The Thoroughbreds

The Academy Series #2

by Elin Hilderbrand, Shelby Cunningham

Class is back in session!

It's the start of another school year at Tiffin, with our favorite characters from The Academy returning for senior year - "sixth form" in Tiffin‑speak - a time of college admissions and trying not to crack under pressure, of partying hard and last hurrahs.

In the wake of Honey Vandermeid's exit, will the new college counselor be up to the task? What do the cards hold in store for Tiffin's It couple, Charley and East? What will become of underground speakeasy Priorities? And what was in Cinnamon Peters's final email?

Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham answer these burning questions and more in The Thoroughbreds, a page‑turning story about friendship, treachery, ambition, and sacrifice.

Genres: Fiction, Academia, Contemporary, Ebooks, Romance, Chick Lit

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.

Facebook.com/ElinHilderbrand

Pinterest.com/ElinHilderbrand

Reviews

[Dori Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this so much. I can’t get enough of these books and these incredibly well written characters. The cringey ones were SO cringey and the stories were clever and it was so much fun from start to finish. I ate this up and now I want to go back and re-read The Academy. Then read this again. Thats how much I loved it.

The writing throughout was incredibly strong and I wonder what the process is like between Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter Shelby Cunningham.

I wish I went to boarding school. I hope we get to keep following these characters because I need to know what they all do next.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the gift of getting to read this early in exchange for my honest review.


…quick note as someone who grew up in Flushing, Queens. Liam didn’t need to go to Flushing High School. He would have easily gotten into Townsend Harris or tested into one of the specialized schools (like Stuyvesant, where Yardley works!) or gotten in to a program at another good high school (ex, Cardozo has a law program that could be a way in). But that’s me being nitpicky for knowing specifics the authors likely didn’t know about.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book on NetGalley.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book early as I have loved Elin Hilderbrand’s work for a while. I really enjoyed The Academy and was thrilled to revisit the place and these characters.

This book dove deeper into the characters and once again took place over the course of a school year and skipped around to stories of the different characters. It is filled with gossip and drama. If you enjoy boarding school/campus books, this is definitely for you! They do a truly wonderful job of describing the intricacies of boarding school life, and if you know it, it makes it even more enjoyable to read!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I was SO EXCITED when I saw this on Netgalley - it doesn’t come out until the fall. I loved The Academy last year, the first part in the series, and The Thoroughbreds was just as good if not better. It felt a bit more fast paced and I really enjoyed it. Part of what makes a great book for me is the feeling of “I cannot stop reading”, “I cannot wait to keep reading”, or “I wish I was reading this right now” and I definitely had that with The Thoroughbreds. Go ‘breds!
#thethoroughbreds #netgalley

[Savannah Rudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely immersive & super fun to read. The hundreds of 2026 pop culture references are a little silly but once you just accept them it’s like yeah ok I’m having fun

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (September 2026) [reading in March]
Academy #2
388-page Ebook story pages 12-383
464-page Kindle Ebook Kindle

Genre: Academia, Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Featuring: Bibliography for Elin Hilderbrand, Map, School Year - September - June, Titled Chapters, Boarding School, Who's Who at Tiffin Academy - Character List, Faculty, High School Students, Previous Book Recap, Menus, Sex, Drugs, Menus, Fictional Small-Town 90 minutes from Williamstown, Massachusetts; Secrets, Drama, Multiple POVs, Third-Person Multiple-Point-of-View Perspective, Kiss-Cheat, Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York City, New York; College Admissions, Holidays, School Events, Family Dynamics, Football, School Politics and Management, Harbour Island, Bahamas; Affluent People, Acknowledgments

Rating as a movie: R for adult content and situations

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏫👩‍⚖️📚🎒🐎🍂

My thoughts: 📘 - It's been a long time since I read a Hilderbrand without the narration of Erin Bennett, voice of Nantucket. I'll finally know if it's the voice or the story.
🔖193 of 388 [Chapter] 17. Rivalry Weekend - So even though I don't have Erin I can hear her in my head. This is okay, it seems to be taking longer to build than the previous book, and I'm wondering if the story will end here or if we'll see the next class graduate in the next book.

Instead of Nantucket Reds we have Bahamas Blues, this book is not crammed full of Easter eggs and I could waste time comparing it to Summerland or something, but I won't. Because it's another school year this story had to navigate a balance between familiarity and repetitiveness, you didn't want to repeat the previous book through school events but you do need to have the same events for it to be the same school. I think they did a great job, I did not feel like I was reliving the same story twice even though there were similar events primarily because she did not spend as much time describing the events I do think this book was very title heavy with music and songs but I lived for the menus and food descriptions. I was right about the email but not 100% and the final chapters are what pushed me to and a ½-star and round it up to 5 stars. It ended on a good note and it could be a good ending or Book 2 in a trilogy. I'm looking forward to seeing which one it is. Let me say again this is not a YA book, and I think if it was called The Faculty people would accept that. This reads just like other Hilderbrand books, the storylines are familiar, the settings have changed. I still felt like Shelby Cunningham did more consulting that writing. I really need to read something solo to learn her voice. FYI I love Erin Bennett but it's definitely the story.

Recommend to others: Yes! If you love Elin Hilderbrand this is her style, just inland.

Academy (with Shelby Cunningham)
1. The Academy (2025)
2. The Thoroughbreds (2026)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Prep-School Gangsters" by Vampire Weekend, "Supercut" by Lorde, "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" by Outkast, "Senior Skip Day" by Mac Miller, "Starting Over" by Chris Stapleton, "7 Summers" by Morgan Wallen, "I Know The End" by Phoebe Bridgers, "Whole Wide World" by Cage The Elephant, "F*ck You" by CeeLo Green, "Lately" by Rüfüs Du Sol, "No Broke Boys" by Tinashe, "neck on a yacht" by Gunna, "The Percocet & Stripper Joint" by Future, "Getting Better" by The Beatles, "Shallow" by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, "Memories" by David Guetta, "You Should Be Dancing" by Bee Gees, "Heaven" by Bryan Adams, "The Spins" by Empire of the Sun and Mac Miller, "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr., "Dancing On My Own (Tiësto Remix)" by Calum Scott, "Jessie’s Girl" by Rick Springfield, "Only In My Dreams" by Debbie Gibson, "Watching The Detectives" by Elvis Costello, "Don’t Do Me Like That" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Fool In The Rain" by Led Zeppelin, "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder, "Silver Springs" by Fleetwood Mac, "Killing Me Softly with His Song" by Roberta Flack, "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne, "Semiramide Overture" by Gioachino Rossini conducted by Riccardo Muti with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, "Kiss The Bride" by Bon Jovi, "Jungleland" by Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band, "Racing In The Street" by Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band, "Whatever It Takes" by Imagine Dragons, "You're On Your Own, Kid" by Taylor Swift, "Let's Twist Again" by Chubby Checker, "Up, Up And Away" by The 5th Dimension, "Let The Sunshine In" by The 5th Dimension, "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli, "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan, "People Are Strange" by The Doors, "Dark Lady" by Cher, "Girl$" by Dom Dolla, "Delilah (pull me out of this)" by Fred Again, "Blame" by Calvin Harris featuring John Newman, "Rich Girl" by Daryl Hall & John Oates, "Where Have You Been" by Rihannan̈ "Stay The Night" by Zedd "(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All" by The 5th Dimension, "Witchy Woman" by Eagles, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "bad guy" by Billie Eilish, evermore by Taylor Swift, "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne, "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" by Dropkick Murphys, "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, "Freedom! '90" by George Michael, "Holiday" by Weezer, "Come as You Are" by Nirvana, "Big Me" by Foo Fighters, "Go with the Flow" by Queens of the Stone Age, "Mind Eraser, No Chaser" by Them Crooked Vultures, "Limelight" by RUSH, "Deck The Halls" by Pentatonix, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" by Andy Williams, "Buddy Holly" by Weezer, "Pitorro de Coco" by Bad Bunny, "The First Noel" by Frank Sinatra, "(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" by Perry Como, "Runaround Sue" by Dion DiMucci, "What Child Is This" by Andrea Bocelli, "You Make Loving Fun"Fleetwood Mac, "The Sweetest Thing" by Refugee Camp All-Stars featuring Lauryn Hill, "Love." by Kendrick Lamar, "The Little Drummer Boy" by The Harry Simeone Chorale, "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" by SpongeBob SquarePants, "Badlands" by Bruce Springsteen, The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, "Somebody’s Problem" by Morgan Wallen, "Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean, "Winter Wonderland" by Amy Grant, "No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age, "Sometimes" by Britney Spears, "Find Your Love" by Drake, "This Is What You Came For" by Calvin Harris and Rihanna, "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, "Diet Coke" by Fallon, "Messy" by Lola Young, "Girl You Loud" by Chris Brown and Tyga, "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake, "Breakin’ Dishes" by Rihanna, "Lavender Haze" by Taylor Swift, "Baby Don't Hurt Me Remix" by David Guetta, Anne-Marie, and Coi Leray; "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins, "Beyond The Sea" by Bobby Darin, "The Boy From Ipanema" by Diana Krall, "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus, "Fool In The Rain" by Led Zeppelin, "Pomp and Circumstance Marches" by Edward Elgar, "Have It All" by Jason Mraz

Books and Authors mentioned: Edith Wharton, Cat Person by Kristen Roupenian, H. G. Wells, E. M. Forster, A. M. Homes, S. E. Hinton, The Best American Short Stories 2026 by Viet Thanh Nguyen and Nicole A. Lamy, A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh, Intimacies by Katie Kitamura, Sula by Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Bridgerton by Chris Van Dusen [based on] Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn; Old School by Tobias Wolff, The Palace Thief by Ethan Canin, Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Fall of Rome by Martha Southgate, I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, Truman Capote, Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Robert Southey, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout, Amgash Series by Elizabeth Strout, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, The Addams Family by Charles Addams, Karen Blixen, Howl by Allen Ginsberg, Evening by Dorianne Laux, Evening by Susan Minot, The Good Mother by Sue Miller, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, First Love by Ivan Turgenev, The Collected Stories of Isaac Babel by Isaac Babel, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Anne Enright, Kiran Desai, Atonement by Ian McEwan, Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, "The Kiss" by Anne Sexton, American Fantasy by Emma Straub, William Shakespeare, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Beach Blanket Bingo by Leo Townsend and William Asher, Star Wars by George Lucas, Claire Lombardo, Lauren Groff, Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen, Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban, Wonder by R. J. Palacio, The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Flannery O'Connor, The Holdovers by David Hemingson, Heartwood by Amity Gaige, Natchez Burning by Greg Iles, The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X, Emperor of the Air by Ethan Canin, Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar, Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand, Elf by David Berenbaum, Footloose by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie [based on] Footloose by Dean Pitchford; The Balthazar Cookbook by Keith McNally, Lee Hanson, and Riad Nasr; Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction by J.D. Salinger; Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger, The Mourning Bride by William Congreve, Scarface by Oliver Stone [based on] Scarface by W. R. Burnett, Ben Hecht, John Lee Mahin, and Seton I. Miller [and based on] Scarface by Armitage Trail; Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Dr. Seuss, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the breakout success of The Academy, authors Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham return with a sequel that not only meets expectations—but exceeds them. The Thoroughbreds is poised to be one of the most talked-about novels of 2026, a gripping continuation that deepens the intrigue, emotion, and complexity of life at Tiffin Boarding School.

Set at the start of senior year—“sixth form” in Tiffin parlance��the novel immediately immerses readers back into the richly layered world of its students and faculty. This is a year defined by pressure and possibility: college admissions loom large, futures hang in the balance, and the bittersweet urgency of “lasts” lingers in every decision. Hilderbrand and Cunningham capture this transitional moment with striking authenticity, balancing the thrill of newfound independence with the anxiety of what comes next.

What makes The Thoroughbreds so compelling is its seamless continuation of unresolved tensions from the first installment. In the wake of Honey Vandermeid’s abrupt departure, questions swirl about whether Tiffin’s new college counselor can steady the ship. Meanwhile, the school’s social ecosystem remains as volatile as ever. The fate of Tiffin’s “It couple,” Charley and East, hangs in delicate balance, while the clandestine speakeasy, Priorities, continues to operate in the shadows, a symbol of both rebellion and belonging.

And then there is the lingering mystery of Cinnamon Peters’s final email—a thread that quietly tightens throughout the novel, urging readers forward with mounting urgency. It is this careful layering of plotlines, both intimate and expansive, that transforms the book into a true page-turner. Each chapter peels back another layer, drawing the reader deeper into a web of friendship, and betrayal too.

Hilderbrand and Cunningham demonstrate a masterful command of pacing and character, giving equal weight to the students navigating their final year and the faculty who shape—and are shaped by—the Tiffin experience. The result is a story that feels both expansive and deeply personal, one that resonates long after the final page.

Ultimately, The Thoroughbreds is more than just a sequel—it is a bold, emotionally charged continuation that cements this series as a defining voice in contemporary fiction. Addictive, insightful, and impossible to put down, this is a novel that will have readers racing to the end, desperate for answers and already yearning for more.

A must-read—and without question, a standout hit of 2026.

Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this ARC!

[Sharyn Stieglitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most anticipated book of the year and it DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT!
We're back at Tiffin Academy and our Sixth Form Formers are ready to rule the school. The two big questions of course are, what was in Cinnamon's email, and which colleges will the students get accepted into and attend? On the brink of last year's dismissals, we have two new staff members. Dr. Coopersmith, the history teacher, and Mr. Maverick, the new college counselor.
In true Hilderbrand fashion, this book takes us on a wild ride of boarding school drama with the students, staff, and parents. Charley and Royce are vying for the top spot of Valedictorian. Davi is still dealing with her family drama, but on top of her TikTok influencer life. Hakeem and Taylor are figuring out their next steps, East swears he will not go to college, and Olivia H-T is still trying to figure out her life. New to the school is Liam, a student from Queens who got in based on a relative who is paying his tuition, and Pippa, a girl from a wealthy family, who attends as a day student.
As we follow the students from September to May, we see personal issues, trying to figure out colleges applications, friendships and relationships tested, staff and parent drama, academic achievements, and a fond farewell to the Class of 2027.

I devoured this book within several hours. The book is filled with drama, twists and turns, and you're consistently wanting more. The number of times my mouth dropped or I screamed out "oh my gosh!" during the book, I can't count. I love that the book picked up where it left off in The Academy. and to follow the students through their final year at Tiffin. As a school counselor myself, this book is right up my alley and I love the school aspect, plus watching all the plot twists unfold. I enjoyed seeing the students go through their college application process, and to see the evolution of the students throughout the school year. The family and staff drama always adds in extra excitement throughout the book, and keeps you wanting more. As the reader, you know the behind the scenes of situations that the characters don't, and I love the moment they characters find out and to watch the messiness unfold. The culmination of graduation at the end, and the tribute to Cinnamon and finding out what was in her email, was beautifully done, and I'm so glad I no longer have to speculate what the file says. My only issue is now I don't know how long I'll have to wait for my next Elin Hilderbrand book, and am anticipating her next book announcement.

Thank you to Elin Hilderbrand, Shelby Cunningham, Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for my e-arc.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

The Thoroughbreds is a perfectly fine sequel to The Academy. Like all Elin Hilderbrand books, this one is perfectly readable, and I did enjoy it for the most part. I was teetering between two or three stars and ultimately decided to round down. Not much happens in this book, and the experience of reading it left me feeling kind of empty and unmoved.

Both books follow a large cast of characters throughout the school year, some with big plots and others with smaller stories to tell. The biggest draws to The Academy were the major through lines in a crowded room: Charley as the outsider new girl, the speakeasy, the hacked text messages, and Simone being a hot mess. The Thoroughbreds lacks any compelling book-wide plot to keep the pages turning. Small conflicts pop up, only to be extinguished quickly and predictably.

The result is that this book ends up feeling like one long gossip session among high schoolers. Boarding schools will always be the subject of fascination for many of us. But as someone nearly 20 years out of high school, I am just no longer drawn in by the little dramas of teenage relationships, college admissions, and adolescent social dynamics unless there is something more compelling going on underneath it all. The target audience of this series remains a big question mark. There's just enough of the adult characters to keep it firmly out of the YA territory, but I also suspect I'm not the only adult reader who couldn't care less about who is inviting who to the dance.

And I just gotta say it... justice for Olivia H-T. The way she was written really started to rub me the wrong way. I know she's imperfect, but at times, the perspective felt like it was coming only from a pair of people who have always been in the popular crowd and who enjoy punching down on someone who just wants to fit in.

Just like the first book, this one retains a lot of the familiar Elin Hilderbrand voice from her own books, which makes it enjoyable and familiar. I do have to wonder how much of a collaborative work this is and whether her daughter contributed anything more than the generational-specific slang. The name-dropping of brands, restaurants, and song titles was more than excessive.

Now that the class of 2027 has graduated, it's unclear whether this series will continue. The last book left a few decent cliffhangers, while this one seems to wrap up the more important plots. Not a bad read, but not one that felt very satisfying either.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE THOROUGHBREDS by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham in exchange for my honest review.***

Getting to review THE THOROUGHBREDS is like winning the Powerball of ARCs. I was so excited to jump into the sequel to THE ACADEMY I want to jump right in. Instead, I reread THE ACADEMY before beginning.

As sequels go, THE THOROUGHBREDS exceeded my expectations. Perhaps because I knew the characters, I felt even more invested in their individual stories and even cried more than once at their poignancy, vulnerability and bravery. I don’t remember shedding tears in THE ACADEMY.

Again the book begins at move in day where two new faculty and two new students begin their Tiffin lives. The sixth formers (seniors) are about to start the college application process. Charley, East, Davi, Dub, Taylor, Hakeem and newcomers Pippa and Liam are in for more ups and downs than they realize. Audre, Cordelia, Rhode, Chef Haz and James are joined by newcomers Mav and Coop. Some will find love. Others will lose it. Some will see their dreams become reality. Others will be crushed and/or expelled.

I really enjoyed Hilderbrand’s engaging word building in THE THOROUGHBREDS. The writing made me feel like I was among those at Tiffin, particularly when she uses first person plural to describe how the students experience the boarding school. I didn’t want the book to end. I really hope Shelby Cunningham is up for writing a third in this series. Hilderbrand hinted that Shelby, her daughter, a college student, would be the decision-maker. My fingers are crossed that Cunningham wants to continue.

I highly recommend THE THOROUGHBREDS, which appeals to older teens and adults.

[Zach Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure if Netgalley knew they were giving this advanced copy to one of Elin Hilderbrand's biggest fans, but I'm still glad I got the opportunity to read this early! I always thought that Elin's love of Nantucket was what made her summer books so special, but it's clear that she can write about anything and still capture our attention. If you loved The Academy, you will also love The Thoroughbreds. There is just as much going on at Tiffin Academy as there was the previous year.

We join Charley, Davi, Dub, East, Hakeem, Taylor, and all the other students as they return to Tiffin for their final year before they graduate. The faculty, including Audre Robinson, Cordelia Spooner and Rhode Rivera are prepared to take on the new year with several new faces. What transpires over the next several months are big revelations, drama and growth by both the students and faculty. All the MCs are created so well and their struggles are real. Elin and her daughter Shelby makes the story seem timely and realistic. You can't help but smile when they all matriculate at the end (I hope this is not a spoiler 😅) and Cinnamon Peters email is finally opened and revealed on Graduation Day 😮. I admit that I love anything Elin writes but this series is just as entertaining as her Nantucket books. I hope that there will be more Elin books in the future.

P.S. I also still plan on buying this when it comes out and adding it to my library.

[gina dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the Arc
We’re back at Tiffin Academy in The Thoroughbreds, the second book in the Academy series by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham.
The boarding school setting is once again front and center, with elite traditions, complicated friendships, and evolving relationships. Indulgent details of campus life, from curated menus by a top chef to over-the-top themed parties, add to the atmosphere and make it feel immersive. With a September release, it’s the perfect back-to-school read, full of fall vibes.
While it leans YA, it’s fun to return to this cast, with a few new characters added. We reconnect with familiar characters on the brink of adulthood, though the drama, secrets, and questionable decisions are still very much intact. Watching these students grow, make mistakes, and begin to figure out who they are beyond Tiffin Academy is especially compelling. There’s a strong sense of transition throughout, as they prepare to leave the insular world of boarding school and step into something bigger.
Overall, The Thoroughbreds captures the mix of privilege, pressure, and personal growth in a way that feels engaging and entertaining, and best of all, we finally find out what was in that email!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham in exchange for my honest review.

I honestly couldn’t believe it when I was approved for an ARC of this book! Elin Hilderbrand has been my favorite author since I was a teenager, so to me, this felt like striking gold. This is my favorite of her non-Nantucket books.

I loved The Academy, but The Thoroughbreds surpassed it in depth and entertainment. The characters seemed to have grown in depth since the first book, and I felt like the situations they were facing were more of substance than in the first book. Elin’s characterization is the best in the biz, and the characters in this book are incredible. I felt like I personally knew them by the end of it. It was really smart of her to pair up with her daughter to write this book, as they seemed truly life-like for this age group. 

I had a lot of mixed feelings when Elin started writing books “off-island,” but now I have mixed feelings leaving Tiffin. I can’t wait to see what her and Shelby come up with next!

[Collyn Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

read if you like:
🚌 private schools
🎓 graduations
🥺 coming-of-age stories

summary:
Wow, I didn’t think I could love anything more than THE ACADEMY, but its sequel, THE THOROUGHBREDS, takes the cake. It follows up on another year at Tiffin, the New England elite private school, and the teachers and students that live there. We watch Charley, Davi, East and Dub start their senior year, as they deal with the pressures of college, scholarships, and coming-of-age. We find out what happened to Priorities, their speakeasy, the new teachers that replaced Simone and Honey, and most importantly, what was left in the file that Cinnamon gave to Dub before she died. It’s the perfect balance of a continuation of junior year and introducing new characters and stories.

The best thing about this book is the characters. The authors write them so intimately and honestly that you feel like you’re a part of their friendships. It brings me back to my own high school years — friendships with peers, boys, and teachers, and it gives you nostalgia while also making you feel a part of it. You ride the highs and lows with the characters themselves, and it feels realistic, if not a little bit humorous, with Elin’s dry humor weaved in. I actually liked this even better than THE ACADEMY, because it felt a little more on point, a little more realistic, and the ending felt….satisfying. Sometimes you just need a happier ending, and this one delivered in a way that left me pleased, but of course wanting more.

Incredible thanks to Little, Brown and Company for the advanced copy, and make sure you preorder this so you have it when it releases on September 15th.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved last year’s Academy, the boarding school novel authored by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham and was so excited to get an ARC of the sequel, The Thoroughbreds. We revisit Tiffin Academy and see the major characters now in their final year with the same drama and teens behaving badly and some mysteries to be solved (like what was really in that email?). I’m hesitant to write about the plot too much because it’s challenging without giving anything away.

I loved this second boarding school book (a world most of us will never experience) and seeing last-year’s characters grow up, learn new life lessons and get ready to go out into the world. Elin is the best at character development and visualization and I find myself completely immersed in her worlds.

I loved this one and hope she writes more along these lines in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC.

[Chelsea Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE THOROUGHBREDS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Release date 9/15/2026. The second I got this ARC I had to drop what o was doing and dive in, eager to return to Tiffin as a sixth former. We pick up where we left off, the fifth formers are returning for their senior year, some things new, and some just as they were before. In typical Elin fashion (and now Shelby too), so much juice, gossip, and food that will make your mouth melt. So many characters in this novel staff, and students alike, and how they manage to for everyone a unique identity and storyline that you can’t wait to turn the page and see what’s next. I think it takes true skill to make me care about literally 20 people’s stories all at once. I cried at the end, and enjoyed the ride. Is there a way to return to Tiffin with new students at our helm? This will be a hit, and rightfully so. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, and thanks Elin and Shelby for the ride.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham does not disappoint! I love my beach reads, but apparently I love a campus novel even more and was so excited to read their sequel to The Academy! Senior year is packed with drama, friendship, new faces, romance, and nostalgia as the class prepares to launch. I enjoyed following the class through their exploits as they come into their selves over the course of the academic year. All of the youthful slang, fashion, music, and food (OMG, the food!) that you expect from an Elin Hilderbrand novel are there. I love Elin’s writing style and the subject of the college search process was especially timely for me! I am going to miss these kids and I hope we get to revisit the Tiffin alums at college someday!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown, & Elin for the ARC!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right back into the drama and daily life of Tiffin... I really enjoyed the first book and was excited to see what was next for the crew. I felt like we got to know everyone even better and really see them grow and change. It’s so easy to fly through the book between the salacious gossip, academic points and sweet moments. I also have to shout out that I love all the references to current literature, beauty and restaurant trends throughout the book. It really makes Tiffin feel like a real place with real people. While the ending was predictable, it wrapped up perfectly and I felt satisfied. I can’t wait to see what Elin and Shelby do next together!! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the advanced reader copy.

All the favorites are back, for their final year at Tiffin. This time around college acceptances are on the brain (and a question of whether the new college counselor can get the same results as Honey did); two new seniors create new drama at the school; and Charley and East face some of their biggest challenges as a couple. And we finally find out what was in the email that Cinnamon sent to Dub.

This was exactly the sequel I was looking for after reading THE ACADEMY. THE THOROUGHBREDS was filled with just as much drama, angst, and fun as the first book. I only wish I could've spent longer with all the characters.

The Thoroughbreds is out September 15, 2026.

[Renee Gearhart levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I was instantly sucked back into the word of Tiffin Academy and up late into the night reading to see how things played out for characters I have come to both love (and loathe). I love this series, which shows Elin's great storytelling ability beyond the isle of Nantucket. She has the ability to create a world (and welcome you into it) filled with characters with relatable messy lives, and does so in a way that at the same time humorous and escapist. Not part of the boarding school world, but it made me wonder why people would spend so much $$ for a high school education to be aiming for a group of colleges that seemed attainable from a public high school. I do love that book highlights the joy of reading and promotes readers in high regard.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, Elin Hilderbrand, Shelby Cunningham, and Little, Brown and Company, for offering this exclusive early access to The Thoroughbreds.
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Academy.
This takes place at the elite Tiffin Academy described in the book as a beautiful boarding school. With the same characters and the same school with the same functions throughout the year, it could be a repetitive novel, but this is a separate story with personal growth, blooming love, hard decisions and a lot of fun.
The Thoroughbreds was a fun and easy read with a great ending. My only wish is that this isn't the last time we get to visit Tiffin.

[Megan Heginbottom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a huge Hilderbrand fan, but this one fell flat for me. I enjoyed the first book (The Academy) and was looking forward to seeing how they wrapped everything up Senior year.

We see the same cast of characters from book one as they tackle their senior year at Tiffin. While the book wrapped everything up…it was kind of boring? I found myself skipping quite a few pages trying to get to juicier parts of the book that never really came. The new drama/conflict felt forced or recycled from book one.

I did enjoy the reveal of Cinnamon’s email at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran to this book because Elin Hilderbrand is one of my all time favorites! I had such high expectations and of course she delivered! If you read The Academy, you 100% need to pick up The Thoroughbreds. It dives right back into all the drama at Tiffin Academy, and I was immediately hooked on all the messy relationships and secrets. It’s packed with juicy and slightly over the top gossip. I flew through it because I just had to know how everything would play out. It also does a really good job tying up loose ends from the first book while still keeping things exciting and unpredictable. If you love drama, secrets, and elite school vibes, this one is such a fun, addictive read!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Tiffin School series by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. I have to say, it leaves me sad to write this review knowing it’s Elin’s last book to write. And also, it did not disappoint!

The book follows the fifth formers from the last book, who are now seniors, and the staff at The Tiffin School. Being that it’s the second book in the series I felt even more connected to the characters, even those that were new this school year, If you enjoyed the first book, you won’t be disappointed by this one! And if you haven’t read the first book, what are you waiting for!

Thank you @littlebrown and @netgalley for this advanced reader’s copy!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to The Academy, with the seniors, or sixth-formers, looking at a final year before heading to college. There is lots of sex, drinking, studying, fighting, and more between the students, both old and new, with the faculty and staff also weighing in with activities and feelings. The book is divided into months of the academic year, September through May, with an epilogue added at the end. This is an enjoyable read with fascinating characters. I could even see this becoming a series, with a third book featuring the new students who appear at the end of this story. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an ARC.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive a copy of Elin and Shelby's 2nd installment of The Academy Series, and it did not disappoint! It was so fun to be reunited with these beloved characters, to see how their stories continued, and to reach some resolutions on loose ends from the Book #1. I loved every minute of this story and especially enjoyed all the college talk as that's coinciding with my real life right now. Keep writing please, Elin and Shelby, I need an encore! 9.5/10

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this ARC.

The Thoroughbreds is second in a series about a New England prep school. Book one is titled The Academy. As a fan of Elin Hildebrand’s books set on Nantucket and on St. John’s, I was curious about whether I would enjoy reading about prep school students and faculty members. I have to say, I was not disappointed!

There are numerous references to music and books that I loved. Also references to current slang that I needed to look up (I am definitely not as “with it” as I would like to think). Best of all, the characters (students, teachers and staff) were well developed and the storylines were compelling.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been awaiting this sequel since the minute I finished the Academy, and it did not disappoint! All of your favorite characters are back, plus some new ones, and though they do despicable things, you continue to root for them. Having taught and lived at a boarding school many years ago, these books about the inner workings of the fictional Tiffin Academy hold special appeal to me; however, any fan of romance, drama, or Elin Hilderbrand will love them. It's like reading a soap opera in the very best way! I can only hope that Elin and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, plan to continue the series. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lauren Ateyeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this sequel to The Academy, and I ended up enjoying it just as much! Being back at Tiffin with all the familiar characters for their senior year felt like catching up with old friends as they navigated college pressure, parties, and big life decisions. There’s plenty of drama; from a new college counselor stepping in after Honey’s departure to the ups and downs of Charley and East, plus the mystery surrounding Cinnamon’s final email. It’s a fun, fast-paced read filled with friendship, ambition, and just the right amount of secrets to keep you hooked.

[Kara Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy all Elin Hildebrand books. I loved The Academy and was highly anticipating The Thoroughbreds. We return to Tifton Academy and pick up where we left off. While some of the stories may be a little unbelievable, I don’t know - a lot can happen in high school. I was invested in the students lives and the teachers as well. This sequel kept me engaged and interested and wrapped up the series in a way that satisfied this reader. Well done! 4 plus plus plus. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced reader copy.

[Kristen Petet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one fell a little flat for me. It felt like there was so much going on, but nothing was actually happening. All of the conflict either fixed itself or was never fully fleshed out. My other concern with this book is the target audience…the majority of it reads YA, but then there are a lot of adult POV’s as well and a couple of those scenes don’t scream YA to me. I enjoyed the flow of the writing and I think that’s what kept me engaged. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.