A review by shereadstales
The Roads Left Behind Us by Kat Jackson

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for the digital galley of this book.

Callie Lewes is a little late working on her PhD, but she’s made it back to school and determined to finish. Since she’s older than her fellow candidates and has a history with the school, she’s friends with one of the professors and friendly with most of the English department. There’s a new professor in the department, though, but Callie is determined to ignore the allure of Dr. Kate Jory. She’s brilliant, and Callie is thrilled for the opportunity to work with her, but that’s it. There can’t be anything else. No kisses, no sex, and definitely no relationship. As Callie and Kate work more closely together and their attraction grows, the rules might be a little tough to follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m a sucker for a college campus romance. Throw in an older-younger dynamic, and I simply swoon. I loved Callie (and somewhat identified with her), even when her wishy washiness annoyed me at times. Kate was a formidable romantic interest, and her smarts were super attractive to me. I loved their chemistry and the slow burn build of their attraction. It was the perfect distraction from my own academic woes as I tried to get through yet another semester of grad school in my own, never-ending program. Highly recommend for a quick and steamy read.