Napkins and Other Distractions

"M.A. Wardell''s stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug." Alice Oseman, author of HEARTSTOPPER


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.

Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly.

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

Enemies at work, lovers at night – but what happens when the lines blur?‘M.A. Wardell's stories are sweetness and spice wrapped into a big warm hug’ Alice Oseman, author of HEARTSTOPPER–On paper, they're a disaster. In the sheets, they're a perfect match. Kent Lester is proud principal of Lear Elementary School, working hard to create a joyful, thriving learning community. But after years of putting work before play, this divorcee is finally ready to let loose and dip back into the dating world. Spreading his bisexual wings gets off to a rocky start when Kent's first date, Vincent, is an uptight control freak - although that doesn't stop them tangling some sheets. But when the school’s test scores take a sudden nosedive, Kent finds himself under the microscope. That’s when none other than his one-night stand Vincent is employed to install new software to help the school monitor and collect data. With both their jobs hanging on this project, butting heads is going to get them nowhere. One thing is for sure: Vincent and Kent need to be able to work together. But maybe then, there might there be room for something more…–Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Anita Kelly. Now with bonuses! A new epilogue and artwork of the characters. –Reviews Hotter Than Their Chemistry…‘Each book just gets better’ 5* Reader Review‘A delightful balance between light hearted humor, nuanced character development, and blossoming romance’ 5* Reader Review‘MA Wardell writes the most wholesome books ever. I cried, I swooned and I giggled’ 5* Reader Review‘This was a warm hug. i'm happy’ 5* Reader Review

• | Author: M.A. Wardell
• | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• | Publication Date: Oct 16, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781405979368
• | ISBN-10: 1405979364