[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Totally Schooled by Nicole Dykes is a new standalone MM romance where a single dad finds himself inappropriately drawn to his daughter’s kindergarten teacher. Rafe Scott knows that he’s in trouble when he goes to meet his daughter Hailey’s teacher for the first time and can’t keep his eyes off Nolan Burke. Nolan is approaching his 30th birthday and has decided no more hook ups or apps. He wants the real thing and will settle for nothing less. But when Rafe needs someone’s help to keep things afloat Nolan is all too happy to get to know the struggling single father. The two men know they should keep their attraction at bay but after giving in and when feelings come into play neither man will come out unscathed.
Rafe Scott has a lot on his plate as he moves away from the support system of his aunt and raises Hailey solo. He struggles under the weight of the past. Nolan comes in not only as a lover but also provides the support of a friendship that Rafe hasn’t ever experienced. The physical aspect of their relationship is easier for him to handle than the idea that he is getting attached to Nolan and fears he cannot provide a future the other man deserves.
Everything is easy with Nolan in a way that nothing has ever been easy before. I can be who I really am with him.
Nolan Burke deserves to be loved and cared for in the way he does his family, friends and previous lovers. He knows getting involved with Rafe while he is still teaching Hailey is wrong but their instant connection and chemistry is too hard to ignore. Nolan’s honesty is so important because of how much is left unsaid for so long. He knows he needs to ask and demand what he deserves out of the relationship even if Rafe isn’t ready to hear it. The two men compliment each other in so many ways because Nolan is a sounding board for Rafe and Rafe is the perfect recipient for Nolan’s much needed affection.
There’s something about us… We drift toward each other like there’s no way we can stop it. Some sort of cosmic, magnetic force that doesn’t allow space between us.
Nicole Dykes managed an emotional yet steamy romance between a single dad and his daughter’s teacher without it being too much. She manages to strike a balance between their growing intimacy and the importance of the friendship they are developing. You hurt along with the characters as they bumbled through easy physical interactions and difficult emotional ones.
4 stars for an emotional and intimate ride where Nolan and Rafe try to figure out a future together.
OnceUpon_A_BookDream 