Teacher of the Year

Teachers in Love, Book 1

By: M.A. Wardell

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Love: Not as easy as ABC.

They were supposed to keep things casual. Who’d expect they’d be schooled in love?

Those who can, teach. Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is the Teacher of the Year Award. Not just for himself--his school needs him to win.

Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide.

Sure, his students always come first, but he deserves to have a life outside the classroom, too, right?

As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated.

Education has always been Marvin’s world. And he needs to keep a cool head if he wants to win the award and save his school. But will it be worth it if he loses Olan in the process?

With Olan’s past and Marvin’s present colliding, their experiment in love hangs in the balance. Marvin knows what he wants out of life. But now he’s forced to consider what he wants out of love.

Will Marvin chalk the relationship up to experience? Or can they revise their story into a textbook romance?

Teacher of the Year is a steamy open door friends-to-lovers gay romance novel that explores the balance between friends, family, career, and relationships while overcoming trauma and dealing with anxiety.

©2023 M.A. Wardell (P)2023 M.A. Wardell

Critic reviews

"A love letter to queer educators, Teacher of the Year is a warm hug—and spicy treat—of a novel! M.A. Wardell expertly crafts characters who tug at heartstrings while validating our deepest needs. A laugh-out-loud, happy-cry, swoony-sigh read, prepare to meet your new auto-buy author!" (Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love)

“The quick wit, delightful humor, and emotional depth of M.A. Wardell's prose come together in this debut novel that explores the nuanced relationships between family, friends, and coworkers while navigating a budding romance and balancing the demands of others. This refreshing take on such universal topics resonates throughout and the author's voice, reminiscent of Alexis Hall, creates a gem of a story that has stuck with me months after reading.” (Jay Leigh, author of Whisper into the Night)

One of my favorites MLM stories yet!

When I started listening to this audiobook, I was really unsure about the narration. I liked how he portrayed Olan's voice, but wasn't a fan of Marvin's. But, as I continued listening, I realized it was actually perfect for Marvin. Now I've listened to the book twice, and I couldn't imagine a different voice for him, it fits so perfectly with his personality. Good job!

So cute

This book was adorable and steamy and just everything I wanted. There were definitely moments that had me tearing up as Marvin dealt with fears that I can very much relate to and that just made me root for them so much more. I loved it.

Steamy

Okay I loved this book but at the end the little 5 year old girl kisses the mc, a 30 year old man, on the lips and that grossed me out. Funny book, impeccable writing. A little slow in some scenes but overall an excellent story. Very steamy

Book of The Year!

I initially read this as an e-book, then heard that Kirt Graves (best narrator ever) would be doing doing the narration for this book. and of course, he did not disappoint! this book is fantastic on its own but hearing the characters voices always adds that extra umph to a story. 5/5 stars. Marvin and Olans story is one of my favorite books of the year♥️

Sweet and Spicy MM

This is such a sweet story with a lot of depth and spice. The two main characters come together and have explosive chemistry but struggle with how their pasts are affecting their relationship. I enjoyed walking through the journey with them to their HEA.

A must read for teachers everywhere!

M.A. Wardell’s Teacher of the Year is a love letter to queer educators in a time when we need it most. As an early childhood teacher myself, I found main character Mr. Block’s daily classroom experiences to be hilariously accurate, as well as devilishly entertaining (IYKYK). I thoroughly appreciated the representation of queer educators, queer men of color, jewish romance, and single parenthood. Without giving any more away, I’m encouraging everyone to read Teacher of the Year! I’m already looking forward to Mistletoe and Mishigas, the next in Wardell’s teachers in love series!

Loved and couldn't put it down!

it was believable and so sweet. I rooted for all the characters. the descriptions were great, hot, and engaging.

M. A. Wardell is an artist

This is the second book of his that I’ve read. I go back and forth between the physical book and audiobook to keep the story going. I never want to put it down. Thank you Matt for sharing your stories.

Soooo sweet

I loved this book. Beginning to end. Normally I listen to books at 2.5x speed but this one I had to slow it down. Didn’t want to miss one word. Completely invested in the MC’s from start to finish.

So Good!

It had so much fluff with just the perfect amount of spice! I loved it!