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M.A. Wardell’s HUSBAND OF THE YEAR is Out This Week in Paperback!

Posted on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

The paperback edition of M. A. Wardell‘s HUSBAND OF THE YEAR is out this week in North America and in the UK! It’s the highly-anticipated, fourth and final instalment in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Family isn’t only about blood. It’s about the people we choose.

Olan Stone wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with kindergarten teacher Marvin Block. And his daughter, Illona, can’t wait to call Marvin her stepfather. They’re bashert—meant to be. However, as the big day approaches, family tensions and unresolved issues put their future together in jeopardy.

Marvin thought he and Olan had everything all figured out. But he’s realizing that their whirlwind romance may not be the foundation for a lifetime commitment after all. As they struggle through the changes that life is throwing their way, will they be drawn closer together or farther apart?

The novel is published by Forever in North America (today) and Penguin in the UK (Thursday, but you may be able to find copies in bookshops already). Both publishers have also published the first three novels in the series: TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS.

‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug.’ — Alice Osman, bestselling author of Heartstopper

‘This story reminds us that love grows, evolves, and expands to encompass more than we can ever imagine.’ — Adib Khorram, USA Today bestselling author of It Had to be Him

NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M.A. Wardell Out Today in a New UK Edition!

Posted on Thursday, October 16th, 2025

A new UK paperback edition of NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M. A. Wardell is out today! Published by Penguin, it’s the third novel in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Kent Lester is proud of the joyful, thriving learning community he’s created as principal of Lear Elementary School. But seven 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.

The first two novels in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR and MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS — are out now, also published by Penguin. The fourth novel, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR, is due to be published by Penguin in the UK, on November 20th.

‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug.’ — Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper

‘Wardell’s writing is filled with tenderness, delectable heat, and characters so real they feel like friends.’ — Adib Khorram, USA Today bestselling author of It Had to Be Him

The Teachers in Love series is published in North America by Forever.

New Paperback Edition of M.A. Wardell’s NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS is Out Today in North America!

Posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

The new paperback edition of NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M. A. Wardell is out today in North America! Published by Forever, it’s the third novel in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Now with bonuses! A new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

This steamy romance follows two men who find themselves working together after a one-night stand — and explores the balance between career and relationships while also dealing with mental health issues — from an author whose “stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug” (Alice Oseman, bestselling author of Heartstopper).

On paper, they’re a disaster. Between the sheets, they’re a perfect match.

Principal Kent Lester is proud of Lear Elementary School, but seven years after his divorce, he’s finally ready to focus on his personal life. Things get off to a rocky start with his first date — although that doesn’t stop them from spending the night together.

Vincent Manda never seems to be able to move past the friend zone, and besides, he’s not sure anyone can handle his OCD anyway. But hooking up with Kent was a revelation, and he’s both scared and hoping for a repeat.

When his school buys new computer software, Kent’s alarmed to discover that his one-night stand is working on the installation. Even if Kent and Vincent can make a success of this big project, it won’t erase the memories of their disastrous, not-cute meet cute. But could their sizzling sexual chemistry convince them to try a second date?

The first two novels in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR and MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS — are out now, also published by Forever. The fourth novel, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR, is due to be published by Forever in North America, on November 18th.

‘M.A. Wardell’s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug.’ — Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper

‘Wardell’s writing is filled with tenderness, delectable heat, and characters so real they feel like friends.’ — Adib Khorram, USA Today bestselling author of It Had to Be Him

The UK editions of the Teachers in Love series are published by Penguin; and the new edition of NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS is published on Thursday.

New Paperback Edition of M.A. Wardell’s NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Thursday, September 25th, 2025

The new, paperback edition of NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS by M. A. Wardell is out in three weeks! Due to be published in North America by Forever (October 14th), and Penguin in the UK (October 16th), it’s the third novel in the author’s Teachers in Love series. Here’s the synopsis…

Now with bonuses! A new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

This steamy romance follows two men who find themselves working together after a one-night stand — and explores the balance between career and relationships while also dealing with mental health issues — from an author whose “stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug” (Alice Oseman, bestselling author of Heartstopper).

On paper, they’re a disaster. Between the sheets, they’re a perfect match.

Principal Kent Lester is proud of Lear Elementary School, but seven years after his divorce, he’s finally ready to focus on his personal life. Things get off to a rocky start with his first date — although that doesn’t stop them from spending the night together.

Vincent Manda never seems to be able to move past the friend zone, and besides, he’s not sure anyone can handle his OCD anyway. But hooking up with Kent was a revelation, and he’s both scared and hoping for a repeat.

When his school buys new computer software, Kent’s alarmed to discover that his one-night stand is working on the installation. Even if Kent and Vincent can make a success of this big project, it won’t erase the memories of their disastrous, not-cute meet cute. But could their sizzling sexual chemistry convince them to try a second date?

The first two books in the series — and — are also available, via Forever and Penguin, in paperback and eBook. The fourth novel is HUSBAND OF THE YEAR, and is due to be published by Forever and Penguin, on November 18th.

New Paperback Edition of M. A. Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2025

The UK paperback edition of M. A. Wardell‘s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS is out today! The second novel in the author’s Teachers in Love series, it is published by Penguin. Here’s the synopsis…

Sheldon Soleskin should be having a horrible day. Even though he’s been unexpectedly transferred to a new school right before the holidays, has only one day to set up his new classroom, and just discovered his twin sister’s been hiding an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s Christmas Eve wedding, he’s still ready to take on the world with a smile on his face and a skip in his step.

Theo Berenson just wants to be left alone to his custodial duties. But when the chipper new first-grade teacher needs help moving furniture the Sunday after Thanksgiving, he’s forced to do something he detests. Help. To make matters worse, Theo’s overbearing parents are coming for Hanukah in a few weeks, and he’s told them he has a boyfriend. Except he doesn’t. Because who would want to date an oaf like Theo?

Working together, these opposites discover they might be able to help each other out. Agreeing to be each other’s dates, they become friends as they practice for their upcoming events. But when all the rehearsing starts feeling a little too real, and both men’s pasts come roaring back to haunt them, will they be able to pull off the ultimate holiday masquerade?

The novel is also available in eBook. The first and third books in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS — are also available in eBook now (book one available in paperback, too).

The North American paperback edition of MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS was published on Tuesday, by Forever!

New Paperback Edition of M. A. Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS Out Now in North America!

Posted on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

Today, M. A. Wardell‘s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS is available in a new paperback edition! Published by Forever, here’s the synopsis…

Now with bonuses! A new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

This spicy and swoony romance follows two men with opposite personalities as they pretend to date during the holiday season—from an author whose “stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug” (Alice Oseman, bestselling author of Heartstopper).

Sheldon Soleskin should be having a horrible day. Even though he’s been unexpectedly transferred to a new school right before the holidays, has only one day to set up his new classroom, and just discovered his twin sister’s been hiding an invitation to his ex-boyfriend’s Christmas Eve wedding, he’s still ready to take on the world with a smile on his face and a skip in his step.

Theo Berenson just wants to be left alone to his custodial duties. But when the chipper new first-grade teacher needs help moving furniture the Sunday after Thanksgiving, he’s forced to do something he detests… help. To make matters worse, Theo’s overbearing parents are coming for Hanukah in a few weeks, and he’s told them he has a boyfriend. Except he doesn’t. Because who would want to date an oaf like Theo?

Working together, these opposites discover they might be able to help each other out. Agreeing to be each other’s dates, they become friends as they practice for their upcoming events. But when all the rehearsing starts feeling a little too real, and both men’s pasts come roaring back to haunt them, will they be able to pull off the ultimate holiday masquerade?

The second book in the author’s Teachers in Love series, it is also available in eBook. The first and third books in the series — TEACHER OF THE YEAR and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS — are also available in eBook now (book one also available in paperback).

The UK paperback edition of MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS is out on Thursday, to be published by Penguin!

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out Now in the UK!

Posted on Thursday, June 5th, 2025

M. A. Wardell Week continues: the new UK paperback edition of TEACHER OF THE YEAR is out now! (North American edition was published on Tuesday.) It’s the first novel in the author’s acclaimed Teachers in Love series, and is published by Penguin in the UK. Here’s the synopsis…

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?

Penguin are also due to re-issue Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS in September and October, respectively. (The eBook and audiobook editions are available now — in the UK and North America.)

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out Now in North America!

Posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

Today’s the day! M. A. Wardell‘s TEACHER OF THE YEAR is out now in a new North American paperback edition! The first novel in the author’s Teachers in Love series, it is published by Forever. Here’s the synopsis…

This steamy friends-to-lovers gay romance explores what happens when a kindergarten teacher falls for a student’s single father—while overcoming trauma and dealing with anxiety—perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly.

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?

Now with bonuses including a new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

Forever are also due to re-issue Wardell’s MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS AND OTHER DISTRACTIONS in September and October, respectively. (The eBook and audiobook editions are available now.)

M.A. Wardell’s TEACHER OF THE YEAR Out in Three Weeks!

Posted on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

In three weeks, a new edition of TEACHER OF THE YEAR by M. A. Wardell will be published! To be published by Forever in North America and Penguin in the UK, here’s the synopsis…

This steamy friends-to-lovers gay romance explores what happens when a kindergarten teacher falls for a student’s single father — while overcoming trauma and dealing with anxiety — perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly.

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?

Now with bonuses including a new epilogue and artwork of the characters.

Forever and Penguin will also be re-issuing MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS. Later this year, they will also publish a new novel in the series, HUSBAND OF THE YEAR.

M.A. Wardell’s Teachers in Love series out now in UK eBook edition!

Posted on Thursday, February 13th, 2025

The first three novels in M. A. Wardell‘s Teachers in Love series are out now in the UK! The eBook editions of TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MISTLETOE AND MISHIGAS, and NAPKINS & OTHER DISTRACTIONS are available from all eBook retailers, published by Penguin. As in North America, the paperback editions will follow in June, September, and October, respectively).

Here’s the synopsis for the first novel, TEACHER OF THE YEAR…