The Thoroughbreds | Book Review

THE ACADEMY #2

By Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

AN ENTERTAINING STORY FILLED WITH INTERPERSONAL DRAMA

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY

It’s a new school year at the elite Tiffin Academy in Massachusetts, and the seniors are elated but now the pressure is on.  It's time for submitting college applications, writing college essays, and having their last hurrahs.

In addition to the stress of college preparations, not all is well at Tiffin this year. The school’s favorite couple, Charlie and East, have hit a snag in their close relationship. The star quarterback, Dub, and his best friend and wide receiver, Hakeem, are also at odds after a personal revelation, and the football season is suffering.   And over the summer, Head of School Audre Robinson had made a disastrous financial mistake that may bring the whole school down.  Can the Tiffin students and staff survive?

REVIEW

The Thoroughbreds is the second book in The Academy series. It’s an easy-to-read, entertaining story that blends boarding school drama, romance, and secrets with themes of privilege, friendship, and betrayal. The writing is classic Elin Hiderbrand; fast-paced and relationship-driven. The elite boarding school setting provides an abundant and enviable atmosphere.  Who wouldn’t want to go to Tiffin? The campus is beautiful, and it even has a Michelin Star chef!

The majority of the characters are likable, though there are, of course, one or two who don’t play well with others.I am talking to you, Hakeem and Pippa.  I especially liked Charlie, East, Davi, and Audre Robinson. If you read the first book in the series, you’ll love seeing all your favorite characters graduate from Tiffin! While you don’t have to read the first book before the second, it’s definitely recommended to fully understand the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown and Company for an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed in the The Thoroughbreds |Book Review above are my own.

Publisher    Little Brown and Company

Published   September 15, 2026

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com