how much they valued each other's dreams and ambitions that they would step back to keep everything above-board. Despite how exciting it was for Tanner to get the chance to chase after his dream job, there was so much uncertainty around what it would mean for him and Beckett. I wasn't sure for a long time that they could get back together, so when all the pieces fell perfectly into place I was over the moon. The two of them had a decidely happy ending, and it was wonderful to see them making strides professionally and personally with the decisions they made.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Competency Kink

‘I just wasn’t sure if the spark between us was a result of correlation or causation. Was I interested in Tanner Brown because I was interested in Tanner Brown, or was I interested in him because I’d rescued him and we were sharing space? I didn’t have enough data to make that call yet, though the feeling in my gut told me there was more to it than shared proximity. Maybe that was just a catalyst activating something that had already been there, leftover from when he��d been in my course, hidden and waiting until the circumstances were right.’

When obstacles seem to overwhelming, Tanner and Beckett’s romance just might not survive. Vinni George create a statistical dilemma that makes gathering data and determining conclusions quite delightful, in Foot in the Door, part of the Open Doors series of delicious MM romances.

The intertwining of characters, from previous stories in the series, and their deep friendships, add a wonderful layer of love to the current book’s romantic endeavors. Academia is an important player in our guys’ lives, and choosing their paths, which always seemed clearcut - that is until a spark is lit.

I am gobbling up these books like sweet treats!

[S.K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should admit that numbers and I don’t get along very well. Maths was one of my worst subjects and I hate it to this day. Maybe that’s why this book never really got going for me? There seemed to be a lot of talk about statistics and data that either went over my head or just made me switch off. The relationship between Tanner and Beckett was going full tilt from quite early on in the book but I wasn’t sure I was feeling the chemistry. Then the fly in the ointment hit and I just – for some reason, it annoyed me. They could get past the idea of dating as ex-student and professor but the whole Mentor thing caused such a melt-down? All Beckett would have had to do was talk to his friend and explain. I don’t know, it just annoyed me so much that the rest of the book kinda passed in a blur of annoyance.

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author so can only assume that this couple just happen to be a miss for me. The story is well written and engaging, with a relatively low-angst rating, and I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy reading it. It just wasn’t for me – we didn’t add up!

I received an ARC from GRR.

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and steamy, low angst love story between two adults. Tanner is in a Masters program, and Beckett is a college professor. I loved that the story begins with Tanner having a series of unfortunate events happen all in one day, leading to Tanner just about literally falling in front of his crush, the handsome professor Beckett. Beckett had an attraction to the red haired sweet student, but never acted on it.

The men wind up sharing a townhouse belonging to Beckett's sister while they attend a conference. They at first dance around their shared attraction, and then the longing and close domestic quarters become too much for them to resist the temptation. I thought it was absolutely sweet that feelings developed rather quickly on both sides. Beckett didn't want to do anything to hold Tanner back from his path to success in their field, and in doing so lead to some hurt and misunderstandings.

I loved the characters and the flow of the story. It was sweet, steamy and satisfying. I understand this story is part of a series, but i read it as a standalone, and it certainly works as one. It was my first story by this author, but I would read more.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go ahead, take a chance! Tanner, was having a bad day. He was stuck in the cycle of Murphy's Law concerning his travel to the International Conference on Applied Statustics. He was attending hoping to network and find a contact and job with a hiring company. It was funny, but I won't laugh because it can happen to anyone. We should all be able to have a gate agent named, Delores! Once he got at the conference venue, more bad news. No room at the inn. Dr Beckett James witnessed Tanner's disappointment and stepped in to the rescue. Tanner and Beckett has secret crushes on each other when Tanner was Beck's student. Beckett's friend, Julian was head of Variance a work target of Tanner's, post graduation. Do Tanner and Beckett act on their feelings? Does the conference lead to any job opportunities? What happens if Tanner is offered a job in a different state? The author brings characters from precious stories back for a visit. Tanner and Beckett spend their relationship making constant life changing decisions. The story, keeps us on edge waiting for decisions. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a fan of these books from the first one. I enjoyed Tanner and Beckett’s story, however there is a part to this one that I really didn’t like. And that is entirely on me and some of my story hang ups. Beckett makes a decision in this book rather foolishly and selfishly, even if he thinks it’s for the right reasons and goes about EVERYTHING the wrong way. Yes our guys get their happy ending, but there are 2 months of heartache that could have easily been avoided. It builds up the angst to a level that I don’t think really exists in the other books. It helps the plot along and our boys grow during that time, but that is a peeve of mine. Beckett was lucky that Tanner really did love him that much because he could have walked away. It makes Tanner the stronger character in my mind, because he is willing to forgive and move forward. Still, I did enjoy the book. It is a small world and I love the cameos by earlier characters.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This take on the professor/student relationship has plenty of chemistry and heat with only a touch of angst and drama— Tanner and Beckett fit together really well, and it’s easy to like both of them, separately and together. The only thing about the story I didn’t love was that aforementioned touch of angst and drama, but only because it came about because one character made a choice that impacted them both, which was meant “for the best” but…as in the grand tradition of 70% complications, was mostly “for the mess.” I know, I know: good intentions and poor communication, the staples of romantic drama. Overall, however, an enjoyable read. Also, while you don’t need the previous books in the series for this one to make sense, there are some cameos from those earlier works for those who have, which is a nice bonus.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'll like this of you enjoy student/faculty romance, dual POV first person and miscommunication where one person makes a decision for the other person without talking it through with them first.

Tanner is kind of adorable and has some awfully funny bad day sorts of things happen early on. He's intelligent, if a little unsure of himself but supremely competent in his field. Beckett is intelligent, confident in his attractiveness and his abilities, with a hero complex a mile wide.

I very much enjoyed the cameos by MC's from previous books in the series, and the set up for Brody's book was intriguing. I'm very much *not* a fan of the whole "making a decision for the other person, for their own good, without discussing it first* thing.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanner was having a crappy day including getting to a conference he needs to attend to help him land a job once school is done and not having a place to stay. Beckett, one of his professors, comes to his rescue and shares his space so Tanner has a place to stay. Tanner is grateful. He also has a crush on Prof. Beckett. The feelings are mutual and proximity works its magic and they start seeing one another which would have been fine as they are not currently student and teacher. Their conflict comes from a different place as Beckett is advisor to a competition that Tanner is picked to participate in. This complicated their path to a HEA and they spent some time apart but do find their way back to one another. Tanner and Beckett are both phenoms in their field and that is partially the source of their issues.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story!

This book is amazing! The story of Tanner and Beckett truly begins when Tanner slides into a hotel lobby for a conference they are both attending. They end up in close proximity when a mix up leaves Tanner with no place to stay. What happens next is the beginning of a wonderful journey of love, heartache, and achieving their dreams. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride as Tanner’s path to get his dream job will cause a conflict with Beckett’s job at the University and Tanner’s position as a grad student. They will navigate it a bit roughly at first but in the end, love wins out and the two get a second chance at love.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exercising a little self control …

It’s so funny to me when romance novel characters feel like they’re dying when being separated for a few weeks. So many plots are simply motivated by the fact that the two people can’t keep their hands on each other until the time is more appropriate. Meanwhile, in the world world, couples are often separated for periods of time. This novel would have been so much simpler if Bennett had simply said, “We need to suspend this relationship until you graduate in two months. Then, we can re-address the situation”. Tanner would have replied quotes. “Yes, it’s going to suck, but I think that’s what we need to do.” It would have been difficult, but they would have gotten through it, and gone on with life… But I guess, readers love the drama.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I adored Tanner! He is the former student in this romance, but he is mature and knows where he wants to be in life. He is just having some bad luck on the way! His bad luck however connects him with teacher Beckett and boy do the sparks fly! They have a fun and steamy relationship that could make other things difficult for the both of them. I read an arc so I will not give too much away, but Beckett takes it upon himself to make a choice and it does cause some separation and drama near the end! I think that was the only part I really did not love about the book! As always, I enjoyed the familiar cameos from our previous couples in the series!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Foot In The Door is a great addition to the Open Doors series, and once I started I couldn’t put it down. I loved the two MCs, and this older student-professor story was delightful. Tanner is adorable, Beckett lovely, and together they made a perfect pair. Their story was sweet, funny, had heat and some low angst and held me enthralled as they found their HEA; plus we also get glimpses of previous MCs which is always terrific. Another great read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from GRR to review, and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.