Unravelling

North University #2

by Janisha Boswell

Welcome to North University!

Scarlett Voss has always been in control, but now her world is unravelling. Her family is in crisis and their fashion empire is on the brink of collapse. The last thing she needs is being paired with Evan Branson - the infuriatingly handsome blond she loves to hate - for a class project.

Evan Branson has enough on his plate, with old wounds resurfacing and a family member he never wanted to see again back in his life.

Teaming up with Scarlett was supposed to be a distraction, but the more time he spends with her, the harder it is ignore the woman beneath the polished exterior. And when she unexpectedly asks for his help, he jumps at the chance to prove he can be the support she's never had.

But as their banter turns into something deeper, the two must protect their hearts or risk everything for a chance at something real?


-She dislikes him, he's obsessed with her
-Academic rivals to lovers
-Family drama
-Forced proximity

Readers are giving Unravelling 5-stars!

'There were so many things to love about this book!! The banter! 😍 Everyone must read this!' 5-star Reader Review

'If you're looking for something cute to get you out of a reading slump, read this - I sped through it so fast!' 5-star Reader Review

'So so good that you'll read it in one sitting. 🌶️✨🥀🗡️ Nothing better than an enemies to lovers story to start your mornings' 5-star Reader Review

'Academic rivalry, family war, a school project, friendships and more - everything is just perfect' 5-star Reader Review

'I adored this story. Black cat and standard poodle vibes...I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this story!!' 5-star Reader Review

'The snarky back and forth and tension was just incredible. I'm obsessed with these characters!' 5-star Reader Review

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, College Romance, Sports Romance, Hockey, Sports, Forced Proximity

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 2, 2026

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveling is book two in the North University series and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!!!

There were so many things to love about this book!! First off the banter! 😍 Their banter was sooo good. Scarlett is so funny and hearing her talk with Evan who is the most dramatic, unserious man ever (positive) was so entertaining. While there was so much funny banter, as the story went on we started to see their emotional connection develop more. With that being said, we saw them have a lot more meaningful conversations and really dive into their struggles. In different ways, both characters struggle with feeling appreciated and wanted and the way they both make each other feel so loved and wanted and comforted. ❤️‍🩹

I love how in Evan’s character, he always showed that he cared for her and wanted to spend time with her and develop their relationship. With that, we had Scarlett who doesn’t normally do relationships and has a hard exterior that she doesn’t let many people see and getting to read about her letting her guard down and letting Evan in was just incredible. Girly has a major soft side specifically regarding Evan and if is so sweet. 💚

Lastly, the friendships in this book. 🥺🩷 I love these girls and the way they love and support each other is just so wonderful. While this is a romance, the friendship between Scarlett, Wren, and Kennedy is such a strong subplot and I just love reading about them.

Everyone must read this, out on 2/14!!!!!

💚💻📚🎹🎀💋

[gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

thank you to janisha for the arc and having me on your street team!

i absolutely adored falling so i had some pretty high expectations for unraveling and this book absolutely SERVED. academic rivals to lovers is a trope i don't typically read but still tend to enjoy when i do read it so i loved scarlett and evan's dynamics a lot! their bickering is so cute and their chemistry was so natural.

Scarlett was very relatable in some aspects, as someone who cares A LOT about grades and academics, i definitely understood her character. she deserves all the good things in the world fr. Evan is such a cutie, he is the definition of a golden retriever but i'm glad that his character was more complex than just one trait/emotion throughout the entire book.

additionally, the length of this book was perfect for me and the pacing allowed the characters to grow on me but also not so slow that it's torturing me to beg for them to hurry up and get together already. the mystery side plot was also a nice bonus to keep me hooked, it's nothing complex but still very fun to read about. also, i liked that this book wasn't super stressful to read because i feel like when i read more mystery-ish books with romance i get too caught up with the plot and spend less time actually enjoying the character development and romance part.

anyways, i don't have much to say except that i highly recommend this book if you're looking for something cute and if you want to get out of a slump because i sped through this book so fast!

[Kelsey-rose💘 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Piaktus for the arc via NetGalley

I wanna start by saying - this book is what I thought king of gluttony would be . Rivals to lovers ( my fave trope) but where they obviously have to stop being rivals and work together - I love that a lot and this book is that . Maybe this feels better than lot to me because the characters in this book act their age ( they are in their early 20s) .

The cover art is so beautiful!! Im also so happy I got approved for this because i wanted to read this last year but it got picked up to be published before it even got released . So im happy I finally get to read it now .

One thing about janisha is ( well in this and the first ) she has mental health rep which is something I love to see in my romances . I was also happy to know that this book is truly academic rivals and not a hockey romance because as I’ve said alot - hockey romance (outside of a few authors ) isn’t for me anymore .

Evan has ocd and anxiety & I love to see OCD rep in books . I love to see mental health rep in books in general .

Evan and Scarlett . I love them . He’s a downbad mmc and I love down bad mmcs . I can excuse the fact he’s blonde. I love them sm ( are they gonna be on my fave couples list ? ( no) but do I still love them ? ( also yes ).

I love this book so much it’s everything to me.

He calls her angel I love that nickname sm . I also love the name Scarlett. I love the yearning - I love the romance and I love them spending time together .

I can understand why some people may not
Like this book - but for me it hit - it was worth the long wait and it was worth me anticipating it . It didn’t disappoint me . In fact it exceeded my expectations- it was truly the academic rivals to lovers trope where the mmc has been into the fmc for years and he just plays along with her hating him. I love this trope for me it will always make me swoon.

Some people said Scarlett was a bitch but that must’ve been from the pre trad version ( the indie arc) because for me Scarlett was an enjoyable and somewhat relatable character imo .)

I am intrigued about the 3rd book hopefully I can snag an arc for it when it’s on NetGalley so I don’t have to wait until 2027 to read it because I just know I’ll enjoy it . Piaktus if you are reading this - it’s my application to read the arc of the 3rd book in this series (spiraling ) . As this book ( unraveling) was truly it for me . I appreciate being chosen to read this arc and this opportunity was a fun and enjoyable and amazing experience.

My fave quotes :
“ ( he doesn’t say this but he thinks it ) - she’s all I’ve dreamed about . All I’ve thought about every time my fingers brush past my lips and I delude myself into thinking I’ll be able to taste her again “ ( aaah I love this )

Evan :”The way I love you is the furthest thing from difficult. It feels like breathing “ Scarlett: “Because it’s easy ?” Evan : “Because I can’t live without you “
____________________________________________

Preread : I was excited for this last year but it never got published cus it got picked up by a publisher before it ever got released . But now I have the arc of it so yay. I arc read the first book when it got picked up

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett and Evan get stuck together on a class project, and Scarlett is definitely not happy about it. Evan drives her crazy, but the more time they spend together, the more they realize there’s a lot more to each other than they thought. Their connection slowly grows into something really sweet, with both of them learning to lean on each other when it matters most.

The narrators, Leanne Woodard and Dexter Thornton, nailed the dynamic between Scarlett and Evan. They made the banter fun and the emotional moments hit just right, which made their journey even more enjoyable.

Thank you, Janisha Boswell and Tantor Audio for the ALC.

[Francesca Morano Davicino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing!! So so good that you’ll read it on one sitting. The characters are so great built that you fall in love with each of them and even more to the story. They remembered me of Draco and Hermione which is and was a big point to read it and fall in love with the story. 🌶️✨😍🫶🏻🥀🗡️ Nothing better than an enemy’s to lovers to start your mornings 🙈🖤😉

[embear · Rating 5 out of 5]

*beta reader review*

idk which way to start this review actually bc i got so much to say but, in this book you’ll find the perfect balance between the academic rivalry, the family war, the school project, and also finding a balance between their friendships and their mutual bond.



everything is just perfect, the pace in this book makes the story going so smoothly and so naturally in a way



scar, my little baby is so strong beneath her facade and what she might show to the world, she is so relatable in her own way bc of her own struggles - she is also SO CONFIDENT ?! i might take example from her and her ‘fake it ´til you make it’ attitude :))



evan, my obsessed boy, i have no words to say besides the fact that he’ll be the most loyal person to scarlett than ANYONE, yes their family are fighting, yes they shouldn’t be that close, but he can’t help it, he’ll do just much anything he could do for her just because :))



AND DON’T FORGET MILESY, my little baby from book 1 is SO back in this book and i couldn’t love him more than i already do, he’s so funny and always there to make you smile 😭😭 seeing him from another pov made me realise how sarcastic and caring he is, and i couldn’t be more happy with it



i told in my last review that i knew this book would be a 5 stars and i was right, we got everything we hoped we could have in this book, and jan never failed to make this story so good, without forgetting on single character :)



(okay i might not mentioned the bond between the girls, but i think you’ll see from yourself that it’s still VERY much here and still strong) :)))

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars ➷ ✩ͯ
There is no amount of money you could pay me to read that again. I am very confused and honestly annoyed. What was that plot? Why was everyone dying, it’s supposed to be a cheesy college romance? Why was she being a bitch most of the book? I get her personality is being ‘mean’ but she was just rude. Why did they only get together in the final chapter and the rest was just sex. Honestly not worth the read.

[s. v. regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was actually a life changing rewrite jan my therapy bill is going to you

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Jan just never disappoints me! I adored Evan and Scarlett. I loved getting to watch their relationship evolve over the book and loved that even though they started out as rivals, Evan was down bad for Scarlett from the very beginning! That man was OBSESSED with her (and Scarlett was secretly obsessed too in my opinion)!

My favourite part of this book is 100% the found family elements. Both Scarlett and Evan have complex family dynamics and it was so touching to see how their friends were always there for them when their families weren’t. I seriously adore this little friend group and cannot wait for the next North University book!!!

While this book had lots of extremely fun scenes, it also touched on some pretty heavy topics and although they were absolutely handled with care, please check TW’s before reading! Thank you Jan for the e-arc!

[Kattaline · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh… i expected something with the same vibes as the first book but it felt completely different and kinda unrealistic? i know it’s meant to be that way cause fiction all but i didn’t really got into it
also the aaron warner wannabe didn’t do it for me

[mylla ♡·˚]

beta review <3

TROPES:
𐙚 forced proximity
𐙚 anxiety and ocd rep
𐙚 he falls first and hard
𐙚 academic rivals to lovers

since we first met them, scar hates evan but evan… he fell for her the moment he laid eyes on her. he does everything he can to show her that they’re a perfect match, even through all their family issues.

the way scar went from hating him to needing his help was just so funny to me, poor evan struggled because she’s the only person who gets him. even when scar doesn’t want to admit it, evan doesn’t need her to say anything because he knows her. i’m telling you, they’re soulmates <3

both of them have their personal struggles but it was so sweet to see them falling for each other or should i say when they were unraveling some mysteries together?

and once again, i loved to read about this found family and how real evan deals with his anxiety and ocd journey :,)

thank you jan for letting me be a beta reader ! i had so much fun with scarlett and evan <3

[LoLa ᯓ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get that his hands were big but was that really worth mentioning every two seconds?

[Lixiezil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me the ARC.

I’m a big lover of the Rivals to Lovers trope so naturally I really enjoyed this one. It’s the second book in a series all based around the same university/college setting with the same characters popping up across books, however it definitely can be read as a standalone as we’re quickly brought up to speed on who’s who and how the main characters know them.

I loved the banter and sarcastic commentary between Scarlett and Evan. The rivalry was definitely there but it was fun and competitive and didn’t cross over into cruel or enemy territory. I liked how, as the book progressed, we saw them opening up more and having more meaningful and emotional conversations as well as sharing their vulnerabilities. The chemistry between them was obvious and they definitely complimented each other’s energies well.

The shift from Rivals to Lovers was gradual but it felt natural. I’d say this was a medium pacing, not too fast but not a really slow burner that you become disengaged.

Throughout the book we get glimpses into both Scarlett and Evan’s lives outside of studying. Both of their families have businesses in the fashion industry and definitely have their separate issues. Scarlett’s parents particularly infuriated me, the way they handled everything was just awful. I mean, they’re essentially still punishing her for a party she had five years ago, and someone stealing things from her father’s office. I know actions have consequences but oh my god, MOVE ON! Stringing her along for years, having her believe that she’d eventually get her dream role of a designer in the family company? Scarlett’s a bigger person than me because I would’ve not forgiven them for that.

We also find out that Evan’s mother left when he was a child, however she didn’t seem to be that great of a parent to begin with, especially concerning Evan’s OCD. The subject of Evan’s OCD is handled well throughout the book, I liked how it was never made out to be a joke, or that he was weird because of it. As someone who struggles with it themselves, I found it a realistic portrayal and I related a lot to the compulsions that Evan had.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy the Rivals to Lovers trope, or anyone who likes college based romances!

[Ananya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's was a cute college romance about two nerds whose families are business rivals. I loved the whole idea of the book.
Things i loved about this story-
~The MMC(Evan): I liked Evan's character so much. It seemed so genuine and logical. His action had reasons. He was very sweet. That the way he treated Scarlet melted by heart.
~Explosive chemistry: The sparkling chemistry between MCs was everything. They were like made for each other. So thoughtful, so sweet. They grew together throughout the story. And the spicy scene? It had all the feels!
~The confusion in career and decision making on Evan's side was so genuine problem. It's really a problem among students in real life. I really liked that point so much. Very logical issue.
~Evan's relationship with his father: This was the sweetest thing i read in the whole story. They so close to each other. So refreshing to read such a good parental connection.

Things which would have been better-
~Confused parental intentions on Scarlet side: I was so confused till the end that did her parents want her betterment or not? they didn't want her to get into business even after all she wanted was to work for her family business.
~Repetitive thoughts: I felt that some of the inner monologue seemed very repetitive. Like the emotions like tightening of the chest, something flips. And also there were so many mentions about the hands of MMC. i know they were good but..
~Kennedy's issue's: Why was Kennedy's love life was mentioned so many times? That too at the very start of the story itself instead of focusing on MCs.
~Lengthy: I get that girl's talk is very important but why was it so lengthy. I found myself skimming through those chapters. So the story seemed a bit lengthy for my taste.
~Abrupt ending: I was like "that's it?", "finished?". The ending was so unfinished.

So overall, it was 3 stars read for me. Whatever the thing is about this book, i am always excited for the next book in this series. And i already have some much context about Kennedy and Harry in this story that i am pretty sure what the book is going to be about.

If you are into hot nerd, rivals business families, caretaking MMC, she-is-mean-but-he-likes-her tropes then this book is definitely for you. You can give it a try!

[Megan Jeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Unraveling — ★★★★★

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Unraveling is exactly the kind of book I love reading. It sits firmly in one of my favourite genres: academic rivals to lovers. On top of that, it includes some of my favourite romantic dynamics, including he falls first and a touch of pining, which made the emotional tension all the more compelling.

One of the standout aspects of this book is how well it handles mental health representation. Evan’s OCD is explored in a thoughtful, respectful, and well-researched way. It never feels reduced to a plot device; instead, it is portrayed with depth, nuance, and care. Similarly, Scarlett’s relationship with her parents is given meaningful attention, adding another emotional layer to her character and motivations. Both characters feel fully realised, with their individual struggles shaping who they are and how they navigate the world and each other.

What I loved most is how their relationship develops through acceptance. Rather than trying to “fix” each other, they learn to understand, support, and accept one another with all their complexities, intrusive thoughts, and challenges beyond their control. This made their connection feel incredibly grounded and emotionally satisfying.

It was also such a joy to return to this world after loving the first book featuring Miles and Wren. The familiarity of the setting combined with new emotional arcs made it feel both comforting and fresh. I’m also very excited for what seems to be a third book focusing on Kennedy and Harry. If it follows the hinted trajectory from friends to lovers, I already know I’ll be invested.

Academic rivals to lovers remains one of my absolute favourite tropes, and this book delivers it brilliantly. The academic setting is another highlight, especially with characters who feel relatable in age and experience, making the story even easier to connect with.

Overall, I really enjoyed Unraveling. It’s emotionally engaging, well-written, and balances romance with meaningful character development beautifully. I would happily recommend it to most of my friends, especially those who enjoy character-driven romance with depth and heart.

[Marie-Hélène · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Scarlett and Evan want in life is work for their respective family’s legacy fashion companies — but Voss and B&Co are rivals, so Scarlett is convinced they have to be too. Evan humours her in that, because they both like their bantering, and deep down he might just be rather obsessed with her. Scarlett’s biggest wish is to be taken seriously by her parents, for them to respect her and finally give her a shot as an employee of Voss. Her parents tell her they’ll consider once she manages to complete a list of seemingly random, silly accomplishments. Evan’s father, on the other hand, wants his son to take the semester off of working at B&Co, as he feels he’s getting to obsessed and forgetting to live and enjoy his time as a student between working and studying.

I loved how Scarlett had a wonderful support system in her best friends, and Evan reluctantly did as well in his roommates turned friends. The banter between Scarlett and Evan was clever and impressive, as the respect for each other (mostly Evan for Scarlett) was undeniable. I loved how they had the other’s back through whatever happened, and the admiration was clear. Evan’s OCD rep was also done very well, and the way Scarlett impressed him through it was chef’s kiss. As much as I loved the relationship between Evan and his father and Scarlett and her brothers (especially Alex), I couldn’t deal with nor support the way Scarlett’s parents treated her. It gave me an absolute ick and my heart broke for that insecure teenager who tried so hard to be seen and appreciated, and only got judgment and mistrust in return — yes, they love her, but for me that was inexcusable. The family they both found in their friends and each other more than made up for that, and I loved how throughout the book, they both learned to forge their own path in life, with the necessary support.

[katie :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4!!

thank you to netgalley and publisher for the arc.

i went into this book a little bit nervous considering i read falling back in december 2024, but i was pleasantly surprised!!

scarlett and evan are not what i expected them to be at all but in a great way! their love was so tender and sweet it was the cutestttt. i really appreciated the progression in their relationship, did not feel insta-lovey whatsoever. the way they took care of each other 🥲

if i had to make a few comments, it would be that im not really sure about the way the plot with the list developed. i wish that it could’ve gone in a different direction and i believe scarlett deserved better on that front. also i think the ending was a bit abrupt and i wish we had more time seeing the character arcs fulfilled!

overall this book felt quite easy to read and had more emotional depth than i was expecting. i am excited to see where the next book goes!

[Mae Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story. I feel like this dynamic is like…black cat and standard poodle, and I mean that entirely positively 😅

The story is kind of a suspenseful romance, which isn’t something I normally read, but I enjoyed it! I also really enjoyed the OCD representation, which isn’t something I see very often.

The absolute best part is the banter. The snarky back and forth and the tension were just incredible. I’m obsessed with both characters! I also loved seeing the characters from Falling again and the found family dynamic.

I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on this story!!

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Unraveling* by Janisha Boswell is a gripping academic rivals-to-lovers romance set in North University. The story follows two brilliant students competing for the top spot, but their rivalry slowly turns into something deeper. The chemistry between them is intense, filled with witty banter and emotional moments. The author does a great job of building tension, making readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds. The characters are well-developed, with personal struggles that add depth to the story. If you love enemies-to-lovers romance with smart, ambitious characters, *Unraveling* is a must-read. It’s a perfect mix of romance, drama, and competition!

[Kiki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only made it 30%. Just awful! Scarlett was rude, mean.....just an entire B! Not sure what the point of her attitude was, aside from being a spoiled rich girl. But that's not enough of a reason to act the way she did. It def doesn't endear the reader to her. I was ready for her to be run over by a train.

[sosob · Rating 5 out of 5]

my book forever and ever🥹 I've read it 3 times already and let me tell you!!! add it to your tbr immediately!!!!!
I love them so so much!

[ellen samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

my fav jan book... rtc!!!!

[maine ❀]

rtc HEHEH y'all don't get how much I love this book

[Anna Jason]

Due to adoring the first

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I havent read it yet but HOLY SHI. IS THIS SCARLETT AND EVAN!?? IVE ONLY RREAD THE MILES AND WREN ONE (FALLING) BUT OMGGGGGGG.

Okkkk, this was in my draft? Yeah, well HALLALUJAH I LOVED this book. There was a perfect amount of crime and love, and I loveeee ittt. I would recommend. I finished the book in 1 day and i feel so SAD that i finished it :(((((. I didn't like the epilogue tho where Kennedycomes into their room and drops a bomb pretty much. Like why wuld you end w such depressing news????? Made me sad :(