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Extracurricular
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Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 18:43:04
24 copies available
U.S. only
When 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
About the author
Rachel Lynn Solomon
15 books8,678 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
——✮∙˙ 4 stars ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
╰► 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!
✧ For anyone who’s been told they should be quieter about the things they love—be even louder. ✧
⋮ ✦┆after years of fame as a child actress and pop star, ramona wilder leaves the spotlight behind to start over at college and finally experience a normal life. but her fresh start becomes complicated when she forms an unexpected connection with her psychology professor, nick navarro, who is recovering from a recent divorce. what begins as teasing classroom tension slowly turns into a deeper relationship as they help each other confront the pressures of fame, heartbreak, and learning to trust again.
✧ genre: contemporary romance
✧ tropes: student x professor ⋆ forbidden ⋆ age gap (10 years) ⋆ no third-act breakup
✧ setting: college
◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦ ◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦
⋮ ✦┆first of all, can we take a moment to appreciate this cover?? like hello?! it so beautiful! i think this book was really sweet and i really enjoyed the way these two characters, ramona wilder and nick navarro, slowly developed a relationship.
this book explores themes of self-rediscovery, resilience, and growth—something i was very fond of reading about.
i think there were some important things that were slightly overlooked, and although it’s not a main plot in this book, it’s part of a character’s story, and since there was a lot of self-discovery, i just wish there could’ve been some more exploration about that.
besides this and just a couple other things, i really enjoyed reading this book 🤭
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ ramona wilder ⋆｡°
⌞🧂⌝ ⋮ ✦┆i really enjoyed seeing how ramona navigated through such a big change in her life—trying her best to live a life in which she gets to decide everything.
something i admired about her was her determination to learn new things. it’s like she almost knew exactly which path she wanted to take in order to get used to this new life of hers, even if it was a little bumpy.
she embraced new change by challenging herself, acknowledging/reconnecting with the past, and just really letting herself explore life.
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ nick navarro ⋆｡°
⌞🧠⌝ ⋮ ✦┆i feel like nick is really similar to ramona in some ways. just like her, he’s also in an era of self-rediscovery.
for him, he’s more so trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do. i really loved how that although he’s also in such a tough time in his life, he still showed up for what he loves and who he loves.
also, since he’s at a more mature age, it sort of felt like he didn’t have that much difficulty with anything. i think he had more self-doubt than anything. but it was stil interesting to see how he slowly overcame that.
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ the relationship ⋆｡°💌
⌞💋⌝ ⋮ ✦┆these two characters were really good for each other. they helped and supported the other. i think they had pretty good chemistry as well.
i liked the build up to their relationship and the slight tension between them. now…it could’ve been my fault for reading too fast, but they did seem kind of fast. not insta-love at all—which thank god 🙏—because i HATE insta-love! so i’m so glad it wasn’t insta-lovey. it was more of an attraction and that just threw me off a little.
⋮ ✦┆this book was sweet, pretty quick, and filled with much more than i expected (in a good way). originally, my rating for this book was sitting at a 3.5, but after sitting on it for two days, its a 4 stars. i would definitely recommend this book!!
ᯤ ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ “quotes revealed when book is published”
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
ᝰ.ᐟ🎤 ⌗ pre read┆started april 24 | finished may 8 ˎˊ˗
i’m genuinely so excited for this book because when i first started my reading journey 4 years ago, i read “today tonight tomorrow” by this author and it was so creative and fun 💐 i went to sleep thinking about it and woke up with it on my mind 🤗 this book sounds so interesting, so hopefully it exceeds my expectations 🤞
˖᯽ ݁˖· ─ 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
⟢ 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: july 14
╰► 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!
✧ For anyone who’s been told they should be quieter about the things they love—be even louder. ✧
˗ˏˋ ꒰ ⓘ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ i. synopsis⋆˚꩜｡
⋮ ✦┆after years of fame as a child actress and pop star, ramona wilder leaves the spotlight behind to start over at college and finally experience a normal life. but her fresh start becomes complicated when she forms an unexpected connection with her psychology professor, nick navarro, who is recovering from a recent divorce. what begins as teasing classroom tension slowly turns into a deeper relationship as they help each other confront the pressures of fame, heartbreak, and learning to trust again.
✧ genre: contemporary romance
✧ tropes: student x professor ⋆ forbidden ⋆ age gap (10 years) ⋆ no third-act breakup
✧ setting: college
◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦ ◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ ii. my thoughts ⋆｡°💭
⋮ ✦┆first of all, can we take a moment to appreciate this cover?? like hello?! it so beautiful! i think this book was really sweet and i really enjoyed the way these two characters, ramona wilder and nick navarro, slowly developed a relationship.
this book explores themes of self-rediscovery, resilience, and growth—something i was very fond of reading about.
i think there were some important things that were slightly overlooked, and although it’s not a main plot in this book, it’s part of a character’s story, and since there was a lot of self-discovery, i just wish there could’ve been some more exploration about that.
besides this and just a couple other things, i really enjoyed reading this book 🤭
❝ This doesn’t mean I’m giving you an A. ❞
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ iii. characters ⋆｡°🌷
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ ramona wilder ⋆｡°
⌞🧂⌝ ⋮ ✦┆i really enjoyed seeing how ramona navigated through such a big change in her life—trying her best to live a life in which she gets to decide everything.
something i admired about her was her determination to learn new things. it’s like she almost knew exactly which path she wanted to take in order to get used to this new life of hers, even if it was a little bumpy.
she embraced new change by challenging herself, acknowledging/reconnecting with the past, and just really letting herself explore life.
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ nick navarro ⋆｡°
⌞🧠⌝ ⋮ ✦┆i feel like nick is really similar to ramona in some ways. just like her, he’s also in an era of self-rediscovery.
for him, he’s more so trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do. i really loved how that although he’s also in such a tough time in his life, he still showed up for what he loves and who he loves.
also, since he’s at a more mature age, it sort of felt like he didn’t have that much difficulty with anything. i think he had more self-doubt than anything. but it was stil interesting to see how he slowly overcame that.
✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ the relationship ⋆｡°💌
⌞💋⌝ ⋮ ✦┆these two characters were really good for each other. they helped and supported the other. i think they had pretty good chemistry as well.
i liked the build up to their relationship and the slight tension between them. now…it could’ve been my fault for reading too fast, but they did seem kind of fast. not insta-love at all—which thank god 🙏—because i HATE insta-love! so i’m so glad it wasn’t insta-lovey. it was more of an attraction and that just threw me off a little.
❝Of course you are. But I’m going to earn it.❞
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ iv. overall ⋆｡°⌛️
⋮ ✦┆this book was sweet, pretty quick, and filled with much more than i expected (in a good way). originally, my rating for this book was sitting at a 3.5, but after sitting on it for two days, its a 4 stars. i would definitely recommend this book!!
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆v. quotes i loved⋆｡° 𓂃🖊
ᯤ ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ “quotes revealed when book is published”
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
ᝰ.ᐟ🎤 ⌗ pre read┆started april 24 | finished may 8 ˎˊ˗
i’m genuinely so excited for this book because when i first started my reading journey 4 years ago, i read “today tonight tomorrow” by this author and it was so creative and fun 💐 i went to sleep thinking about it and woke up with it on my mind 🤗 this book sounds so interesting, so hopefully it exceeds my expectations 🤞
˖᯽ ݁˖· ─ 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
⟢ 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: july 14
February 24, 2026
Well, how can anyone resist a concept that instantly reminds you of “I’m just a girl, standing in front of my hot redheaded professor, asking him to love her” — giving you delicious Notting Hill vibes with a modern, emotionally layered twist?
We follow Ramona Wilder, a once-unstoppable pop phenomenon — think a Sabrina Carpenter-level global sensation who grew up in the spotlight, carrying the weight of fame on her fragile shoulders since her teenage years. Her backstory, including a messy relationship with a troubled actor ex, slightly echoes the public struggles of stars like Miley Cyrus, adding an extra layer of realism and vulnerability.
After quietly stepping away from her career to confront her mental health battles alone, Ramona makes a brave, life-altering decision: she returns to college at twenty-six, determined to reclaim the youth she never truly had.
And that’s where Nick Navarro enters the picture.
Nick, thirty-eight, recently divorced, emotionally bruised, and living with his sister and niece, is trying to rebuild his life piece by piece. He’s intelligent, kind, a little awkward, and at times endearingly lost — honestly, he gave me strong young Hugh Grant rom-com energy. He’s a devoted professor who genuinely cares about his students, yet when it comes to his own heart, he’s far less confident.
The moment Ramona and Nick meet, the spark is undeniable.
Their relationship evolves through tension, resistance, and emotional vulnerability — a forbidden yet fully consensual connection between two adults who are both navigating personal reinvention. The chemistry between them is electric, filled with longing, hesitation, and beautifully written emotional intimacy. Their journey never feels cheap or superficial. Instead, it explores the real emotional consequences of loving someone when the timing, circumstances, and past wounds complicate everything.
What makes this story especially powerful is how thoughtfully it addresses deeper themes beneath the romance. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of fame: the invasive nature of social media, the suffocating expectations of fans, the exploitation by dysfunctional parents, and the terrifying loneliness that can exist behind glamorous public images. These elements are handled with sensitivity, honesty, and care.
Ramona is an absolutely fantastic heroine. She is strong, sharp-witted, vulnerable, and incredibly resilient. Watching her slowly rediscover herself — not as a brand, not as an idol, but as a human being — was deeply moving. You root for her with your whole heart.
Nick, on the other hand, is charmingly imperfect. He’s gentle, thoughtful, sometimes clueless, and still emotionally healing from a life he thought would last forever. His emotional growth throughout the story feels authentic and satisfying.
And I must talk about the dialogue — because it was one of my favorite parts! The banter is witty, playful, and full of personality. The text message exchanges especially felt so real, modern, and irresistibly fun. You can feel the connection building word by word.
The pacing was excellent: a gripping opening, a steadily developing emotional arc, and a conclusion that left me feeling warm, emotional, and completely satisfied.
This is not just a sweet romantic comedy. It is also a compassionate exploration of mental health, identity, healing, and second chances. It balances emotional depth with humor and tenderness beautifully.
As a devoted reader of Rachel Lynn Solomon, I can confidently say she absolutely delivered once again. She has this rare gift of making you feel seen, comforted, and emotionally invested all at once.
We truly need stories like this — romances that allow us to escape, to dream, and to believe in love again, even after heartbreak. Stories that feel like the perfect comfort film playing in your mind.
And honestly? I need more of her books immediately.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this engaging, emotional, and addictive rom-com’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions. It was an absolute joy to read and experience.
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We follow Ramona Wilder, a once-unstoppable pop phenomenon — think a Sabrina Carpenter-level global sensation who grew up in the spotlight, carrying the weight of fame on her fragile shoulders since her teenage years. Her backstory, including a messy relationship with a troubled actor ex, slightly echoes the public struggles of stars like Miley Cyrus, adding an extra layer of realism and vulnerability.
After quietly stepping away from her career to confront her mental health battles alone, Ramona makes a brave, life-altering decision: she returns to college at twenty-six, determined to reclaim the youth she never truly had.
And that’s where Nick Navarro enters the picture.
Nick, thirty-eight, recently divorced, emotionally bruised, and living with his sister and niece, is trying to rebuild his life piece by piece. He’s intelligent, kind, a little awkward, and at times endearingly lost — honestly, he gave me strong young Hugh Grant rom-com energy. He’s a devoted professor who genuinely cares about his students, yet when it comes to his own heart, he’s far less confident.
The moment Ramona and Nick meet, the spark is undeniable.
Their relationship evolves through tension, resistance, and emotional vulnerability — a forbidden yet fully consensual connection between two adults who are both navigating personal reinvention. The chemistry between them is electric, filled with longing, hesitation, and beautifully written emotional intimacy. Their journey never feels cheap or superficial. Instead, it explores the real emotional consequences of loving someone when the timing, circumstances, and past wounds complicate everything.
What makes this story especially powerful is how thoughtfully it addresses deeper themes beneath the romance. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of fame: the invasive nature of social media, the suffocating expectations of fans, the exploitation by dysfunctional parents, and the terrifying loneliness that can exist behind glamorous public images. These elements are handled with sensitivity, honesty, and care.
Ramona is an absolutely fantastic heroine. She is strong, sharp-witted, vulnerable, and incredibly resilient. Watching her slowly rediscover herself — not as a brand, not as an idol, but as a human being — was deeply moving. You root for her with your whole heart.
Nick, on the other hand, is charmingly imperfect. He’s gentle, thoughtful, sometimes clueless, and still emotionally healing from a life he thought would last forever. His emotional growth throughout the story feels authentic and satisfying.
And I must talk about the dialogue — because it was one of my favorite parts! The banter is witty, playful, and full of personality. The text message exchanges especially felt so real, modern, and irresistibly fun. You can feel the connection building word by word.
The pacing was excellent: a gripping opening, a steadily developing emotional arc, and a conclusion that left me feeling warm, emotional, and completely satisfied.
This is not just a sweet romantic comedy. It is also a compassionate exploration of mental health, identity, healing, and second chances. It balances emotional depth with humor and tenderness beautifully.
As a devoted reader of Rachel Lynn Solomon, I can confidently say she absolutely delivered once again. She has this rare gift of making you feel seen, comforted, and emotionally invested all at once.
We truly need stories like this — romances that allow us to escape, to dream, and to believe in love again, even after heartbreak. Stories that feel like the perfect comfort film playing in your mind.
And honestly? I need more of her books immediately.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this engaging, emotional, and addictive rom-com’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions. It was an absolute joy to read and experience.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
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February 23, 2026Extracurricular is my favorite thing I've written, and it will be in your hands on July 14, 2026! The first edition will have gorgeous ombré sprayed edges and a printed inside cover.
On the surface: a spicy forbidden romance about a former pop star who goes back to college and falls for her professor.
Under the surface: shifting power dynamics and healing from trauma and tender moments of vulnerability. A girl who's spent her life viewed solely as a commodity, accustomed to using her sexuality to get what she wants, and the man with his own wounds who sees her as a whole person and loves every piece of her. Two lonely, slightly shattered people finding their way to each other.
Tropes, behind a spoiler tag in case you'd prefer to go in without knowing them:
And some content warnings printed at the beginning of the book that I'll also put behind a spoiler tag:
Thank you so much for spending time with Ramona and Nick. 🧡
On the surface: a spicy forbidden romance about a former pop star who goes back to college and falls for her professor.
Under the surface: shifting power dynamics and healing from trauma and tender moments of vulnerability. A girl who's spent her life viewed solely as a commodity, accustomed to using her sexuality to get what she wants, and the man with his own wounds who sees her as a whole person and loves every piece of her. Two lonely, slightly shattered people finding their way to each other.
Tropes, behind a spoiler tag in case you'd prefer to go in without knowing them:
And some content warnings printed at the beginning of the book that I'll also put behind a spoiler tag:
Thank you so much for spending time with Ramona and Nick. 🧡
February 25, 2026
Quite frankly, boring. No chemistry, the plot was sleep inducing and I couldn’t for the life of me like the mmc. This was so unfortunate especially with that stunning cover and the trope being one of my favourites :(
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin for the ARC! ♥︎
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin for the ARC! ♥︎
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is the embodiment of all my favorite tropes—age gap, forbidden romance, student/professor, mental health rep—so the moment I got approved, I immediately dove in! And it was so addictive that I read it in one sitting.
Ramona is a former singer who’s been building her career since childhood and retired at just 26. Nick is a college professor who went through a divorce a year ago. I’m obsessed with Nick—I already have a weakness for MMCs in glasses, but now I’ve unlocked a new obsession: MMCs with a little earring. It was so sexy.
If some of these tropes make you hesitant, I promise the relationship between the characters is incredibly tender and supportive, and their age gap is only 10 years. After her career, Ramona struggles with panic attacks and other issues, and I loved the way Nick supported her and helped her open up. Honestly, I also loved that he was willing to leave his job for Ramona.
The author also did such a beautiful job tackling important topics (childhood career exploitation, sexual and emotional abuse, issues with parents, self-identity) and really showed how cruel the music industry can be—especially for someone who’s been chasing a career since childhood.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ student/professor
✓ black cat/golden retriever
✓ forbidden romance
✓ age gap (26/36)
✓ no third-act breakup
✓ found family
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ramona is a former singer who’s been building her career since childhood and retired at just 26. Nick is a college professor who went through a divorce a year ago. I’m obsessed with Nick—I already have a weakness for MMCs in glasses, but now I’ve unlocked a new obsession: MMCs with a little earring. It was so sexy.
If some of these tropes make you hesitant, I promise the relationship between the characters is incredibly tender and supportive, and their age gap is only 10 years. After her career, Ramona struggles with panic attacks and other issues, and I loved the way Nick supported her and helped her open up. Honestly, I also loved that he was willing to leave his job for Ramona.
The author also did such a beautiful job tackling important topics (childhood career exploitation, sexual and emotional abuse, issues with parents, self-identity) and really showed how cruel the music industry can be—especially for someone who’s been chasing a career since childhood.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ student/professor
✓ black cat/golden retriever
✓ forbidden romance
✓ age gap (26/36)
✓ no third-act breakup
✓ found family
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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! 🔥
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April 4, 2026reviewed professionally: my link text
personally, i could not get past how unethical their relationship was, ymmv
personally, i could not get past how unethical their relationship was, ymmv
March 28, 2026
Oh she’s taking it!!! Contemporary romance girlies be prepared. This will be in your top 10 for 2026.
More thoughts to come!
Edited to add: lovedddd it. If that wasn’t apparent already. I probably finished this in under 24 hours despite a full work day lol. Rachel always finds a way fit heavier subject matter with the lightheartedness of a rom com. Basically imagine if Sabrina Carpenter (Ramona) decided to retire right now and go to UCLA to figure out what she wanted to do next. She falls for the freshly divorced, hot psychology professor (who hasn’t!!!) with a slutty little earring (Nick). I really enjoyed the commentary on the ethics of child stars and parasocial celebrity relationships. And watching their own relationship develop throughout the novel had me giggling and kicking my feet!! Rachel Lynn Solomon has done it again!
- age gap (26 + 36)
- emotionally mature adults that still have baggage
- 2.5 or 3 🌶️
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Extracurricular comes out July 2026!
Trigger Warnings: coercive SA (off page but described) emotional parental abuse and disordered eating
More thoughts to come!
Edited to add: lovedddd it. If that wasn’t apparent already. I probably finished this in under 24 hours despite a full work day lol. Rachel always finds a way fit heavier subject matter with the lightheartedness of a rom com. Basically imagine if Sabrina Carpenter (Ramona) decided to retire right now and go to UCLA to figure out what she wanted to do next. She falls for the freshly divorced, hot psychology professor (who hasn’t!!!) with a slutty little earring (Nick). I really enjoyed the commentary on the ethics of child stars and parasocial celebrity relationships. And watching their own relationship develop throughout the novel had me giggling and kicking my feet!! Rachel Lynn Solomon has done it again!
- age gap (26 + 36)
- emotionally mature adults that still have baggage
- 2.5 or 3 🌶️
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. Extracurricular comes out July 2026!
Trigger Warnings: coercive SA (off page but described) emotional parental abuse and disordered eating
March 2, 2026
I really struggled because I LOVE me some RLS! I think was instantly took me out of the story was the third person perspective. Neither character had a first person POV and i really think that resulted in less connection to both Ramona and Nick.
Plus with Ramona’s past, I really hated the power dynamics of Nick being her professor. I never quite got there feeling it was ok between that and him being 10 years older.
I’ll be back for the next RLS book!
Plus with Ramona’s past, I really hated the power dynamics of Nick being her professor. I never quite got there feeling it was ok between that and him being 10 years older.
I’ll be back for the next RLS book!
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
Did Not Finish
March 12, 202670 pages in and realised the 3rd person pov was irritating me too much and that I only like celebrity (adjacent or otherwise) romances if they’re sapphic ✨
Want to Read
April 22, 2026preread: berkley pls don't ever stop loving me!! the cover is soooo prettyyy oh my world
February 4, 2026
A surprisingly sweet forbidden romance between a former pop star (who left the music world at age 26, and who decides to go back to college) and her psych 101 professor (hot, 36, and recently divorced).
A student-teacher romance would normally be a HUGE no for me; but the age gap was only 10 years. And because Ramona was incredibly famous, it leveled off the power dynamics. I think Solomon handled it well!
A student-teacher romance would normally be a HUGE no for me; but the age gap was only 10 years. And because Ramona was incredibly famous, it leveled off the power dynamics. I think Solomon handled it well!
April 7, 2026
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
This. Book. Oh. My. God. I haven't felt so invested and absolutely feral over a book in so long that this was very refreshing to read. Rachel's writing is extremely witty, natural, vulnerable and honest. Ramona is a character I want to be best friends with and I loved her journey after retiring from music. Her background with her family and history with exes made me want to crawl out of my skin and protect her at all costs. And my sweet Nick who had his reservations on Ramona when she joined his class, but they quickly could not resist one another. I thoroughly enjoyed the forbidden aspect between the two and was literally screaming and giggling at my kindle. The depth, vulnerability and growth shared between Ramona and Nick was truly beautiful to read and witness their happily ever after. I seriously wish I could read this for the first time and ride that high again. I'll be thinking about this one for a long, long time.
Rachel really outdid herself with this one and I seriously cannot wait for everyone to read it! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!
This. Book. Oh. My. God. I haven't felt so invested and absolutely feral over a book in so long that this was very refreshing to read. Rachel's writing is extremely witty, natural, vulnerable and honest. Ramona is a character I want to be best friends with and I loved her journey after retiring from music. Her background with her family and history with exes made me want to crawl out of my skin and protect her at all costs. And my sweet Nick who had his reservations on Ramona when she joined his class, but they quickly could not resist one another. I thoroughly enjoyed the forbidden aspect between the two and was literally screaming and giggling at my kindle. The depth, vulnerability and growth shared between Ramona and Nick was truly beautiful to read and witness their happily ever after. I seriously wish I could read this for the first time and ride that high again. I'll be thinking about this one for a long, long time.
Rachel really outdid herself with this one and I seriously cannot wait for everyone to read it! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!
March 20, 2026
Ughhh I was so ready to love this book! I went in with high expectations, in the mood for this kind of read, and since I’m a lot easier to please with these kinds of books because I specifically love Hollywood famous girl gets the regular guy type books, fully planning for this to at least be a 4 star read. But for me? This romance just wasn’t very believable :(
The concept of a world famous popstar disillusioned by fame and seeking a normal life is by no means an original concept, but I love the dynamic of famous girl, regular guy. A book about a stadium selling pop star who got her start on a Disney channel-esque kids show crashing out, leaving the industry, enrolling in college and falling in love with her professor is a concept I expected to love. It wasn’t the concept that was the issue. The romance just kind of came out of nowhere and was NOT at all believable. It didn’t feel authentic, and it felt like he was just going with it because she was pretty.
Look, when it comes to romance, I want a full on soulmates, I would die for you, I would die without you, type of thing. I typically need more than just a love story plot so if I’m going to read a romance, I want it to be all or nothing. This book was not that kind of love story. It wasn’t the warm fuzzies kind of romance, and it kinda felt like, Ramona latched onto Nick because he’s the only person that has ever treated her remotely well, ever.
The romance just didn’t convince me. I can understand why Ramona latched onto him (hot, older professor (plus her personality is the type who likes a challenge and he didn’t really like her at first) but I can’t see a 36 year old serious professor falling so fast and so easily for a popstar. Which, would be different if she showed up in his class and surprised him as someone who ended up being thoughtful, empathetic, intelligent, and hard working, but that is NOT Ramona at all. She exhibits a typical snarky pop star behavior, and I cannot see a serious college professor falling so quickly and easily. I mean, you can’t blame her for being prideful and high maintenance, as someone who has been rich and famous from a young age, but also, not every famous celebrity behaves like that or has that kind of almost diva like personality. Ramona just wasn’t likable to me. I get that opposites attract, but I was not at all convinced because the dynamic between the two just did not convince me or feel like a fit. It also got physical SO quickly I was like, are you kidding me lol it was so unconvincing. Their whole dynamic didn’t feel like love. It just felt like unconvincing lust.
Extracurricular only works for people who like reading about celebrities. If you like the celebrity in Hollywood + regular guy trope, you might like this more. If you don’t have any specific interest in that trope and are in it for the love story, you probably won’t like this at all. You really have to be into the Hollywood trope to want to keep reading, but aside from that, I can’t see a regular romance reader latching onto this couple. There’s not much of a plot in this book either, just vibes. Which doesn’t work if the pairing doesn’t work.
Great concept, not so great execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
The concept of a world famous popstar disillusioned by fame and seeking a normal life is by no means an original concept, but I love the dynamic of famous girl, regular guy. A book about a stadium selling pop star who got her start on a Disney channel-esque kids show crashing out, leaving the industry, enrolling in college and falling in love with her professor is a concept I expected to love. It wasn’t the concept that was the issue. The romance just kind of came out of nowhere and was NOT at all believable. It didn’t feel authentic, and it felt like he was just going with it because she was pretty.
Look, when it comes to romance, I want a full on soulmates, I would die for you, I would die without you, type of thing. I typically need more than just a love story plot so if I’m going to read a romance, I want it to be all or nothing. This book was not that kind of love story. It wasn’t the warm fuzzies kind of romance, and it kinda felt like, Ramona latched onto Nick because he’s the only person that has ever treated her remotely well, ever.
The romance just didn’t convince me. I can understand why Ramona latched onto him (hot, older professor (plus her personality is the type who likes a challenge and he didn’t really like her at first) but I can’t see a 36 year old serious professor falling so fast and so easily for a popstar. Which, would be different if she showed up in his class and surprised him as someone who ended up being thoughtful, empathetic, intelligent, and hard working, but that is NOT Ramona at all. She exhibits a typical snarky pop star behavior, and I cannot see a serious college professor falling so quickly and easily. I mean, you can’t blame her for being prideful and high maintenance, as someone who has been rich and famous from a young age, but also, not every famous celebrity behaves like that or has that kind of almost diva like personality. Ramona just wasn’t likable to me. I get that opposites attract, but I was not at all convinced because the dynamic between the two just did not convince me or feel like a fit. It also got physical SO quickly I was like, are you kidding me lol it was so unconvincing. Their whole dynamic didn’t feel like love. It just felt like unconvincing lust.
Extracurricular only works for people who like reading about celebrities. If you like the celebrity in Hollywood + regular guy trope, you might like this more. If you don’t have any specific interest in that trope and are in it for the love story, you probably won’t like this at all. You really have to be into the Hollywood trope to want to keep reading, but aside from that, I can’t see a regular romance reader latching onto this couple. There’s not much of a plot in this book either, just vibes. Which doesn’t work if the pairing doesn’t work.
Great concept, not so great execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
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.
April 11, 2026
The chokehold this book had on me… I couldn’t put it down. I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today.
Something about retired pop star + professor WORKED for me. Flirty! Tender! Stakes that didn’t take over the whole story in an unnecessary way!
This is my favorite Rachel Lynn Solomon by a landslide, and not just because I still have a crush on one of my college professors.
Something about retired pop star + professor WORKED for me. Flirty! Tender! Stakes that didn’t take over the whole story in an unnecessary way!
This is my favorite Rachel Lynn Solomon by a landslide, and not just because I still have a crush on one of my college professors.
Want to Read
February 22, 2026i hate the student/teacher trope but like cmonnn it's rachel lynn solomon what could go wrong?!
April 19, 2026
The second book (in a row) of hers that I’ve not been a fan of 😕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first RLS book and I know it won't be my last. Nick and Ramona were perfect. Ramona is a child star turned popstar who retires at 26, and enrols at UCLA. Nick is her psychology professor - off limits but way to hot with his sl*tty little earring! Its hot and fun, but also covers some harder topics, so definitely check the trigger warnings. So grateful to Rachel for letting me read this early - and for adding me to my first acknowledgements section!
January 19, 2026
Next level good. Heart physically ached, cried twice, wants to spin around my room after that epilogue type of good!!!
January 31, 2026
I wish Rachel Lynn Solomon’s could write a man into my life because her characters are truly life changing. Extra-Curricular was so delectable I ate it up in barely 24 hours. The plot is so intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and how tender and thoughtful it was.
Ramona is a pop star retiring at age 26, after suffering through panic attacks and the difficulty of her parents being her managers. Nick is a 36 year old professor, coping with his divorce and struggling in general. Combine them together in a class? You know steamy shit is gonna go DOWN. The dual POV is immaculate, something I didn’t know how much I desired to have from RLS. Additionally, writing in 3rd POV was another interesting and well done choice in this book.
You have such a selection of elite tropes: age gap, forbidden romance, student x professor, celebrity/normal person, caretaking. Both Ramona and Nick are healing from their respective traumas, both nuanced and well developed. Hiiiigh levels of yearning in here, especially from Nick. Truly so many amazing little niche quirks and micro tropes here that I really loved.
What I loved was all the genuine representation from both characters. The struggles felt relatable and tangible, even though I’m not a pop star or professor. The humanistic characterization helps you relate. I had such a visual idea of both Ramona and Nick, as well as the setting, because of how descriptive the details were in the writing. There is also such great side character rep - Betty, and Nick’s sister and niece.
Extra-Curricular is a tantalizing slow burn. The feelings between Ramona and Nick are built up nicely, getting close to the point where you’re yearning and pining alongside the characters. Their relationship starts as teacher/student, but continues on to an actual friendship.
Desiring them to be together ASAP. And the steam? The spice! Rachel is a master sex scene writer. Beyond that, we see them help and support each other, going from infatuation to genuine care and love for one another. And you see how strong it can be, when Nick’s job is in jeopardy - because dating a student is definitely a no-no. It’s also fascinating to watch Ramona deal with high levels of fame, and then figuring out how to navigate being a “normal” person. I think the level of fame she is represented as having reminded me of a Selena Gomez level.
There is also very, very well done anxiety/panic attack rep here. It felt very meaningful and relatable to me and I really respect how RLS wrote it. Additionally, there is depictions of sex that is pushed to be consensual sex, but ultimately was not consensual. Again, RLS writes this topic with sensitivity and care. A thoughtful subplot that is powerful and important. There is also therapy rep here as well.
If you’re looking for a romance that gives you friendship, big emotions, genuine laughs, banter and steamy tension, great build-up and truly, immaculate vibes- read Extra-Curricular when it releases 7/14/2026.
Many thanks to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ramona is a pop star retiring at age 26, after suffering through panic attacks and the difficulty of her parents being her managers. Nick is a 36 year old professor, coping with his divorce and struggling in general. Combine them together in a class? You know steamy shit is gonna go DOWN. The dual POV is immaculate, something I didn’t know how much I desired to have from RLS. Additionally, writing in 3rd POV was another interesting and well done choice in this book.
You have such a selection of elite tropes: age gap, forbidden romance, student x professor, celebrity/normal person, caretaking. Both Ramona and Nick are healing from their respective traumas, both nuanced and well developed. Hiiiigh levels of yearning in here, especially from Nick. Truly so many amazing little niche quirks and micro tropes here that I really loved.
What I loved was all the genuine representation from both characters. The struggles felt relatable and tangible, even though I’m not a pop star or professor. The humanistic characterization helps you relate. I had such a visual idea of both Ramona and Nick, as well as the setting, because of how descriptive the details were in the writing. There is also such great side character rep - Betty, and Nick’s sister and niece.
Extra-Curricular is a tantalizing slow burn. The feelings between Ramona and Nick are built up nicely, getting close to the point where you’re yearning and pining alongside the characters. Their relationship starts as teacher/student, but continues on to an actual friendship.
Desiring them to be together ASAP. And the steam? The spice! Rachel is a master sex scene writer. Beyond that, we see them help and support each other, going from infatuation to genuine care and love for one another. And you see how strong it can be, when Nick’s job is in jeopardy - because dating a student is definitely a no-no. It’s also fascinating to watch Ramona deal with high levels of fame, and then figuring out how to navigate being a “normal” person. I think the level of fame she is represented as having reminded me of a Selena Gomez level.
There is also very, very well done anxiety/panic attack rep here. It felt very meaningful and relatable to me and I really respect how RLS wrote it. Additionally, there is depictions of sex that is pushed to be consensual sex, but ultimately was not consensual. Again, RLS writes this topic with sensitivity and care. A thoughtful subplot that is powerful and important. There is also therapy rep here as well.
If you’re looking for a romance that gives you friendship, big emotions, genuine laughs, banter and steamy tension, great build-up and truly, immaculate vibes- read Extra-Curricular when it releases 7/14/2026.
Many thanks to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2026
Thank you SO much to Berkley, Rachel Lynn Solomon and NetGalley for the advance read of this gem!
I'm genuinely trying to think of a more articulate way of saying "I absolutely adored this. 10/10. Please, please, everyone needs to read this!" and I'm not finding the words. I have always been such a fan of anything Rachel Lynn Solomon has written! From her YA books, to her more steamy stories, her books always hit the spot for me, but Extracurricular is without a doubt, the best thing I've read from her.
After being in the industry her entire life, a burnt out, Ramona Wilde, abruptly retires at what is essentially the peak of her career. Much to her manager parents' dismay, she is ready to take a step back, regain some control of her life and independence, and discover who she is when she isn't living under a microscope. Since she never got to have the normal student experiences growing up, she decides to enroll at UCLA, where she meets Nick Navarro - her optimistic, bubbly, psychology professor, who is coming right out of a divorce, and seems to judge her for her star-status.
I couldn't put this book down and I'm so excited for everyone else to get the opportunity to read this one. I am such a sucker for celebrity romances and when the plot follows a female celebrity who falls for a non-celebrity, I'm immediately sold. With the professor/ student dynamic, it definitely had it's more taboo elements, but it was told in a very low-angst way, which was refreshing! Ramona was such a fun FMC to read- she was self-aware, mature, feisty when she needed to be. And Nick was just a sweetheart- and I loved that we got his POV in this story too!
Overall, I absolutely adored this. 10/10. Please, please, everyone needs to read this!
Read if you like:
- celebrity romance
- taboo romance
- professor / student
- forced proximity
- dislike to love
- mental health rep
- age gap
= dual pov
I'm genuinely trying to think of a more articulate way of saying "I absolutely adored this. 10/10. Please, please, everyone needs to read this!" and I'm not finding the words. I have always been such a fan of anything Rachel Lynn Solomon has written! From her YA books, to her more steamy stories, her books always hit the spot for me, but Extracurricular is without a doubt, the best thing I've read from her.
After being in the industry her entire life, a burnt out, Ramona Wilde, abruptly retires at what is essentially the peak of her career. Much to her manager parents' dismay, she is ready to take a step back, regain some control of her life and independence, and discover who she is when she isn't living under a microscope. Since she never got to have the normal student experiences growing up, she decides to enroll at UCLA, where she meets Nick Navarro - her optimistic, bubbly, psychology professor, who is coming right out of a divorce, and seems to judge her for her star-status.
I couldn't put this book down and I'm so excited for everyone else to get the opportunity to read this one. I am such a sucker for celebrity romances and when the plot follows a female celebrity who falls for a non-celebrity, I'm immediately sold. With the professor/ student dynamic, it definitely had it's more taboo elements, but it was told in a very low-angst way, which was refreshing! Ramona was such a fun FMC to read- she was self-aware, mature, feisty when she needed to be. And Nick was just a sweetheart- and I loved that we got his POV in this story too!
Overall, I absolutely adored this. 10/10. Please, please, everyone needs to read this!
Read if you like:
- celebrity romance
- taboo romance
- professor / student
- forced proximity
- dislike to love
- mental health rep
- age gap
= dual pov
February 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC. I loved Weather Girl and Business Casual so I jumped at the chance to dive into Extracurricular.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one as much. At the beginning, Ramona wasn’t exactly the type of character I wanted to read about. I’m just not into celebrity characters. But Solomon writes such authentic and interesting characters I knew I needed to give her a chance. Nick however I loved from the start. These characters just grew in such a lovely way; Solomon definitely delivered in the character department.
Yes there is an element of “forbidden” romance here but these two are such a sweet couple. They really bring out the best in each other and that’s the kind of love story I want. And thank you book gods that this had no third act break up 🙏
4.5⭐️
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one as much. At the beginning, Ramona wasn’t exactly the type of character I wanted to read about. I’m just not into celebrity characters. But Solomon writes such authentic and interesting characters I knew I needed to give her a chance. Nick however I loved from the start. These characters just grew in such a lovely way; Solomon definitely delivered in the character department.
Yes there is an element of “forbidden” romance here but these two are such a sweet couple. They really bring out the best in each other and that’s the kind of love story I want. And thank you book gods that this had no third act break up 🙏
4.5⭐️
May 1, 2026
The slutty earring effect needs to be studied fr
This was such an addictive read. The chemistry between Ramona and Nick was off the charts, there was so much tension yet the book felt beautifully paced and their relationship felt natural. I loved the exploration of body image, autonomy and the overcoming of past trauma, I feel these themes were done justice and helped build authenticity into the characters and their story.
The ex-popstar element helped take some off the unease that can come with student x teacher relationships and there was a lot of reference to Ramona being older than the average student. At some points I wanted to scream into my Kindle for them to be more careful but I guess that's half the fun with the forbidden romance trope!
Definitely lived up to my expectations!
This was such an addictive read. The chemistry between Ramona and Nick was off the charts, there was so much tension yet the book felt beautifully paced and their relationship felt natural. I loved the exploration of body image, autonomy and the overcoming of past trauma, I feel these themes were done justice and helped build authenticity into the characters and their story.
The ex-popstar element helped take some off the unease that can come with student x teacher relationships and there was a lot of reference to Ramona being older than the average student. At some points I wanted to scream into my Kindle for them to be more careful but I guess that's half the fun with the forbidden romance trope!
Definitely lived up to my expectations!
March 4, 2026
Actual rating 2.5. This was an easy-to-read and addictive book (even if the plot was predictable). Didn’t mind the tropes, but felt the characters were a little flat and I got frustrated when they did stupid things. Importantly, the chemistry just wasn’t there for me… it went from 0-100 fairly quickly, and I needed some yearning! I needed more than just they’re both hot and it’s a forbidden romance… Lovely cover and author did a good job of addressing some important/darker themes. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC 📖
May 1, 2026
I had seen this book EVERYWHERE, and was so excited to finally see it available to request on netgalley.
Initially it was a little bit hard for me to get into. Hard to relate to the characters. But the further I got into it, the harder it was to put down. The trauma is definitely something almost anyone can relate to (we have all had experiences)
I ended up ADORING this book. The relationship, the understanding. The care Nick gives to Ramona. When he comes over and takes care of her when she’s sick? Helping her in the mall?
This whole book is such a heartwarming romance, and ode to friendship in the romance. And the spice? In his office? Oh my god, I’m never recovering.
I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
Initially it was a little bit hard for me to get into. Hard to relate to the characters. But the further I got into it, the harder it was to put down. The trauma is definitely something almost anyone can relate to (we have all had experiences)
I ended up ADORING this book. The relationship, the understanding. The care Nick gives to Ramona. When he comes over and takes care of her when she’s sick? Helping her in the mall?
This whole book is such a heartwarming romance, and ode to friendship in the romance. And the spice? In his office? Oh my god, I’m never recovering.
I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
After years of stardom, Roma Wilder has decided to try living a smi-normal life. As normal as she can get being a mega pop star attending college for the first time. In her psychology class she meets Nick Navarro, a recently-divorced college professor who's just moved in with his sister and neice (who's obsessed with Ramona's music). This is the only student-teacher romance I think I've ever read, and I'll admit I was nervous about it, but Rachel Lynn Solomon's characters employ truth and honesty, while continually discussing ramifications of their relationship. I love the dynamics aty play here, especially ask Nick sees Ramona for the first time in class. The ways their impressions of one another change as they grow closer breaks down the expectations they each had for the other. This really allows the reader to explore, right with the characters, who Nick and Ramona are beyond the surface. They are both more than what the public expects, and getting to know each other is what really strengthens their relationship and their romance. It's so important to show off in a romance novel what exactly about each person draws the other in, and it's really only as their walls break down that we see Nick and Ramona truly begin to fall. I love that about Rachel Lynn Solomon's writing. The conflicts are handled with care and thoughtfulness, and without that I think I would have doubted the book. But all of the power dynamics are explored carefully. This was sexy, honest, thought-provoking, tender, and so, so fun. I am always on board for a new RLS book, and I'm truly in love with this one. I just fly through her books! (Also I'm obsessed with Nick's sexy little earing, thank you Rachel for writing that.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Rachel Lynn Solomon for the ARC of Extracurricular in exchange for an honest review.
Extracurricular follows Ramona Wilder, recently retired pop star, as she embarks on a brand-new life away from the spotlight. And what do twenty-somethings do when they feel directionless? They enroll in college. It just so happens one of her classes is being taught by freshly divorced Professor Nick Navarro, ten years older and the owner of a slutty little earring. Can Ramona and Nick ignore the chemistry between them to concentrate on the Psychology course?
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and I was so beyond excited when my ARC request was approved and it ended up being everything I wanted and more! I think Ramona and Nick were really well-developed characters with their own personal challenges to overcome which led to a beautiful friendship, then romantic relationship, blossoming. The tension between them was palpable and oh so good!
There was also great representation of disclosing assault and abuse as well as the importance of making sure people have the language available to be able to recognise when it has occurred.
Extracurricular releases 14 July 2026.
Extracurricular follows Ramona Wilder, recently retired pop star, as she embarks on a brand-new life away from the spotlight. And what do twenty-somethings do when they feel directionless? They enroll in college. It just so happens one of her classes is being taught by freshly divorced Professor Nick Navarro, ten years older and the owner of a slutty little earring. Can Ramona and Nick ignore the chemistry between them to concentrate on the Psychology course?
This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and I was so beyond excited when my ARC request was approved and it ended up being everything I wanted and more! I think Ramona and Nick were really well-developed characters with their own personal challenges to overcome which led to a beautiful friendship, then romantic relationship, blossoming. The tension between them was palpable and oh so good!
There was also great representation of disclosing assault and abuse as well as the importance of making sure people have the language available to be able to recognise when it has occurred.
Extracurricular releases 14 July 2026.
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