Every once in a while, you pick up a book expecting a few laughs, maybe some steam, and a cozy little distraction from the world—and instead, you get something that quietly, unexpectedly wraps itself around your heart. That’s exactly what happened when I read The Jackass in Class by Amy Award. I’ve read the previous books in the Kingman series, and while they all bring that signature mix of heart and humor, this one hit different. Here’s why.
I went into The Jackass in Class by Amy Award expecting a light, fun romance to brighten up a weekend. And yes, I got the chaos, the sass, the unexpected donkey, the hot jock, and the quirky supporting cast that I’ve come to love in this series. But what I didn’t expect was the emotional resonance that would stay with me long after the final page.
On the surface, the plot isn’t particularly groundbreaking—grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity via a tutoring program—but it’s comfortingly familiar in the best way. A cozy, low-stakes setup that disguises the emotional gut punches that come later.
Tempest Navarro is the heart of this book. A secret romance author, anxious and curvy, hiding a baby donkey and a thousand insecurities in her sorority house. She’s the kind of heroine we don’t get enough of—soft, smart, sharp-tongued, and battling demons most readers will recognize. Her journey isn’t just about falling for the campus heartthrob; it’s about learning to take up space, speak up for herself, and stop shrinking to fit others’ expectations.
And Flynn Kingman? He’s more than just the typical sports romance lead. Behind the charm and football stardom is a man who’s lived in fear of loss since he lost his mother as a child. His emotional arc—particularly a late scene with his father—hit me so hard I genuinely teared up. That conversation about grief and how it reshapes us was quietly devastating, but also incredibly healing. Flynn’s realization that safety and distance don’t equate to living fully is a truth so many need to hear.
The book is marketed as fluff, and while it’s certainly funny, sexy, and a joy to read, it’s so much more. It's a love letter to the girls who’ve been told they’re too much or not enough. To the women who have to fight to be heard, to be seen, to be loved as they are. Tempest’s voice, and the vulnerability behind her sass, make this a standout read.
And yes, there’s a donkey. And yes, the family chaos is top-tier. And yes, the spice is sizzling. But what elevates this from "fun romance" to "must-reread" is the way Amy Award threads real emotional depth through every laugh and kiss.
Also, there’s a small but powerful commentary on the value of romance and smut in our culture—how they’re often dismissed as trashy or indulgent, when in reality, they’re a lifeline for many readers. That conversation alone makes this book worth defending in every literary discussion.
If you’re already a fan of the Kingman siblings, you’ll love revisiting the world. But if this is your first entry, don’t worry—each book stands on its own. Just be ready to laugh, cry, and maybe hug your inner teen a little tighter.
Final Thoughts:
This isn’t just a feel-good romance—it’s a feel-seen story. I’ll be rereading it whenever I need to remind myself to take up space, fight for joy, and embrace softness as strength. Highly, highly recommended.
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