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The Cortell Brothers #4

Textbook Approach

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Will

From the moment I saw her, I knew she was different. She wasn't like all the other women I was used to.
But then I asked her out and my mind was blown.
She was different from every other woman, I just wasn't sure that was a good thing.
Relationships? Off the table.
Marriage? Not a chance in hell.
Geez, I wasn't even allowed to stay the night. You would think I was with the woman every man dreamed of, but all I wanted was the woman to want me in the same way I wanted her.
It was going to be an uphill battle the whole way, but I was a history teacher. I knew all about warfare.

Charlie

God was seriously mistaken when he said that man and woman should live together for the rest of their lives.
Why would any woman want to live with a man?
They're disgusting and they don't listen. They need everything explained to them.
I've been there, done that, and I'm not interested in repeating it.
I live my life for me now, and even the sexy Will Cortell won't change my mind. He can try, but he will fail.
I have to admit, I do like having him around more than I thought.
But I will not give in, no matter how much he pushes. Because the thing about strong women is, the harder you push, the harder you push the woman away. And I have no problem walking away from him.
I think.

344 pages, ebook

First published February 8, 2021

187 people are currently reading
1207 people want to read

About the author

Giulia Lagomarsino

122 books825 followers

Giulia Lagomarsino is the author of the action-packed series Owens Protective Services, along with four other series that feature hot men, strong women, and storylines that will leave you laughing, crying, and begging for more. To find her reading order, visit her website http://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com or join her reading group https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giuli....

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Profile Image for Tish-Anne Singh.
96 reviews
January 12, 2021
So far all the books in this series have been amazing, and I was eagerly anticipating this book. And boy oh boy did it deliver.

Will is a complex character who definite wants something different from his relationships and when he meets Charlie, he senses the possibility of more. His character is well thought out and he doesn't come across as a stuffy teacher.
I was definitely rooting for him from the beginning.

Charlie is a woman who doesn't need a man to define her worth, and she's unapologetic about her life. She is absolutely strong willed and she definitely knows what she wants from life. So when she meets Will, she is definitely thrown for a loop. I do like her strong willed character, but I feel like she might be a bit too stubborn.

With that being said, I loved the book and the town's facebook page doesn't disappoint when it comes to the latest shenanigans of the Cortell Brothers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
January 21, 2021
Charlie you're my spirit animal! I couldn't put this book down! I read it in one sitting because this book was everything! you need to read all of these brothers, they're the perfect and most hilarious family!
55 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2021
I love The Cortell Brothers! And this book is definitely my favorite! Charlie is a strong independent woman who convinced she doesn't need a man! Will know she needs a man, and he stops at nothing to show her just how much she needs him. This book is hilarious! And Giulia touches on issues that every woman in a relationship deals with...loading the dirty dish in the dishwasher!! Why not put them in the dishwasher in the 1st place! And the Cortell Brother I can't wait to see what up next for them.
111 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2022
What can I say.......Guilia you did it again, Charlie was giving Will what every man wants, but he wanted more, what a heroine, I want to be Charlie when I grow up. This book had me laughing out loud, can’t wait till the next one.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
February 5, 2021
I had this one read a couple days and just saw I haven’t sent lol. E J. I think the 9th

Cat gives this 5 meows with a 4 purr heat index
This is book 4 in the Cortel brothers series and I do suggest you read them in order, though each book basically centers around one brother the others are all involved and there is a sort of connection between this book and the last.
This one does pick up in the hospital where the last ended. This is where Will the featured brother meets the woman he will want.
I really learned a lot about Will and was pretty surprised at how cocky he was. He is a school teacher but had almost been a pro pitcher for the Cubs until he blew his elbow out.
Charlie has been married once and decided it’s not for her. She works a lot, is dedicated to her job as surgeon, what little time she has off is for her 8 year old son so , marriage, relationships and even dating are Off the table. Sure she’s a woman and has needs but she has a friend with benefits for that.
So you need to have some tissues on hand as this book starts out a bit sad. Hang onto them because after Will meets Charlie and starts going to his brothers for relationship advice things get twisted and hilarious. Then we add in an 8 Year old boy that doesn’t like anyone especially any man trying to get in his moms life and we get more twists and laughs.
Each book is so different and though this one does start out on a sad note it’s lighter than the others especially the last was. I think this really shows the diversIt’s of the author and you never know what your getting, except you can count on awesome characters, plenty of twists, Heat, a touch of comedy and a good old romance. I can’t wait for Joe’s book.
Profile Image for Giulia Lagomarsino.
Author 122 books825 followers
Currently reading
February 19, 2021
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Read an excerpt!


I pulled out my phone, hoping Nathan could come over and hang out for a little bit, but when he answered, I could hear a woman in the background.
“Sorry, what’s that?” he asked, almost shouting.
“Are you busy?”
“Um…I have a very sexy lady…holy shit,” I heard him gasp. “Uh…now’s not really a good time.”
“Are you having sex?”
“Trying to.”
I smiled devilishly, deciding to draw this out a little longer. “Trying?”
“Well, you’re on the phone and…oh, fuck, baby, that’s amazing.”
“What’s she doing?” I asked curiously.
“Seriously? You want to talk about this now?”
“Well, I don’t want to go in my apartment. I’m pretty sure someone’s waiting in there to kill me.”
“Uh-huh. Yeah, that’s good,” he groaned.
“Are you listening to me? I’m telling you that I’m about to be murdered and you’re too busy getting a blow job?”
“Well, you dumped me for the baseball guy,” he panted. “Fuck.”
I sighed. “Well, I guess if I don’t show up to work tomorrow, you’ll just have to come looking for my dead body. Just…do me a favor and come check on me before you call the police.”
“Sure, whatever you want.”
“You know, just to make sure that if I was raped first, I’m not naked for everyone to see.”
“Right, check on you first,” he said distractedly. “I can do that.”
“You know, because the next time you see me, they’ll be drawing with chalk around my body in one of those really bad poses that makes me look like I weigh three hundred pounds.”
“Uh-huh. Chalk. Don’t want that.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m happy you’re so concerned about me, by the way.”
“You’ll be fine. Go for the carotid or the…or the…f-f-femoral,” he spluttered out.
“So, this has been fun, but I really don’t want to hear you-“
“Fuck, Bethany!” he shouted.
“Come,” I finished with a grimace.
“Who the fuck is Bethany?” the voice screeched.
“Uh….”
“I’m just gonna hang up now,” I said, pretending that I hadn’t just heard any of that.
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,209 reviews68 followers
February 8, 2021
What happens when the guy wants the girl but the girl only wants a friend for a good time?...

Well it's safe to say Textbook Approach is not your normal dynamic with the usual stereotypical boy meets girl, girl does the chasing waiting for the guy to catch up with his feelings. Nope... This one was all Will chasing Charlie and Charlie fighting the feels. ILOVEIT.

This was sweet read with a HEA. I love the crazy relationship between the Cortell Brothers and the trouble they seemed to find. They are crazy and hilarious and have this sweet brother love that borders the fine line of love to hate. They had me crying laughing at their antics. Especially when they were trying to help will get his 'man'... Bahahaha I died.

Will and Charlie are in very different headspaces in regards to relationships so it's safe to say their journey wasn't easy and there was a lot of push and pull but it does lighten up with a tonne of humor and crazy that makes it feel not as angsty or sad. Add in some steaming romancing and some real swoon worthy sweetness.. and you have yourself a well rounded Romance with all the feels.

I like this ALOT. This series is so sweet and it keeps getting better!.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews257 followers
February 7, 2021
This is the 4th book in this phenomenal series, and my word what a journey Will and Charlie’s story takes us on! Will is a teacher and Charlie are a doctor, and this story carries on from when #3 ended when everyone is at the hospital due to a tragic event. Charlie is as tough as they come with her busy career and the tine, she is off is spent with her 8-year-old son, and she does not need a man in her life to complicate things as she already has a friends-with-benefits relationship. Will and Charlie have an off the chart’s chemistry, but Will wants more from Charlie, and she is determined that it is her way or the highway, until he starts to play her at her own game, which confuses her. This is a well written seamless story which is hilarious from the very beginning with emotions, and is entertaining, and tugs at the heartstrings. Add is the Cortell brothers and their crazy antics, and this is a brilliant story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Vera Blaz.
1,587 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2021
I’ve read every Cornell Brothers book so far and every time it gets better and better! That small town life where everyone knows your name and your business. When you got in trouble at school the whole neighborhood knew by the time you got home. Of course, Facebook guru Joe makes things a lot easier for the town to know. I could not stop laughing throughout this book. I laughed until I cried. The misunderstanding about Charlie. And then I cried for real because Charlie was so traumatized by her first marriage that her expectations were a bit over the top. Okay, way more than a bit. Then Will and his shenanigans and the textbook approach he needed to use to get her where she needed to be. I love that the author did some role reversal here with the heroine being the one averse to relationships. What a breath of fresh air that it wasn’t the guy running in the opposite direction of commitment. I can’t wait until Joe gets his own story. So much payback is gonna happen. I can feel it!

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,684 reviews84 followers
February 8, 2021
'Textbook Approach' is Giulia Lagomarsino's fourth book in her "Cordell Brothers" series and it is just as great as the first three! To be honest, I feel like I've met pieces of the author's personality with the way she intersperses family, love, loyalty, and humor into every storyline she's given me to read. In this one, we get to meet Will Cordell, the high school history teacher who knows wars are won by strategy and knowledge, and Charlie who firmly believes, from past experience, that men are whiney, needy individuals and have absolutely no need for another one in her life. She's already tried that! The two of them are trying to fight themselves and each other over their feelings and the brothers have each other's backs to the point it becomes a comedy of errors. Of course, each of these could be read as a standalone if you're only going to read only one but OMG, as I'm still holding my sides laughing over their stunts, you wouldn't want to miss any of this.

Profile Image for Debbie Davies.
48 reviews
February 15, 2021
This book is about Will Cortell. After the barn incident Will meets Charlie at the hospital where he meets her eyes across the room. Charlie is not looking for a relationship, she doesnt believe men and women should stay together. Charlie has been married previously and has a son from that marriage. Charlie works with Nathan and they have a friends with benefits arrangement. Will asks Charlie on a date and they ten sleep together. Charlie kicks will out at 2am saying she needs to sleep.
Will goes to see his brothers to ask for advice. The brothers believe Charlie is male and that Will has just realised that he is gay. Kat tells him to make himself useful to Charie by picking up dinner if shes running late. Meanwhile the brothers are planning to help Will get his man. Joe decides to put it out on facebook to tell the town that Will has fell for a man. Once their mum finds out she middle names Joe. Derek shows up to find out what is going on.The whole town is waiting in the bakery for Will and Charlie to arrive, once they get there all hell breaks loose. Charlie breaks it off with Will. Derek offers to shoot him so he has to go to the hospitaland see Charlie.
Will decides to get the help of Nathan to get Charie back. Will then seems to always be where Charlie is at the right time. Suffice it to say Will finally wears Charlie down and they get back together. But things dont go so smooth, Charkie makes a run for it. Corduroy gets involved and the whole town to track her down. Eventually they get back together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
February 9, 2021
Will never expected a visit to the hospital would bring the woman he knows is his destiny into his life. From their first meeting he is all in and is determined to convince Cat that they belong together but that proves to be a challenge when she is only looking for a man for now and definitely not forever.

Charlie has learnt the hard way that love and relationships are not for her. Her focus in her life is her career as a surgeon and her son so although she may be attracted to him she is determined that a physical relationship is all she is prepared to give.

Will has his hands full as the advice of his family is more hindrance than help with humorous results. I enjoyed seeing how charming and determined that Will was in winning Charlie’s heart and showing her being together will make her life easier not harder.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,255 reviews23 followers
February 9, 2021
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Cortell Brothers books, Will and Charlie might be my favorite couple. Giulia Lagomarsino writes characters with a sense of humor, witty and often hilarious dialogue, and the chemistry is crazy intense. Will thinks he has met his forever woman. Unfortunately Charlie has been burnt once with a bad marriage and is not inclined to try again. She likes to keep their relationship "friends with benefits". When Will's brothers decide to help, look out. These books are great rom-coms, full of humor, steam, fantastic characters, and so much fun to read. Read the series in order on a binge weekend, you can't go wrong. With your KU Subscription, the read is free.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,429 reviews20 followers
February 6, 2021
Charlie & Will

What's a perfect relationship? Most men seem to think not a relationship but just sex buddies. At least that what Will thought until he met the "perfect woman" who didn't want any more than that. She's divorced and isn't going through that again. Yet, Will is funny, great in the bedroom, and more. If he didn't want more he'd be perfect.

Watching the two of them fight the feelings they really have is something annoying, often hysterical, and steamy. Of course, the brothers are gonna help in their own special way which will make you cry hysterical tears. Yep, the town will add its own special effort. This even has a "special" friend of Charlies who wants to help out too. Will any of them succeed? Enjoy
Profile Image for Ivy Blacke.
Author 21 books23 followers
July 9, 2022
Sweet Will

Will is so sweet. He's the perfect brother. He may have dated and never thought about settling down, but that all changed with Charlie.

Charlie was cynical. She wasn't one to believe in love. She wanted only parts of a "relationship" without the relationship.

Will wanted all of Charlie, but could they both give up one another because neither wanted to compromise?

Great story, although Will is the perfect brother and the story was great, he's not my favorite Cortell brother. Right now is still have to say Josh is, but I'm still waiting for more on Joe, because I think he's going to take the lead, lol.
Profile Image for Paula Neupert.
10 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2021
It pulled me in from the beginning, no slow start to this. I love the way Giulia writes, her characters come to life do much that you feel that they are friends and family. Charlie is so funny, speaking out loud everything that a woman thinks, even the smallest detail. I love the way the guy and girl roles are swapped- she's not into dating or wanting a full relationship and he wants that and more. I loved this book, one of my favourite reads. I can't wait for the next in the series Priceless Ink.
Profile Image for Claire Evans.
77 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2021
Textbook Approach is the fourth book in the Cortell Brothers series. This books starts immediately where Wanted Dead or In Love finished.

Will is a History teacher who realised that the women he met in the hospital was unlike any he had ever met before. She was it as far as he was concerned but there was only one problem. She doesn't want a relationship.

Charlie has been there got the child and divorce to go with it! As far as she is concerned men and women weren't meant to be together for the rest of their lives. So all she wants is a bit of fun in her life.

What happens when Will falls for her and tries to trick her into the one thing she doesn't want but he knows she really needs?

An amazing story as usual from Guilia with some extremely funny moments thanks to the rest of the Cortell Brothers over a major misunderstanding that ends up involving the town and coffee shop. Friends with benefits, a bromance, a stolen dinner and a chase involving the whole town this will have you laughing all the way to the end which unfortunately came far too soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,548 reviews45 followers
February 3, 2021
Will know that most would see Charlie as the perfect woman, she doesn’t want commitment or attachment, the problem is Will wants that with Charlie and decides that he’s a history teacher and knows how wars are won.
Charlie doesn’t need a man in her life and makes sure that Will knows how she feels, she finds that men are just needy and don’t do much. Charlie is firm her life has been fine with the way it’s been going, but Will keeps pushing her, but she can’t see it working out regardless of the feelings she’s starting to have for him.
What happens when Charlie realises, she was wrong, and all Will wants now is what she wanted in the beginning. Things get complicated so the only option is to use the towns Facebook page to make sure they get their happy ending.
Another great read by Giulia Lagomarsino.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,850 reviews67 followers
September 15, 2021
Textbook Approach is book four in The Cortell Brothers series and it’s absolutely amazing! Charlie is an independent woman with a busy career, and doesn’t need a man to complicate things. Will is a high school history teacher and from the moment he meets Charlie he’s determined to convince her that they belong together. This story had me completely hooked from the beginning. A terrific read and one I enjoyed immensely.
Profile Image for izzati.
178 reviews14 followers
March 17, 2021
I hate that someone die in this part. I like this ook but it kind of get draggy a little bit. I feel ad for Js once again because Jack is blaming him for this whole thing. wish there more part about charlie wit her kid. As usually there always something to post at the facebook page. that part was funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie.
63 reviews
August 25, 2025
I'm torn on this one. I loved everything about it except the couple. Why were they even together? Most of the time, I wasn't even sure why they liked each other..

That said, I kept reading because I wanted to know everything else that was happening with the side characters. I'm loving this series, these two just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Chelle Pimblott.
Author 29 books123 followers
January 15, 2021
I love Charlie. Nothing else for it. I think she's a lot of women (and men) rolled into one person. She's been there, done that, got the postcard, and she's not going back. She's protecting her heart, but Will, well he's a force of nature.

This story includes, a man crush the size of Wrigley Stadium, a friends with benefits times two situation, complaints about the little things in relationships that annoy us ALL, nosy brothers, a supportive if somewhat crazy town, and the theft of a pot roast, with mash potatoes.

It also gives you the conclusion to the previous book, Wanted: Dead or in Love, but above all, it ends too soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,046 reviews8 followers
February 7, 2021
This was an interesting story. I couldn't put it down once started.

I liked Will and Charlie together, at some points I didn't like Charlie very much. But by end I liked her. Will and Charlie had ups and downs in their relationship but they had to fight for each other.

I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,164 reviews
February 9, 2021
I love this series, the brothers and their small town life! Interesting, entertaining and great chemistry! Your favorite characters are back and a new couple might find HEA?!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,304 reviews
February 9, 2021
What a book. I have never laughed so much. I couldn't put it down. I was absolutely hooked. I love these brothers so much that I just wanted more from them. The storyline was absolutely incredible and I loved everything about it.
1,382 reviews
February 9, 2021
I absolutely loved reading Textbook Approach by Giulia Lagomarsino. Will and Charlie’s relationship sparked some hilarious moments with the Cortell brothers and I could not stop laughing as I was reading. They provide for much needed entertainment and I loved how Kat and Anna just let it happen. And Will, who knew he was such a dirty talker behind the history teacher persona. So hot!!! It was nice seeing him pursue a serious relationship with Charlie and taking a stand for what he wants. I liked Charlie, but she was too stubborn for her own good at times. I also enjoyed the secondary character of Nathan and his interactions with both Will and Charlie throughout this story. Another great book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,594 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2021
This is a entertaining fast-paced and well-written book with a superb storyline and gorgeous characters that I loved getting to know. I love this series! Can not wait to see what the next book will be about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
42 reviews
February 1, 2021
It started with a little bit of drama but it ended very good. So much ups and downs(the good ones) that when I thought it was over - bam?! - another chapter. It was a very good read that kept me guessing,just the way I like a good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily.
586 reviews
March 24, 2025
Good book. There were a few funny bits and it was a bit slow to start but it got better
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