Review of Across the Hall by Kat Jackson

Caitlin has recently divorced, found a new condo, and started a new job as a substitute teacher. She is totally fine with her single life sharing nights with her chubby kitty and free time with her frustrating best friend. Mallory is the prickly history teacher from ‘Across the Hall.’ None of the other teachers get along with her because of her icy exterior. The two begin a project that combines their classrooms as well as their lives.

I thought Jackson’s debut, Begin Again, was entertaining. It was written really well but I could never get to like the characters because of some morality issues. My reaction to this couldn’t have been more opposite in the best of ways. I developed a super crush on Caitlin. I’m not really certain anybody would be good enough for her.

Caitlin’s directness made her charming and quirky. There was such a cute situation where she simply laughs at Mallory’s rudeness and calls her out on it. I enjoyed her confident awkwardness as she stumbled in hallways but picked herself up and owned it. And anyone who quotes the Avett Brothers and inserts lyrics of The Sound Of Music into a conversation is top shelf.

I loved all of the different situations and drama that unfolded throughout the book. I was super engaged and didn’t want to put the book down. There was ex-drama. Best friend drama. Relationship drama. It was fresh and interesting for a pure romance.

This was very close to a 5 star for me. I just couldn’t rate it as such because I felt like I wanted more angst and a longer time to resolve the main conflict. Contrasting that was the fact that I appreciated Caitlin’s ability to remain rational throughout the whole thing. What can I say? I’m Gemini. And while I love me some Taylor Swift, I felt like the references were a tiny bit repetitive instead of endearing which resulted in a final conversation that fell flat instead of leaving me satisfied.

There were also some things that weren’t wrapped up or that I expected to be explored further. It makes me wonder if there are plans for a second book in this universe?

Overall, I really enjoyed Caitlin’s journey to finding love. I read this all in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. I loved Caitlin so much.

P.S. ‘Mallory’ was the name I would choose for myself when I would play as a little kid. I had a crush on Mallory Keaton from Family Ties when I was younger. So I was quite fond of this character name selection.

I recommend this to people who like to read romance, rebuilding lives, friendship, stupid exes, education, crushing on lead characters, funny dialogue, and Taylor Swift. 4 Stars