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.
Check out Matt’s teacher/school series:
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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