Max Monroe - this one was heart wrenching!! The push and pull and sheer perseverance between the main characters Finn and Scottie was absolutely intoxicating! Even though these characters are young college age students- I was still able to form a connection with this emotional read. It was truly a whirlwind of emotion.

I loved the original series of Winslow Brothers. This is the start of the Dickson University series which is about the offspring of the Winslow Family. I love the interconnection and enjoyed getting glimpses into the lives of the Winslow brothers and sister so many years later. I can’t wait to read the next in this series!

Scottie is a cheerleader at Dickson with her boyfriend Dane, who is an asshole and a half. She meets Finn and they are instantly on each other's minds. Finn decided to go to Dickson to meet his half siblings. He found out that his abusive father abandoned an entire family before starting a new one with his mother. The premise of Finn blowing up the "happier family" seemed odd to me, especially since they ended up being so amazing to him and his siblings. This story was a bit clunky at times and Scottie's injury was a big time bummer, but it appears that Finn and Scottie are the real deal. I would have loved an epilogue that shows their future, but perhaps we'll see that in future books. I'm definitely invested in Blake's declaration that he will end up with Lexi. I guess we'll find out in book 2.

I was hooked from the start thanks to the dynamic between Scottie and Finn. Their chemistry was off the charts, and their banter was hilarious. The way they challenged and supported each other made their relationship feel genuine and relatable. Scottie caught feelings and gave up her virginity rather quickly in my opinion which was a little unbelievable, but still loved her as a person.

However, I wasn’t a fan of the third-act breakup. It felt predictable—I saw it coming from a mile away and knew it would all be resolved quickly. I don’t think it added anything to the story and I think it would’ve been perfect without the added drama.

That being said, Finn absolutely shone during the rough patches. The way he stepped up and handled himself when Scottie got hurt was heartwarming. He didn’t just talk about being there for her—he showed up, time and time again, even when it was difficult. That level of commitment and support made up for some of the frustrations I had with the plot and left me rooting for their happily ever after.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this book.

This was a fun, hot time. College, sports and drama. What more can a reader ask for?
I have read several Max Monroe books before and again I feel as though I was given exactly what I was expecting.
I loved the connection between Scotty and Finn and what they endured.

Will definitely be needing to read more in this universe!

Another great story by Max Monroe. Loved that it was set in a college setting. Finn & Scottie and friends bring lots of angst and drama, but a fun ride as well. Can't wait for the next installment in this series.

This was once again such a fun read by this amazing duo. It gave me all the feels and emotions. The banter, the tearing at my heartstrings. They know how to write amazing characters!

Max and Monroe have knocked it out of the park again. Finn and Scottie are adorable and I love everything about this book. They had a lot of obstacles to get through so they could finally be together but it was all worth it. They had such an instant connection that they couldn't deny no matter how hard they tried. The fact that he kept bringing her everything she needed to get through the day even though she still wanted nothing do with him made me scream, such a good guy. The found family was also so fun and I can't wait for everyones book. I want Julia and Ace's book next but I guess I'll be fine with Blake and Lexi.

I received an arc through netgalley.

When I read the authors note to this book, I scoffed. I thought it was just talk… I WAS SO WRONG! This book has become one of my favorites. The authors did an EXCELLENT job highlighting and incorporating things that May Halle to real people into this story. For example, dealing with troubled childhoods, depression, disabilities, etc. The way it was written also helped me create a connection and truly sense of caring for Finn and Scottie. They both came from troubled families but did not let it define them. Definitely a book I’d recommend!

This book takes you on a ride. I had no idea what to expect. Both characters while seemingly come from different worlds find that they end up having a lot in common. The push and pull between them was addicting. I had to keep reading because when you think they're finally getting somewhere something comes in to push them away again.

Learning Curve has drama, tension, spice, found family and more. The writing style was great, Max & Monroe gave us buildup, humor, banter, emotions for characters were all over the place, and the side characters really did add to the story. With that being said though, I think this book could’ve been 100 pages shorter. Some spicy scenes didn’t really add to the story and at times I felt like Scottie was still really young (I mean she is) which was off-putting and I didn’t connect with her at all.

Finn on the other hand is a beautiful character. I can feel how his past has made him very closed off, and we see him develop throughout the story. Now he’s a golden retriever boyfriend that you can’t help falling for. I love the friendship between him and Ace and really wanted even more of that. Ace was a phenomenal side character and his personality is just so big and fun.

This is the first book in a new stand alone series and I am interested to see which couple the next book will be about. I settled on a 3 star rating because of my lack of interest, in half the book, the main FMC kind of got on my nerves and the ending didn’t really phase me. However, I can see a lot of people really enjoying this book, it just wasn’t the right book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't really know what all to expect going into this one but I knew I liked the authors and the overview sounded good.

This is a college age romance, but it definitely is written for anyone to read and connect with the characters.

The characters were very well written and had some very real family issues that are relatable for many.

The pull between the main characters, Scottie and Finn, was magnetic. They tried to ignore each other and their connection, but it was too strong.

You're taken through their journeys as they come to terms with some difficult issues, throughout their journey to accepting their attraction and feelings for eachother and their reluctance to bond fully with their new friends.

While you learn early on that Finn has some big secrets, you soon learn Scottie does too.

This was really well written, it tugged at your heart strings and also left you with a smile.

I hope this ends up with more books about some of the friends too!

- Standalone/Book 1
- New Adult
- Angst-filled
My first book by this author. This one is long (464 pages) which gives the story time to unfold and to give us depth in the characters and their worlds. It’s a contemporary new adult romance filled with angst. The book is standalone but also the first in a new series.

Learning curve is a fresh-drama-college romance..
This may sound like a very light read and it is but with a twist of angst -Max Monroe’s signature..
Fast paced, with a lot of drama, and a golden heart MMC character..

I love Scottie and Finn. That's it. That's the review.

Seriously though, I adore Max Monroe as a writing duo - they write together so seamlessly. Add in the fact that this is a sports romance...well, you got me hooked. LEARNING CURVE was a joy to read. I loved the storyline and the supporting characters (I'm going to need a Blake book IMMEDIATELY!), and it just had all those elements I love from a Max Monroe book - emotion, slow burn and plenty of drama.

Learning Curve by Max Monroe is a captivating college romance that expertly balances lighthearted moments with deeper, more reflective themes. The story follows Finn and Scottie, two complex characters whose chemistry is palpable from their first encounter. Monroe's skillful character development shines as we watch these two navigate their personal struggles and budding relationship.
The author masterfully weaves together elements of humor, angst, and passion, creating a narrative that's both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The sexy scenes are well-crafted and contribute meaningfully to the plot, while the more serious moments add depth to the characters and their journey.
One of the novel's strengths is its supporting cast, particularly Ace, whose humor provides welcome relief from the intensity of Finn and Scottie's story. The friendships depicted feel authentic and add richness to the college setting.
While the plot takes some unexpected turns, especially towards the end, Monroe manages to keep the reader invested throughout. The unconventional path to the characters' happily-ever-after might challenge some readers' expectations, but it ultimately feels true to Finn and Scottie's unique journey.
My only minor critique would be that the back-and-forth between the main characters occasionally feels drawn out. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise engrossing read.
Overall, Learning Curve is an addictive, emotionally charged romance that skillfully balances light and dark elements. It's a promising start to the Dickson University series, leaving readers eager for more.

This book was kind of all over the place, and the author’s note does mention this. Both main characters have alcoholic parents. Finn enrolls at this specific university because one of the professors is a half brother but doesn’t know it. Scottie has a toxic boyfriend and things gets out of hand. Both Scottie and Finn have a connection, but Finn thinks she deserves better.

I really liked the side characters and the friend group that they could trust. When everything blew up, it was heartwarming to see that Finn and his siblings weren’t alone.

There’s a lot going on in this story and I felt like it could’ve been way shorter than what it was.

Absolutely Loved this book. I laughed so hard at some parts. I absolutely love Max Monroe books. They have made me laugh so hard.

This book absolutely DESTROYED ME. I was not nearly prepared for the emotions I was going to experience reading it. This is my first book by this duo and I cannot rave about it enough. It was so raw and real and RELATABLE. I can’t begin to explain to you how much I enjoyed this. 5/5 stars!

Family has brought Finn to Dickson University even if the person who brought him there knows nothing about him. When he meets Scottie, he is attracted to her, but he has family issues that he needs with however fate has a way of bringing them together until he realizes what they mean to each other.

Scottie has come to Dickson University where no one knows her family or her past. She is focused on school and cheerleading and isn’t sure what to do about her feelings for Finn which doesn’t lead to the best actions. When her life is continuously turned upside down it is Finn who is always there for her and shows her what love truly is.

Rather than everything that Finn and Scottie had to go through tearing them apart it brought them closer and only reinforced that they were stronger together than apart. Emotion and turmoil is offset against the humor and great friendships they both created.

This new series starts off with an emotional story of Finn and Scottie that you will not be able to walk away from. There are so many laughs, tears, family and friends. This second generation series brings back memories and makes so many new ones.