Napkins and Other Distractions

De: M. A. Wardell

Narrado por: Kirt Graves, Evan Parker

On paper, they're a disaster. In the sheets, they're a perfect match.

Kent Lester is proud of the joyful, thriving learning community he's created as principal of Lear Elementary School. But six years after his divorce, he's ready to focus on his personal life and spread his bisexual wings. Things get off to a rocky start when Kent's first date is an uptight control freak—although that doesn't stop them tangling some sheets.​

Vincent Manda never seems able to move past the friend zone, and besides, he's not sure anyone can handle his OCD. But that night with the bearded, older Kent revealed a side of Vincent he'd never experienced before. And he's equal parts scared of and desperate for a repeat.​

When Lear's test scores take a nosedive, Kent finds himself under the microscope. Forced to implement new software to monitor and collect school data, he's horrified to discover that Vincent is working on the project. With his last install ending less than ideally, Vincent's job depends on this one succeeding—and butting heads with the principal won't help. Vincent and Kent need to view each other in a new light, but that could change their futures forever.

©2024 M. A. Wardell (P)2025 Forever

My favorite

This one is my favorite in the series! I appreciate that the majority of his characters are queer, anxiety ridden cat owners. 😹

Different from the others but still good :)

This book came off different compared to the other books in the series. The main characters are mature men who know who they are, but still discover new things about themselves. I think this book does a great job exploring sex that doesn’t include penetration. Having a main character with OCD is amazing and enlightening.

M.A. Wardell Never Fails

If you want to feel every emotion, pick up a Wardell. He writes from the heart but also from real life. I never cease to find some form of myself in most of his characters which is so refreshing as a gay person.
Kirt and Evan deliver incredible performances that just add to feelings in the best way. Do yourself a favor and read this series!

Note: This book does contain spoilers for characters from the first two books so I would recommend listening in order!

Great story, good prose, dangling modifiers

I enjoyed this book as much as the other two Teachers in Love books. Oddly, in all three books, the author and his publisher included several dangling modifiers such as (and I paraphrase) “streaming in from the window, I squint at the morning light.” This is especially ironic since these are books about teachers. As for the narration, it was great except that the recording of Evan Parker’s esses had loud sibilance that sometimes hurt my ears.

Endearing, Entertaining, and Steamy

This was such a well crafted story. I loved the personalities of the characters and well they were crafted into the story. I felt like I knew them. This story is sweet yet OH SO SEXY! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

beautiful

Audio update
Kirt Graves & Evan Parker dona beautiful job in bringing these later in life gentleman to life. One of those things that bothers we is when I don't feel the wisdom in the voice of older characters. Both of these narrators did just that and beautifully at that . You felt their wisdom in their voices as well as Kent's innocence of being newer to the queer scene, a brilliant job on this.

First off, thank you, M.A. for doing an OCD inclusive story that felt from the heart and not offensive to people suffering from the infliction. These two beautiful men are just so supportive and understanding of others' needs without wanting them to change. Kent has known he has been bi, but he never really pursued the option because he was happily married until that marriage dissolved to friendship. And i actually mean truly exes who stay friends (yes, it happens, my ex is one of my closest friends) and support the other when they move forward with their lives. Vincent's OCD is betrayed in a well-balanced way where you understand his struggles and see him doing what he needs to move on with his day. Vincent is also a side (so no penetration) but enjoys all other acts, and oh boy, do these men get creative on that front! Kent is a hoot and half trying to understand the ins and outs of male to male sex. Seriously, well done sir the dirty talk alone is next level fire. It's a highly entertaining read indeed.

The narrators, though!

I read the ARC for NAOD & LOVED it. So, I was chomping at the bit to hear the Audible version! I already knew Kirt Graves would be wonderful. I had never heard Evan Parker narrate. They👏🏼were👏🏼incredible! They both brought out the personalities in these characters, completely enveloping me as I listened. Get your tissues out because these two gentleman bring passion & feeling & realness to Matt’s already gorgeous story!

Wardell’s 3rd book in his Teachers In Love series is another knockout~ weaving intricate details into each character, thoughtfully delving into the subject of OCD (Vincent) & also Kent’s “clumsiness,” if you will. Their love story isn’t one of perfection, but one of learning, growth & grace……and a LOT of heat! This book (and the entire series) is a valentine to queer educators. It’s exquisite, truly!

Also~ Ruth!!!! She is the best💛

FEET

This is cute but prepare for feet stuff. I got caught off guard and did not love it. if you can read past the feet or are into feet you've found your book iguess.