Learning Curve by Max Monroe is the first book in the Dickson University series, and it beautifully introduces us to Finn and Scottie.

Scottie is a sweet, unassuming cheerleader, and Finn is a man with a troubled past — rough around the edges but impossible not to root for. He’s not the kind of guy who opens up easily or lets people into his personal life. But surrounded by a loyal group of friends, he slowly begins to trust and open his heart — especially to Scottie.

While this is very much Finn and Scottie’s love story, the supporting characters shine just as brightly. This tight-knit group of friends is always there for one another, no questions asked, and they add so much warmth and depth to the story.

This book is filled with a perfect mix of suspense, swoon-worthy romance, and heartfelt moments that lay a strong foundation for the rest of the series.

Thank you to Max Monroe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3.5⭐️

I liked the main characters and side characters enough in this story. However, I felt like a lot was going on and some of it was completely unnecessary. The ending was absolutely shocking and pretty sad. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series as I wasn’t overly invested.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc!

Absolutely loved this book! Max Monroe delivers the perfect mix of laugh out loud humor, swoony romance, and sharp banter that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The chemistry is electric, the characters feel real, and the story left me smiling long after I turned the last page. A total five star romcom gem!

I love Max Monroe. They're books are also a great time, full of funny banter and great romances. And Learning Curve was no different. It was a great time reading. Is the book perfect? By no means. It's way to long. Certain situations seemed juvenile and I hated how they were handled. But if you're looking for a fun little read then this is a great book to pick up.

4.25⭐, 2.5 🌶️

Okay, so I put off reading this book because it was long and what I had heard in reviews from some of my friends was that the story dragged on unnecessarily....which I kind of agree on. But thankfully, since I was reading with the audiobook, I was able to listen while multitasking (yay laundry day) and I didnt feel like it was toooo long of a book....other than what happens at about 80%. That seemed unnecessary - either have it happen earlier in the book or not have it happen. Having the couple go through their 7th struggle just felt like overkill. 

It took me a minute to get attached to Finn - the grungy grumpy boy out for revenge was  not the vibe for me and why he was attending Dickson Uni just was odd. Seeking revenge on you secret half-brother because his dad abandoned him and then got together with your mom, had you, and was an abusive alcoholic....the math didnt math and the anger he harbored for the other family was soooo narrow minded. Once that is dealt with and Finn manages a more positive relationship, I was able to enjoy his character more and how he and Scottie were good fits for each other. Scottie is just a young girl that is trying to be resilient when sooo many things out of her control hurt her heart over and over - like why is everyone ganging up on her? The crummy ex, cheer partner, mom and others just frustrated me. I'd stand up for that girl and was glad she had a good group of friends to stand up for her too...which led to her growing stronger as well which I enjoyed. 
 

I'm really excited to read the next book in this series, Playing Games. Blake and Lexie are teased soooo much throughout this book and I'm incredibly intrigued by both of their characters. I want to read Blake being a SIMP, and wanna see more of Lexie's bass-assery. 

Thank you NetGalley and Max Monroe LLC for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

The reviews were not wrong! Absolutely addicting book. This book had all the feels. I was laughing out loud way too hard and then crying the next chapter. Great character development, real storyline. Felt like this book was talking about my childhood trauma. This was the first Max Monroe book and will not be my last.

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC.

WOW. This was a roller coaster of a story and I could not stop reading it. 👏🏻
There was so much going on, but it all went together perfectly! There is a secret underground society, ex boyfriend drama, but also really emotional situations all throughout.

I LOVED Finn and Scottie’s relationship and loved seeing both of their characters mature with each other. I also loved all of the side characters. I can’t wait to read more about Blake! This was a long one, but I didn’t want to stop reading it 💖

I love Max Monroe's writing style. They took you on this wild ride, full of ups and downs and twists and turns. I will definitely continue to read their books in the future!

Read if you like:
💖 Cheerleader x bad boy
🐉 College drama
💖 Angst & lots or tension
🐉 Twists & turns

I really enjoyed Learning Curve! Finn and Scottie’s story is funny, sweet, and super swoony. I loved seeing their different worlds collide and the chemistry between them was irresistible. The banter kept me smiling, and the romance gave me all the butterflies. Such a fun, heartwarming read I’d definitely recommend!

Scottie and Finn’s story begins with off the charts chemistry. She’s the virginal cheerleader; he’s the brooding bad boy. From the very first page you can tell their romance is gonna be electric. Their development and character arc grows stronger every time they face setback after setback.

While the virgin trope isn’t usually my go-to, this one lands better than most. Scottie doesn’t feel like a stereotypical “pure” heroine clutching her V-card like it’s a shield. Instead, she’s resilient and grounded—someone whose vulnerabilities build her character, not define her.

Finn isn’t just “the silent, broody hero” in the rough; he's like an onion and has many layers revealing a fierce protector with a heart of gold. His growth was addictive to read about.

Their bond is relentlessly tested. Still, as a reader, you may find yourself wishing the drama dialed itself back a notch or three. At times, it feels like something new is introduced just to prolong the emotional ride. Could have had a few pages less. The length occasionally drags, and certain plot twists felt like overkill.

Watching Scottie and Finn come out stronger on the other side of turmoil is heartwarming. They’re not perfect, but they fight for each other—again and again. Scottie and Finn’s love story is emotional and raw—and while the pacing and propensity for drama can feel heavy at times, their journey toward growth and mutual support keeps you rooting for them.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable reading experience.

This story is positively amazing! Jump into a story of college kids, each with a unique and charming personality, each with their own back story. And a bonus that one of them is Thatch’s son!

I loved that this story focused on second chances. The tragedies they endure and the regrets they experience, kids need a second chance. And they learn through it all, with a few fun Thatch pranks thrown in. Overall, I highly highly recommend. It was unique and engaging and captured me so completely.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️

This was really good. It was filled with angst, drama, found family and if course slow burn. The characters were actually well written, but the writing did feel YA at times.

4 Stars!!!!
SUCH A GOOD BOOK!! Finn was by far my favorite character i love how he never gave up on scottie.

Learning Curve completely pulled me in with its emotional depth, witty banter, and the unforgettable chemistry between Finn and Scottie. From the start, their connection felt natural and real—funny, a little messy, and deeply human. Max Monroe has a talent for mixing humor and heartache, and this story balances both so well.

Finn is the kind of quiet, emotionally intense book boyfriend that stays with you long after you close the book. His patience and protectiveness made me swoon more than once. Scottie was equally strong in her vulnerability—watching her open up and grow was one of the highlights of the story for me. Their journey isn’t smooth, but it’s beautifully raw and honest.

What stood out:
While the romance is front and center, what really made this book shine was the emotional journey. This isn’t just a feel-good college love story—it’s about healing, confronting the past, and believing in second chances. The ending was unexpected and bittersweet, but it made the message of resilience even more powerful.

Why I recommend it:
If you’re looking for a romance with strong emotional payoff, smart dialogue, and a couple who earns their happy ending through real growth, Learning Curve is a great pick. It’s the kind of story that stays with you and makes you feel something deeper than just butterflies.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This was a cute love story fun fast paced I love how the story and characters came together it was great I love a great romance with some drama

ACR:
I'll probably read the next book in the series cause I'm intrigued, but if I end up not liking it I won't be continuing.
This is a straight up wattpad book, and I've read good ones....but this yeah, NO.

Scottie (fmc) I could not stand her at all, like her name. She was whiny and pathetic with zero backbone and I get there needs to be character development, when there's a demeaning toxic bf/ex bf in the mix.
But that all happened/ got resolved within the first 20%-30% and that's not enough for me to get connected or sympathise with her as a human. It's like she actually wanted to be in the relationship with him and felt like she deserved it or somthing but knew deep down she didn't love him or cared about him and knew it was bad.
Finn (mmc) he was okay, but was a wet blanket cause he was like 'I don't deserve her' - 'I need you' - 'Stay away from me' - 'I love you, forgive me.' Like PICK A LANE BOI.
He did get better in the last 40% but at that point I checked out.

The plot had so much going on but yet nothing at all. There was family drama that he was being overdramatic about like he wanted his half brother to feel what he felt about his dad not being in his life, like dude he doesn't even know you existed. There was so many miscommunications throughout like just pick when you wanted to finish the book, than stringing it along cause you don't know what else to write about.

Goodreads: "Megan’s review of Learning Curve | Goodreads" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7724118802
Fable: Check out this review of Learning Curve on Fable. https://fable.co/review/3f86f60d-0a8b-409d-be79-da555ff5dec2/share
StoryGraph megan_r1

Learning curve was a fun, fast romance that I couldn't put down. I enjoy Max Monroe books. Her way of writing is fun and draws you in.

3.5 stars- Sweet love story. Parts of it seemed very YA. It was an easy read and entertaining overall.

I've been reading voraciously since I was in grade school. While my adult self liked this book, my high school/college self would have LOVED it. This is a gold start new adult book, lots of angsty romance, lots of drama, fun friends and in my opinion, a meatier plot that others I have read in the genre. I was hooked from the beginning and was thrilled to learn that the second book in the Dickson series was already out.

I enjoyed Scottie and Finn and their friends' group. I'm really looking forward to reading the first gen series next.

Ok…so that ending got very sad like 80% in. This book is quite a ride with angst and drama. It’s a good book and the writing style is great. Finn, the tortured bad boy and Scottie is the virginal cheerleader who is trying to survive college. The characters have a lot of growth throughout the book. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.