What do you think?
Rate this book
Extracurricular
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26When a former pop star enrolls in college, the last thing she expects is A-plus chemistry with her psychology professor in this sexy and tender romance from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon.
Ramona Wilder has spent her whole life in the spotlight. After a hit kids’ TV show, she transitioned into music, singing in arenas around the world and becoming an icon for millions of teenage girls. Now at age twenty-six, exhausted by the inhumane lack of privacy, she’s done—with all of it. She wants a chance at normal, whatever that might mean for her. And she’s starting with college.
Professor Nick Navarro is recently divorced but determinedly optimistic, allowing himself a very reasonable ten minutes per day to wallow. When his department calls a meeting about a celebrity enrollment, he plans to treat whoever it is like any other student. Except when Ramona blazes into class and causes an uproar, the typically easygoing professor is rattled, maybe for the first time in his career.
Ramona loves the way she flusters him, taking every opportunity to push Nick’s buttons, though what she really wants is to unbutton them completely. When a crisis brings them closer outside of class, they begin a tentative friendship amid an undeniable attraction. But Ramona can’t be so easily finished with her old life, and they’ll both have to confront their pasts if they want a chance at something real.
Ramona Wilder has spent her whole life in the spotlight. After a hit kids’ TV show, she transitioned into music, singing in arenas around the world and becoming an icon for millions of teenage girls. Now at age twenty-six, exhausted by the inhumane lack of privacy, she’s done—with all of it. She wants a chance at normal, whatever that might mean for her. And she’s starting with college.
Professor Nick Navarro is recently divorced but determinedly optimistic, allowing himself a very reasonable ten minutes per day to wallow. When his department calls a meeting about a celebrity enrollment, he plans to treat whoever it is like any other student. Except when Ramona blazes into class and causes an uproar, the typically easygoing professor is rattled, maybe for the first time in his career.
Ramona loves the way she flusters him, taking every opportunity to push Nick’s buttons, though what she really wants is to unbutton them completely. When a crisis brings them closer outside of class, they begin a tentative friendship amid an undeniable attraction. But Ramona can’t be so easily finished with her old life, and they’ll both have to confront their pasts if they want a chance at something real.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
4872 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lynn Solomon
15 books8,492 followersRachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she's currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to read
October 17, 2025OMG! The author just revealed the cover art for this and it is stunning! 😍 BrittanyKellerArt is such a Queen! Do yourself a favor and go check it out on the authors Insta! Looks like I’ll be reading a student-professor romance in July! 🔥
Want to read
October 17, 2025What happens in Amsterdam was so fun, I’ll go into this in July with full faith that this will be just as amazing
January 13, 2026
Shoutout NetGalley for this ARC!
Read this in one day (today) since I’m home sick from work. Really good read, hated that Nick had an earring.
Read this in one day (today) since I’m home sick from work. Really good read, hated that Nick had an earring.
January 19, 2026
Next level good. Heart physically ached, cried twice, wants to spin around my room after that epilogue type of good!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
DING DING DING
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. I loved this book. The romance genre is filled with so many wonderful options, and so many duds. So many concepts that seem promising but are accompanied by clunky writing. (I hate this.) Sex scenes that are steamy, or slightly cringey, with plot that falls flat. The poorly done tropes. Oh, the poorly done tropes.
Rachel Lynn Solomon has an excellent grasp on the elements of her novel, and she maneuvers throughout this book with aplomb. The concept of a popstar who retires at 26 to go to school and her reluctant professor was so fresh and forbidden. The writing is excellent. "The force of wanting her could tear him apart. Rip him limb from limb until there's nothing left but a bruised and bloody heart." UGH!
And the tension between her and Nick is so thick you could spackle the walls with it. These two were in LOVE. I was blushing as the depth of their feelings built for each other, but neither of them wanted to say it. Ramona, as the former band star who is finding her agency after having been deprived for so long. Black Cat, as RLS describes her in the book—complex and daring. Nick, as the sunny commitment-lover who has his guards up against the pop star who takes a sudden interest in psychology. That slutty little earring.
The book does an excellent job of seeing them fall reluctantly in lust and then into something more. We get to see Nick wonder about her motivations—whether he can truly trust her, whether he can believe she really wants him—and we see a mirrored version of that play out for Ramona as well: whether she is well and truly lovable, not just a good-time girl but someone you could want forever. And the intimate scenes… unreal. This is the paragon of true contemporary romance, a novel that does not forsake quality writing, tension, or complex inner lives for swoon-worthy, frankly sexy material.
The yearning alone.
This book is an example of romance when it's firing on all cylinders. It needs to be a show or a movie.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. I loved this book. The romance genre is filled with so many wonderful options, and so many duds. So many concepts that seem promising but are accompanied by clunky writing. (I hate this.) Sex scenes that are steamy, or slightly cringey, with plot that falls flat. The poorly done tropes. Oh, the poorly done tropes.
Rachel Lynn Solomon has an excellent grasp on the elements of her novel, and she maneuvers throughout this book with aplomb. The concept of a popstar who retires at 26 to go to school and her reluctant professor was so fresh and forbidden. The writing is excellent. "The force of wanting her could tear him apart. Rip him limb from limb until there's nothing left but a bruised and bloody heart." UGH!
And the tension between her and Nick is so thick you could spackle the walls with it. These two were in LOVE. I was blushing as the depth of their feelings built for each other, but neither of them wanted to say it. Ramona, as the former band star who is finding her agency after having been deprived for so long. Black Cat, as RLS describes her in the book—complex and daring. Nick, as the sunny commitment-lover who has his guards up against the pop star who takes a sudden interest in psychology. That slutty little earring.
The book does an excellent job of seeing them fall reluctantly in lust and then into something more. We get to see Nick wonder about her motivations—whether he can truly trust her, whether he can believe she really wants him—and we see a mirrored version of that play out for Ramona as well: whether she is well and truly lovable, not just a good-time girl but someone you could want forever. And the intimate scenes… unreal. This is the paragon of true contemporary romance, a novel that does not forsake quality writing, tension, or complex inner lives for swoon-worthy, frankly sexy material.
The yearning alone.
This book is an example of romance when it's firing on all cylinders. It needs to be a show or a movie.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
January 18, 2026
First, thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this Arc!
I went into this book expecting something light and fluffy, but because I’ve read most of Rachel’s books, I should have known better. Student-professor tropes normally aren’t my jam, but I absolutely loved this book.
Ramona - a child star turned pop star who suddenly decides to leave the toxic industry and her toxic parents behind for a normal life. Starting with her going to school for the first time.
Nick - blindsided when his wife has an emotional affair and leaves him for her AP. He’s spent the last year lost, insecure, and uncertain. He moves in with his sister and his niece, trying to figure out his next move.
This book is a much-needed slow burn. After a heated moment in his office, they share an impromptu makeout session, but ultimately decide it’s best to remain friends. Ramona focuses on her mental health and self-discovery, while Nick worries about jeopardizing his tenure track.
The majority of the book revolves around their evolving friendship. While there are moments when their judgment falters, the friendship remains the central theme. Both characters yearn for love, stability, and family. Despite their vastly different experiences, they find themselves in a similar place.
A subplot explores Ramona’s ex-boyfriend’s accusation of sexual assault, prompting her to reevaluate and relive their relationship. Rachel’s portrayal of Ramona’s story is incredibly thoughtful and well written.
Ramona grapples with uncertainty, wondering if she did something wrong or if it she was lead to believe it normal at the time. She finally confronts the ghosts she’s pushed down.
I appreciated the inclusion of therapy as a topic. While many books feature characters who experience trauma and therapy is never mentioned, Rachel thoughtfully explores this aspect of Ramona’s journey.
It also has one of my favourite micro tropes. He takes care of her when she’s sick. It is so freaking cute that he offered to wash her hair
He bought her the banana slicer 😩 but the earring needs to go
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley! I love books where the main character has an interesting job or role in society, and Ramona's life as a retired pop star drew me in immediately. From the very first chapter, I found myself immersed in Ramona's world and eager to root for her as she leaves it to discover who she really is and what she wants to do with her life on her own terms.
For the most part, I really enjoyed Extracurricular. The narration has strong voice and lots of personality for both Nick and Ramona, which made Extracurricular one of those rare dual-pov reads where I wasn't finding myself more eager to read one character's pov over another, but instead enjoying both equally.
The discussion of SA and autonomy in relation to one of the characters in this book was also done in a way that felt respectful of the enormity of the issue and gave more depth to her character and story. I appreciated that not all of Ramona's arc was dedicated to falling in love, and some was about coming to terms with her old life and figuring out how to move forward.
One of the only things I didn't love about this book was the inclusion of Ramona trying to set Nick up or teach him how to date again—it didn't feel natural to the relationship that was developing between them. I think it made the book feel a bit heavy on the tropes, when it could have stood on its own better without these small scenes. Other than that, I truly enjoyed Extracurricular!
For the most part, I really enjoyed Extracurricular. The narration has strong voice and lots of personality for both Nick and Ramona, which made Extracurricular one of those rare dual-pov reads where I wasn't finding myself more eager to read one character's pov over another, but instead enjoying both equally.
The discussion of SA and autonomy in relation to one of the characters in this book was also done in a way that felt respectful of the enormity of the issue and gave more depth to her character and story. I appreciated that not all of Ramona's arc was dedicated to falling in love, and some was about coming to terms with her old life and figuring out how to move forward.
One of the only things I didn't love about this book was the inclusion of Ramona trying to set Nick up or teach him how to date again—it didn't feel natural to the relationship that was developing between them. I think it made the book feel a bit heavy on the tropes, when it could have stood on its own better without these small scenes. Other than that, I truly enjoyed Extracurricular!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Ramona Wilder is a famous rock star who is burned out and wants a chance to be normal. Professor Nick Navarro is a college professor, who is trying to get back on his feet after his divorce. It’s a forbidden love because Ramona is Nick’s student. There is also a ten-year age gap. (Ramona is twenty-six and Nick is thirty-six.)
Ramona started out as a child TV star and then became a famous singer. Her parents managed her career and aren’t happy when she quits the business. Her mom is awful and Ramona ends up cutting off ties with them and settles into her home in LA with her cat. She signs up for classes at UCLA while she decides what to do next, but struggles at first, getting used to college and turning in her assignments on time. She falls behind in Nick’s class but doesn’t like it when he suggests she take an easier class. She wants to prove to him that she can do it. They end up messaging each other which soon turns flirty and things get complicated. They decide it’s better if they are just friends for now. He hasn’t dated in years and she offers to show him how to date if he will show her normal, fun things to do. I did wish they had waited until she wasn’t in his class anymore before they got close. She has some trauma from her younger days (which is sad) and her fame to deal with but I loved that there is no third act break up and there’s a lot of fun banter between them which had me grinning. It's also fun to see her make new friends. (07/14)
Ramona started out as a child TV star and then became a famous singer. Her parents managed her career and aren’t happy when she quits the business. Her mom is awful and Ramona ends up cutting off ties with them and settles into her home in LA with her cat. She signs up for classes at UCLA while she decides what to do next, but struggles at first, getting used to college and turning in her assignments on time. She falls behind in Nick’s class but doesn’t like it when he suggests she take an easier class. She wants to prove to him that she can do it. They end up messaging each other which soon turns flirty and things get complicated. They decide it’s better if they are just friends for now. He hasn’t dated in years and she offers to show him how to date if he will show her normal, fun things to do. I did wish they had waited until she wasn’t in his class anymore before they got close. She has some trauma from her younger days (which is sad) and her fame to deal with but I loved that there is no third act break up and there’s a lot of fun banter between them which had me grinning. It's also fun to see her make new friends. (07/14)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What if a troubled international pop sensation were to retire at the height of her career, go back to school, and fall head over heels for her nerdy Psychology professor?
And what if, on top of that, us lucky readers get to experience firsthand the student-professor duo’s steamy text exchanges, flirty post-it-notes on graded assignments, and secret office hookups (yes, he swipes EVERYTHING off his desk and carries her onto it)?
Rachel Lynn Solomon explores a warm and tender (and a little taboo!) relationship with hilarious banter, touching family moments, and immersive writing. She also touches on difficult topics such as lasting effects of female stars being sexualized from a young age, child stars exploited by adults they trust, and body image insecurities from popular media’s definition of “beauty”.
I would have liked the story even more if the timeline for the student-professor relationship occurred after he was no longer directly her professor, and that would also offer some more opportunities to build a relationship with less instant-love. A fun read!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the e-ARC.
And what if, on top of that, us lucky readers get to experience firsthand the student-professor duo’s steamy text exchanges, flirty post-it-notes on graded assignments, and secret office hookups (yes, he swipes EVERYTHING off his desk and carries her onto it)?
Rachel Lynn Solomon explores a warm and tender (and a little taboo!) relationship with hilarious banter, touching family moments, and immersive writing. She also touches on difficult topics such as lasting effects of female stars being sexualized from a young age, child stars exploited by adults they trust, and body image insecurities from popular media’s definition of “beauty”.
I would have liked the story even more if the timeline for the student-professor relationship occurred after he was no longer directly her professor, and that would also offer some more opportunities to build a relationship with less instant-love. A fun read!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The way Rachel one-ups herself every single time should be studied. The writing was just excellent--precise and emotional with so much tenderness I wanted to scream. The spice? Y'all lmao. Break out the highlighters, the bookmarks, tab the pages. But the real thing here that I found so wildly compelling is that this is a hot fun delicious romance, yes, but it's also so much about power, and it's working on multiple different levels. He's (much) older. She's (much) richer. He controls her grade. She's super famous so does her grade even matter? RLS teases these intersections out on every page, with the power switching back and forth between them, and I'm watching like a viewer at a volleyball match, no idea who is possibly going to win because the characters are THAT well-crafted. I don't care about volleyball, but reading RLS is my favorite sporting activity (gets the heart racing you know??) and WE, the readers, win every time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! Extracurricular had a trope that I did not know I needed. To be honest, it reminded me of something I would have read in my Wattpad days purely for the trope. Professor x popstar?? Super interesting for a romance!
I enjoyed this Rachel Lynn Solomon miles more than a previous book I have read by this author. Everything about it was more enjoyable. It kept my attention throughout the entire thing. It was easy to pick up and read without feeling the need to put it down. The dynamic between the characters helped a lot with this. Their relationship is not going to be the most memorable, but it was great in the moment.
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, & Rachel Lynn Solomon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Extracurricular is released on July 14, 2026!
I enjoyed this Rachel Lynn Solomon miles more than a previous book I have read by this author. Everything about it was more enjoyable. It kept my attention throughout the entire thing. It was easy to pick up and read without feeling the need to put it down. The dynamic between the characters helped a lot with this. Their relationship is not going to be the most memorable, but it was great in the moment.
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, & Rachel Lynn Solomon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Extracurricular is released on July 14, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars. Rachel Lynn Solomon has written another emotional, warm, and funny love story. This time it's between Ramona, world-famous pop star who's decided to go back to school and wants to be taken seriously, so she's not going to notice her hot psychology professor; and Nick, recently divorced college professor who is not impressed by having a celebrity in his class, even though he can't keep his mind (or hands) off her. As usual, Solomon does a great job of building out the world around them, including several friends and family members I'd love to see get their own books.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve always loved the idea of a celebrity falling in love with a normal person, so it’s no surprise that Extracurricular was such a fun read for me. The main characters were relatable and genuinely funny, and even though their relationship might sound a little wild on paper, it felt surprisingly believable. I found myself truly rooting for them the whole time.
And the icing on the cake? No third-act breakup! 🙌
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and #NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
And the icing on the cake? No third-act breakup! 🙌
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and #NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
January 16, 2026
I honestly adored this so much!! Nick is such a loving and nerdy person and I immediately loved him and the care he shows for his family and a random pop star. Ramona has so much trauma in her life and it was nice to see someone actually take the time to get to know her and care about her. I really adored their friendship and how it blossomed into more. This was so perfect and cute.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc
January 11, 2026
i am sobbing hysterically i love them so much 😭😭😭 thank you ms rachel for not putting me through a third act breakup because i genuinely don’t think i would’ve been able to handle that. this book was more than i could’ve ever anticipated, and WAY more than just a professor student relationship. TWs of sexual assault (recollections of the past) and parental abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is def an insta-love situation which i don’t necessarily gravitate towards or love but Nick & Ramona complimented each other so well i got over it.
I will say, his earring made no sense with his character & why of all things was it a gold hoop?
This was a fun, sweet story!
**Thank you NetGalley & Berkley for the eARC**
I will say, his earring made no sense with his character & why of all things was it a gold hoop?
This was a fun, sweet story!
**Thank you NetGalley & Berkley for the eARC**
Review of advance copy received from Author
RACHEL LYNN SOLOMON ALWAYS KNOWS HOW TO DELIVER EMOTION, HEAT, TENDERNESS, WITH A LITTLE COMMENTARY THROWN IN (THIS TIME ABOUT THE WAY WE OVERSEXUALIZE FEMALE POP STARS AND HOW TOXIC CHILDHOOD FAME CAN BE, MY ABSOLUTE KRYPTONITE OF TOPICS)
Want to read
October 28, 2025mama WANTS
the only thing I probably won’t like about this one is that is dual pov, but we shall persist
the only thing I probably won’t like about this one is that is dual pov, but we shall persist
Read
December 28, 2025*early work perk read*
January 15, 2026
3.5? feeling pretty neutral about this book, wasn't amazing but also wasn't bad?
January 18, 2026
Very tender and sexy, even if I did spend a lot of the book worrying about Nick’s job. I do love a pop star romance and I extra loved that Ramona decided to be retired.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Her books get better and better. While this one didn’t make me want to become a pop star like her last made me want to move to Amsterdam it was still fast paced and well written.
Read
January 19, 2026I got so scared that there would be a third act break up, issues with school. Thank gooooddddd that didn’t happen . Should have had more faith !
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews