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!

3.5 round up to 4 🌟

This is definitely new adult as both MMC's are 18 at the beginning of the book.

If you are a fan of Say you Swear you will enjoy this read.

This is part of intertwining previous books by Max Monroe but can be read as standalone.

The story is told between Scottie and Finn but the side characters definitely make the story!

Scottie meets Finn at the beginning of her freshman year at Dickson U. Her on scholarship for cheering and Finn with his own personal agenda.

They connect from the beginning but fight it through the first 50%

I enjoyed the ride the story brought you on but thought it was at least 150 pages to long.

Will I hang on for the DU book, not sure yet??

I'm really enjoying the new path that Max Monroe seems to have gone down. Their books are still as spicy and engrossing as ever - - but they've definitely added a bit more emotional drama. The storylines now seem to deal with more serious topics than in the past. This intensity really makes you feel for the characters even more than previous books.

Finn and Scottie were a couple that I seriously loved. Finn had so much bitterness in the beginning of the book due to issues with his father. Scottie had her own baggage. The two of them together were definitely a dangerous combination but at the same time they were also a perfect one. Of course, in total "Max Monroe" fashion, this poor couple couldn't catch a break because different things kept "happening" to them. Things they'd have to "overcome." The story is one that definitely keeps the reader hooked and wanting to see what happens next. I look forward to continuing this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early copy.

I LOVED this one! Very thankful to be able to have the chance to read this one. I really liked the humor, the emotion, the love - all of it!

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed Finn and Scottie's story. It was quite a long story, with a rollercoaster or emotions. I teared up in parts and laughed at Ace's antics. Excited to read Blake's book.

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.

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.