Looking for a story of an academy that features kids learning about flying space

Question

I read this two or three years ago, but I think it was published before that. This story is probably the only book the author writes for a younger audience. I don't read her (I think it's a she) other books, so I'm unfamiliar with who she is, this story was suggested to me by a friend.

What I remember:

• The main character is a girl
• She goes to an academy in place of her brother because he wishes to do something else (or a physical disability, I think)
• Has to dress up as a boy because it is a school for only boys
• She meets this guy (North, I think he's called?) in the academy
• North protects her from a lot of the bullies
• She visits North's home planet
• At his home planet, they get mad at each other, I don't remember why
• They go back to the academy, North eventually finds out she's a girl
• A bunch of misunderstandings follow
• Happy ending like all romance books

Is there a book that matches this description?

Answer 1

The Academy by Emmaline Andrews and Evangeline Anderson. It was published in 2012, which fits the time you remember reading it.

My name is Kris Jameson and I’m a student at the Royal Academy. I’m at the top of all my classes, what they call a “model student.” There’s only one problem—the Academy is an all boys school and I’m a girl.

It started as a prank when I took my brother’s place. But things got complicated when I caught Broward, the school bully, in a compromising position. They got even worse when I was assigned my roommate—the handsome but enigmatic North who saved me several times from the bully’s attacks.

Now the consequences of my deception are coming back to haunt me. The penalty for fraud at this exclusive school is much worse than simple expulsion—I could lose a hand. Worse, so could my beloved brother.

With so much at stake, it’s imperative that I keep my secret safe. And the person I’m closest to, North, is the one I have to be most wary of.

The trouble is, I think I’m falling in love with him…

I confess I haven't read this. I searched for space academy brother on the Goodreads site and as luck would have it this was one of the top results.