Teacher of the Year

Brought to you by Penguin.

Crushes, Chaos, and Classroom Chemistry: Can Marvin Turn Flirtation into a Grade-A Romance?

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 she 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?

But with the school’s future on the line, this might be a distraction Marvin can’t afford…

Will Marvin keep his focus sharp - or let love rewrite the lesson plan?

Tropes:

Workplace romanceSingle-parent romanceOpposites attractSlow burnForbidden / Risky romanceLGBTQ+

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

'A love letter to queer educators...prepare to meet your new auto-buy author!' Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love

'The quick wit, delightful humor, and emotional depth of M.A. Wardell's prose come together in this debut novel' Jay Leigh, author of Whisper into the Night

© M.A. Wardell 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026