Usually when I think about school, the things that don’t come to mind are romance, spice, humor, and a good old time. This book was all those things and more. This book followed Greer Gibson as she was starting her first job as a teacher at a new school, and had to deal with the grumpy yet very attractive cardigan wearing man named, Arlo Turner. Arlo and Greer had different approaches when it came to their teachings so they had there fair share of butting heads and having mini disagreements. In the end, through the arguments and building tension, there was something between Arlo and Greer that they couldn’t contain. 

Right away, it was clear that Greer and Arlo weren’t fans of one another, and to say that they despised each other was pretty accurate. I wasn’t expecting the pranks to happen, but omg they were hilarious! With Stella, Keiko, Romeo, and Gunner helping Greer pull off the pranks planned for Arlo it was funny, but also a bit of some fun to teach Arlo a lesson. I couldn’t help but feel like I was on Greer’s side (sorry not sorry Arlo), since I felt for her, and didn’t particularly like how Arlo was dismissive of Greer’s approach to teaching. Anyways, back to the pranks, they made me laugh, and poor Arlo just kept fuming and getting angrier with each new prank. I’m surprised Arlo didn’t catch on earlier, but oh well I was having fun reading about all the shenanigans Greer and everyone else got into. 

The tension between Arlo and Greer was SO CRYSTAL CLEAR that you’d have to be oblivious to not notice. With the enemies to lovers trope at play, there were some moments that had me at the edge of my seat wondering what Arlo and Greer would do next? From Greer trying to prove her point to Arlo about making him… aroused to Arlo wondering what it would be like if he kissed Greer, those two might have hated each other, but oh boy the passion was present even in the tense moments. 

Greer was trying to find her footing in Forest Heights (school) and trying to make a fresh start, so with everything going on, she didn’t anticipate meeting or feeling a certain way towards Arlo. While being with Arlo during those moments of spicy fooling around, in the end Greer wanted more, a long term relationship that led to more, but Arlo didn’t want that. I liked that Greer was straightforward with what she wanted, and when Arlo didn’t want that kind of commitment, Greer made her choice to move on. This could have easily been a miscommunication trope, but I’m glad it wasn’t. I liked that Greer took the initiative, and was clear about what she wanted not only for her future, but what she wanted in a relationship. 

I think one of my favorite things about grumpy/sunshine tropes is when the grumpy character starts to soften and open up. Arlo was notoriously known as being strict and reserved. Even Arlo was well aware of his grumpy demeanor. Between the arguments and pranks with Greer, underneath all that Arlo was not only attracted to her, but little by little appreciated the things she did like with Cora (Arlo’s sister) and admiring her more and more over the course of the story. Arlo struggled with coming to terms with his feelings with Greer so his main obstacle was overcoming his emotional turmoil, and in a way learning to lessen the grip he always had over maintaining control in his life. Seeing Arlo truly open up with Greer, and giving his all to trying to have a relationship with her was sweet, endearing, and oh so romantic with his romantic gestures of writing notes to her and of course their lovely first date together. 

Overall, this was another fun, spicy, enjoyable book by Meghan Quinn. Never did I think I would find a teacher romance to be sexy and fun. Arlo was grumpy man turned softie romantic for Greer and with his romantic gestures involving, “Pride and Prejudice”, I was swooning, squealing with so much joy! Greer was amazing as well, and the chemistry between her and Arlo was great. I loved the friendships among everyone. Such a fun book, and I loved seeing the character growth in Arlo. Anything by Meghan Quinn is a sure way to brighten my day, and have me falling in love with lovable characters!