Book Review: Learning Curve by Max Monroe

I had a hard time putting Learning Curve down and found it to be an addicting read. I was caught up in the drama and angst and couldn't wait for Finn and Scottie to get their happily ever after. This was a great read!

Learning Curve (Dickson University #1) by Max Monroe

She’s the virginal cheerleader, and he’s the tortured bad boy. Their worlds are different, but college life at Dickson University brings them together in a passionate, angsty, fiery collision.

Finn Hayes is what girls my age would call “stupid hot.” He’s handsome, has brown eyes that remind me of warm chocolate chip cookies, and a tall, muscular build that makes marble sculptures jealous.

Green flag, right?

Wrong.

He’s also broody, closed off, and so complex that it feels like I need a decoder to crack him.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met and fights like he came out of the womb swinging, taking down both my ex-boyfriend and an ex-UFC fighter with ease.

But the underground society at our college known as Double C has nothing on him in the secrets department, and it’s that mysterious edge that keeps me coming back for more.

This is more than the story of how Finn and I fell in love.

This is proof that love has a learning curve. Sometimes you succeed, and sometimes…it destroys you.

4 out of 5 stars

Learning Curve took me on a heck of a ride to places I was not expecting. It was angsty and emotional and I couldn't stop reading. There was a lot going on, a lot of drama and feelings, and I enjoyed the details and development. Thank goodness for the humor that was interjected because it was needed. Overall, I really liked this and found it to be an addicting read.

I liked both Finn and Scottie. These two both had hard pasts and I felt for them. I liked how they met and the chemistry between them. They had an instant connection but they're young and their emotions shine through so there was a lot of push and pull happening as their relationship developed, which made it feel a little drawn out at times. Their back and forth just about killed me, it could be intense and angsty.

I liked the characters involved and the different connections. I liked Ace and the humor he brought, even though it could be a bit much on occasion. I like what's been set up for him and Julia as well as what there is to look forward to in the next book with Lexi Winslow. I really liked their friend group and the entertaining moments they created. I loved the journey Finn was on with Ty Winslow. I kept waiting for those dots to connect and I was not disappointed when that moment came.

There is drama throughout, some felt like overkill but it was everything all together that had me turning the page and not wanting to put it down. I thought there was a great build-up to a certain point but then towards the end, there was a big twist that completely took me out of the story, so much so that it felt like a different story from that point on. That being said, even though it wasn’t my favorite thing and felt unnecessary, I kept right on reading because I had to know how it would all work out. Finn and Scottie do get their HEA, it’s just that their happily ever after formed a new path.

In the end, I really liked it and couldn’t put it down. It hooked me and no matter if these characters stressed me out and were over the top at times, and the ending left me feeling bereft, I still thought it was a pretty great read.

Complimentary copy received.