Starting the year off with a book by an author you love is rare. It’s even rarer when it’s written by two authors you enjoy. That’s exactly how it felt to have Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl be my first read of the year. 

Written by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, this is the duo’s next collaboration after wrapping up the A Christmas Notch series. While that series is solely holiday-focused, this one feels more akin to a winter/fall read. Of course, you can read it at any time, as spoiler alert: it was such a great read. 

If anything, this book pushed me to not only want more from this writing duo but also has me wanting to read more of their solo work. If that’s not a good endorsement, I don’t know what is, and considering their publishing schedules, we’re getting a lot of books in 2026. With that being said, I’d like to thank Avon for sending me an ARC so I could read and review this one. 

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl is a 2026 release you don’t want to miss. 

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl begins with Bram, who is out for a night with his friends. In true stern brunch daddy fashion, he’s grumpy and a professor. What’s not to like? However, he’s been stewing all day over this girl taking his parking spot. Of course, who does he meet at the bar that night? The girl who took his parking spot, aka Maddie. 

It’s clear from the start that there is chemistry between Bram and Maddie. The night ends with the two hooking up, and it looks like that’s it. However, Bram finds out that Maddie is now his new nanny, watching his kids while his ex-wife is working away. Things don’t end there, as Maddie is also working at the same university that Bram is. 

While it does seem like there’s a lot packed into this story, it doesn’t take away from the romance. If anything, I liked seeing the other parts of their lives as Bram has kids and an incredibly likable friend group. Meanwhile, Maddie is trying to figure out her life and her plan after a long-term relationship and living in her car. It felt so realistic to see these two dealing with so much in addition to their romance. 

Unsurprisingly, the highlight of this book was their romance. Seeing these two slowly open up to each other and figure out what they wanted was beautiful. It was so lovely to see Maddie truly come into herself while being with Bram. Meanwhile, Bram learned to loosen up a little bit, and it was delightful. Coupled with the sex scenes and kink featured throughout, this book truly took me by surprise.

If you’ve read the A Christmas Notch series by these two, I think you’ll adore Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl. Personally, I’m excited to see where this story goes next as Murphy and Simone teased a possible future romance. Considering this was the first book I finished in 2026, I’d say we’re off to a good start.