In this episode, Nikki and Meg sit down with author M.A. Wardell (of the Teachers in Love series) along with guest host Andréa Jones (aka author Olivia Carter) to talk about why teacher romances never go out of style.

From the messy, cozy dynamics of faculty lounges to the importance of mental health and Jewish representation in romance, Wardell shares what makes his characters so memorable.

Listen in for:

* Why parent / teacher romances feel fun, forbidden, and relatable

* M.A. Wardell’s take on writing *real* queer characters (including how there’s never enough r**ming or prep)

* The allure of the hot single parent character and why every teacher wants their kid in their class

* Why we think Matt needs to do a webinar…

About Our Guest:

Writing as M.A. Wardell, Lambda Literary Award nominee Matt writes spicy queer rom-coms.

His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love.

Matt loves rom-coms and has always wished for better representation, so he's writing the stories he wishes existed. The queer men in his stories are flawed and messy. Helping them find their HEA is Matt's passion.

www.mawardell.com

Check out Matt’s teacher/school series:

* Teacher of the Year

* Mistletoe and Mishigas

* Napkins and Other Distractions

* Husband of the Year (coming November 2025)

About Our Guest Host:

Writing as Olivia Carter, Andréa writes emotionally rich, high-heat MM romance with medium angst, queer joy, and a guaranteed HEA.

https://authoroliviacarter.com/

Books & Media We Mention

* Pretty Mess by Lily Morton: https://amzn.to/4pcPJjX

* Wooing the Wiccan by Louisa Masters: https://amzn.to/45XnKgx

* Monstrous audiobooks by Lily Mayne: https://amzn.to/4m7p1WU

* Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://amzn.to/4ghThxf

* The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers Podcast

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