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.

Learning Curve by Max Monroe is a delightful, sweet, and swoon-worthy romance that combines heart and OMG of steam.

I can't rate this higher than 2 stars solely because of the ending. I am all for introducing SOME twists and turns into a romance novel but to go full Pollyanna on me at the end? Nah. Nope. Not for me.

I don't even know where to start with this book. It was fantastic but really gets you in the feels. I'm new to Max Monroe as an author but they are quickly becoming some of my favorites. For a young adult romance, it really exceeded my expectations. I cannot wait for the next books in the series to come. It also makes me want to go back and read the stories of the parents you meet in the book.

This book is about Scottie and Finn. Both are at Dickson U on scholarships and have some trauma in their pasts (and present) from their parents. But neither knows that about the other; they just have an instant connection. Finn, however, has an agenda while at school and he doesn't want to get Scottie wrapped up in it. He feels she is too good for him and continues to push her away. Scottie is a bubbly but shy cheerleader who is overwhelmed with the larger school, grades, practices, etc. She can't handle Finn's push/pull of her emotions. Just the relationship is enough for most students but Scottie is also being harassed but doesn't want to tell anyone. When a prank goes horribly wrong, she can't handle it anymore and basically becomes a bit of a hermit. After everything else going on, horrible tragedy strikes ...the hits just keep on coming. But Finn finally has it together and only wants Scottie no matter her past, present or future.

Honestly there is so much going on in this book. You just have to keep reading. Besides the main characters, the side characters in the book are also amazing. Ace is just...ugh...I wish his book were next.

Definitely recommend!

Learning Curve is the first in the Dickson University Series and features the second generation of the Billionaire Bad Boys and Winslow Brothers. Finn and Scottie were great together - the story is romantic, heartwarming, emotional and I loved the rest of the gang's hilarious antics. Can't wait for the next in the series!

A fun college romance, with a bit of revenge and mystery tied in. However, it is a bit of a textbook romance though. It had such a great beginning but then it just went downhill from there
3

This was an emotional book for me. While Finn and Scottie’s story took an unbelievable turn, I feel like I saw it coming but I really wished it didn’t.
Finn has so much drama and won’t let anyone in. Scottie comes with her own bag of issues but know one sees it until it’s too late. Great book,long read and some areas I think could’ve been shortened but over all I give it four stars. Anxiously awaiting book 2 in the Dickson Series. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book for my honest review.

This was my first Max Monroe book and I can honestly say their writing lives up to the expectations I had.

I loved Scottie and Finn. Watching them grow and flourish was an honor. Through all of their hardships and no matter how many times they wanted to give up, their devotion to one another was impeccable. A girl can only hope that one will love her as freely as Finn loved Scottie.

I will be picking up the second book as I need to read about Blake’s conquest in finally wearing Lexie down.

3.7 stars 🌟

Learning Curve took me on a whirlwind of emotions, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! 🌟 Packed with a mix of angst, drama, and college shenanigans, the book kept me hooked, even though a few parts left me scratching my head. But honestly, what’s a good New Adult romance without some chaos, right?

✧ Tortured bad boy meets virginal cheerleader 🖤
✧ College romance 🎓
✧ Push and pull relationship 😤
✧ Found family 💕
✧ Slow burn 🔥
✧ Angst and drama 😢

Okay, let’s dive into Finn and Scottie! Finn, the classic tortured bad boy with hidden depths, and Scottie, our virginal cheerleader heroine trying to survive college life, have insane chemistry! 🔥 Their push-and-pull dynamic had me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought they were getting closer, something happened to pull them apart again. It was the kind of emotional rollercoaster that made me want to scream but also kept me frantically turning the pages.

What really stood out to me was how Max Monroe portrayed the growth in both characters. Finn isn’t just brooding for the sake of it—his past pains feel real and relatable. Meanwhile, Scottie’s journey, especially dealing with her toxic relationship with her mom and navigating life’s hurdles, added depth to her character. These weren’t just cookie-cutter protagonists; they were fully fleshed-out and easy to root for.

The writing? Chef’s kiss! The vivid, rich details and the perfect balance of humor lightened up the heavy drama when it needed it. But here’s where things got a bit messy: the plot. It had a few wild twists and felt a little over-the-top at times, like when a secret underground society (Double C) was introduced. It added excitement but also made me raise an eyebrow at the outlandishness.

Pacing-wise, Learning Curve wasn’t perfect. The story felt long, with some scenes dragging while others, especially key emotional moments, were cut way too short. It left me feeling like I was missing out on some real magic. But for lovers of a slow burn with satisfying character arcs, there’s a lot to love.

Side characters were a treat! The found family vibes were heartwarming, and the supporting cast added so much charm and depth. I’m already eagerly anticipating where the author will take these characters next! 😍

However, I can’t ignore that the story sometimes felt more like a high school drama than a college one, especially with how characters reacted to situations. And let’s not forget the melodramatic twists that, while entertaining, could be a tad too much.

All in all, Learning Curve is an intense, emotional, and sometimes frustrating ride, but the character growth and Finn and Scottie’s undeniable connection make it all worth it. If you’re in the mood for a New Adult romance filled with drama, secrets, and plenty of heart, you might want to give this one a shot. Just prepare for a few bumps along the way! ✨

Big thanks to NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for the free copy!