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The Roads Left Behind Us
After some unexpected detours in life, Callie Lewes is determined to complete her PhD program and figure out the rest of her professional life. Her laser focus is finely tuned and she's ready for a total immersion in nothing but literature, subpar student essays, and all the joys that come with being a graduate teaching assistant. She has no time for or interest in anything else--especially not dating.
If Callie were to entertain the idea of dating, she's certain it would be with someone vibrant, open, and around her age. In other words: definitely not someone like Dr. Kate Jory, a new member of Pennbrook College's English department. She's intimidating, older, and a seemingly closed book. But she's also brilliant and fascinating, and Callie is drawn to her in ways she'd never imagined possible.
Not that Kate notices. Or does she? Callie can't tell, and though they develop an engaging, flirtatious friendship, she struggles to work up the courage to put herself directly in Kate's potentially romantic path, wary of the type of fire their sparks could ignite.
If Callie were to entertain the idea of dating, she's certain it would be with someone vibrant, open, and around her age. In other words: definitely not someone like Dr. Kate Jory, a new member of Pennbrook College's English department. She's intimidating, older, and a seemingly closed book. But she's also brilliant and fascinating, and Callie is drawn to her in ways she'd never imagined possible.
Not that Kate notices. Or does she? Callie can't tell, and though they develop an engaging, flirtatious friendship, she struggles to work up the courage to put herself directly in Kate's potentially romantic path, wary of the type of fire their sparks could ignite.
262 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2022
About the author
Kat Jackson
6 books64 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 73 reviews
May 21, 2024
This is another book i had to read twice because I read it in March but didn’t get around to reviewing.
“The Roads Left Behind Us” by Kat Jackson is an age-gap romance set mainly on a college campus. This isn’t a student-teacher relationship but it is between a graduate teaching assistant and a professor, though not a professor she’s assisting.
Callie Lewes is 34 when she decides to go back to her alma mater to get a PhD. In her interview to become a teaching assistant she meets new faculty member, Kate Jory. Kate is 50 and very mysterious as she’s more private than the other English professors, who Callie already knows from her previous time at the school.
I absolutely loved this book! This a character driven book so it was all about the characters for me. I loved Callie and Kate and all the side characters that surround Callie. This is told from her point of view and by the end of the book she felt like a friend. Everyone felt real and imperfect and I just really enjoyed them. (Jackson has also revealed she’s writing Dr. Renee Lawler’s story and I can’t wait.)
However, I think my favorite thing about this was the writing. Jackson is gifted and knows how to bring a story to life, there were several instances where I would go back and reread a sentence just because I loved it so much.
There was one thing that I didn’t love and that was how mysterious Kate was. She’s a very private person and Callie (and the reader) doesn’t get a whole of insight into her. Things are either left unsaid or vague and when we do learn stuff, it’s not a lot. I still very much enjoyed her character but I would’ve liked to know more about her past and what led to her moving to New Hampshire.
I loved this and would highly recommend it to fans of character driven stories that are beautifully told.
I received an arc from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Roads Left Behind Us” by Kat Jackson is an age-gap romance set mainly on a college campus. This isn’t a student-teacher relationship but it is between a graduate teaching assistant and a professor, though not a professor she’s assisting.
Callie Lewes is 34 when she decides to go back to her alma mater to get a PhD. In her interview to become a teaching assistant she meets new faculty member, Kate Jory. Kate is 50 and very mysterious as she’s more private than the other English professors, who Callie already knows from her previous time at the school.
I absolutely loved this book! This a character driven book so it was all about the characters for me. I loved Callie and Kate and all the side characters that surround Callie. This is told from her point of view and by the end of the book she felt like a friend. Everyone felt real and imperfect and I just really enjoyed them. (Jackson has also revealed she’s writing Dr. Renee Lawler’s story and I can’t wait.)
However, I think my favorite thing about this was the writing. Jackson is gifted and knows how to bring a story to life, there were several instances where I would go back and reread a sentence just because I loved it so much.
There was one thing that I didn’t love and that was how mysterious Kate was. She’s a very private person and Callie (and the reader) doesn’t get a whole of insight into her. Things are either left unsaid or vague and when we do learn stuff, it’s not a lot. I still very much enjoyed her character but I would’ve liked to know more about her past and what led to her moving to New Hampshire.
I loved this and would highly recommend it to fans of character driven stories that are beautifully told.
I received an arc from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2022
Almost - professor / student trope.
I would label this the almost - professor / student trope. 'Almost', because Callie is a TA and doctorate student and she's older than the average TA, so it's less controversal in the context of a romance novel despite a 16 year age gap between the characters. Whatever it is, this trope is my guilty pleasure, so I knew this book would hold my interest, no matter what, and it did mostly. And a bonus is that Kat Jackson can write passionate scenes.
But I have my issues with the story, the first being the contrived reasons the characters have for not getting together despite having developed a mutual attraction that is obvious to everyone else. Callie's reasons for not wanting any relationship at all has been transparent to readers from the start, but she's also the more willing one out of the two to try it out. Kate however, is bit more opaque with her reasons until later, and her stubborness really drags out. The reasons they have are predictable for stories of this trope, but I feel they're also contrived in this context because there were no real obstacles to their relationship being presented other than their own obstinance. The other issue is the poor communication between characters. Callie and Kate don't have much meaningful interaction and even by the halfway mark, they hadn't even figured out if the other party was even into women. Callie's poor communication skills extends to other people too, I realise, and there were a couple of instances of people misreading her intentions.
This is the second book of Jackson's that I've read, both of which I've had my issues with, but I'll continue to check out her work and hopefully I'll be able to fully enjoy the next one.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would label this the almost - professor / student trope. 'Almost', because Callie is a TA and doctorate student and she's older than the average TA, so it's less controversal in the context of a romance novel despite a 16 year age gap between the characters. Whatever it is, this trope is my guilty pleasure, so I knew this book would hold my interest, no matter what, and it did mostly. And a bonus is that Kat Jackson can write passionate scenes.
But I have my issues with the story, the first being the contrived reasons the characters have for not getting together despite having developed a mutual attraction that is obvious to everyone else. Callie's reasons for not wanting any relationship at all has been transparent to readers from the start, but she's also the more willing one out of the two to try it out. Kate however, is bit more opaque with her reasons until later, and her stubborness really drags out. The reasons they have are predictable for stories of this trope, but I feel they're also contrived in this context because there were no real obstacles to their relationship being presented other than their own obstinance. The other issue is the poor communication between characters. Callie and Kate don't have much meaningful interaction and even by the halfway mark, they hadn't even figured out if the other party was even into women. Callie's poor communication skills extends to other people too, I realise, and there were a couple of instances of people misreading her intentions.
This is the second book of Jackson's that I've read, both of which I've had my issues with, but I'll continue to check out her work and hopefully I'll be able to fully enjoy the next one.
I received an ARC from Bella Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
I've only read one other book by Kat Jackson, ‘Across the hall’ which did peak my interest in this author, and I'm glad I read her new novel, ‘The roads left behind’ us’. These are something about age gap romances that I enjoy and always draws me in., I've noticed quite a few people don't like these love stories, but for me ( one of many) makes a good story. The story involves a professor and the student, the ups and downs that they face. There was quite a lot of sulking and stubbornness from one of the main charters and that did get tiring as the book went on.
All in all, ‘The roads left behind us’ was a good read, and kept me turning the pages.
I've given ‘the road left behind us’ a 3.5/5
All in all, ‘The roads left behind us’ was a good read, and kept me turning the pages.
I've given ‘the road left behind us’ a 3.5/5
March 9, 2022
Featured presentation: The Roads Left Behind Us by Kat Jackson
For Callie, the road to love is paved by poetic prose…
Cast: Callie Lewes is one of the new teaching assistants at Pennbrook College’s English department. She is on a mission to obtain her PhD and get her life together. Kate Jory recently joined the English department and is in the process of shaking up the curriculum.
The Plot: Callie is thirty four and heads back to college to complete her PhD. In her capacity as teaching assistant, she often encounters Dr Kate Jory and finds herself fascinated by the older woman.
The blazing: I loved the setting! Oh, Academia!!! The English department comes to life not only through the various characters, but also through the oddities contributed by the aging building.
The set of essays Callie edits for the magazine Sapphisms. They are heavy on symbolism and therefore do not seem to say much. It is heavenly to read, though…
The bright: The relationship between Callie and Kate starts off slowly. The first progress we see is emails sent back and forth between them during a department meeting. This gives us a first glimpse into the playful nature of Kate’s character. Their relationship builds over time as they get to know each other while working together to develop a new literature course.
The bleak: The book is told in the third person, but only from Callie’s side. This leaves Kate’s character as a mystery apart from what Callie sees and knows… While this can be considered a good thing, Kate seems to go back and forth between being attracted to Callie and regarding her as a colleague/assistant. The reader ends up feeling confused about Kate’s feelings and her motivations. The chemistry between Callie and Kate also suffers as a result.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into a comfortable read. There is a lot to enjoy in the book, especially the “behind the scenes” in the English department. I’m sure many students often wonder what it is like to work in academia. While it may not always be fun and games (it is work, after all), it is exciting to see the interactions between the “stuffy” professors!
Studio: Bella Books
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bella Books and NetGalley.
For Callie, the road to love is paved by poetic prose…
Cast: Callie Lewes is one of the new teaching assistants at Pennbrook College’s English department. She is on a mission to obtain her PhD and get her life together. Kate Jory recently joined the English department and is in the process of shaking up the curriculum.
The Plot: Callie is thirty four and heads back to college to complete her PhD. In her capacity as teaching assistant, she often encounters Dr Kate Jory and finds herself fascinated by the older woman.
The blazing: I loved the setting! Oh, Academia!!! The English department comes to life not only through the various characters, but also through the oddities contributed by the aging building.
The set of essays Callie edits for the magazine Sapphisms. They are heavy on symbolism and therefore do not seem to say much. It is heavenly to read, though…
The bright: The relationship between Callie and Kate starts off slowly. The first progress we see is emails sent back and forth between them during a department meeting. This gives us a first glimpse into the playful nature of Kate’s character. Their relationship builds over time as they get to know each other while working together to develop a new literature course.
The bleak: The book is told in the third person, but only from Callie’s side. This leaves Kate’s character as a mystery apart from what Callie sees and knows… While this can be considered a good thing, Kate seems to go back and forth between being attracted to Callie and regarding her as a colleague/assistant. The reader ends up feeling confused about Kate’s feelings and her motivations. The chemistry between Callie and Kate also suffers as a result.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens into a comfortable read. There is a lot to enjoy in the book, especially the “behind the scenes” in the English department. I’m sure many students often wonder what it is like to work in academia. While it may not always be fun and games (it is work, after all), it is exciting to see the interactions between the “stuffy” professors!
Studio: Bella Books
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bella Books and NetGalley.
March 1, 2022
This is my first book by Kate Jackson, but I've been aware of her work for a while now and know that she does write novels around a university setting but not really New Adult novels, which is an interesting touch. So when I saw this book about characters in academia I was interested as that's an area I know something about and I like to have some direct relationship to books I read.
The Roads Left Behind Us follows Callie Lewes who is returning to academia to get her PhD after several years away from university life. When she returns to her alma mater she expects to be familiar with all of the professors there already, which is why she is thrown for a loop by Dr. Kate Jory. Dr. Jory is an interesting and compelling teacher but also very closed off about herself and that just intrigues Callie more.
The character work seems to be all over the place with this book. I really liked Callie, she was really interesting and intelligent and super witty. Her point of view was a lot of fun and I could see why a bunch of people are more interested in her than she is in them. A lot of the side characters in this book are fun to read too. The professors of Renee and Courtney are hilarious, and Callie's friend group with Sadie and Marie are what kept me really into the book.
Also the bar with beers inspired by Greek Mythology? Chef's kiss.
My main issue with this book comes in the character of Kate. Through the book we keep seeing Kate be allusive about her past, and she's hot and cold towards people to help build her defenses and that's all well and good. But to me we never find out WHY this is. We learn that she was from Tennessee, was married and suffered with a fair amount of comphet, and like that's all? We didn't learn about her past or her family or really anything beyond the surface level. If I really want to connect with a character I need information about them, especially a character that is intentionally "mysterious" like Kate. And I just felt totally unfulfilled in her character arc.
And as for the connection between Kate and Callie? I personally didn't really feel it. Maybe my bias for not feeling strongly about Kate came into play but I just didn't get it. I've said this in other reviews, but to me it's like the book is telling me the characters are into each other without actually showing it and hoping the readers just are along with it. Kate and Callie barely interacted in the first half of the book, and the second half they are fighting half the time. And the reasons they delayed getting together seemed silly to me.
I'm not turned off to Kat Jackson's books, there was some parts of this I did enjoy especially the fun characters- but I just wanted more out of the relationship here that I didn't feel. 2.5/5
Thank you to Bella Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The Roads Left Behind Us follows Callie Lewes who is returning to academia to get her PhD after several years away from university life. When she returns to her alma mater she expects to be familiar with all of the professors there already, which is why she is thrown for a loop by Dr. Kate Jory. Dr. Jory is an interesting and compelling teacher but also very closed off about herself and that just intrigues Callie more.
The character work seems to be all over the place with this book. I really liked Callie, she was really interesting and intelligent and super witty. Her point of view was a lot of fun and I could see why a bunch of people are more interested in her than she is in them. A lot of the side characters in this book are fun to read too. The professors of Renee and Courtney are hilarious, and Callie's friend group with Sadie and Marie are what kept me really into the book.
Also the bar with beers inspired by Greek Mythology? Chef's kiss.
My main issue with this book comes in the character of Kate. Through the book we keep seeing Kate be allusive about her past, and she's hot and cold towards people to help build her defenses and that's all well and good. But to me we never find out WHY this is. We learn that she was from Tennessee, was married and suffered with a fair amount of comphet, and like that's all? We didn't learn about her past or her family or really anything beyond the surface level. If I really want to connect with a character I need information about them, especially a character that is intentionally "mysterious" like Kate. And I just felt totally unfulfilled in her character arc.
And as for the connection between Kate and Callie? I personally didn't really feel it. Maybe my bias for not feeling strongly about Kate came into play but I just didn't get it. I've said this in other reviews, but to me it's like the book is telling me the characters are into each other without actually showing it and hoping the readers just are along with it. Kate and Callie barely interacted in the first half of the book, and the second half they are fighting half the time. And the reasons they delayed getting together seemed silly to me.
I'm not turned off to Kat Jackson's books, there was some parts of this I did enjoy especially the fun characters- but I just wanted more out of the relationship here that I didn't feel. 2.5/5
Thank you to Bella Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 28, 2022
Callie Lewes is a 34 year old TA still figuring out her place in life but more sure than not that pursuing a PhD in English is the route she should be on. Dr. Kate Jory has accepted a new job and is excited to begin work in the English department and make her mark. When a taboo mutual crush gets in their way they have to find a way around it.
I liked this book a lot, the MCs had good chemistry and the came off as the sort of intellectuals I would expect to find working at any of the many New England colleges. Callie and Kate have a few issues to overcome, one an age gap and the other the fact that Kate is a professor in the PhD program that Kate is enrolled in. Renee Lawler was hilarious and I would have liked a few more scenes with her in them. Callie also has a few great friends that serve as entertaining side characters. I did like Kate but there was a bit of mystery about her that I didn’t feel was resolved all the way. There were a couple of other plot points that I also don’t feel were fully resolved or were too vague for my preferences. Overall though this was a good read and I recommend picking it up.
I liked this book a lot, the MCs had good chemistry and the came off as the sort of intellectuals I would expect to find working at any of the many New England colleges. Callie and Kate have a few issues to overcome, one an age gap and the other the fact that Kate is a professor in the PhD program that Kate is enrolled in. Renee Lawler was hilarious and I would have liked a few more scenes with her in them. Callie also has a few great friends that serve as entertaining side characters. I did like Kate but there was a bit of mystery about her that I didn’t feel was resolved all the way. There were a couple of other plot points that I also don’t feel were fully resolved or were too vague for my preferences. Overall though this was a good read and I recommend picking it up.
December 30, 2022
I wasn't expecting to love this book at all. First of all, this was exceptionally well-written. The characters had depth and I like how Kate's character had much complexity that made her seem mysterious and distant.
From what I've observed, there's not much happening on the outside other than Kate and Callie as the story mainly focuses more on their relationship and how they're going to move past certain obstacles. Also, I think that what hindered Kate from accepting that she wants to be with Callie is the age difference and their almost prof / TA situation but then a specific circumstance had pushed her to finally decide that she wants to be with her and I think that the former I was talking about was kind of unneccessary since both of them can remain professional in their workplace so I didn't quite see what's the reason why they shouldn't be together ASAP.
Other than that, in all actuality, this book's the kind of book you want to read at a slow pace to fully immerse and enjoy yourself. I find it lovely and delightful, despite the little angst, and I can't wait to read more books from this author.
From what I've observed, there's not much happening on the outside other than Kate and Callie as the story mainly focuses more on their relationship and how they're going to move past certain obstacles. Also, I think that what hindered Kate from accepting that she wants to be with Callie is the age difference and their almost prof / TA situation but then a specific circumstance had pushed her to finally decide that she wants to be with her and I think that the former I was talking about was kind of unneccessary since both of them can remain professional in their workplace so I didn't quite see what's the reason why they shouldn't be together ASAP.
Other than that, in all actuality, this book's the kind of book you want to read at a slow pace to fully immerse and enjoy yourself. I find it lovely and delightful, despite the little angst, and I can't wait to read more books from this author.
February 24, 2022
This is a dream of a novel, cementing Kat Jackson's status as one of my favourite writers out there at the moment, and an automatic purchase. I already had "The Roads Left Behind Us" on pre-order from Bella Books when I got a review copy, and I'm so glad I got one: the official release date isn't until March 17th and that is far too far away!
One of the things I love most about Kat Jackson's writing is how she takes flawed, imperfect people and makes them beautiful. There are no heroes or knights in shining armour here, (nor in Begin Again, or Across the Hall, Jackson's other stunning novels), mainly because people have their failings. If you want sweeping traditional romance, grand gestures aplenty, and literal near death situations leading to professions of undying love - you will not find them in this book. However, if you want a beautifully crafted text (and a text within a text!) about two people coming to terms with their own shit as well as how they feel about each other, incredible sexual tension (more about that anon), very hot kisses and sex scenes, excellent humour and mockery, and the most divine figurative language you should buy this book!
Our leading ladies are Dr Kate Jory, an English lecturer, and Callie Lewes who has returned to academia after a decade in the publishing industry, and is now a teaching assistant and PhD student in the English dept at Pennbrook University. While this is an age-gap romance, I like that Callie is thirty-four rather than in her twenties, and in many ways she's more emotionally mature than fifty year old Kate. Like most colleges, Pennbrook doesn't allow relationships between faculty and students, so naturally Callie is deeply smitten with Kate from the off! Personally I fell for the dept head Dr Renee Lawler with her power suits, high heels, and mischievous personality. (She also refers to the neighbouring sociology professors as "wankers", which my English and Psychology studying past finds delightful) So if you feel like writing a follow up book/short story focusing on Renee, I'm here for it Ms Jackson.
I highlighted so many lines and sections in my kindle because I love the flow, precision, and sheer poetry of Kat Jackson's language. I won't put them all here because I think it would somewhat ruin the effect. The one I have chosen is from a piece of writing Callie is editing for 'Sapphisms' magazine; I mentioned the text within a text earlier and this is a glorious metaphor for internal conflict and desire: "But the science of the heart is no different from that of nature: one cannot have growth without rain." For me, not only is it beautifully written but it sums up so much. "The Roads Left Behind Us" doesn't need massive external drama, our day to day lives and falling in love provide enough of that as it is.
One of the things I love most about Kat Jackson's writing is how she takes flawed, imperfect people and makes them beautiful. There are no heroes or knights in shining armour here, (nor in Begin Again, or Across the Hall, Jackson's other stunning novels), mainly because people have their failings. If you want sweeping traditional romance, grand gestures aplenty, and literal near death situations leading to professions of undying love - you will not find them in this book. However, if you want a beautifully crafted text (and a text within a text!) about two people coming to terms with their own shit as well as how they feel about each other, incredible sexual tension (more about that anon), very hot kisses and sex scenes, excellent humour and mockery, and the most divine figurative language you should buy this book!
Our leading ladies are Dr Kate Jory, an English lecturer, and Callie Lewes who has returned to academia after a decade in the publishing industry, and is now a teaching assistant and PhD student in the English dept at Pennbrook University. While this is an age-gap romance, I like that Callie is thirty-four rather than in her twenties, and in many ways she's more emotionally mature than fifty year old Kate. Like most colleges, Pennbrook doesn't allow relationships between faculty and students, so naturally Callie is deeply smitten with Kate from the off! Personally I fell for the dept head Dr Renee Lawler with her power suits, high heels, and mischievous personality. (She also refers to the neighbouring sociology professors as "wankers", which my English and Psychology studying past finds delightful) So if you feel like writing a follow up book/short story focusing on Renee, I'm here for it Ms Jackson.
I highlighted so many lines and sections in my kindle because I love the flow, precision, and sheer poetry of Kat Jackson's language. I won't put them all here because I think it would somewhat ruin the effect. The one I have chosen is from a piece of writing Callie is editing for 'Sapphisms' magazine; I mentioned the text within a text earlier and this is a glorious metaphor for internal conflict and desire: "But the science of the heart is no different from that of nature: one cannot have growth without rain." For me, not only is it beautifully written but it sums up so much. "The Roads Left Behind Us" doesn't need massive external drama, our day to day lives and falling in love provide enough of that as it is.
July 3, 2024
4.5 stars
I first learned about Kat Jackson at the 2023 GCLS Convention in Denver. Her participation in panel discussions was highly entertaining and she was wicked smart. I decided I really needed to read her books and then almost a year went by and and I hadn't read a one. Ugh. Luckily a friend recently mentioned how much she liked this book so I grabbed it before my brain failed me again. I'm so glad I did!
Sure enough, the book was smart, entertaining and Jackson's humor really shone through. This is one of those "forbidden relationship" stories, but it's not sordid. One is a professor and the other is a non-traditional doctoral student in her mid-30s. Still - not an ideal situation. Oh, how I rooted for these women to get together! I found as I was listening, when I had to be away from it that I was anxious to get back to it.
Narrator Lila Winters did a good job, though I will say that there were times I thought I might enjoy reading the written word more. A stronger narrator would likely have enhanced the story even more, but it was good nonetheless. I liked it enough to buy the physical book, so will experience it in that way at some point. I also immediately wanted to move to the follow-up story, the Missing Piece, which I did. Review to follow.
I first learned about Kat Jackson at the 2023 GCLS Convention in Denver. Her participation in panel discussions was highly entertaining and she was wicked smart. I decided I really needed to read her books and then almost a year went by and and I hadn't read a one. Ugh. Luckily a friend recently mentioned how much she liked this book so I grabbed it before my brain failed me again. I'm so glad I did!
Sure enough, the book was smart, entertaining and Jackson's humor really shone through. This is one of those "forbidden relationship" stories, but it's not sordid. One is a professor and the other is a non-traditional doctoral student in her mid-30s. Still - not an ideal situation. Oh, how I rooted for these women to get together! I found as I was listening, when I had to be away from it that I was anxious to get back to it.
Narrator Lila Winters did a good job, though I will say that there were times I thought I might enjoy reading the written word more. A stronger narrator would likely have enhanced the story even more, but it was good nonetheless. I liked it enough to buy the physical book, so will experience it in that way at some point. I also immediately wanted to move to the follow-up story, the Missing Piece, which I did. Review to follow.
March 6, 2022
5 star, 5 star, 5 star.....did I like this story...yes!
The writing is beautifully filled with so much emotion and intelligent dialog, I was sad when it ended. My heart flipped several times. You really feel all the tugs and turns of the story. This is a really sloooow burn romance between a 50 yr old professor and her 34 year old TA. The difference in their age is just one obstacle to get over. Having a romantic relationship at work is another.
The environment is academia which makes the content of many conversations slightly elevated over other romance novels. Yet very understandable and warm.
The characters are real, interesting and distinct. I liked all of them.
I highly recommend this story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The writing is beautifully filled with so much emotion and intelligent dialog, I was sad when it ended. My heart flipped several times. You really feel all the tugs and turns of the story. This is a really sloooow burn romance between a 50 yr old professor and her 34 year old TA. The difference in their age is just one obstacle to get over. Having a romantic relationship at work is another.
The environment is academia which makes the content of many conversations slightly elevated over other romance novels. Yet very understandable and warm.
The characters are real, interesting and distinct. I liked all of them.
I highly recommend this story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2022
When I read Jackson's previous novel, Across the Hall, last year I remember being hooked by it purely through its characterisation. For me, this happened again with The Roads Left Behind Us. Jackson managed to write two very realistic characters that were endearing. I wanted to follow their day to day life, let alone the romance that developed between them, even if I thought the storyline itself wasn't particularly engaging.
This book has a very simplistic plot - Callie begins as a TA for Dr Kate Jory and sparks fly but both are worried about the repercussions of beginning a relationship due to their careers but also previous personal experience. This novel was engaging in the way it sets the scene. We are thrown into a pure Academic setting and as I've worked in this space for a number of years now I really liked reading a book set in a way that feels very realistic to this type of environment.
Another aspect that I really liked was the writing style. Kat Jackson had a beautiful way of words within this. It read easily and it was exceptionally written. I particularly loved reading the example pieces from Callie's work at 'Sapphisms'. They were gorgeous pieces of literature.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel due to the exceptional writing, the slow development of our main characters and their romance, as well as the academic setting.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a very simplistic plot - Callie begins as a TA for Dr Kate Jory and sparks fly but both are worried about the repercussions of beginning a relationship due to their careers but also previous personal experience. This novel was engaging in the way it sets the scene. We are thrown into a pure Academic setting and as I've worked in this space for a number of years now I really liked reading a book set in a way that feels very realistic to this type of environment.
Another aspect that I really liked was the writing style. Kat Jackson had a beautiful way of words within this. It read easily and it was exceptionally written. I particularly loved reading the example pieces from Callie's work at 'Sapphisms'. They were gorgeous pieces of literature.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel due to the exceptional writing, the slow development of our main characters and their romance, as well as the academic setting.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
• The Roads Left Behinds Us
• Kat Jackson
• Callie Lewes
• Dr. Kate Jory
• Corner stone books
• PhD Program
• New England Winter
Dr. Kate Jory is a new member of Pennbrook in the English Department.
Callie Lewes life has taken a turn she was not expecting . But is determined
to finish her PhD program, she returns to school and applies for a TA position.
Callie is at a cross roads in her life. She didn’t have the answers that everyone around her, including her parents, wanted.
The story is about two woman who have feelings for each but can’t communicate that.
to tell each other, each has their own reasons. . Callie wants to focus on school and getting her
life in order, but she is attracted to Dr. Kate Jory. Dr. Jory is very head strong,
or you could say strong willed , but I felt it was to her own detriment. She is very hot and cold.
The story has some holes that were not filled. I did enjoy the story overall.
I read the author’s last book Across the hall, it was a wonderful read.
I highly recommend this book
I received an ARC from Bella Books through NetGalley exchange for
a honest review. Thank you to Bella Books
4Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Kat Jackson
• Callie Lewes
• Dr. Kate Jory
• Corner stone books
• PhD Program
• New England Winter
Dr. Kate Jory is a new member of Pennbrook in the English Department.
Callie Lewes life has taken a turn she was not expecting . But is determined
to finish her PhD program, she returns to school and applies for a TA position.
Callie is at a cross roads in her life. She didn’t have the answers that everyone around her, including her parents, wanted.
The story is about two woman who have feelings for each but can’t communicate that.
to tell each other, each has their own reasons. . Callie wants to focus on school and getting her
life in order, but she is attracted to Dr. Kate Jory. Dr. Jory is very head strong,
or you could say strong willed , but I felt it was to her own detriment. She is very hot and cold.
The story has some holes that were not filled. I did enjoy the story overall.
I read the author’s last book Across the hall, it was a wonderful read.
I highly recommend this book
I received an ARC from Bella Books through NetGalley exchange for
a honest review. Thank you to Bella Books
4Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a sapphic read set in scholarly academia with witty dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and a couple of steamy scenes then this is a good pick for you! Kate and Callie connected the second Callie’s TA interview began. As someone who resides close to Rehoboth and Lewes, I very much appreciated the beginning of that scene! Probably the best part of this book was the multitude of dynamic supporting characters. Without their scenes, interactions, and intervening, this book would have been quite boring. Fortunately for Callie and Kate, their friends kept their story rolling.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
I finished this book 2-days ago, and I am still flashing back to the characters and story. It's a powerful book hang-over. I totally fell in love with the characters, and they came to life for me. I may just have to do an immediate re-read.
July 3, 2024
Just a short review (I don’t have time) to say how much I loved this book.
Age gap✔️
Workplace✔️
Academia ✔️
Gorgeous romance✔️
Well developed characters✔️
Beautiful setting✔️
Fabulous descriptive writing✔️
Book hangover✔️
I couldn’t put it down. It’s gorgeous.
Age gap✔️
Workplace✔️
Academia ✔️
Gorgeous romance✔️
Well developed characters✔️
Beautiful setting✔️
Fabulous descriptive writing✔️
Book hangover✔️
I couldn’t put it down. It’s gorgeous.
March 2, 2022
This is an age-gap romantic novel set in an academic world. Callie Lewes is 34 and has been successful in the business world of publishing and editing. Returning to get her PhD she successfully gets hired on as TA in the Pennbrook English Department. She knows and is friendly with most of the professors except for new hire Dr. Kate Jory. Kate is 50 and brilliant both as an educator and in networking. Kate can be open and flirty one minute and the next masked and aloof. I got a little whiplash from Kate's changing attitudes. Callie isn't Kate's TA at first and she's trying to keep things professional. Kate is harder to know because everything is from Callie's POV.
This is also a slow burn romance winding through the semester and more. Callie is set up with someone else by her roommates and thinks she needs to get over her crush feelings. I think if Callie were a younger ,more traditional student, the relationship could enter forbidden territory. As it is they need to be patient with each other and the obstacles they face. I really like the college academic setting and Callie's friends and colleagues. I didn't love the side set up with Hannah because she is interested being more than friends. I enjoyed the story and it feels rich and complex. It isn't a simple HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is also a slow burn romance winding through the semester and more. Callie is set up with someone else by her roommates and thinks she needs to get over her crush feelings. I think if Callie were a younger ,more traditional student, the relationship could enter forbidden territory. As it is they need to be patient with each other and the obstacles they face. I really like the college academic setting and Callie's friends and colleagues. I didn't love the side set up with Hannah because she is interested being more than friends. I enjoyed the story and it feels rich and complex. It isn't a simple HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2022
Callie, in her mid thirties, is back to studying for her PhD at her old Alma Matter and applying for a TA job. She is thrown off course when she meets the new addtion to the English department, Kate Jory. Kate is an established professor and in her fifthies. She also blows hot and cold confusing Callie. When they can no longer fight the attraction the book turns steamy. The story mostly flowed nicely, there were some desciptions that seemed forced but I did enjoy reading this book.
Free ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley.
Free ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley.
February 24, 2022
This romantic novel has a number of twists and turns and some very stubborn women featured heavily in the book. A few of the descriptions of people in the book felt like they were a little bland or forced and could use some editing, but the dialogue and drama was exceptional. I appreciated the setting and the character growth that was present.
August 18, 2024
For once I found an age gap that didn’t repel me! It helps the protagonists are fully adults (34 and 50 years old, respectively). Unfortunately, I found the novel a bit dull. It took me forever to get through it. Granted, it didn’t help that I read this during a very busy vacation, but I read two other books relatively quickly in the same period, so it wasn’t entirely due to the fact that I was distracted and tired. It just didn’t keep me engaged. When I put it down, I wasn’t in a hurry to get back to it, you know?
But I did eventually come around to liking the novel overall. What Kat Jackson does really well is write characters that feel real. This means they’re flawed and definitely not always likable (and in fact I spent the first half of the novel not liking Callie, the main character, much at all). And I didn’t have many complaints about the quality of the writing. And I even liked the romance! So overall there were more positives than negatives. It’s just probably not a book I’ll ever want to reread.
But I did eventually come around to liking the novel overall. What Kat Jackson does really well is write characters that feel real. This means they’re flawed and definitely not always likable (and in fact I spent the first half of the novel not liking Callie, the main character, much at all). And I didn’t have many complaints about the quality of the writing. And I even liked the romance! So overall there were more positives than negatives. It’s just probably not a book I’ll ever want to reread.
March 15, 2022
A well written slow burn, age gap romance between a literature professor Kate and a TA Callie. I really enjoyed the academic setting which gives the reader a behind the scenes look of this interesting world. Both Callie and Kate are interesting characters, but since the book is in third person and only from Callies pov you can't get a really good feel for Kate. This does hinder the chemistry a little bit, but since the book is great in every other aspect when it comes to the writing, plot, characters and dialogue I don't really mind. I think this was my first Kat Jackson book, but I will be sure to keep an eye out for her other books from now on!
***thank you netgalley and Bella Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book via an ARC***
***thank you netgalley and Bella Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book via an ARC***
April 11, 2022
Just do yourself a favor and buy this already!!
I will not give any surprises away about this one. The problem with this book is that it inevitably must come to an end. If it could have gone on for 30 more chapters, I would have willingly and happily read them...and still wanted more. I have never felt so engrossed in a novel, nor have I felt so many emotions. If you are a fan of the age-gap trope, please do yourself a favor and buy this beautiful book. Thank you Kat Jackson for sharing this story with us and I will forever hold these characters and this story in my heart. If I could give 10000 stars, I would. Absolute perfection.
I will not give any surprises away about this one. The problem with this book is that it inevitably must come to an end. If it could have gone on for 30 more chapters, I would have willingly and happily read them...and still wanted more. I have never felt so engrossed in a novel, nor have I felt so many emotions. If you are a fan of the age-gap trope, please do yourself a favor and buy this beautiful book. Thank you Kat Jackson for sharing this story with us and I will forever hold these characters and this story in my heart. If I could give 10000 stars, I would. Absolute perfection.
April 16, 2022
Academic setting, I enjoy that. Kate Jory, new faculty member in the English Department at Peenbrook College. Kate was hired to bring freshness and shake things up with new courses. Callie Lewes new teaching assistant and also working on her PhD. This work place age gap slow burn romance provided an interesting story about finding the one when you least expect. I thought Kate was tough and a mystery as she struggled with her attraction to Callie. I thought Callie was determined as a student and teaching assistant and she suffered whiplash as she interacted with Kate which in my opinion impacted the chemistry.
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
March 14, 2022
I did not know what to expect from this book as it was my first Kat Jackson book. I liked the premises of an age gap and University environment.
Callie is a great character and I think the author progressed the relationship in a good way, however, the point of view is not favorable when trying to better understand Kate and it bothered me a lot because it was basically her own baggage that made the start of this relationship difficult.
The second characters of the book are also great.
The Roads Left Behind Us is a good book.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Callie is a great character and I think the author progressed the relationship in a good way, however, the point of view is not favorable when trying to better understand Kate and it bothered me a lot because it was basically her own baggage that made the start of this relationship difficult.
The second characters of the book are also great.
The Roads Left Behind Us is a good book.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 9, 2022
That was some marvelous writing; the vocabulary alone was spellbinding. The two MC's and every single supporting character are so well fleshed out that you feel as if you stepped into a room full of your friends and are catching up on all the gossip. The "will they, won't they" makes quite a pull at your heartstrings, but the end result makes the shipwreck all the more survivable. Their love story is charming, it's refreshing, it's as stormy as it is placid, and you will find yourself smiling hard at the MC's antics throughout. A play at the Student/Professor fantasy, but you'll find these two are on equal footing in the PhD program where a delicious age-gap and big beautiful brains war to find shelter.
I received a free, advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free, advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2022
Whizzed through this in a day, couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the exploration and description of the US university TA to professor training and the focus on obscure literature. The character development was well thought out and there were good friendships portrayed which I always enjoy. The romance was believable, had tension and was fun to follow.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Callie is a success but she returning to school to get her PhD and gets hire as TA. She likes that it’s a great place to work until she meets Kate a professor who one minute is open then next is putting up a mask and being aloof.
This is slow burn but both MCs have issues they have to overcome the sides characters gave good comedic timing.
Callie is a success but she returning to school to get her PhD and gets hire as TA. She likes that it’s a great place to work until she meets Kate a professor who one minute is open then next is putting up a mask and being aloof.
This is slow burn but both MCs have issues they have to overcome the sides characters gave good comedic timing.
July 15, 2022
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢👩🏫💻🖋📖👩🏫👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I received an ARC copy of Kat Jackson’s “The Roads Left Behind Us’’ from Bella Books (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
So, here it is !!! => My rating : 3 ⭐️
Callie Lewes is thirty-four and heads back to college to complete her PhD and get her life together. She is one of the new teaching assistants in the Pennbrook College’s English department and she has no time for, or interest in, anything else. Especially not dating. Dr. Kate Jory is fifty and she recently joined the Pennbrook College’s English department. She is both intimidating and a closed book but also brilliant and fascinating. She has some ideas for a new curriculum which’ll shake up the department, big time. Callie and Kate often interact professionally (more and more as the story progresses) and they develop an engaging and flirtatious friendship…
Kat Jackson is a new-to-me author and it has been a good discovery. I really liked the good writing style, the academic settings and the funny side the book sometimes has. There are both comical expressions and situations that I really appreciated.
The book is told in a third person POV, but only from Callie’s side which, sadly, leaves Kate’s character as a total mystery apart from what Callie observes and learns as the story goes. I think it could have been way more interesting to have a narration telling both MCs’ POV because, the way it is now, Kate’s continuous hot and cold behavior, her feelings and even her motivations are really confusing, and not just for Callie, for us (readers) as well. It’s also frustrating and slightly tiresome.
The book is quite good but it could have been really amazing if it hasn’t been so short (sometimes I had the disturbing feeling that some entire parts have been deleted).The shortness decreases the depth the book could have had. Given the complexity of the MCs, especially Kate, I wish the story had been way much longer with more character development :
° about Callie => more drama coming from her family ; more info the way she supposedly wasn’t able to find her way in life ; (leading to) more details about her ex —Kelly— and the reason why she dumped her ; more stalkerish situations coming from Maddie ; more essays by KP to proofread coming her way, etc…
° about Kate => more background/ info about her past is definitely needed : why she acted like she did where Callie was concerned? ; why on earth was she married and how did she figure out her sexuality? ; what happened in her past to make her become this way and supposedly prevent her to be with Callie? – the reasons are pretty unclear IMO—etc … All this allowing us to better appreciate the roads they strolled on before leaving them behind once and for all, like the title of the novel makes us think it’ll be about…
° about the recurring (and sometimes strong) secondary characters who, sadly, almost all disappeared. Because some were a big part of the academic life and all of them had some good banters or other kind of interesting (if not balanced) interactions with the MCs, it would have been great to know more about them.
I wasn’t fond of their unhygienic / unsafe (and pretty un-romantic) first sexual encounter where it’s about fucking and not making love. Aiming straight to the G-Spot without any washing involved after they spent some times in a public establishment, that’s yucky as hell and not the best way to begin an intimate love life unless the best gift you want to offer your new partner is a vaginal thrush or a huge bacterial vaginosis (which is, without kidding, potentially deadly... JS) 🤢🤮
IMO, it would have better to have an epilogue resembling a HEA (so giving more info about Kate and Callie as an item in a couple of years) rather than a HFN like it does right now. At least there is an epilogue, so I won’t complain too much about this.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not as much as I wanted to due to the lack of character development (especially regarding Kate) and the choice of the narration only in the third-person POV on Callie’s side.
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Maybe, especially if the author releases a re-worked/improved edition of the novel. Otherwise …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Maybe, especially if the author releases a re-worked/improved edition of the novel. Otherwise …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. I want to give her, at least, another try
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢👩🏫💻🖋📖👩🏫👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
I received an ARC copy of Kat Jackson’s “The Roads Left Behind Us’’ from Bella Books (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
So, here it is !!! => My rating : 3 ⭐️
Callie Lewes is thirty-four and heads back to college to complete her PhD and get her life together. She is one of the new teaching assistants in the Pennbrook College’s English department and she has no time for, or interest in, anything else. Especially not dating. Dr. Kate Jory is fifty and she recently joined the Pennbrook College’s English department. She is both intimidating and a closed book but also brilliant and fascinating. She has some ideas for a new curriculum which’ll shake up the department, big time. Callie and Kate often interact professionally (more and more as the story progresses) and they develop an engaging and flirtatious friendship…
Kat Jackson is a new-to-me author and it has been a good discovery. I really liked the good writing style, the academic settings and the funny side the book sometimes has. There are both comical expressions and situations that I really appreciated.
The book is told in a third person POV, but only from Callie’s side which, sadly, leaves Kate’s character as a total mystery apart from what Callie observes and learns as the story goes. I think it could have been way more interesting to have a narration telling both MCs’ POV because, the way it is now, Kate’s continuous hot and cold behavior, her feelings and even her motivations are really confusing, and not just for Callie, for us (readers) as well. It’s also frustrating and slightly tiresome.
The book is quite good but it could have been really amazing if it hasn’t been so short (sometimes I had the disturbing feeling that some entire parts have been deleted).The shortness decreases the depth the book could have had. Given the complexity of the MCs, especially Kate, I wish the story had been way much longer with more character development :
° about Callie => more drama coming from her family ; more info the way she supposedly wasn’t able to find her way in life ; (leading to) more details about her ex —Kelly— and the reason why she dumped her ; more stalkerish situations coming from Maddie ; more essays by KP to proofread coming her way, etc…
° about Kate => more background/ info about her past is definitely needed : why she acted like she did where Callie was concerned? ; why on earth was she married and how did she figure out her sexuality? ; what happened in her past to make her become this way and supposedly prevent her to be with Callie? – the reasons are pretty unclear IMO—etc … All this allowing us to better appreciate the roads they strolled on before leaving them behind once and for all, like the title of the novel makes us think it’ll be about…
° about the recurring (and sometimes strong) secondary characters who, sadly, almost all disappeared. Because some were a big part of the academic life and all of them had some good banters or other kind of interesting (if not balanced) interactions with the MCs, it would have been great to know more about them.
I wasn’t fond of their unhygienic / unsafe (and pretty un-romantic) first sexual encounter where it’s about fucking and not making love. Aiming straight to the G-Spot without any washing involved after they spent some times in a public establishment, that’s yucky as hell and not the best way to begin an intimate love life unless the best gift you want to offer your new partner is a vaginal thrush or a huge bacterial vaginosis (which is, without kidding, potentially deadly... JS) 🤢🤮
IMO, it would have better to have an epilogue resembling a HEA (so giving more info about Kate and Callie as an item in a couple of years) rather than a HFN like it does right now. At least there is an epilogue, so I won’t complain too much about this.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not as much as I wanted to due to the lack of character development (especially regarding Kate) and the choice of the narration only in the third-person POV on Callie’s side.
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Maybe, especially if the author releases a re-worked/improved edition of the novel. Otherwise …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Maybe, especially if the author releases a re-worked/improved edition of the novel. Otherwise …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. I want to give her, at least, another try
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢👩🏫💻🖋📖👩🏫👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
June 22, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows Callie, a later in life graduate student, who takes a Teaching Assistant (TA) position in the English Department. There she meets the new professor, Kate Jory. They strike up a friendship but Callie is too busy for a relationship, and there is no way an older professor would be interested in her, right?
This was a solid romance but ultimately not remarkable. The story is told completely from Callie's point of view and while that is not normally a problem for me, I do feel like I didn't know Kate by the end of the book. I found myself at the end of the book with a lot of questions about her and her motivations/reasons.
The romance was believable and I did really like the side characters, but there wasn't enough to make this into more than just a solid read. I do feel like some of it was lost on me. The story follows a bunch of English majors, and there were some literature references and moments that went over my head. This could be a stronger story for those of the literature persuasion.
All in all, a solid romance that I wasn't vibing with and think there are other readers who could get more out of it than me.
This story follows Callie, a later in life graduate student, who takes a Teaching Assistant (TA) position in the English Department. There she meets the new professor, Kate Jory. They strike up a friendship but Callie is too busy for a relationship, and there is no way an older professor would be interested in her, right?
This was a solid romance but ultimately not remarkable. The story is told completely from Callie's point of view and while that is not normally a problem for me, I do feel like I didn't know Kate by the end of the book. I found myself at the end of the book with a lot of questions about her and her motivations/reasons.
The romance was believable and I did really like the side characters, but there wasn't enough to make this into more than just a solid read. I do feel like some of it was lost on me. The story follows a bunch of English majors, and there were some literature references and moments that went over my head. This could be a stronger story for those of the literature persuasion.
All in all, a solid romance that I wasn't vibing with and think there are other readers who could get more out of it than me.
December 19, 2022
This has been a story set in the academic field, specifically in English literature in which the main protagonists are professors. It develops the relationship between Kate, a new professor on the faculty and Callie, a woman who wants to get her Ph.D. and at the same time becomes an assistant professor in the department.
Callie is a bit uncertain, at 34 years old she still has to decide a lot about her future, her romantic relationships have left her with insecurities and low self-esteem, and she still lives with two roommates. So, when she meets Kate, the charismatic, intelligent, mature and attractive new teacher, she can't help but be instantly attracted to her. But the difference in age and life situation between them is going to complicate things, in addition to the fact of their professional relationship and the incompatibilities that this entails.
The two women have seemed charming to me, each in her own style, their relationship has its entertaining point, their banter, their back and forth. Though it's Kate who has the most retreats, much to Callie's despair.
For me it has been quite an enjoyable read, with a lot of feeling and passion. quite recommended.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
Callie is a bit uncertain, at 34 years old she still has to decide a lot about her future, her romantic relationships have left her with insecurities and low self-esteem, and she still lives with two roommates. So, when she meets Kate, the charismatic, intelligent, mature and attractive new teacher, she can't help but be instantly attracted to her. But the difference in age and life situation between them is going to complicate things, in addition to the fact of their professional relationship and the incompatibilities that this entails.
The two women have seemed charming to me, each in her own style, their relationship has its entertaining point, their banter, their back and forth. Though it's Kate who has the most retreats, much to Callie's despair.
For me it has been quite an enjoyable read, with a lot of feeling and passion. quite recommended.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this. I listened to the audiobook on Scribd, excellently narrated by Lila Winters. I actually re-listened because during the first listen I became confused with the many characters and different conversations, but by the end of it I was completely invested in the story and just had to go back to fully understand.
What I really loved was the long tease for the reader. Kate, the English professor, 16 years older than Callie, who returned from the corporate world to get her PhD. There was the admitted attraction between them both, but Dr. Kate Jory, tormented because of the age gap and other reasons, was in and out of commitment with her reluctance and other reasons of denial.
The writing was beautiful and the characters were wonderful. There were several stories going on with various characters and situations and I found it very engrossing. I absolutely recommend this but warn you to pay attention and don’t let your mind wander or become distracted!
What I really loved was the long tease for the reader. Kate, the English professor, 16 years older than Callie, who returned from the corporate world to get her PhD. There was the admitted attraction between them both, but Dr. Kate Jory, tormented because of the age gap and other reasons, was in and out of commitment with her reluctance and other reasons of denial.
The writing was beautiful and the characters were wonderful. There were several stories going on with various characters and situations and I found it very engrossing. I absolutely recommend this but warn you to pay attention and don’t let your mind wander or become distracted!
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