Publishers Weekly
06/01/2020
McCade (The Criminal Intentions Serial) sets this modest contemporary romance at Albin Academy School for Boys, as alumnus Summer Hemlock returns after seven years away to work as an assistant for Fox Iseya, his former psychology professor. Fox, a widower, is intimidating, frosty, and full of cutting remarks, but Summer, who had a crush on Fox as a student, is determined to win him over. When Fox urges the anxious Summer to conquer his fears lest the students get the best of him, Summer responds by impulsively kissing Fox. Summer then proposes that Fox reward Summer with one kiss per day if he continues to act boldly. Fox accepts the challenge. McCade’s focus is intimate, concentrating almost exclusively on the relationship between the lovers. The eventual conflict is likewise internally motivated, as Summer must contend with his fears, while the emotionally closed-off Fox “has made an art out of running away while staying in place.” The romantic longing, themes of bravery and confidence, and moments of cozy domesticity shine in this May-December romance that, aside from some overheated sex scenes, is otherwise as restrained as its characters. This is sweet but slight. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
The romantic longing, themes of bravery and confidence, and moments of cozy domesticity shine in this May-December romance”—Publishers Weekly
"This first in a new series from McCade (“Undue Arrogance” series) is wonderfully descriptive, filled with angst and great introspection from both characters. Fans of the author and second-chance love stories will be enthralled." — Library Journal
"An exquisitely written May/December romance" — All About Romance
"A tender, heartwarming, engaging tale by McCade that’s a promising start for this new Albin Academy series." — What's Better Than Books
"This was a beautifully written age gap, second chance romance that surprised me. It’s lush and painful, hopeful and sad, and yes, so very romantic. " — Boy Meets Boy Reviews
"Just Like That is a beautiful book, filled with softness, gorgeous writing, grief and yearning." — Cannonball Read
Library Journal
07/01/2020
Summer Hemlock is returning to his old boarding school, a place he never felt like he belonged. He'll be the teaching assistant to Fox Iseya, a teacher Summer had a crush on as a boy. Summer suffers from anxiety, but around Fox he feels braver than he ever could imagine. Fox's wife died 20 years earlier, and he's struck with guilt over not being there when she needed him most. Since then, he has done everything possible to cut off all feelings of happiness. Fox challenges Summer to have one moment of courage every day, promising Summer a kiss in return for each act. Through these tests, Summer finds his purpose outside of teaching. However, Fox is also challenged when Summer starts pushing Fox's boundaries, and Fox is not so quick to leave past hurts behind. VERDICT This first in a new series from McCade ("Undue Arrogance" series) is wonderfully descriptive, filled with angst and great introspection from both characters. Fans of the author and second-chance love stories will be enthralled.—Ashli Wells, Vanderbilt Univ. Law Lib., Nashville
