When Elin Hilderbrand published the last book in her Nantucket series in 2024, fans (like me) were heartbroken. I’d come to expect that some of my beach-read season would be spent in Nantucket (and Barry’s Bay with Carley Fortune). But summer always gives way to fall, right? So when Hilderbrand announced her new The Academy Series, co-authored by her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, I pivoted my reading escape to New England. I read the first novel in the two-book series, The Academy, earlier this year, and I could not put it down. Yet, the book left readers with a pretty big cliffhanger. But I’m here to tell you that I read the second book in the series, titled The Thoroughbreds (which is out now as of September 15, 2026!), and Elin Hilderbrand fans will not be disappointed.
Like The Academy, fall vibes abound from the very first page of The Thoroughbreds—move-in day at Tiffin Academy, a prep school in picturesque New England. The book has all the elements Hilderbrand is known for: interwoven multi-character perspectives, tension, drama, romance, and a strong sense of place. Readers can easily picture the school’s historic architecture, rolling Paddock, chapel, and more. She also includes mouth-watering menus from the character Chef Haz, who hails from the New York City culinary scene (do not read this book hungry).
If you’re looking to start your cozy autumn reading season, here’s what to know about Hilderbrand’s newest—and potentially last novel—The Thoroughbreds.
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What is The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand about?
The Thoroughbreds picks up after summer break, with many of the characters from the first novel returning. The couples we cared about in The Academy are still together—Taylor and Hakeem, Charley and East. Audre Robinson is still Head of School, Rhode is still a cringe-worthy English teacher, and Cordelia is still using her questionable, yet seemingly effective tactics as Head of Admissions.
But new characters arrive to mix things up in an early chapter, aptly titled “New Blood,” putting Davi Banerjee’s queen bee status in jeopardy and adding some romantic—and potentially dangerous—tension in both the administration and the student body.
It’s also the sixth-formers’ (aka high school seniors) final year at Tiffin, so emotions are running high surrounding the college admissions process. Especially since so many of the students have Ivy League hopes.
Much of the drama in The Academy surrounds the ZipZap app, which seemed to know everything about everyone on Tiffin’s campus. With the app already shut down in The Thoroughbreds, it’s up to the characters to keep (or spill) the secrets they’re hiding. And there are some doozies that will test relationships, friendships, and the school’s future.
Do I have to read The Academy before The Thoroughbreds?
While Hilderbrand and Cunningham help readers along with context and nods to the first novel, you’ll feel much more invested if you start with The Academy first, before diving into The Thoroughbreds. Especially when it comes to the cliffhanger about Cinnamon’s email.
Is The Thoroughbreds worth reading?
The privileged world of prep schools has always intrigued the masses—from Dead Poets Society to The Secret History to Gossip Girl. The Thoroughbreds definitely leans more Gossip Girl, and fans of teen drama will be fans of The Academy Series. It did make me feel a little old that I didn’t know some of the Gen Z slang (i.e., this book was the first time I’ve ever heard someone called “a bot”). And I would’ve loved to learn more about some of the new characters, especially students Liam and Pippa. But overall, the themes and tensions in the book are universal: navigating friendships and relationships, finding where we fit, and defining ourselves by our character versus what others expect of us.
In short, the novel is so much more than a bunch of rich kids hoping to get into their college of choice. I think it’s one of fall’s must-read new book releases.
FAQs About The Academy Series
Is The Thoroughbreds Elin Hilderbrand’s final novel?
According to Elin Hilderbrand on Instagram, The Thoroughbreds is her last novel “for the foreseeable future.”
Is The Academy Series getting a book-to-TV adaptation?
According to early reports, a book-to-TV series is in the works for The Academy, by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham.
What’s the best order to read Elin Hilderbrand’s The Academy Series?
The Academy is the first book in the series, followed by the second novel, The Thoroughbreds, released on September 15, 2026.
Is The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand spicy?
While some intimate sexual scenes occur, explicit scenes are more implied than described. We would give this a two-chili-pepper spice rating.
Is The Academy Series by Elin Hilderbrand YA?
While some describe The Academy Series as young adult fiction, parents may want to read the books first. Sensitive topics in The Academy Series include sexual encounters between teenagers and adults, eating disorders, illegal drugs, alcohol, and abortion.
Is The Thoroughbreds a good book club book?
For book clubs who’ve read The Academy, The Thoroughbreds will spark rich discussions—and inspire the menu of all book club menus, inspired by Chef Haz’s themed creations.
Looking to join a book club? The Everygirl Book Club is always accepting new members.
Will there be a third novel set at Tiffin Academy?
While The Thoroughbreds tied up the big cliffhanger in The Academy, the authors teased enough new characters that I could see a third installment: an intriguing female drumming prodigy, a creative student entrepreneur, and perhaps a new queen bee. However, The Thoroughbreds concludes a two-book deal with her publisher and, according to Hilderbrand on Instagram, the book is her last novel. Will her daughter take up the reins for more Tiffin prep school drama? We shall see.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for nearly a decade, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
