In Nina High's B+J: The Teachers of Hardwood High, sparks fly – literally and figuratively – between Janae and Benjamin. Three years after a whirlwind weekend ended abruptly with Benjamin's disappearance, their paths collide again at Hardwood High. Janae, simmering with resentment, finds herself forced into professional proximity with the man who ghosted her. Benjamin, now the assistant principal, attempts to navigate his complicated feelings for Janae while she remains unconvinced of his sincerity. Their forced collaboration under Dr. Ranley's mentorship program ignites a combustible mix of anger, attraction, and unresolved emotions, promising a fiery and unpredictable romance.
Review B+J
Oh my gosh, you guys, I just loved "B+J: The Teachers of Hardwood High"! Seriously, this book was a total delight from start to finish. Nina High has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors, and this one solidified that. The premise alone – a woman whose weekend fling ghosted her only to reappear as her new assistant principal – had me hooked instantly! The initial tension between Janae and Benjamin was electric. I mean, the snappy dialogue and simmering resentment were so well-written, I practically felt the sparks flying off the page (or, in my case, my e-reader).
Janae is such a strong female character. She's confident, smart, and entirely justified in her anger. While her bitterness is palpable at first, it never overshadows her intelligence and strength. Watching her slowly let down her guard and allow Ben to show her a different side of himself was incredibly rewarding. And speaking of Ben… let's just say he started out as a classic "charming but flawed" type but rapidly developed into a truly redeemable, even swoon-worthy, character. His attempts to navigate his past actions and his genuine efforts to win Janae over were surprisingly endearing. He didn't just magically become a perfect guy; his growth felt organic and believable.
The "enemies-to-lovers" trope is one of my favorites, and this book did it perfectly. The banter between Janae and Ben was witty and sharp, and the slow burn of their rekindled connection kept me completely captivated. I found myself constantly anticipating their interactions, both professional and personal. The setting of Hardwood High added another layer of intrigue. The school environment created both obstacles and opportunities for them to overcome their differences and grow together, adding a unique layer to their already compelling story. The school project they were forced to work on was a brilliant plot device that allowed their relationship to evolve naturally, slowly chipping away at the wall of resentment Janae had built up.
While some reviewers mentioned the pacing of their getting together as a bit rushed considering Janae's hurt, I personally felt the balance was just right. The author expertly blended moments of intense tension with heartwarming connection, leaving me wanting more without feeling overwhelmed. It struck a perfect balance between keeping the drama alive and allowing their feelings to bloom realistically.
Yes, there were a few minor editing hiccups mentioned by some readers, but they honestly didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. The story, the characters, and the fantastic Black love story at its heart more than made up for any minor inconsistencies. If you’re looking for a captivating romance with well-developed characters, witty banter, and a satisfying resolution, "B+J: The Teachers of Hardwood High" is a must-read. I eagerly await more from this talented author and the teachers of Hardwood High!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.41 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 178
- Publication date: 2024
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