He's the charming, bow-tie wearing theater teacher, and she's not falling for his act.
Dexter Kaplan didn't plan to be a teacher, and certainly never saw himself back at his old prep school, Chamberlain Academy. But after the end of his Broadway run and his long-term relationship in the city, he settles for the theater coaching job. A guy’s got to eat.
Joey Harker, professional photographer, needs a new career path. Like, yesterday. She loves her art, but circumstances out of her control are changing everything, inhibiting her ability to do the work she loves. She jumps at a position teaching photography at an upscale prep school way up in the mountains. She may lose her own artistic vision, but she can teach others to find theirs.
It only takes one meeting for Joey to decide Dexter is the least likable person at Chamberlain Academy, and possibly the world, but she can’t avoid him when one meeting turns into dozens. And he can’t make any sense of her mixed signals. There’s a single arts chair position on the Chamberlain faculty council, and they can’t both have it. To earn the promotion, they have to show they can play well with others. Through their months of collaboration, they start seeing each other not only as rivals, but as possibilities. If they learn to look again, who knows what they will discover?
This book was one I just loved! The meet cute in the beginning is one that you have to read to believe. It made me laugh so hard! There are just so many good things about this one.
I loved Joey. She made me laugh. Joey is a teacher, it’s something she decided to do when she realized that she couldn’t really do what she wanted to do. But she’s really good at it. And she’s really good with the kids.
Dexter. I have to admit there were times that he was so clueless that it was funny. He could be kind of confusing. Sometimes he was really great. And sometimes he was really distant. But that was just like relationships can be. And the reader did get to see what he was thinking, so that was helpful.
There were several side characters that were fun. I loved Hank and Ginger. Hopefully these two get to have a story sometime. And Chamberlain Academy where the story is set is fantastic. The school had so much character!
I’m really hoping for more books by this author. This one was so great!
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.
I'd say my favorite aspect of this book was the adorable premise of these two teachers falling in love as they work together (somewhat against their wills and in competition) at a Vermont prep school. Knowing the author comes from a teaching background, it was no surprise at how well she captured the high school atmosphere and really brought the student-teacher, teacher-teacher dynamics to life. I loved the setting and character that was Chamberlain Academy and was very impressed with these aspects. The dual POV really assisted me in understanding both Joey and Dexter and I loved having both perspectives. The two had a bit of enemies-to-lovers going on, but their attraction and connection with one another could not be ignored. Knowing Dexter's POV particularly helped me understand why he came off as arrogant to Joey. I think I saw it there, but it didn't always feel flushed out fully on the page with Joey, or maybe I just missed something at some point. Still, I thought they were really cute and I enjoyed the story. There is good representation for people with disabilities and I found Joey’s personal health struggle really interesting. My heart went out to her and I feel like I learned from her fictional experiences. 4.5 stars, this is a clean romance. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I look forward to reading more, hopefully Hank and a certain chemist get their stories. I recommend this story.
Dexter and Joey did not have a good first meeting. They argued over a piece of luggage. Later that same day they both grabbed the same drink, in both instances he walked away as an unrepentant victor.
This story is told from both points of view. Dexter is not as cocky as he comes across and Joey is hiding a painful secret. Their path to openness and understanding is why I enjoyed "Look Again" so much. There were moments I wanted to laugh at and others I wanted to cringe at.
Joey and Dexter are both teachers who are competing for a chance to sit on the board. I loved the enemies to lovers plot. Because they are forced to work together, they begin to see that there is more than what appears on the surface.
I'm grateful I read this book. It was fun to read and has a HEA.
Source:. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I liked this book. Dexter was always saying the wrong thing and it was hilarious, that man just cracked me up. Joey was a strong woman that didn't let people get the better of her, I like that. She irritated me sometimes with her attitudes but yeah. They were good together, I like them
There was so much I enjoyed about this book, starting with the meet cute! Who hasn't accidently taken the wrong suitcase off of the baggage carousel at the airport? Then the second meeting at the faculty bbq--oh my goodness! This definitely sets the stage for a great enemies to lovers vibe but mostly this is a forbidden romance because the faculty at Chamberlain Academy aren't supposed to date AND because they're forced to work together there's that close proximity which leads to the secret glances and all the yumminess we sweet romance readers love.
I loved the dual point of view (it's one of my favorite things) because we get to see why each character acts the way they do, which really helps with Dexter's character. We find out his overconfidence is just an act and he's just like everyone else. It takes awhile for us to find out Joey's secret and it's something I was not expecting. I loved how she didn't let it control her life, and although she had to stop doing something she loved, she found something else she was really good at--teaching and connecting to the teenagers she taught.
Despite how Dexter can come across, I really liked him and how he treated Joey after he discovered her secret. I also really liked Ginger and Hank and definitely want to see more of them (hint hint). I thought the author did a fantastic job making me feel as if I were at Chamberlain Academy and she certainly made me want some of chef Val's cookies.
4.5 stars rounded up for this sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This sweet contemporary romance is so fun! I loved how Joey and Dexter met at the airport. It was hilarious and it made for interesting and awkward moments between the two later on. But what I really loved about this story is the change you see happening between the two characters. I love the growth, the desire to help someone else, and the ability to see someone else through another lens. The photography aspect was really cool but I do wish that Joey took more pictures throughout the book. The continual references to Dexter’s hair made me want to see a picture! I need to see the inspiration for this hair! And Hank and Ginger made great supporting characters and best friends. The four of them together made for some awesome moments. Wilhite created this amazing world where I felt like I was there on campus with the teachers and eating one of Val’s delicious cookies. I wanted to go to Lola’s so badly! And is there really a restaurant like Lola’s where no menu exists and the chef just cooks?!? If so, I need to go there! A huge bravo to Wilhite for not just creating a beautiful story but for creating a world that I became a part of while I read the book. If you enjoy contemporary romance then put Look Again on your TBR shelf now! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
A teacher romance with all the feels + delicious cookies. Joey is a petit photographer and a new art teacher who shows that you can be both pretty and strong. Dexter was once a *Newsie (#swoon) and is a returning drama teacher who wants to be department chairperson. Joey does too and the rivalry slash co-chairing begins. Sparks fly early, but Joey’s health and school rules keep them apart. Joey can’t tell if Dexter is playing a part or if he cares for her.
A sweet romance that will crumble in your mouth like a perfectly baked cookie. You won’t be able to stop until you’ve devoured the entire thing.
This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed the story and the characters!
Joey is an amazing photographer headed to be the new art teacher at Chamberlain Academy. When she has a little luggage mishap at the airport with an unkind stranger, she never expects him to show up as a teacher at the same school she’s at!
I loved Joey’s character and how she was small, but mighty. It took her some time to find her strength and to push through her trials, but she really found her voice!
In the beginning, Dexter came off as pretty arrogant and left a bad impression with Joey. But as we got to see his side of the story and his inner thoughts, I found myself quickly cheering for him and for Joey to see him as he really was!
This book was so much fun! I loved both points of view and the enemies to lovers! That’s one of my favorite. From the beginning they have this chemistry that is undeniable. This was so great!
This was a fun story about lovers to enemies, though I wouldn't call them enemies, they just started off on the wrong foot. Joey and Dexter are high school teachers and are both competing for the arts chair on their faculty council. This requires them to work together to plan several school events.
I liked Joey from the beginning, she's sweet and understanding. Dexter on the other hand is a JERK. He's arrogant and very selfish. Even after realizing his mistakes he does apologize to Joey. As a reader we know the thoughts going on inside his head, but Joey doesn't and he doesn't ever apologize to her or explain why he acted the way he did. I can see why Dexter likes Joey but it's hard to understand why she likes him. Maybe it's based only on his appearance, maybe it's lust. However, Dexter did grow on me a little towards the end of the book.
This story was well written with a solid plot, plus the kissing scenes are so sweet.
This was a fun one. I enjoyed the setting and the way the story alternated perspectives. It helped me understand the characters better (which I needed in order to like them. Well, him). Now I want to eat the cookies from the book and listen to Broadway show tunes. Newsies in particular.
This contemporary romance reminded me of the prep school in Gilmore girls. I loved the setting and the enemies to lover story. Prepare to laugh out loud at the witty lines delivered as the story unfolds.
This was very entertaining and a quick read. I really liked Joey and Dex grew on me (he seemed awful at first and it was a little hard to understand how quickly Joey got past his awfulness, but after awhile I really liked him as well). This was a perfect read for vacation downtime.
I jumped at the chance to read 'Look Again' (I received an ARC). I read one of the Becca Wilhite's books a couple years ago, remembered her name, and that I'd really enjoyed reading her previously. This book is even better. I love the descriptions and think the author has a strength of pulling the reader into the book's environment (in this case a school in New England where our two main characters teach). It checks all the boxes for me. The romance builds nicely, is clean, the writing flows well, there's a great meet-cute, the characters have flaws but are likable, there are moments of humor and there wasn't a mid-book lull. If you're looking for the same things I am in a romance, you'll love this book.
There’s something about school romances that are just so fun! Becca Wilhite draws on all her expertise as a teacher to really bring an entertaining, unique perspective to this sweet romance. Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope along with forced proximity. This cute romcom does both in a believable way.
When Joey first meets Dexter at the airport, things definitely start off on the wrong foot. She accidentally picks up his suitcase instead of her own and you can guess what happens from there. Then, imagine her surprise when the arrogant man shows up at Chamberlain Academy, an exclusive prep school in Vermont, where she is going to start teaching. He’s not there as a parent, but as the drama teacher. Things get even more dicey when they’re forced to work together as they compete for the art department chair. As they work together though, the sparks fly. Unfortunately, there are those pesky rules about faculty having relationships. Will they remain only coworkers or risk more?
I enjoyed having both Dexter’s and Joey’s perspectives. Dexter comes off as a pompous, self-absorbed actor, yet underneath is a kind, self-doubting person who really grows as the story progresses. Joey has a painful secret she’s hiding which forces her to leave her successful career as a photographer and become a teacher. She’s a strong person though and I loved how she dealt with her issues. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow very organically. (Side note warning, there’re mentions of delicious sounding cookies throughout the story so I don’t recommend reading if you’re hungry. You’ll definitely want to raid the pantry.)
This enjoyable, clean romcom is the first book in the Chamberlain Academy series and I look forward to reading about the other characters especially Ginger and Hank! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
This was a very cute read❤️ I enjoyed reading from the perspectives of both Joey and Dexter, that was very fun. I thought the imagery of Chamberlain Academy was very well written, and I had a clear picture in my mind of the setting. This is a very clean romance, a very cute storyline and “funny and sweet” altogether. The one thing I would say is that often I felt like both main characters said shockingly stupid or awkward things socially and lacked self control sometimes. But they pulled through in the end and I liked the prospect of them going from enemies to friends to more. I received a complimentary copy, and all thoughts presented are my own☺️
This book was full of second chances. Both Dexter and Joey are starting at a new school in different departments but there is definitely a crossover between them. Dexter comes across as rude and arrogant during their first few meets. Joey holds her ground as much as she can. Each feels that everything comes easy to the other. The dual POV shows just how wrong that is. They both put up appearances and a brave face. I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and I’m sure that it will not be the last! I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Look Again was such a sweet romance. With two private school teachers trying to find the balance of starting a new school year and the fledgling feelings that are arising- this book has all the makings of an enemies to lovers romance with funny moments and lots of back and forth. Becca Wilhite made this such an enjoyable read. I couldn't wait to see how their feud settled. This fun romantic comedy had so many great moments.
I had such fun reading this sweet romcom! I loved having the perspectives of both of the main characters and seeing the development of their relationship through their eyes. This is the first book I have read by Becca Wilhite, and I really, really enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more of her books!
This was a fun romance to lose yourself within. I loved getting to know the characters and I now want to read Hank and Ginger’s story.
If you are in a need for a fun, clean romance, then this will be a great choice. It was fun getting into the minds of Joey and Dexter and seeing their story unfold.
Though I enjoyed this story I wouldn’t say it was the best thing I have ever read either. But it is great to pass some downtime with.
I really liked this book, and enjoyed it better than some books I've read lately. I really enjoyed the sarcasm, jokes, and humor. It was right up my alley. The setting as teachers at a boarding school was fun, and reminded me of movies and shows I've seen. I appreciated a lot of the characters viewpoints as artists, being a creative professional myself.
This was my first book by Bacca Wilhite. Overall, I was impressed. Her writing was professional but fun and her characters were highly enjoyable. Even the supporting characters were really entertaining. The plot was engaging and I loved that the characters had an air of mystery about them. The idea of a couple overcoming misunderstandings and a lack of communication was a plus as well. I'm not sure if this is going to be a standalone but I'd love to see it turn into a series!
This story makes you laugh, cry and cheer! I loved how Dexter evolved and Joey’s bravery and of course their “fairy godmother”. Make the time to read this book - it’s great!
This book was so much fun to read. I thought the main characters were fun and pretty relatable I also loved the supporting characters- there wasn’t really a bad guy in this book which was nice. It was interesting to hear about Joeys health problems- I had to look things up after reading about it. The only thing I didn’t like was how Dexter was so awful in the beginning, but he did redeem himself in the end It would make such a cute Hallmark type movie.
First of all it’s not a rom-com because it’s not funny. Second of all as much as I liked Joey I couldn’t stand Dexter. Almost didn’t finish it was a struggle. He’s a jerk from the beginning and it’s not really fixed. From the start he’s rude in the airport and the excuse is he’s waiting, long trip (but everyone else is in the same boat) and he mistook her for a kid (but he’s a teacher…what if she had been a potential student?). At one point he talks about hating another teacher just because “it’s fun to have a nemesis” what? Really didn’t like this guy and knew Joey deserved way better. The only true apologies she started to get was after he physically hurt her by accident but by that point he had been such an arrogant jerk who cares! So many red flags this is a book of warning for what not to date. I read another book in the series and same thing loved the school and story but didn’t really like the characters and thought they weren’t developed. Now I know it wasn’t just that book but the whole series or author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story is kind of all over the place. I never felt like I knew who the characters were. The FMC is tiny, insecure, has an eye disease, MS, is a first year teacher, and is competing for a commitee chair. That is a lot. And that is just her. There is too much going on. The "fights" that the MCs got in weren't really fights, and then they never really made up either. They just moved on and hovered around each other. The MMC seemed to instantly fall for the FMC even though there was no relationship building. This needs to be edited, not only for the grammer mistakes, but the story itself needs to be more focused. *This book is G rated. There is no swearing, innuendo, or violence. There is 1 kiss, and it is very mild.
I couldn’t finish this book after reading about 30% of it. The chemistry between Joey & Dexter was extremely lacking. I felt like there first kiss happened to soon & it felt unsatisfying as a reader. I also didn’t really like Dexter as a character but thought Joey was okay. It didn’t help that my boyfriends best friends name is Joey so I had to stop myself from imagining her as a boy. I didn’t like how Dexter seemed so arrogant but in his POV he was so sweet? I didn’t feel like being a drama teacher matched him very well either. I didn’t like how they refused to discuss his arrogance. There’s just a lot I didn’t like. I was very bored shortly after the first chapter. This book might be for some but it wasn’t for me.