Just Like That

“The romantic longing, themes of bravery and confidence, and moments of cozy domesticity shine in this May-December romance” —Publishers Weekly

Summer Hemlock never meant to come back to Omen, Massachusetts...

But with his mother in need of help, Summer has no choice but to return to his hometown, take up a teaching residency at the elite Albin Academy—and work directly under the man who made his teenage years miserable.

Professor Fox Iseya.

Forbidding, aloof, commanding: psychology instructor Iseya is a cipher who’s always fascinated and intimidated shy, anxious Summer. But that fascination turns into something more when the older man challenges Summer to be brave. What starts as a daily game to reward Summer with a kiss for every obstacle overcome turns passionate, and a professional relationship turns quickly personal.

Yet Iseya’s walls of grief may be too high for someone like Summer to climb…until Summer’s infectious warmth shows Fox everything he’s been missing in life.

Now both men must be brave enough to trust each other, to take that leap.

To find the love they’ve always needed…

Just like that.

Carina Adores is home to romantic love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.


Albin Academy
Book 1: Just Like That
Book 2: Just Like This

Too wordy but good story

Good story, likeable characters, but the details. I like details but this is over the top a bit.

Moving

This novel had many moving moments, just as every romance ought to. Characters well drawn. Performance brilliant.

I adore Kirt AND Cole

Kirt is typically not the kind of narrator I enjoy, but thanks to one of his most popular series, I’ve become attached to his narration. He did a great job with this. The story was surprisingly angsty and lovely for the most part. I have a couple of plot niggles but overall I enjoyed it.

Stellar work!

I’m rather shocked that this book doesn’t have way more reviews & ratings. I bought this on a whim & was really hesitant, but it was 100x better than expected.

3 takeaways from this:
1. the writing is very flowery but rather passionate too.
2. The narrator is excellent & I will be reading more of his work from now on.
3. I like the theme of consent in the book. Too many romances think that an mc being overbearing and aggressive equals passion/consent when that is not always true.

Some will like it, not for me

I don't know if my assessment of this book is going to be in line with how others would feel, however, I couldn't bring myself to care for either character. I have never enjoyed the martyr characters that are so present in love stories, characters that sacrifice every ounce of themselves for someone that just gives them crumbs. So right off the bat I couldn't really identify with Summer, he struck me as self deprecating and annoying. For his counter part all I can say is that I know people like him exist and that gave me more comfort with the character. Those feelings aside, for the most part the story is written well and eloquently. If you enjoy slow, detail laden stories this one isn't bad. If you prefer action/comedy and independent willful characters with fast straight forward pacing, I would steer clear.