Review: Just Like This (Albin Academy #2) by Cole McCade

Rian Falwell has a problem.

And his name is Damon Louis.

Rian’s life as the art teacher to a gaggle of displaced boys at Albin Academy should be smooth sailing—until the stubborn, grouchy football coach comes into his world like a lightning strike and ignites a heated conflict that would leave them sworn enemies if not for a common goal.

A student in peril. A troubling secret. And two men who are polar opposites but must work together to protect their charges.

They shouldn’t want each other. They shouldn’t even like each other.

Yet as they fight to save a young man from the edge, they discover more than they thought possible about each other—and about themselves.

In the space between hatred, they find love.

And the lives they have always wanted…

Just like this.

Taking place at the same exalted boarding school for mostly rich, privileged young boys as seen in Just Like That, this story now focuses on football coach Damon, and art teacher Rian. As per the blurb, when a mutual student seems to be going astray by not fulfilling academic and sport commitments, it brings these two complete opposites together, forcing them to work towards a common goal, each challenging and pushing buttons that incite and inflame.

For McCade fans, don’t fret. This is still wrought with an angsty push pull and an antagonistic back and forth, all with an inner turmoil to lend some heady gravitas. The interactions between Damon and Rian are wrought with personal fears and insecurity, and one step forward is annihilated by too much overthinking and misinterpretation of rashly said assumptions. Again, all the words add an atmospheric touch to the minutiae, heavy in the weight of hangups and baggage.

However, my poor ferret brain has come to the conclusion that for now, this series is just not for me. Whether it’s the lush descriptions of these two’s physical attributes and reactions, their complex warring feelings, or the intimate joining they ultimately accomplish, this was too deconstructed into every single detail imaginable, testing my impatient self. I need to get to the nitty gritty, I need the story to be propelled forward, and it seemed like the verbosity, the too many self and externally imposed obstacles kept these two teachers on the sidelines watching and waiting for the other shoe to drop, not only in their romance, but with the student they were concerned with as well.

Reassuringly, this is still well written and highly romantic (with a lovely epilogue) just like the first book. I’m confident many will find this an interesting enemies to lovers dynamic as each MC with their painful pasts and deep buried longings, slowly shed their preconceived notions of the other and make a connection.

Again, I could appreciate this for what it was in all the descriptive nuances. If you crave that, if you enjoy it, then this is an absolute must. I’m just left unsure if this author’s other works can personally keep me captivated as much as I would like them to, as so far for me, less would’ve definitely been more.

Review: Just Like That (Albin Academy #1) by Cole McCade

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 Albin Academy boarding school—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.

Full disclosure. I’ve never read anything by Cole McCade or his other alter ego Xen., but that doesn’t mean I haven't seen him around GR with the multitudes of praise he’s gotten especially over his Criminal Intentions series. Hence, I’ve been intrigued, and when this came across the blog, I thought why not? The publisher states that this is a “highly romantic contemporary love story”, and if that’s what you’re seeking, then come on over!

As per the blurb, Summer returns home and to the very school he once attended, hired to be a teacher in training to the most intimidating man he has ever known. To say the least, his anxiety is ratcheted up several thousand notches but for some reason, when push comes to shove, Summer can overcome that base fear, setting a precedent that creates a challenge between himself and the professor he’s fascinated with. Summer only has to be brave daily and he’ll be rewarded with a kiss by the same man who unnerves him as much as turns him on.

Fox Iseya is not to be trifled with. He doesn’t quite know how he got wrangled into this situation with Summer, but he obviously can’t resist the enticing younger man either. Sadly, Fox has secluded himself in a fortress of grief for the last 20 or so years, and though Summer confounds him, though Summer captivates him, he’s determined to stay aloof and unattached. Fox is held by a prison of his own making, and as days and weeks go by, the push pull with Summer evolves into so much more than anticipated, causing a resigned and staunch belief that he could never be what Summer deserves.

Admittedly, I had certain expectations and knew that this wasn’t going to be some dark gritty drama. What I didn’t expect was how descriptive the imagery and how flowery the prose were going to be, especially regarding all the feelings, desires, and worries these two men have. Also, each kiss, each step towards a deeper intimacy, was detailed extensively lending a very emotional, weighted atmosphere. Some might appreciate this and some might not...

Overall, I’m not typically for over descriptive, drawn out explanations or details, for my ferret brain gets easily distracted and impatient. Regardless, 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. McCade gives a very intricate and expressive look at Summer and Fox’s inner turmoil and growth. I could appreciate it for what it was, and if that’s the type of story you love, then dig in! I’m definitely intrigued by this author, and I definitely want to explore what else he has in his backlist as well as any future endeavors!