Learning Goals and Dancing Poles: Book Two of the Marchfield Middle Series

Marchfield Middle #2

by M. Jayne LaDow

“My credit card was declined, Mr. Wrong keeps knocking on my door, and I think my meddling parents are behind the whole fiasco!” Social studies teacher, Val Bellini, is minutes away from her breaking point when Evan Shurden—the charming Tech Ed teacher—steps in.

Evan can’t stop thinking about Val even when he should be looking out for his best friend’s widow. So, he’s caught off guard when Val proposes a no-strings hook-up with a side of fake dating.

What starts as a charade quickly turns into complicated feelings. Between dodging setups, engaging in flirty road trip banter, and navigating a roller-coaster of emotions, Val feels like she’s spinning out of control on the dancing pole of life.

As attraction simmers and blurs the line between pretense and reality, they discover that faking love might be more precarious than falling for the real thing.

363 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Hi, I'm MJ — and yes, I write steamy romance about teachers. Former middle school English teacher of 33 years. I know exactly what I'm doing.
I write two series (a third one is coming) out of Virginia Beach, VA: the Marchfield Series, which is workplace rom-com set among teachers in a middle school (spicy, chaotic, deeply unhinged in the best way), and the Tides of Truth mystery romance series set in 1990s Virginia Beach, for when you want your swooning served with a side of cold case. https://www.hopp.bio/mjayneladow/
When I'm not writing, I'm working for Creative Footnotes — a magazine, Substack, and YouTube channel about the creative process — corresponding with pen pals around the world, volunteering with the local food bank, and being firmly ignored by three cats named Gino, George, and Jonsey.
I have adult children, a husband named Jim, and a deep conviction that the best stories are the ones where the slow burn finally catches.
Come join the LaDow Lovelies and the Zero Regrets book club; we read what we want.

Reviews

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific book in Jayne LaDow's Marchfield Middle Series! Learning Goals and Dancing Poles introduces the reader to Val and Evan, who teach at Marchfield Middle School. Evan is new to the school and to the town. Val has been teaching for a few years and has a solid circle of friends at school. They are assigned to work together at a school carnival booth and their first encounter is one of the best meet - cute I have read! Of course they teach at the same school but they haven't had any kind of meaningful interaction which is totally realistic!
LaDow excels at writing witty characters who have sharp senses of humor. Learning Goals and Dancing Poles was an easy to read and Val and Evan were characters that could get behind a cheer for. Val has a complicated family issue and Evan is the kind of man who is ready to step in to help a friend. The fake dating /he falls first trope fits perfectly based on their personalities. Well done, and I am hoping Keith and Rachel are in her next book of the series!
I received and advance readers copy and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience.

[Lauren Coulsting · Rating 5 out of 5]

LaDow has outdone herself with the second book in the Marchfield Middle series, delivering a story that's even more addictive than the first! In Learning Goals and Dancing Poles, we dive back into the lives of Val and Evan as they pretend to date, only to realize that faking it might not be exactly what they want. While attempting to navigate sabotaging parents, friend obligations, and a spring break road trip, their lives quickly spiral out of control. But when they realize they might be in love, even fake dating can’t solve their problems.
LaDow’s signature witty banter, laugh-out-loud humor, and irresistible love scenes are all back in full force, making this book binge-worthy. Her characters are so real that they feel like new best friends, and her sharp observations about school life will resonate with anyone who’s spent time in a classroom. Whether you’re a teacher or just love a fast-paced, feel-good romance, this book checks all the boxes. I was hooked from the first page and can’t wait to see what’s next in the Marchfield series!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and maybe even better than the first. Evan and Val come from 2 completely different families and backgrounds but they are both great teachers and quite perfect for each other. Val needs a fake date to get her rich parents to stop trying to get her to marry an old family friend who she is not compatible with and figure out what her dad is up to. Evan also needs a (fake) date for a family event, although his family is much more supportive of his life decisions. They have both been drawn to each other but are resisting for a variety of reasons. A little fake dating is just what they need to discover and accept their true feelings. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth Lehrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Learning Goals and Dancing Poles” is full of fun banter, hilarious antics and deliciously sweet moments. As a young teacher, Val has controlling wealthy parents. Evan, a teacher in the same middle school, has responsibilities that command his attention. Having the families involved added so much to the story, and their colleagues were loyal and supportive as Val and Evan push their way through conflicts and misunderstandings to romance – of course!
Loved the characters, their interactions, and of course the steamy moments! M. Jayne Ladow has a way of bringing the characters to life. You can feel their excitement, tension and love. Could not put the book down!

[Nancy Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, this new little series, and this author M. Jayne LaDow! Learning Goals and Dancing Poles is hilarious and sexy. Yes, it has both! I love Val, and I love Evan even more! A true modern day night in shining armor who always has Val’s back! You will be rooting for them the whole way through. Order your copy today!

[Haney Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a delightful fit for readers who adore lighthearted, feel-good romance novels with a touch of humor, witty banter, and a strong, relatable heroine navigating love, identity, and self-discovery in a charming, small-town setting.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in LaDow's Marchfield Middle series and follows main characters Evan and Val. A delightfully fun romance read full of witty banter and tenderness. Evan and Val come from different backgrounds and yet they are perfect for each other. A wonderfully fun storyline with delightful characters makes this a binge worthy read. I loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marti_readsss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I absolutely loved this book. The cute banners and jokes between the mmc and fmc made me laugh so much.

This is one of the best rom-com book I read this month. The author did an excellent job in portraying the characters and the storyline was absolutely amazing.

I love the fmc so much.t

This book kept me glued to my screen until I finished the entire book. All in all I can't wait to read more books by this author. 10/10 read ❤️

I received an advance review copy for free,and I am leaving this review voluntarily.