Bubbling up with Helena

• Title: Extracurricular
• Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
• Publisher: Berkley
• Release Date: 7/14/26
• Genre: Romance
• Age Range: Adult
• Rating: ★★★★
• Publisher’s Summary: When a former pop star enrolls in college, the last thing she expects is A-plus chemistry with her psychology professor in this sexy and tender romance from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon. Ramona Wilder has spent her whole life in the spotlight. After a hit kids’ TV show, she transitioned into music, singing in arenas around the world and becoming an icon for millions of teenage girls. Now at age twenty-six, exhausted by the inhumane lack of privacy, she’s done—with all of it. She wants a chance at normal, whatever that might mean for her. And she’s starting with college. Professor Nick Navarro is recently divorced but determinedly optimistic, allowing himself a very reasonable ten minutes per day to wallow. When his department calls a meeting about a celebrity enrollment, he plans to treat whoever it is like any other student. Except when Ramona blazes into class and causes an uproar, the typically easygoing professor is rattled, maybe for the first time in his career. Ramona loves the way she flusters him, taking every opportunity to push Nick’s buttons, though what she really wants is to unbutton them completely. When a crisis brings them closer outside of class, they begin a tentative friendship amid an undeniable attraction. But Ramona can’t be so easily finished with her old life, and they’ll both have to confront their pasts if they want a chance at something real.

I consider myself a Rachel Lynn Solomon superfan. I adore her books, and I keep thinking that she can’t write a book I love more…and then she does it. What Happens in Amsterdam, her last adult novel, was probably my favorite book I read in 2025. We’re halfway through 2026, and I think Solomon’s newest book, Extracurricular, is likely going to be my favorite book of 2026. 

The protagonist of the novel, Ramona Wilder, is an incredibly famous pop star, who decides to retire from music in order to pursue a college degree. The novel describes abuse from her parents including essentially forcing an eating disorder on her. It is pretty horrifying to read, and I couldn’t help but think of similar real life stories from Jeannette McCurdy in I’m Glad My Mom Died. There’s also been a lot of talk from fans lately about Ariana Grande and her body, and reading this novel made me think about that too and how much we really shouldn’t be commenting on things like that. 

In an Instagram post, Solomon called this a quieter and more vulnerable book, and I absolutely agree. Both of the novel’s main characters are in major points of life transition – Nick is recently divorced and living with his sister, and Ramona has left the world of pop stardom to explore what a different kind of life might look like for her. I loved Ramona and Nick’s relationship because of the way they support each other through that vulnerability. Nick comes to help Ramona when she’s having a panic attack in a mall bathroom, and Ramona goes with Nick to look for new apartments. There’s a sense that they really know and understand each other in a way that I loved to read. 

I remember when Solomon initially revealed that there is no third act break up in this book, I was a little skeptical. All romance novels seem to have that moment towards the end of the book where something briefly tears apart the protagonists. Without spoiling too much, I will say that it absolutely works in this story. Nick and Ramona clearly have each others’ backs, and it feels right to have them find a way to remain together and overcome obstacles together. 

All of Solomon’s books touch on mental health, which is so important. Ramona, as I previously mentioned, has a panic attack in a mall brought on by fans recognizing her. She also has anxiety episodes brought on by mentions of her abusive ex-boyfriend. She is also recovering from disordered eating habits and getting used to a new version of her body. Nick is also dealing with some mental health issues dealing with his divorce. He has decided he’s only allowed to wallow for 10 minutes a day. (This honestly made me laugh). The compassion that Ramona and Nick have for one another as they navigate these issues is remarkable, and part of what makes this novel so compelling. 

This Jew also loves the Jewish representation always to be found in Solomon’s novels. Ramona mentions that she is part Jewish and decorates a Hanukkah cookie. Extracurricular has less overt Jewish representation than some of Solomon’s other novels, but even the brief mention here feels significant. Religion doesn’t need to define Ramona, but making a famous pop star part Jewish is a win. 

Solomon’s books remain my favorites, and I already can’t wait to reread Extracurricular. Please pick it up and enjoy it this summer. I am so grateful that I got the chance to read an ARC of this book, and I look forward to the next one.