
Napkins and Other Distractions
M.A. Wardell(Author)
Penguin Books Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 16. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-4059-7936-8 (ISBN)
Description
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
'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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
258 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4059-7936-8 (9781405979368)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

M.A. Wardell
Napkins and Other Distractions
An Enemies-to-Lovers LGBTQ+ Workplace Romance with Heat and Heart
E-Book
02/2025
Penguin Books Ltd
€8.99
Available for download
Person
M.A. Wardell lives near the ocean with his husband and cats. When he isn't writing, he's snuggling those cats, reading all the rom-coms, walking to unravel plot points, and taking long hot baths. He is the author of the Teachers in Love series and more.