Napkins and Other Distractions

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?

• "M.A. Wardell's stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big, warm hug."
  Alice Oseman, bestselling 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
• "A winning love story with just the right amounts of thoughtfulness and playful energy."
  Kirkus on Teacher of the Year
• "A love letter to queer educators, Teacher of the Year is a warm hug-and spicy treat-of a novel!"
  Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love, on Teacher of the Year