Learning Curve by Max Monroe is the first book in the Dickson University romance series. I enjoyed the romantic buildup and the healing both the MC and FC got in the book. I didn't like the twist at the end though. I get the authors were going with unconditional love and rising above adversity, but I think the FC needed to catch a break. It was totally unnecessary to end the book that way.
I got a complimentary copy from Max Monroe LLC via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine.

If you love angsty, passionate romance with complex characters and dark secrets, this book will pull you in from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of Dickson University, it's the classic tale of opposites attracting - but with a fiery twist that keeps you hooked until the very end.
Meet Finn Hayes: The brooding, tortured bad boy with a mysterious past, a quick temper, and a body that could make Greek Gods jealous. He's dangerous, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. His complexity isn't just for show - there's a depth to him that unfolds beautifully as the story progresses, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior.
And then there's the cheerleader: She's not just the virgin stereotype you'd expect. Sure, she's sweet and driven, but she's also fierce in her own way - especially when it comes to unraveling the mystery that is Finn Hayes. Their chemistry is electric, filled with tension, banter, and moments so raw they practically leap off the page.
What sets this book apart is the undercurrent of darkness - the secret society known as Double C, Finn's troubled past, and the emotional roller-coaster that comes with first love. It's not just about falling for someone; it's about surviving them. The author doesn't shy away from the messy parts of relationships, making the love story feel authentic, intense and at times heartbreaking.
Final Thoughts: This isn't just a romance; it's a story about growth, pain, and the harsh lessons love can teach you. If you enjoy books like After by Anna Todd or Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, you'll devour this. It's proof that love isn't always easy - it's messy, complicated, and sometimes it can break you before it builds you back up. Grab a copy, buckle up, and prepare for an emotional ride.

Ooh, this second generation, college based romance had all the drama! Finn and Scottie are two teens already with some past baggage, but their connection is instant and it was a joy to see their trust and relationship develop. The college experience was really represented: from the classroom setting and extra-curricular activities to the characteristics, mannerisms and actions of the main characters. As the story developed, Scottie sure goes through a lot, with a major plot even happening near the end of the book. The emotions were raw! I enjoyed the dual PoV, the short chapters, the side characters and although I haven’t read the first generation books (yet!) I absolutely loved meeting the parents and relatives that helped shape and develop the characters.

Thank you Max Monroe and Netgalley for this opportunity!

I went into this story thinking what could these young college kids possibly know about real life issues. Lol

I do prefer my romance characters to be older than these characters, but wow, they went through a lot.

This is only my second Max Monroe book, but these authors have a way of pulling you in and grabbing your attention and pulling on your heart strings.

This story had heartbreak, family drama, love, friendship, betrayal… it had it all.

The story talks about the Winslows from another series, but you don’t have to read them in order to understand what’s going on. Now, I will go read that series soon because I’m very curious about these men.

Now on to book 2 :)

***Five CRYING MY EYES OUT Stars***

Holy Crap!!! When I hit 70% and it was all nice and roses, I just could not wrap my head around the book not being over. Like WHAT ELSE could be happening?! OMG I was NOT ready for what happened next!

Author Note: Learning Curve is a New Adult Romance standalone that is book one in the Dickson University Series. This highly-addictive series will follow the grown-up Billionaire Bad Boy kids and long-lost Winslow siblings as they navigate college life and relationships. Buckle up for all the college drama, romance, spice, angst, and humor. You do not need to have read the Billionaire Bad Boys Series or Winslow Brothers Collection to read Learning Curve. It is a complete standalone.

I mean, it's true but I'm definitely going back to catch up on everyone because I LOVE THEM already.

Finn and Scottie are EVERYTHING! These two have been THROUGH it and more. Alcoholic parents, his dad and her mom, have set them up for some CRAP! Finn heads to Dickson with one mission, to ruin his brother. A brother who doesn't even know he exists. It's all he can think about and it's all that matters. Scottie is a competitive cheerleader with an asshole boyfriend, who she quickly disposes of THANK GOD! Too bad he's a real big POS who then goes on to make Scottie's life miserable.

HUGE Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for the opportunity to read and review this book.

this was an amazing book.

It was filled with emotional drama, love, tension.

Everything to keep me hooked from the start.

5 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Max Monroe’s Dickson University series. I wasn’t familiar with some of the older secondary characters, which were part of the Winslow Family series and the Billionaire Boys series, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all. Only made me interested to read both of those series in the future. I really enjoyed the writing, there were some very funny, laugh out loud moments and dialogue. There were several, not overly used plot points, which helped the story seem fresh and not just a recycled trope. With so many romance or contemporary writers out there, which is great, it makes for a lot of overused storylines. The romance was on point, and the angst was sufficient, but i will say it lost a star just for some slow, dragging filler I skimmed through. If it doesn’t move the story forward, I get a bit bored.

Thanks to NegGalley for letting me read this free for my review. Helps the pocketbook with so much to choose from. Starting book 2 now.

If you're a fan of Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series, you're going to love Learning Curve by Max Monroe. The only thing this book is missing is the hockey, but Max Monroe more than makes up for it with amazing characters and a fun underground society twist. Plus, if you've read any of Max Monroe’s Billionaire Bad Boy series or the Winslow Brothers collection, you'll get to reconnect with some of your favorite characters from those books.

Learning Curve follows Finn and Scottie through their freshman year of college. Finn is the tall, handsome, broody guy, and Scottie is the smart, sunny cheerleader. They meet while heading to the same class, and over the course of the book, their feelings for each other develop. Like the title suggests, love is a learning curve, and the characters face unexpected challenges along the way.

Please note, this book touches on themes of addiction, domestic violence, and depression, so be aware if those topics are triggering for you.

This may be listed as a standalone, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the OG Billionaire Bad Boys series before delving into this one. No, it really isn’t necessary, but omg does it make it SO much more fun to read if you know all the history! New adult isn’t my most favorite romance trope, but I couldn’t not read it after the OG Billionaires. I really enjoyed this book and I know other Max Monroe, and romance readers in general, will really enjoy this one!!

I guess I’d give this a 3.5 star rating if I’m being perfectly honest.

Let me start by saying I LOVED seeing old characters from Max Monroe books and now getting to experience books with their children. The old favorites are just as fabulous as they were in their own books and I am so loving this second generation.

Finn and Scottie are so sweet and you can’t help but feel for them and their messy pasts. But you have to love their new friend group that surrounds them and fights for them always. The whole plot was interesting and I really liked it…..until……

Until. The last trauma/break up of this book was totally unnecessary. I hated everything about it. Yes, they got their happy ending but it isn’t what you want to see when you’re waiting for everyone to be happy and ready for the next book in the series. The first 2/3 of this book was fantastic and everything I was hoping for. The last 1/3 just left me sad.

But I am anxiously awaiting and crossing my fingers that Ace and Julia get their own book and their well deserved happy ending - hopefully with no sad and depressing ending thrown in at the very end.

My first max Monroe book and I am sad to say I was so underwhelmed. Lots of cringe moments and forced emotion

⭐️/4
🌶/2

First of all, what a freaking roller-coaster. I didn't know up from down and where anything was going at all. Just CURVE balls all around.

This book took me for a ride in the best and worst ways. I was happy, mad, sad, mad, and then happy all over again. The ending was a whole twist I didn't see coming and it left me wanting more.

All I have to say (because I truly, honestly, and wholeheartedly don't want to give ANYTHING away) is that if you're looking for a book that's going to rip your heart out and then shove it back in, this is the one for you. Max has done it again with a book that kept me hooked.

I began reading this book without having any expectations on how it’d be. I’ve never read this author before, but I do love a college romance. This book was all the things! The drama, the hope, the petty and the crazy were all included. I loved Finn’s growth over the course of the book, but I felt that Scottie devolved. Her behavior became more chaotic and her story arc wasn’t believable. I kind of just scratched my head thinking did she really need to have one more thing added to her plate? I could have lived without it. Overall it was a good story, however it was way too long and drawn out in some areas and too short in others (her accident and acclimation).

I recently finished Learning Curve by Max Monroe, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! This book kicks off the Dickson University series, and it expertly combines romance, drama, and character development in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around Finn, a brooding bad boy with a complicated past, and Scottie, a sweet cheerleader experiencing her first taste of college life. Their chemistry is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated the ups and downs of their relationship. The emotional depth of their connection really resonated with me, making their journey feel authentic and relatable.

One of the highlights for me was Monroe’s writing style. The humor sprinkled throughout the narrative provided a nice balance to the heavier themes of family struggles and personal trauma. I appreciated how well-developed both Finn and Scottie were; their backstories added layers to their characters that made me invested in their growth.

That said, I did feel that some parts of the story dragged a bit. There were moments where the pacing felt slow, and certain plot points lingered longer than I would have liked. While the angst and drama are essential to the story, there were times when it led to some frustration as I watched them navigate their tumultuous relationship.

Overall, Learning Curve left me feeling satisfied and eager for more. With its mix of humor, heartache, and romance, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you’re a fan of new adult romance, I definitely recommend diving into this heartfelt tale of love and personal growth as Finn and Scottie learn to overcome their pasts together.

What can I say? Max Monroe knocked it out of the park with this one! This one had all of my favorite Billionaire bad boy characters and their kids in it. I mean, it was amazing. There was drama and so much humor. I cannot wait for the next book.

Learning Curve is the latest book from author Max Monroe and the first instalment of their new Dickson University series. This is a truly brilliant college romance which is packed full of emotion, drama, angst and so many twists and turns alongside all of the steam, swoons and sweet moments you’d expect from a romance story. Scottie and Finn’s story will capture your whole heart and soul and you truly won’t be able to put it down.

Our story is told through a dual POV narrative, sharing the perspectives of both Scottie and Finn, and this worked so beautifully to tell the story. I truly fell completely in love with both of them over the course of the story and getting insight into both of their perspectives really aided that.

Finn was a brilliant MMC who you will just love if you like a broody male love interest who will (quite literally) fight for his girl. Did I squeal every time he referred to Scottie as “my girl”? Yep. Is he a sure candidate for book boyfriend of the year 2024? Double yep. He was definitely one of the most complex MMCs I’ve met in a romance book and he was extremely well-written in this way.

His back story was well thought out, as was the impact it would have on his character. His character growth over the course of the story to someone who says “I’m not only worthy of love; I’m capable of giving it” was truly beautiful to read.

Scottie was also a brilliant FMC who equally goes on such a journey throughout the book. I don’t want to go into too much depth about Scottie’s character journey to avoid spoilers but one of the biggest twists of the story focuses on her character – which, side note, came completely unexpectedly so props to Max Monroe – and her growth following this was a great read.

The characters were all brilliant and their behaviours felt age-appropriate and realistic as college-aged young adults. As well as the protagonists, the supporting characters were all complex and three-dimensional. There’s also a lovely found family element to the story which was a great addition to the book.

Scottie and Finn had electric chemistry and great banter. I loved how the book navigated the first time Scottie and Finn had sex, especially with Scottie being a virgin and Finn being more experienced. The focus on communication and consent was brilliant to see portrayed in a romance novel, as how respectful Finn was towards Scottie.

At nearly 500 pages this is definitely a longer romance read but I loved that this meant that the book had the page space to carry on after they became a couple. Being a longer read also allows the book to delve into serious topics you wouldn’t typically expect to see from a standard romance novel, such as having an alcoholic parent and domestic abuse.

This book works brilliantly as a standalone book but many of the featured characters are from Max Monroe’s previous books within their Winslow Brothers series and Billionaire Bad Boys series.
Overall, Learning Curve has been one of my standout reads of 2024 and is one of the books I’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5 (Explicit Open Door)

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe.

💔 A fiery, angsty romance that proves love isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it. 💔

Step onto the college campus of Dickson University, where opposites collide in a whirlwind of passion, drama, and secrets. Learning Curve by Max Monroe is the ultimate binge-worthy romance, blending laugh-out-loud moments, heart-wrenching twists, and sizzling chemistry.

✨ The Story:
She’s the virginal cheerleader with her life mapped out. He’s the broody bad boy carrying enough baggage to fill a cargo plane. Finn Hayes might look like a walking green flag—handsome, muscular, and with eyes as warm as chocolate chip cookies—but his mysterious edge and closed-off nature make him irresistible in all the wrong ways.
When their paths collide, sparks fly, but navigating love isn’t easy when secrets and emotional scars threaten to tear them apart. And Finn? His connection to the underground society at their college, known as Double C, adds even more intrigue to an already electrifying story.

💔 "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."

🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
• Angst and drama galore. Imagine One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy at their most addictive, with just the right amount of spice.
• Characters you’ll root for. Finn’s complexity and the narrator’s vulnerability create a dynamic you can’t help but fall for.
• Secrets that keep you guessing. What’s Finn hiding? What’s Double C? The mystery keeps you turning pages.
• Emotional twists. This isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about what it takes to stay in love.

🔥 Perfect for fans of:
• Tortured bad boys and the girls who crack their tough exterior.
• College romance with high stakes.
• Stories where the love feels real, messy, and all-consuming.

💬 Are you ready to take on Finn Hayes and the emotional rollercoaster of Learning Curve? Trust us—you won’t be able to put this one down.

📖 #BookReview #MaxMonroe #LearningCurve #CollegeRomance #BadBoyRomance #AngstyReads #SpicyBooks #OppositesAttract #RomComDrama #MustReadBooks #NewAdultRomance #BookTok #Bookstagram #NetGalley

Swoon🔥!!!!

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Learning Curve!

I absolutely LOVED this book! Absolute Fire 🔥! This is an unexpected page turner!

I loved the dialogue between Finn and Scottie! The journey love took them on was not a smooth one!

This book has it all, so much drama, humor, passion, love, twists and angst!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I felt like I could relate to these characters! Reminds me of my college days!

I don’t want to say too much or give away any spoilers. This is a guaranteed 5 star book with so many emotions.

I gave this book 5 stars! If I could give more I would!

Well done Max Monroe!

I was excited to receive the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley, as I have just recently stumbled upon Max Monroe books and anxious to read a lot more. This one did not disappoint. The one word I have to describe it "ROLLERCOASTER." I went through so many different emotions reading this one. From the beginning, I fell in love with the chemistry that was immediately created for the main characters Scottie and Finn. The range of depth to each of them was wide and the push/pull had me on my toes the entire time. Be ready to laugh, cry, smile....all of the above. I'm glad I was able to read this one!

Let’s just start off by saying I forgot how much I loved Thatch Kelly and I didn’t remember just how much I loved him until meeting his son, Ace. But alas, this review isn’t about Thatch or Ace, it’s about Finn and Scottie, oh how I loved these two. Their story was perfect. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more and I can’t wait to read more. Scottie and Finn’s story was absolutely perfect for them.