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Across the Hall
For Caitlin Gregory, life after divorce has been an exercise in getting to know herself again. Finding love is the last thing on her mind. She scorns the idea of dating because she has all she needs: a nice new condo to call her own, her best friend right next door, and a new job that’s taking her back to her professional roots.
When Caitlin sets her eyes on Mallory Walker, however, she realizes she may not want to completely shut herself off from dating. Crossing paths with Mallory was not on Caitlin’s post-divorce agenda, but once she feels that unmistakable spark ignite, Caitlin feels herself drawn to Mallory despite the warnings and raised eyebrows from others.
While Caitlin’s emotions are ready to jump in, Mallory’s feelings are singing a much different song. The chill emanating from Mallory should be enough to ward off anyone, but Caitlin is nothing if not persistent.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Alissa McGowan
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
When Caitlin sets her eyes on Mallory Walker, however, she realizes she may not want to completely shut herself off from dating. Crossing paths with Mallory was not on Caitlin’s post-divorce agenda, but once she feels that unmistakable spark ignite, Caitlin feels herself drawn to Mallory despite the warnings and raised eyebrows from others.
While Caitlin’s emotions are ready to jump in, Mallory’s feelings are singing a much different song. The chill emanating from Mallory should be enough to ward off anyone, but Caitlin is nothing if not persistent.
Genre: Romance
Editor: Alissa McGowan
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2021
11 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Kat Jackson
6 books75 followersKat is a thirty-something-year-old high school English teacher who has been buried in and under books for thirty-some years. Kat is a lifelong learner, and currently has two masters degrees: one in English Literature, and another in Clinical & Counseling Psychology. She puts far too much stock into words, so what better thing to do than become a writer? (Truth is, she’s been writing since she was twelve years old.)
Kat lives in Pennsylvania with her cliched three cats, a whole lot of books, and some houseplants that she tries very hard to keep alive…but honestly, they’re all dead except for one. Running preserves most of Kat’s sanity, and in her “spare time” she also works as a mental health therapist.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
Kat lives in Pennsylvania with her cliched three cats, a whole lot of books, and some houseplants that she tries very hard to keep alive…but honestly, they’re all dead except for one. Running preserves most of Kat’s sanity, and in her “spare time” she also works as a mental health therapist.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 8, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'Some writers are such phonies: they sometimes are unaware that their storytelling is not enticing to readers.You think that they might know but usually they are messy..'
Okay read!
I'm most often than not giddy whenever a writer choose to incorporate a place, city or town into their storyline as one of their characters which Ms.Jackson did so overwhelmingly because it ended up being read at as an important part in the telling of the overall narrative. Add to this, it also was the perfect backdrop for all the ongoing drama whether it be emotional or exasperating.
Still, 'ACROSS THE HALL' had many moments where paragraphs or sentences just seems way too contradictory -- mainly when it came to the relationship and chemistry between the leading characters (Caitlin & Mallory). I've finished the book and still cannot pinpoint when their romance started because I never felt as if they had any intimate connection. Now when it came to the other secondary and supporting cast, they did make the rest of the storytelling a bit pleasing and could be seen as enjoyable for any interested readers.
**'Some writers are such phonies: they sometimes are unaware that their storytelling is not enticing to readers.You think that they might know but usually they are messy..'
Okay read!
I'm most often than not giddy whenever a writer choose to incorporate a place, city or town into their storyline as one of their characters which Ms.Jackson did so overwhelmingly because it ended up being read at as an important part in the telling of the overall narrative. Add to this, it also was the perfect backdrop for all the ongoing drama whether it be emotional or exasperating.
Still, 'ACROSS THE HALL' had many moments where paragraphs or sentences just seems way too contradictory -- mainly when it came to the relationship and chemistry between the leading characters (Caitlin & Mallory). I've finished the book and still cannot pinpoint when their romance started because I never felt as if they had any intimate connection. Now when it came to the other secondary and supporting cast, they did make the rest of the storytelling a bit pleasing and could be seen as enjoyable for any interested readers.
April 16, 2021
3.50 Stars. I liked this one. This is Jackson’s second book and while it still has some newer writer bumps, I had fun with it. I found it very easy to read and I flew through the book since I could not put it down. In romances where not a lot really happens, I find I can be bored often. Luckily, that was never the case with this book. Jackson put in a lot of little storylines that kept driving the story which kept me interested and made the reading experience enjoyable for me.
I hate to start with a complaint but I have to talk about the biggest issue I had… the characters names. I know that seems a little petty but there is a real reason why. I do not remember names well. If I’m meeting more than a few people at a time names go in one ear and out the other. There is still some guy that has worked in my office building for 6 months now and I still call him “what’s his face”. It’s bad I know. So you can imagine how hard it’s for me to remember names in all these new books I read. While I have little tricks to try to remember, when you name three characters Valerie, Mallory, and Marcy, it almost caused my head to explode. The first half of the book I spent way too much time just figuring who was who. So to any authors or potential authors reading this, please don’t use multiple names that begin or end the same, especially when they all work together.
I think Jackson was going for an ice queen character with Mallory (at least I hope I’m remembering her name correctly). I don’t think I would call her an ice queen, but she was frosty enough I can give her an ice princess title. I always love characters like this so I wanted to like her instantly. Some of her behaviors drove me nuts, but I liked her for the most part. Caitlin, who is our main POV character, was really easy to like. I loved her bluntness that was mixed with humor. She was sarcastic, but not in a mean way and she was the kind of main character I could read about in multiple books.
I think the romance could have used a little more time to develop. I really liked these two as a couple and was enjoying it but I think they needed more time to delve a bit deeper. I think we needed more about what made Mallory the person she was today. Her background is talked about so quickly that we didn’t get the big details and Caitlin didn’t either. I think they make an adorable couple but I would have loved to see a deeper connection.
As I mentioned before there was a lot of good little storylines that kept the book moving. I enjoyed the school scenes, where the characters are teachers, and I was really interested in the best friend Lina. Lina was such a well done secondary character that you really want to know and understand what is happening to her. As readers we are not allowed to find out too much and her storyline was left unresolved. At first I was disappointed, but that was until I realize maybe Lina’s story will be the next book. Both she and her story are interesting so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for her book next.
In the end this still had a few bumps, but overall I like how Jackson writes. Her books are very readable and easy to enjoy and that’s what I want in a romance. While not perfect, I think that most romance readers will enjoy this one too. I’m really hoping for a sequel. I think we need a little more page time for the mains in this book and I’m ready for Lina to have her chance to shine.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I hate to start with a complaint but I have to talk about the biggest issue I had… the characters names. I know that seems a little petty but there is a real reason why. I do not remember names well. If I’m meeting more than a few people at a time names go in one ear and out the other. There is still some guy that has worked in my office building for 6 months now and I still call him “what’s his face”. It’s bad I know. So you can imagine how hard it’s for me to remember names in all these new books I read. While I have little tricks to try to remember, when you name three characters Valerie, Mallory, and Marcy, it almost caused my head to explode. The first half of the book I spent way too much time just figuring who was who. So to any authors or potential authors reading this, please don’t use multiple names that begin or end the same, especially when they all work together.
I think Jackson was going for an ice queen character with Mallory (at least I hope I’m remembering her name correctly). I don’t think I would call her an ice queen, but she was frosty enough I can give her an ice princess title. I always love characters like this so I wanted to like her instantly. Some of her behaviors drove me nuts, but I liked her for the most part. Caitlin, who is our main POV character, was really easy to like. I loved her bluntness that was mixed with humor. She was sarcastic, but not in a mean way and she was the kind of main character I could read about in multiple books.
I think the romance could have used a little more time to develop. I really liked these two as a couple and was enjoying it but I think they needed more time to delve a bit deeper. I think we needed more about what made Mallory the person she was today. Her background is talked about so quickly that we didn’t get the big details and Caitlin didn’t either. I think they make an adorable couple but I would have loved to see a deeper connection.
As I mentioned before there was a lot of good little storylines that kept the book moving. I enjoyed the school scenes, where the characters are teachers, and I was really interested in the best friend Lina. Lina was such a well done secondary character that you really want to know and understand what is happening to her. As readers we are not allowed to find out too much and her storyline was left unresolved. At first I was disappointed, but that was until I realize maybe Lina’s story will be the next book. Both she and her story are interesting so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for her book next.
In the end this still had a few bumps, but overall I like how Jackson writes. Her books are very readable and easy to enjoy and that’s what I want in a romance. While not perfect, I think that most romance readers will enjoy this one too. I’m really hoping for a sequel. I think we need a little more page time for the mains in this book and I’m ready for Lina to have her chance to shine.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
April 29, 2021
This workplace romance was okay, not great.
I feel that this book would have worked better for me if we had a two-sided POV instead of just Caitlin's. Because although both Caitlin and Mallory had been through messy past relationships, Mallory seemed to have more considerations than Caitlin. Plus Mallory isn't exactly the world's chattiest person. So I don't know what goes on in her mind and why she does certain things. Actually, I didn't even know her past relationship affected her that much until Caitlin heard it through somebody else first. So with all these missing pieces, I felt like Mallory wasn't entirely invested in the relationship and I couldn't figure out why Caitlin found her attractive.
The later parts of the book got a lot better when Mallory started talking and the pieces fell into place. I understood her much, much better and I could finally see her trying to make the relationship work.
I actually thought Caitlin's best friend, Lina's story was much more interesting but we didn't get much of it. So if Jackson writes a book about Lina, I'll definitely grab it.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
I feel that this book would have worked better for me if we had a two-sided POV instead of just Caitlin's. Because although both Caitlin and Mallory had been through messy past relationships, Mallory seemed to have more considerations than Caitlin. Plus Mallory isn't exactly the world's chattiest person. So I don't know what goes on in her mind and why she does certain things. Actually, I didn't even know her past relationship affected her that much until Caitlin heard it through somebody else first. So with all these missing pieces, I felt like Mallory wasn't entirely invested in the relationship and I couldn't figure out why Caitlin found her attractive.
The later parts of the book got a lot better when Mallory started talking and the pieces fell into place. I understood her much, much better and I could finally see her trying to make the relationship work.
I actually thought Caitlin's best friend, Lina's story was much more interesting but we didn't get much of it. So if Jackson writes a book about Lina, I'll definitely grab it.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
4 Stars
Ok, so I absolutely loved this book. I stayed up until after 2am so I could finish it in one sitting.
Caitlin is recently divorced and is beginning a new teaching job. She meets Mallory, the icy teacher across the hall. Mallory has a reputation for acting like she’s better than everyone else and none of the other teachers like her. Caitlin isn’t ready for a relationship but she finds Mallory captivating and can’t seem to stay away from her.
This is my first novel by Kat Jackson and I love her writing. It was very easy and smooth and readable to me. This is told in third person but it’s told in only Caitlin’s point of view, which I don’t love in romance but it was okay here because I absolutely adored Caitlin. However, not having Mallory’s POV really hurt my opinion of her later and probably could have shed some light on some ongoing issues I had with her.
As I said above, this is told from Caitlin’s point of view and I have such a crush on her. She’s funny and smart and I found her to be completely charming. She lives next door to her best friend and she’s trying to move on from her failed marriage. She’s very human with flaws but she keeps trying.
The reason I’m not giving this the full five stars is all on Mallory. She’s spends a lot of time flip flopping between being into Caitlin and ignoring her. She is unfair to Caitlin and there were a couple instances where I thought she was just mean. It was very hard to root for them as a couple sometimes and not having her POV really didn’t help. In the end, I can’t say I was 100% convinced she was right for Caitlin. It could be that I just loved Caitlin so much that I wanted a lot more from Mallory, because Caitlin was way too forgiving. Her turnaround came too late for me to forgive her completely.
I really loved all the side characters in this which was a new experience for me. Caitlin’s best friend Lina was a standout to me. I loved their friendship and for the few chapters I thought this was about them because of their chemistry. I noticed on Jackson’s twitter that she’s working on a Lina story so I’m thrilled about that because I found her relationship and story to be fascinating.
I recommend this for folks wanting a well written romance that comes with some drama.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, so I absolutely loved this book. I stayed up until after 2am so I could finish it in one sitting.
Caitlin is recently divorced and is beginning a new teaching job. She meets Mallory, the icy teacher across the hall. Mallory has a reputation for acting like she’s better than everyone else and none of the other teachers like her. Caitlin isn’t ready for a relationship but she finds Mallory captivating and can’t seem to stay away from her.
This is my first novel by Kat Jackson and I love her writing. It was very easy and smooth and readable to me. This is told in third person but it’s told in only Caitlin’s point of view, which I don’t love in romance but it was okay here because I absolutely adored Caitlin. However, not having Mallory’s POV really hurt my opinion of her later and probably could have shed some light on some ongoing issues I had with her.
As I said above, this is told from Caitlin’s point of view and I have such a crush on her. She’s funny and smart and I found her to be completely charming. She lives next door to her best friend and she’s trying to move on from her failed marriage. She’s very human with flaws but she keeps trying.
The reason I’m not giving this the full five stars is all on Mallory. She’s spends a lot of time flip flopping between being into Caitlin and ignoring her. She is unfair to Caitlin and there were a couple instances where I thought she was just mean. It was very hard to root for them as a couple sometimes and not having her POV really didn’t help. In the end, I can’t say I was 100% convinced she was right for Caitlin. It could be that I just loved Caitlin so much that I wanted a lot more from Mallory, because Caitlin was way too forgiving. Her turnaround came too late for me to forgive her completely.
I really loved all the side characters in this which was a new experience for me. Caitlin’s best friend Lina was a standout to me. I loved their friendship and for the few chapters I thought this was about them because of their chemistry. I noticed on Jackson’s twitter that she’s working on a Lina story so I’m thrilled about that because I found her relationship and story to be fascinating.
I recommend this for folks wanting a well written romance that comes with some drama.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2021
Caitlin has recently divorced, found a new condo, and started a new job as a substitute teacher. She is totally fine with her single life sharing nights with her chubby kitty and free time with her frustrating best friend. Mallory is the prickly history teacher from ‘Across the Hall.’ None of the other teachers get along with her because of her icy exterior. The two begin a project that combines their classrooms as well as their lives.
I thought Jackson’s debut, Begin Again, was entertaining. It was written really well but I could never get to like the characters because of some morality issues. My reaction to this couldn’t have been more opposite in the best of ways. I developed a super crush on Caitlin. I’m not really certain anybody would be good enough for her.
Caitlin’s directness made her charming and quirky. There was such a cute situation where she simply laughs at Mallory’s rudeness and calls her out on it. I enjoyed her confident awkwardness as she stumbled in hallways but picked herself up and owned it. And anyone who quotes the Avett Brothers and inserts lyrics of The Sound Of Music into a conversation is top shelf.
I loved all of the different situations and drama that unfolded throughout the book. I was super engaged and didn’t want to put the book down. There was ex-drama. Best friend drama. Relationship drama. It was fresh and interesting for a pure romance.
This was very close to a 5 star for me. I just couldn’t rate it as such because I felt like I wanted more angst and a longer time to resolve the main conflict. Contrasting that was the fact that I appreciated Caitlin’s ability to remain rational throughout the whole thing. What can I say? I’m Gemini. And while I love me some Taylor Swift, I felt like the references were a tiny bit repetitive instead of endearing which resulted in a final conversation that fell flat instead of leaving me satisfied.
There were also some things that weren’t wrapped up or that I expected to be explored further. It makes me wonder if there are plans for a second book in this universe?
Overall, I really enjoyed Caitlin’s journey to finding love. I read this all in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved Caitlin so much.
P.S. ‘Mallory’ was the name I would choose for myself when I would play as a little kid. I had a crush on Mallory Keaton from Family Ties when I was younger. So I was quite fond of this character name selection.
I recommend this to people who like to read romance, rebuilding lives, friendship, stupid exes, education, crushing on lead characters, funny dialogue, and Taylor Swift. 4 Stars
I received an ARC from LezReviewBooks.com via for an honest review
I thought Jackson’s debut, Begin Again, was entertaining. It was written really well but I could never get to like the characters because of some morality issues. My reaction to this couldn’t have been more opposite in the best of ways. I developed a super crush on Caitlin. I’m not really certain anybody would be good enough for her.
Caitlin’s directness made her charming and quirky. There was such a cute situation where she simply laughs at Mallory’s rudeness and calls her out on it. I enjoyed her confident awkwardness as she stumbled in hallways but picked herself up and owned it. And anyone who quotes the Avett Brothers and inserts lyrics of The Sound Of Music into a conversation is top shelf.
I loved all of the different situations and drama that unfolded throughout the book. I was super engaged and didn’t want to put the book down. There was ex-drama. Best friend drama. Relationship drama. It was fresh and interesting for a pure romance.
This was very close to a 5 star for me. I just couldn’t rate it as such because I felt like I wanted more angst and a longer time to resolve the main conflict. Contrasting that was the fact that I appreciated Caitlin’s ability to remain rational throughout the whole thing. What can I say? I’m Gemini. And while I love me some Taylor Swift, I felt like the references were a tiny bit repetitive instead of endearing which resulted in a final conversation that fell flat instead of leaving me satisfied.
There were also some things that weren’t wrapped up or that I expected to be explored further. It makes me wonder if there are plans for a second book in this universe?
Overall, I really enjoyed Caitlin’s journey to finding love. I read this all in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved Caitlin so much.
P.S. ‘Mallory’ was the name I would choose for myself when I would play as a little kid. I had a crush on Mallory Keaton from Family Ties when I was younger. So I was quite fond of this character name selection.
I recommend this to people who like to read romance, rebuilding lives, friendship, stupid exes, education, crushing on lead characters, funny dialogue, and Taylor Swift. 4 Stars
I received an ARC from LezReviewBooks.com via for an honest review
April 20, 2021
This was a nice easy read that I enjoyed a lot.
Caitlin is recently divorced, moved into a new condo next door to her best friend, and about to begin a new job as a substitute English teacher. The only thing she’s interested in right now is work.
Mallory is a history teacher with a reputation for being difficult and unapproachable to the rest of the faculty, but there’s something about her that draws Caitlin to her.
I’ll read a blurb to pick the books I want to review - but after that I don’t revisit them before I start the book, so for the first chapter or so I thought this book was going to go very differently than it did. I’m glad. The book I thought it was going to be would probably have been very good - but I like this narrative more!
I liked the slow burn direction the narrative takes. Whilst Mallory is depicted as cold, and oftentimes pulls away from Caitlin, prolonging the slow burn aspect, I liked that it never felt like either Caitlin or Mallory actually broke from their characters. The relationship progression felt quite natural to me - but perhaps it’s because I’m a bit of an armadillo myself!
One thing for me that I did struggle with was some of the character names. A couple of the secondary characters have names that are very similar to Mallory, and in some of the school scenes I had to slow down my reading in order to ensure I fully kept track of what was going on.
Caitlin’s ex plays a part in the storyline, and I thought Jackson did a good job of keeping this interesting, causing tensions on both sides of the relationship, and providing closure in a way that didn’t set up for any further dramatic conflict.
I also really liked Catilin’s best friend Lina. Their friendship is great and ensures you get to know Caitlin further, plus the way Jackson depicts her experiences, both in the romantic sense, and the military, added to the storyline for me. I wish we’d had a bit more closure on her storyline though.
I’ll definitely be going back to check out Jackson’s first book, and I’m looking forward to what might come next.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Caitlin is recently divorced, moved into a new condo next door to her best friend, and about to begin a new job as a substitute English teacher. The only thing she’s interested in right now is work.
Mallory is a history teacher with a reputation for being difficult and unapproachable to the rest of the faculty, but there’s something about her that draws Caitlin to her.
I’ll read a blurb to pick the books I want to review - but after that I don’t revisit them before I start the book, so for the first chapter or so I thought this book was going to go very differently than it did. I’m glad. The book I thought it was going to be would probably have been very good - but I like this narrative more!
I liked the slow burn direction the narrative takes. Whilst Mallory is depicted as cold, and oftentimes pulls away from Caitlin, prolonging the slow burn aspect, I liked that it never felt like either Caitlin or Mallory actually broke from their characters. The relationship progression felt quite natural to me - but perhaps it’s because I’m a bit of an armadillo myself!
One thing for me that I did struggle with was some of the character names. A couple of the secondary characters have names that are very similar to Mallory, and in some of the school scenes I had to slow down my reading in order to ensure I fully kept track of what was going on.
Caitlin’s ex plays a part in the storyline, and I thought Jackson did a good job of keeping this interesting, causing tensions on both sides of the relationship, and providing closure in a way that didn’t set up for any further dramatic conflict.
I also really liked Catilin’s best friend Lina. Their friendship is great and ensures you get to know Caitlin further, plus the way Jackson depicts her experiences, both in the romantic sense, and the military, added to the storyline for me. I wish we’d had a bit more closure on her storyline though.
I’ll definitely be going back to check out Jackson’s first book, and I’m looking forward to what might come next.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
3.2 star rating
This is a co-worker romance kind of story. We have at the beginning a fissure between the main characters that gradually seal off. Reading was an enjoyable breeze.
I do find some of the personalities and actions especially of Mallory irritating and plenty questioning. I am trying for no spoilers. Multiple mixed signals with prior assumptions just didn't engineer me to Mallory. In all I didn't feel the romance or sensibility to their romance.
This is a co-worker romance kind of story. We have at the beginning a fissure between the main characters that gradually seal off. Reading was an enjoyable breeze.
I do find some of the personalities and actions especially of Mallory irritating and plenty questioning. I am trying for no spoilers. Multiple mixed signals with prior assumptions just didn't engineer me to Mallory. In all I didn't feel the romance or sensibility to their romance.
April 16, 2021
Across the hall was an okay book. Nothing screamed out at me tho. The first book I've read by Kat Jackson and I did enjoy it, although I feel like I've read the story before. I did feel the need for more chemistry, and communication between Mallory and Caitlin and I would have loved to have had more bitchiness from Mallory!
Caitlin Gregory is recently divorced and is trying to get to know herself once more. She's not interested in finding new love, it's the furthest thing from her mind. She scorns the idea of dating because she has all she needs: a new home, a job, her best friend lives right next door to her. But when Caitlin sets eyes on Mallory walker, she soon realizes she may not want to shut herself away from dating. Caitlin didn't expect to fall for Mallory but she starts to feel that unmistakable spark ignite and she's drawn to Mallory, even tho others around her disapprove. Caitlin's emotions are high but Mallorys feelings are the opposite and are singing to a much different tune, The chill emanating from Mallory should be enough to ward off anyone, but Caitlin is nothing if not persistent.
I give Across the hall 3*. I was given a copy for an honest review.
Caitlin Gregory is recently divorced and is trying to get to know herself once more. She's not interested in finding new love, it's the furthest thing from her mind. She scorns the idea of dating because she has all she needs: a new home, a job, her best friend lives right next door to her. But when Caitlin sets eyes on Mallory walker, she soon realizes she may not want to shut herself away from dating. Caitlin didn't expect to fall for Mallory but she starts to feel that unmistakable spark ignite and she's drawn to Mallory, even tho others around her disapprove. Caitlin's emotions are high but Mallorys feelings are the opposite and are singing to a much different tune, The chill emanating from Mallory should be enough to ward off anyone, but Caitlin is nothing if not persistent.
I give Across the hall 3*. I was given a copy for an honest review.
May 14, 2022
4 stars
This was fun, sweet and just the right amount of cheesy. I liked both MCs, even though I considered Mallory's talent for self-sabotage as exasperating as it was fascinating.
All in all it was an above average lesfic
This was fun, sweet and just the right amount of cheesy. I liked both MCs, even though I considered Mallory's talent for self-sabotage as exasperating as it was fascinating.
All in all it was an above average lesfic
April 6, 2021
This is my first book by Kat Jackson and when I check this author out I discovered it's the author's second book. This explains some of the bumps this one has.
After her divorce, Caitlin finds herself back in the classroom teaching English as a long-term substitute. After a burnout and the divorce, the different pace at this new school is just what Caitlin needed. She was planning on keeping to herself, just go with the motions and find her own footing. She wasn't planning on being attracted to someone, certainly not her icy colleague across the hall. Mallory teaches history and is as stoic and unapproachable as they come. At some point in the book Caitlin refers to her as Mallor- Elsa, lame but funny, but also not accurate. Mallory isn't icy, she just keeps to herself because she got burned in the past and genuinely seems to like being left alone. Of course, our two mains have a connection and find themselves in each other's orbit, not wanting to let go and ready to discover what it might be, but there are major bumps.
I feel like there isn't a lot of actual communication happening, only when it's already "too late". Caitlin seems to lack a bit of a filter, but when it comes to discussing her feelings and the things she wants she clams up. She doesn't discuss it with her best friend, who she accuses of keeping things from her as well, she doesn't discuss them with Mallory, she just dwells. Mallory is almost Caitlin's polar opposite, never does she discuss feelings, nor do we as readers find out if she dwells. She just explodes sometimes and needs space to process. I do see how these two would make a good couple. Another thing is the involvement of Becca, Caitlin's ex-wife, I feel like this storyline, which I won't spoil, is just a tad too much because it doesn't work with these characters (also because one indicates it herself as well...) One of the secondary characters really got on my nerves, but Caitlin's best friend is a very interesting character. Maybe more interesting than the two mains of this book.
On a positive note, the formulaic late break-up doesn't really happen because there they are actually communicating, double points there! Overall, there are still some newbie writer bumps (most involving the passing of time), but the read is enjoyable and the story is well-paced, the characters are ok, but I could do with a little more info and development of them.
3.25 stars
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
After her divorce, Caitlin finds herself back in the classroom teaching English as a long-term substitute. After a burnout and the divorce, the different pace at this new school is just what Caitlin needed. She was planning on keeping to herself, just go with the motions and find her own footing. She wasn't planning on being attracted to someone, certainly not her icy colleague across the hall. Mallory teaches history and is as stoic and unapproachable as they come. At some point in the book Caitlin refers to her as Mallor- Elsa, lame but funny, but also not accurate. Mallory isn't icy, she just keeps to herself because she got burned in the past and genuinely seems to like being left alone. Of course, our two mains have a connection and find themselves in each other's orbit, not wanting to let go and ready to discover what it might be, but there are major bumps.
I feel like there isn't a lot of actual communication happening, only when it's already "too late". Caitlin seems to lack a bit of a filter, but when it comes to discussing her feelings and the things she wants she clams up. She doesn't discuss it with her best friend, who she accuses of keeping things from her as well, she doesn't discuss them with Mallory, she just dwells. Mallory is almost Caitlin's polar opposite, never does she discuss feelings, nor do we as readers find out if she dwells. She just explodes sometimes and needs space to process. I do see how these two would make a good couple. Another thing is the involvement of Becca, Caitlin's ex-wife, I feel like this storyline, which I won't spoil, is just a tad too much because it doesn't work with these characters (also because one indicates it herself as well...) One of the secondary characters really got on my nerves, but Caitlin's best friend is a very interesting character. Maybe more interesting than the two mains of this book.
On a positive note, the formulaic late break-up doesn't really happen because there they are actually communicating, double points there! Overall, there are still some newbie writer bumps (most involving the passing of time), but the read is enjoyable and the story is well-paced, the characters are ok, but I could do with a little more info and development of them.
3.25 stars
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
April 14, 2021
Mallory Walker was enjoying her career as a highschool teacher. After being burned by a previous relationship she has no desire to begin a new one. Most of the teachers she works with just don’t get Mallory. She never gets together with her co-workers leading them to think she feels superior to good to hang with them.
Catlin Gregory just got through a divorce that leaves her to be very wary of starting a new relationship. Now she’s moved into a new home and started working again as a highschool teacher. Luckily she makes friends pretty easy. But the teacher across the hall isn’t friendly at all coming across like she’s better than the people around her.
This story isn’t all that new and could have been a whole lot better but I have high hopes for this author. Characters were well rounded individuals with lots to offer but Ms Jackson didn’t make the best of bringing this story together. That being said I still read the whole book and something tells me as an author Ms Jackson has much more to offer. I will be looking forward to her next book. Pretty good read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
Catlin Gregory just got through a divorce that leaves her to be very wary of starting a new relationship. Now she’s moved into a new home and started working again as a highschool teacher. Luckily she makes friends pretty easy. But the teacher across the hall isn’t friendly at all coming across like she’s better than the people around her.
This story isn’t all that new and could have been a whole lot better but I have high hopes for this author. Characters were well rounded individuals with lots to offer but Ms Jackson didn’t make the best of bringing this story together. That being said I still read the whole book and something tells me as an author Ms Jackson has much more to offer. I will be looking forward to her next book. Pretty good read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
April 25, 2021
Such a cute book. I wanted something that was easy to read with no complicated plot points and this one fit the criteria. And I do love leads who communicate everything omg. It's refreshing. Except for that one miscommunication which was understandable they were perfect. The leads were well written and I loved the thought process they had lol. I'd definitely recommend this book
November 29, 2022
Between the 2 mains, Caitlin and Mallory, I can’t say that I really liked them both, and neither can I claim that I totally disliked them. While Caitlin is the more likable character, Mallory totally exasperated me when she kept blowing hot and cold air. Add that with her not wanting to talk, and I almost felt like wanting to hit the woman in the head to tell her to wake the bloody up already…There’s only so much patience that one can muster.
Just an ok read for me.
Just an ok read for me.
October 20, 2024
Loved this book - fascinated by The Best Friend, Lina, definitely need a book about her. ) Oooh! Found it! Golden Hour….. Shall read more of KJ - lovely writing style which flows wonderfully.
June 2, 2021
This was a well-written contemporary romance with two very likable main characters. I enjoyed reading about two fairly ordinary people with average lives who faced common challenges. Some reviews have complained that there was too much going on, but I found the secondary characters interesting and didn't need to have all their issues fully explored and resolved.
April 5, 2021
Caitlin is just getting off a divorce from her ex Becca she decides she needs to get to know herself after Becca but she not alone she has her best friend Lina there to help her who has her own story.
Caitlin getting ready for her new job teaching where she makes friends with the others teachers but one teacher Mallory caught her eye something she wasn’t really ready for. Caitlin learns that Mallory is a ice queen but she learns that’s not really the case Mallory was in relationship with a fellow teacher Amy and it didn’t end well so Mallory keeps everyone at arm’s length which makes people believes she cold.
Caitlin and Mallory have great chemistry I like how Caitlin is very blunt which I means is she straight forward and doesn’t sugarcoated it. I like how Mallory slowly lets her guard down and you see the great woman she is.
This was overall good read. I enjoy every characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Caitlin getting ready for her new job teaching where she makes friends with the others teachers but one teacher Mallory caught her eye something she wasn’t really ready for. Caitlin learns that Mallory is a ice queen but she learns that’s not really the case Mallory was in relationship with a fellow teacher Amy and it didn’t end well so Mallory keeps everyone at arm’s length which makes people believes she cold.
Caitlin and Mallory have great chemistry I like how Caitlin is very blunt which I means is she straight forward and doesn’t sugarcoated it. I like how Mallory slowly lets her guard down and you see the great woman she is.
This was overall good read. I enjoy every characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
April 14, 2021
This book hooked me in from the first few chapters. My favourite type of books are those that are character driven and this book is definitely that.
I really enjoyed following Caitlin within this novel. I thought she was a well-developed character, who completely engaged me from beginning to end. I think the author did a great job with the character development of Caitlin. Also, her relationship with Lina was lovely to read. I really enjoyed reading the short snippets about Lina, and her forbidden relationship with Candace. As the author didn’t resolve the relationship drama here, I am hoping that there is a follow up novel focusing on Lina and Candace! :)
In regard to Mallory, I was completely rooting for her initially, as she was a gentle ice queen that we saw thaw out at times. Overall, I really liked it and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed following Caitlin within this novel. I thought she was a well-developed character, who completely engaged me from beginning to end. I think the author did a great job with the character development of Caitlin. Also, her relationship with Lina was lovely to read. I really enjoyed reading the short snippets about Lina, and her forbidden relationship with Candace. As the author didn’t resolve the relationship drama here, I am hoping that there is a follow up novel focusing on Lina and Candace! :)
In regard to Mallory, I was completely rooting for her initially, as she was a gentle ice queen that we saw thaw out at times. Overall, I really liked it and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2021
This is a lovely, heart-warming reading experience, that warranted my five stars for the simple fact alone, that Kat moves her wonderfully crafted, lovable characters along the cute story line gently, avoiding any contrived overly dramatic plot devices, concentrating on very human hurts and defences, the characters “live” through in a surprisingly reality simulating development. On top of that the humour permeating most of the dialogues is wonderful.
As a writer myself I was tempted to expand on the teachers, you end up wishing you had in your own school experience, but I kept all the welling up memories and feelings to myself as inspirations for another short story collection, perhaps. That is how much this novel spoke to me.
I highly recommend reading this.
As a writer myself I was tempted to expand on the teachers, you end up wishing you had in your own school experience, but I kept all the welling up memories and feelings to myself as inspirations for another short story collection, perhaps. That is how much this novel spoke to me.
I highly recommend reading this.
April 6, 2021
This was a nice romance between two teachers Caitlin, recently divorced, and Mallory. The latter comes across as an ice-cold, arrogant woman, but there is a connection there and after spending a few weeks teaching their classes together that connection gets stronger. Yet Mallory is pulling back every time to great frustration of Caitlin.
For a book where not a whole lot happens, I really enjoyed it a lot. I liked the interaction between the two mains for most of the time, but the all of sudden cold shoulder from Mallory, leading to a dejectedly waiting Caitlin got on my nerves a little bit. Caitlin was written as a blunt person without filter, yet she just goes and sits in a corner waiting for a smile without marching up there and demanding to know why the .. Mallory all of sudden basically ignores her? That didn't fit her character in my opinion. Her best friend Lena was an interesting character too, I had hoped to see some ending on her storyline too but it remained a loose end.
Extra points though for avoiding the breakup near the end, instead there was mature communication...yes, you hardly ever see it in these books but it happened!
So if you're looking for an easy read that doesn't require you to work your brain too hard, but does leave you with a good feeling this book is a safe bet to pick up.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
For a book where not a whole lot happens, I really enjoyed it a lot. I liked the interaction between the two mains for most of the time, but the all of sudden cold shoulder from Mallory, leading to a dejectedly waiting Caitlin got on my nerves a little bit. Caitlin was written as a blunt person without filter, yet she just goes and sits in a corner waiting for a smile without marching up there and demanding to know why the .. Mallory all of sudden basically ignores her? That didn't fit her character in my opinion. Her best friend Lena was an interesting character too, I had hoped to see some ending on her storyline too but it remained a loose end.
Extra points though for avoiding the breakup near the end, instead there was mature communication...yes, you hardly ever see it in these books but it happened!
So if you're looking for an easy read that doesn't require you to work your brain too hard, but does leave you with a good feeling this book is a safe bet to pick up.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
April 7, 2021
I loved Kat Jackson's first book, Begin Again, and I've been not-very-patiently awaiting the release of her second. I was not in any way disappointed! If you're looking for a layered tale of wonderfully flawed people, look no further.
What enchanted me so much about Begin Again, and what runs through Across the Hall is that one of the things that makes humans so interesting is that we are not perfect. Mallory, Caitlin, and her best friend Lina (who I am totally in love with), all have dodgy track records when it comes to the women they have fallen for in the past. Case in point, Caitlin's ex-wife who seemingly manages to insert herself into everything, despite having a minimal 'on-screen' presence.
Some of the other brilliantly real and human elements come in the scenes set in school; dickhead jocks wanting to do group work with a girl they know will do 90% of the work, teenage boys thinking everything is phallic and that everything phallic is hilarious, and teachers paying minimal attention in staff meetings! (those last two did make me giggle because they are a large part of my time teaching English to teenagers).
A high school is a brilliant setting for this novel, not just because it flings Mallory and Caitlin together but because schools create their own community and act as a microcosm of society. Jackson highlights how racism, sexism and homophobia are exacerbated by our unequal society, by having Caitlin deal with these within one of her classes. The fact that the class is studying The Crucible, with its themes including power and responsibility, the portrayal of women, judgement, hysteria, guilt etc. (Not to mention the allegory for the Red Peril) is beautifully done. I hate it when books are preachy or polemical but this was pitched perfectly.
I could write pages and pages of nerdy literary criticism on this book but I will attempt to stick to a vaguely traditional review format and say that you should definitely buy and read this book! Mallory and Caitlin are complex characters with great depth, who I alternately wanted to hug and shake. Their stories are carefully crafted, and I am so thrilled to hear that Lina is getting her own book!
What enchanted me so much about Begin Again, and what runs through Across the Hall is that one of the things that makes humans so interesting is that we are not perfect. Mallory, Caitlin, and her best friend Lina (who I am totally in love with), all have dodgy track records when it comes to the women they have fallen for in the past. Case in point, Caitlin's ex-wife who seemingly manages to insert herself into everything, despite having a minimal 'on-screen' presence.
Some of the other brilliantly real and human elements come in the scenes set in school; dickhead jocks wanting to do group work with a girl they know will do 90% of the work, teenage boys thinking everything is phallic and that everything phallic is hilarious, and teachers paying minimal attention in staff meetings! (those last two did make me giggle because they are a large part of my time teaching English to teenagers).
A high school is a brilliant setting for this novel, not just because it flings Mallory and Caitlin together but because schools create their own community and act as a microcosm of society. Jackson highlights how racism, sexism and homophobia are exacerbated by our unequal society, by having Caitlin deal with these within one of her classes. The fact that the class is studying The Crucible, with its themes including power and responsibility, the portrayal of women, judgement, hysteria, guilt etc. (Not to mention the allegory for the Red Peril) is beautifully done. I hate it when books are preachy or polemical but this was pitched perfectly.
I could write pages and pages of nerdy literary criticism on this book but I will attempt to stick to a vaguely traditional review format and say that you should definitely buy and read this book! Mallory and Caitlin are complex characters with great depth, who I alternately wanted to hug and shake. Their stories are carefully crafted, and I am so thrilled to hear that Lina is getting her own book!
April 19, 2021
Kat Jackson's Begin Again was an incredible debut and she became my favorite new author of 2020. Needless to say I was really looking forward to this sophomore effort. It didn't disappoint.
It's a workplace romance featuring two mains with a lot of baggage to bring to a fledging relationship. This story is really told in third person from Caitlin's POV, so we don't really know what's going on in Mallory's head. I really enjoyed following the ups and downs of the relationship and it was hard to tell where it was going. I started reading and next thing I knew, I was finished. That's what I love about a book.
It's a workplace romance featuring two mains with a lot of baggage to bring to a fledging relationship. This story is really told in third person from Caitlin's POV, so we don't really know what's going on in Mallory's head. I really enjoyed following the ups and downs of the relationship and it was hard to tell where it was going. I started reading and next thing I knew, I was finished. That's what I love about a book.
April 6, 2021
I like this book!
The story opens with Caitlin Gregory pushing her body through torturous exercise. Yes, she needs to shed the thirty pounds she gained over the course of 4 years - those years she lost herself in that failed marriage. No, she will not quit, she just needs to find herself again, starting with her new job, in a nice condo back in her hometown, with her best friend next door. And also no, she has no plans to start a new relationship but maybe yes, when her eyes land on a piercing pair, ones that belong to her colleague, Mallory Walker.
Mallory Walker is guarded and cold, perched so high in her fortress that none has dared or attempted to scale. Their initial exchanges were short and out of necessity, until they had to work together on a project.
Caitlin saw something in Mallory. Regardless of what Mallory threw her way, she refused to bow and kept reaching out to her. There were many “ouch” incidents where you cannot believe how easily Mallory can make one cringe and how Caitlin will not walk away.
5 stars. The characters were so richly described, it was easy to imagine the pair’s reactions and behaviours during interactions. Hot vs cold, push vs pull, yes and/or no, all that angst, it’s there. When Caitlin slowly cracked Mallory’s steely exterior, the ensuing flirtations and almost smiles felt glorious. The writing was fluid and the side characters made you want to befriend them. First book but certainly not last for this author.
I just reviewed Across The Hall by Kat Jackson.. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC.
The story opens with Caitlin Gregory pushing her body through torturous exercise. Yes, she needs to shed the thirty pounds she gained over the course of 4 years - those years she lost herself in that failed marriage. No, she will not quit, she just needs to find herself again, starting with her new job, in a nice condo back in her hometown, with her best friend next door. And also no, she has no plans to start a new relationship but maybe yes, when her eyes land on a piercing pair, ones that belong to her colleague, Mallory Walker.
Mallory Walker is guarded and cold, perched so high in her fortress that none has dared or attempted to scale. Their initial exchanges were short and out of necessity, until they had to work together on a project.
Caitlin saw something in Mallory. Regardless of what Mallory threw her way, she refused to bow and kept reaching out to her. There were many “ouch” incidents where you cannot believe how easily Mallory can make one cringe and how Caitlin will not walk away.
5 stars. The characters were so richly described, it was easy to imagine the pair’s reactions and behaviours during interactions. Hot vs cold, push vs pull, yes and/or no, all that angst, it’s there. When Caitlin slowly cracked Mallory’s steely exterior, the ensuing flirtations and almost smiles felt glorious. The writing was fluid and the side characters made you want to befriend them. First book but certainly not last for this author.
I just reviewed Across The Hall by Kat Jackson.. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for the ARC.
April 5, 2021
Caitlin Gregory is starting teaching Honors English at a new high school. She is recently divorced and not looking at dating. She is focused on running (to clear her head and get fit), hanging out with her neighbor/best friend Lina and snuggling with her cat. Mallory Walker's classroom is across the hall and teaches history. On their first meeting Caitlin feels sparks but only sees Mallory's icy glare.
Mallory was involved with a teacher once before and it didn't end well. Now she keeps co-workers at a distance. Mallory is impressed with Caitlin's teaching and they agree to pull their classes together for a combined unit. This is a slow burn romance with a few steps forward and some back sliding before progressing. Caitlin is blunt and straightforward and I understand her character and feelings. Mallory is harder to like. I thought things were progressing well and then she needs distance through the holidays. Also eating three times a week with her dad (when there wasn't a health reason) seems odd when starting a new relationship. I felt a lot of things were told and not always shown in the progress of their romance.
I enjoyed the book overall but would have liked to have more confidence that Mallory is committed to a potential HEA. Also I liked Lina and how Caitlin understood her PTSD. But her romance storyline got dropped. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounding up)
Mallory was involved with a teacher once before and it didn't end well. Now she keeps co-workers at a distance. Mallory is impressed with Caitlin's teaching and they agree to pull their classes together for a combined unit. This is a slow burn romance with a few steps forward and some back sliding before progressing. Caitlin is blunt and straightforward and I understand her character and feelings. Mallory is harder to like. I thought things were progressing well and then she needs distance through the holidays. Also eating three times a week with her dad (when there wasn't a health reason) seems odd when starting a new relationship. I felt a lot of things were told and not always shown in the progress of their romance.
I enjoyed the book overall but would have liked to have more confidence that Mallory is committed to a potential HEA. Also I liked Lina and how Caitlin understood her PTSD. But her romance storyline got dropped. Thank you NetGalley and Bella Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounding up)
December 19, 2022
This story is quite simple although the author has complicated it a bit in a strange way. That has made one of her protagonists, Mallory, quite absurd in her behavior, which does not help her to be an engaging character. In addition, the significance of her actions cannot be fully understood until near the end of the book, so her attitude is often incomprehensible.
Caitlin, on the other hand, is temperate, tolerant and determined, even when her life is turned upside down and she must start over after a divorce, changing not only her workplace but the type of work as well. She has been a counselor in high school and now she has decided to become a teacher, with all the stress and insecurity that this causes her.
So Caitlin is a great character but Mallory not so much so the story is unbalanced and the relationship between them is difficult to understand. It also seems that Caitlin puts much more interest in general. Also Mallory has a bad relationship with other colleagues and it is not very clear why, she does not do much to be liked.
In the school environment, some interesting aspects are treated a little superficially, a bit of a pity for that too. I think the story had potential but it has not been good enough for me.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
Caitlin, on the other hand, is temperate, tolerant and determined, even when her life is turned upside down and she must start over after a divorce, changing not only her workplace but the type of work as well. She has been a counselor in high school and now she has decided to become a teacher, with all the stress and insecurity that this causes her.
So Caitlin is a great character but Mallory not so much so the story is unbalanced and the relationship between them is difficult to understand. It also seems that Caitlin puts much more interest in general. Also Mallory has a bad relationship with other colleagues and it is not very clear why, she does not do much to be liked.
In the school environment, some interesting aspects are treated a little superficially, a bit of a pity for that too. I think the story had potential but it has not been good enough for me.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed this. It is an early Kat Jackson which I didn't realise at first. I thought she had been writing for longer as her story and subplots are so seamlessly interwoven together.
This story is mainly set in a high school - and there is romance between 2 teachers. Caitlin who is recently divorced and Mallory who initially is seeing someone 'interesting'.
There is what I think is a good portrayal of being a new teacher in a school on a one year contract - settling in, making friends, figuring out who to steer clear from and being intrigued by the icy Mallory who teaches just across the hall. Sounds quite a lot like the teachers have just as much to contend with when they start a new school as the pupils do.
There is also the best friend Lina, who lives next door to Caitlin. Their friendship is important for both of them and also seems to have inadvertently caused a rift in Caitlin's tentative relationship with Mallory. Until Caitlin catches up with the reader and realises who has been whispering in Mallory's ear.
I liked this - there is no epilogue but I think I liked the ending better -
THE END, but really just the beginning.
I can see how the author has developed - but this is quick development and a lot of writing that has happened since this book. Where do people find the time ?!
This story is mainly set in a high school - and there is romance between 2 teachers. Caitlin who is recently divorced and Mallory who initially is seeing someone 'interesting'.
There is what I think is a good portrayal of being a new teacher in a school on a one year contract - settling in, making friends, figuring out who to steer clear from and being intrigued by the icy Mallory who teaches just across the hall. Sounds quite a lot like the teachers have just as much to contend with when they start a new school as the pupils do.
There is also the best friend Lina, who lives next door to Caitlin. Their friendship is important for both of them and also seems to have inadvertently caused a rift in Caitlin's tentative relationship with Mallory. Until Caitlin catches up with the reader and realises who has been whispering in Mallory's ear.
I liked this - there is no epilogue but I think I liked the ending better -
THE END, but really just the beginning.
I can see how the author has developed - but this is quick development and a lot of writing that has happened since this book. Where do people find the time ?!
October 8, 2021
I was having an okay time, not enthusiastic but not hard either when the writer choose a weak line plot that just made me jump back to reality and unable to go back into it.
It the first time it happens because of something weirdly personnal. I taught methodology and literature as private teacher for ten years, first because it helped add butter in my student life then because I just loved it (teaching and literature) .
Here we have a high school history teacher being impressed and amazed/ bewildered by a literature teacher knowing the historical context of a book.
Wtf? Pardon my langage but it's so basic that her suprise felt more offensive than flattering. Knowing the cultural context of a book is what make literature so interesting. Because literature is universal despite being anchered in its cultural bubble (history, politics, whatever), that's the paradox that makes literature literature.
I know I took it personnaly and maybe I'm missin a sweet romance here but hugh! Please do resarch your subject before writing.
It the first time it happens because of something weirdly personnal. I taught methodology and literature as private teacher for ten years, first because it helped add butter in my student life then because I just loved it (teaching and literature) .
Here we have a high school history teacher being impressed and amazed/ bewildered by a literature teacher knowing the historical context of a book.
Wtf? Pardon my langage but it's so basic that her suprise felt more offensive than flattering. Knowing the cultural context of a book is what make literature so interesting. Because literature is universal despite being anchered in its cultural bubble (history, politics, whatever), that's the paradox that makes literature literature.
I know I took it personnaly and maybe I'm missin a sweet romance here but hugh! Please do resarch your subject before writing.
April 14, 2021
Caitlin Gregory, newly divorced, scores a new job as a teacher in a new school. Mallory Walker, school teacher at Caitlin's school is the ultimate ice queen who just happens to pique Caitlin's interest and there's definitely a spark. She also seems to also be dating Caitlin's ex wife!
I really enjoyed this story. I found both Caitlin and Mallory's characters were quite layered which made reading about them quite interesting. Mallory was sometimes hard to warm to but once you got past the prickly exterior she certainly grew on you and was actually my favourite character. There was definite chemistry between Caitlin and Mallory and it was a pleasure reading about their budding attraction with its up and downs and twists and turns. There was an interesting dynamic with Caitlin's best friend Lina and initially I was unsure about the relationship, sometimes they were so brutally honest with each other it was uncomfortable reading but Lina just added another dimension to the story. Overall this was a really enjoyable read. A great debut. 4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this story. I found both Caitlin and Mallory's characters were quite layered which made reading about them quite interesting. Mallory was sometimes hard to warm to but once you got past the prickly exterior she certainly grew on you and was actually my favourite character. There was definite chemistry between Caitlin and Mallory and it was a pleasure reading about their budding attraction with its up and downs and twists and turns. There was an interesting dynamic with Caitlin's best friend Lina and initially I was unsure about the relationship, sometimes they were so brutally honest with each other it was uncomfortable reading but Lina just added another dimension to the story. Overall this was a really enjoyable read. A great debut. 4.5 stars.
April 16, 2021
Quite an enjoyable read. Caitlin is an newly divorced from her wife Becca and is starting over fresh. She moves in next door to her best friend Lina and is starting a new job as a teacher at Vanderbilt High School.
She has sworn off dating, That is, until she meets Mallory aka " the Ice Queen" the teacher across the hall that piques her interest. I must say that I enjoyed the interaction between both main characters and thought they had great chemistry. Once you got pass Mallory icy exterior she was actually, funny sweet and compassionate. The story was well written and flows smoothly. I recommend 4.5 stars.
I took away .5 stars because Caitlin was very outspoken and should have confronted Mallory to find out what was the problem..
I received an ARC Via NetGalley from the Publisher Bella Books for my honest opinion. Thank You
She has sworn off dating, That is, until she meets Mallory aka " the Ice Queen" the teacher across the hall that piques her interest. I must say that I enjoyed the interaction between both main characters and thought they had great chemistry. Once you got pass Mallory icy exterior she was actually, funny sweet and compassionate. The story was well written and flows smoothly. I recommend 4.5 stars.
I took away .5 stars because Caitlin was very outspoken and should have confronted Mallory to find out what was the problem..
I received an ARC Via NetGalley from the Publisher Bella Books for my honest opinion. Thank You
May 3, 2024
This was fine. I have such disparate reactions to Kat Jackson's books. A few I love and some I am indifferent to and this one is just a bit above the latter category. Characters constantly blowing hot and cold for no explanation until the end just frustrates me so if anyone enjoys that sort of thing, you may like this more than I did.
April 23, 2022
Was a great read.
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