Look Again by Becca Wilhite is a warm, contemporary romance about two very different teachers at the exclusive Chamberlain Academy, Joey Harker, a professional photographer turned art teacher trying to rebuild her life, and Dexter Kaplan, a charming‑but‑at‑first irritating drama teacher back from Broadway who start out clashing over everything, including the only arts chair position, and slowly learn to really see each other beyond first impressions.
From the moment I met Joey and Dexter, I felt that delightful mix of irritation and curiosity that makes enemies‑to‑lovers romances so fun. Joey’s quiet strength and creative soul made me root for her instantly, especially as she carries the weight of a painful secret that reshapes how she sees her career and herself. Dexter, with his bow ties and inadvertent arrogance, initially had me rolling my eyes, but Wilhite’s dual‑point‑of‑view storytelling helped me understand the good heart beneath his bluster. Watching them navigate faculty politics, work together on school events, and slowly peel back each other’s defenses gave me that cozy, hopeful feeling of watching two people discover kindness and affection where they least expected it.
I adored the setting and community at Chamberlain Academy, which felt vibrant and alive, full of quirky teachers, students, warm meals and cookies worth craving, and that soft buzz of new beginnings amid snow‑topped mountains. The way Joey and Dexter grew from rivals, to collaborators, to something more made me feel seen and joyful, even if parts of their journey felt a bit slow or awkward at times. Dexter’s initial attitude rubs the wrong way before he grows into his better self, and I can see that tension playing out in both charming and challenging ways.
I give Look Again 4 out of 5 stars. It made me feel the awkward warmth of falling for someone you didn’t think you’d ever like, and it left me with that contented sigh you only get from a romance that feels real, supportive and sweet without leaning on melodrama. If you’re craving a clean, heartfelt school‑set romance that celebrates patience, growth and moments of genuine connection, this one is a lovely escape.