Some books make you laugh. Some make you blush. Some remind you why reading romance is such a joyful act of rebellion.
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl manages to do all three while tossing in a little academic chaos, a deliciously grumpy single dad, and a main character who’s finally done being put in a box.
A SPICY Rom-Com You Won’t Want to Put Down
This book is a total romp in the best way. It’s a spicy, smart, raunchy read with just enough heart to make it feel grounded, and just enough academia to keep it interesting without sending you into flashbacks about overdue dissertations and office hour power plays.
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone are truly a dream team. Their writing blends seamlessly, creating a voice that’s flirty, full of personality, and occasionally unhinged (in the best possible way). You can feel how much fun they had writing it...and it’s contagious!
Meet Maddie & Bram
Maddie Kowalczyk is a force of nature. Fierce, feisty, and finally done being boxed into someone else’s version of “good,” she’s ready to figure out who she is on her own terms even if that means falling into bed with a grumpy professor on her first night in a new town. (Oops.)
Enter Bram Loe: a man who sounds exactly like his name implies. Stoic. Brooding. Wears sweaters like armor. He’s a single dad with too much on his plate and a mouth that will make you forget how to breathe. His energy is pure I will absolutely rearrange your world and then make you a cup of tea about it.
These two? Fire. Maddie’s bold energy meets Bram’s quiet steadiness, and the chemistry is unreal. But beyond the heat, their relationship is full of patience, encouragement, and mutual growth. Maddie wants to be seen for more than what people expect of her. Bram sees her completely—and supports her unconditionally.
More Than Just the Spice (Though… the Spice Is So Good)
Let’s be honest: this book does not shy away from the spice. It is unapologetically hot. But what elevates it is how layered and real the characters feel. Maddie’s hyper-independence, her struggle to rebuild, and her vulnerability all hit in a way that feels deeply relatable.
And Bram? Bram is it. Gentle, supportive, smart, and the kind of man who doesn’t just love he champions! He’s the one who falls first, and hardest, and never wavers. You will want to highlight every line that comes out of his mouth. (No really, he’s got quotes for days.)
Shoutout to the Supporting Cast
The kids were adorable, and while I selfishly wanted more scenes with them, what we got was sweet and heartwarming. But let’s talk about Leo.
Leo is, without question, the breakout star. Hilarious, sharp, always ready with a side comment that made me laugh out loud. I’m begging the universe for Leo’s book next or Junie's...or both!
Final Thoughts
I devoured this book in one sitting. It’s spicy, hilarious, emotionally satisfying, and completely re-readable. Whether you're here for the nanny-professor scandal, the small-town charm, or the sheer delight of watching two people fall in love while trying (and failing) to follow their own rules this one delivers!
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone have struck gold. Again.
