I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone Series: Academic Affairs #1
Published by Avon on January 13, 2026
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Class is in session.
Maddie Kowalczk is ready to be a bad girl. When the rookie lecturer lands at Astra University, she’s looking to start fresh after a messy breakup. But her first night in town takes a twist when she bumps into Bram Loe—a reserved but incredibly handsome single dad she (not so accidentally) stole a parking spot from earlier that day. The unspoken chemistry as he locks eyes with her while she gets a birthday spanking at a local bar is hotter than a Bunsen burner at full flame.
Bram is looking for a break from his hectic life as an ecology professor and dad to rambunctious twins and a busy teenager. So when his college friend’s divorce celebration brings him face-to-face with the same delectable brat who stole his parking spot, he’s ready for a night to remember. But the next morning, Bram’s world turns upside down (and that’s not just the hangover talking). His new nanny? None other than Maddie, who also happens to be the new poli-sci adjunct at the university where he teaches.
Maddie is desperate and broke, so when Bram offers her a raise and the chance to set some ground rules, she can’t say no. As the two settle into their new roles, the normally unruffled Bram finds that no one riles him up like Maddie does, which is a problem when every argument feels like foreplay. Of course, Bram is an educator first and foremost, and he very quickly finds he can’t resist the temptation of instructing Maddie in the fundamentals of being a good girl.And it turns out Maddie’s a hands-on learner…
A delectably emotional and sexy take on wooing the proverbial nanny! Maddie is a feisty, yet broken soul when she meets endearing Bram and his precocious kiddos. Their connection is quick to catch the reader’s attention and they only grow more intriguing the more they are developed. There is the secret/forbidden aspect that is appealing, but also a very sincere, sweet side to them both. I dearly loved how much they cared for his kids and for each other and his group of friends were absolutely the bomb. She stumbled a bit while trying to protect her heart and go after what she thought were meant to be her dreams, but love won out in the end. I did feel like there were several holes in the development of various aspects of their lives, and there were a lot of hot topics brought in to be more political than some might like, but overall a very spicy, humorous and filled with heart read that I feel will be enjoyed by many!
