ARC REVIEW- LESSONS IN HEARTBREAK

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
🩵Sports Romance
🩵Football Player MMC X Librarian FMC
🩵Opposites Attract
🩵Childhood Neighbors
🩵Spicy Lessons
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Thanks to Karla Sorensen and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Karla is one of my go-to authors when I’m wanting some sports mixed with big emotions. She definitely doesn’t disappoint with Lessons in Heartbreak. It definitely reminded me of a 2000s rom com but with the angst cranked up to a 5.

Griffin and Ruby’s (re) meet cute was absolutely hilarious and definitely hooked me. I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet but it had me genuinely LOL’ing. It gave me rom com from 2000s vibes.

I loved it all. The spicy lessons. The banter. The inner turmoil and childhood trauma to work through. And I loved how through it all, you could see such a lovely relationship develop between the two of them. Reading Karla is always a no brainer for me.

Great book. Hot guy on the cover. Sports romance. It’s got it all and you won’t be disappointed picking this one up. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I initially picked up this book on NetGalley expecting a breezy small-town romance, but what unfolded was so much more than that. Packed with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and an emotional depth that took me by surprise, this story turned out to be a gem.

At its heart is Ruby, sweet, a little clumsy, and quietly determined to take charge of her life—even if she feels stuck and inexperienced. In a rare moment of bravery (and classic rom-com fashion), she takes an unexpected leap and tries to hire an escort to help her get out of her shell. Or so she thinks. Enter Griffin King, her childhood neighbor,, who just happens to be a handsome professional football player. One chaotic, laugh-out-loud mix-up later, and we’ve got the makings of a truly delightful opposites-attract romance.

What begins as a playful setup quickly blossoms into something much more heartfelt. Griffin doesn’t just help Ruby gain dating confidence; he gently encourages her to believe in herself in ways she never thought possible. And during their so-called “lessons,” their connection catches fire—both emotionally and romantically. But what really makes this story shine is how layered and authentic it feels. Griffin, who could’ve easily been reduced to a charming jock stereotype, is instead grounded, patient, and quietly vulnerable. He’s not there to “fix” Ruby—he simply shows up for her, offering the kind of steady support that helps her flourish. It only made me fall even harder for the hero and cheer this couple on even more.

What truly captivated me about this story was experiencing Ruby’s journey—seeing her gradually embrace her own self-worth and open herself up to love was an emotional and satisfying ride. Griffin brought even more layers to the tale; beneath his confident swagger and charm was a man grappling with how to be truly seen, and that subtle vulnerability made him unforgettable. The romance itself was a masterclass in the art of the slow burn, woven with tender, heartfelt moments that caught me off guard in the most wonderful way.

I also loved how the story dug deeper, exploring themes like grief, family baggage, and the often messy, imperfect road to love. And let’s talk about the fiery side couple—Marcus and Lauren brought endless sparks to every scene they were in and completely won me over. That unforgettable window scene in the epilogue left me laughing with sheer joy!

To top it all off, Griffin’s nieces were delightful, adding so much warmth and charm to the narrative. Every element worked together beautifully, making this a truly memorable and heartwarming read.

That said, there were a few bumps along the way. Some third-act twists felt a touch predictable or needlessly dramatic, especially toward the end. And while the supporting cast was generally well-done, certain characters—like Griffin’s twin—felt underutilized. (Looking for his story.)

But minor quibbles aside, this book is so much more than a flirty romance. It’s a heartfelt story about vulnerability, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected of places. If you’re a fan of childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamics, small-town charm, or romances that blend swoon-worthy slow burns with genuine emotional payoff, don’t wait on this one—add it to your TBR now!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for providing the eARC.

Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors!
Got all the feels while reading this book. It was nonstop reading from beginning to end. Cannot wait to read what she has in store next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was so wholesome, I loved it!! It had everything I could want: it’s funny, sweet, sexy, and full of emotional depth. The tension between Griffin and Ruby was amazing, but what really stood out to me was how deeply they connected. Their relationship felt so real and raw, and the emotional journey of the story as a whole just hit perfectly.

Griffin was perfect for Ruby. I was rooting for them so hard, and I loved how their bond grew through both the light, flirty moments and the heavier, more vulnerable ones.

Karla’s books always get me, she somehow balances sweet, steamy, and heartfelt so well. I’ve read the Ward Sisters series and loved it, and now I want to go back and read everything else she’s written!

⭐️5
🌶️2.5

I can’t get enough of every book that Karla has written and this one is no exception. I’m in love with the humor and emotional elements that are brought to life in Griffin and Ruby’s story.

Griffin is a professional football player and his twin brother is a professional coach. Ruby grew up with the brothers and had a crush on Griffin’s brother. Then she runs into Griffin after hiring a professional to assist her with dating and seduction. Ruby is beyond embarrassed but Griffin is insistent that he can help her. They come up with an arrangement that works and become closer. Throughout their time spent together, Ruby learns that Griffin is not just the goofball that he portrays on the outside and begins to see him for the man he truly is on the inside.

The banter between Ruby and Griffin is unmatched. I love her quick wit and ability to take his ego down a few notches. Ruby is also so strong and has been battling on her own for so long that she doesn’t accept help easily. Griffin is hands down my favorite. He is hilarious, sweet, and perfect for Ruby. I love that she helped him with his brother and healed him too.

So much heartbreak!

Ruby is tired of being the stable, predictable, "old soul" that she's always been, so she sets out to broaden her horizons - especially when it comes to dating. But then things go sideways when she runs into a familiar face - Griffin, who with his twin brother lived next door to Ruby when they were children, and who is now a professional ball player hiding from his latest scandal.

We have an opposites-attract romance here, with former playboy Griffin finding out his heart is vulnerable after all, and sheltered Ruby who has very serious reasons for never venturing too deep into the dating pool. I absolutely adored how their relationship developed, almost against their wills, and based on so much more than simple physical attraction. The depth of their connection surprised even themselves, and I loved watching them figure it all out.

This is my first book by this author, and I have to admit I'm hooked. I hope there's more to come in this series. Highly recommended for anyone who loves to read contemporary romances.

I oh so enjoyed this book about a librarian and football player. This world sucked me in. There is heat, heart, and fun. I can’t wait for the next book to return.

I voluntarily read an early copy.

Out of all of Karla’s books I have read, this one is my favorite. My literary heart couldn't handle all the swoon worthy moments with Griffin and Ruby. I especially loved all the Jane Austen and Jane Eyre references.

Griffin and Ruby’s story is an epic love story. There is so much love, loss, heartache and regret. Ruby has gone through so many health issues that she doesn’t like taking risks and has emotionally shut down. Griffin is the ultimate rule breaker that never steers away from a fun challenge. His new challenge is to break Ruby free from her quiet life. He is everything Ruby needs to start feeling alive again and she is everything Griffin needs to stay grounded. This book was amazon from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book.

Just as I was wondering why the book is named so, the reason became clear. Be it as much as the progress of the story broke my heart, it still held me captive right to its sweet epilogues. Known for writing “heartwarming characters with emotional depth,” Karla Sorensen has done it yet again with Griffin and Ruby. Tears may or may not have been involved. And the obsession over the “hand flex?” Top tier!!

After a reading slump of books I could not finish, I started off with appreciation for this book because it was't hard for me to stay connected... until it was. The story didn't offer much new and things got very meh. I then bounced around some non-fiction books -- yes, that's how bad my reading slump is that non-fiction actually reads better -- and did my best to come back to this.

How I got through this was speed read, skimming for the dialogue to keep me engaged. Ultimately, that means this deserves at least 1.5 stars and needed more chemistry, depth and connection to get this to a solid ok 2 star rating.

Rating: 5⭐️ | Spice: 3🌶️
What to Expect:
Childhood Neighbors to Lovers
Football Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Quiet Librarian FMC
He Falls First
Opposites Attract
Family Drama
Spice Lessons

Thank you SOOOO much Karla and @good.girls.pr for this free ARC and bookmail!

“I didn’t know what power this movie had, but I wanted her to hold my hand more than anything in the entire fucking world.”

Review Title & Vibes:
{BROKEN BUT IN THE BEST WAY} I have a new favorite golden retriever MMC - his name is Griffin King. Lordy does this man know how to have a good time. Deep down all he wants is something real - respect. Ruby Tate is more than what she seems - not just a buttoned-up “birdy” looking for a way out of her self-imposed cage. She’s so freaking brave. I couldn’t love this pair more! This story had me running through the gambit of emotions - at 50% the book title became abundantly clear. I’m convinced Karla Sorensen can do no wrong, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting her next installment of this series!

Things I Loved:
•small town goodness - I’d love to live in this perfectly quaint Colorado town
•wild bestie name LAUREN! That girl is unhinged and I couldn’t get enough of her (or her love interest)
•real deeply meaningful backstories - I connected with these MCs

Recommended to...  
Anyone in need of fantastic opposites attract romance with all the feels!

3.5 stars

I was eagerly awaiting this book. Sadly, it didn't rock my world. That's not to say that it wasn't good, as it was. It just never quite hit the mark for me.

I never really connected with the story or characters. I needed it fleshed out, especially about Griffin and how brother. I'm hoping the next book, if it is the brother's story it will give that a more complete story.

Still a fan of this author. Although it wasn't my favorite, I'm sure it will delight other readers.

Lessons in Heartbreak is an all new series starter from Karla Sorensen. It follows a carefree player named Griffin and a cautious Ruby who hasn‘t lived life to the fullest yet.

Griffin and Ruby have known eachother growing up so to meet again unexpectedly isn‘t in any of their plans but they quickly form a sort of friendship that helps them both.

I really enjoyed their story! This series starter is the perfect story to start off with. It has a healthy amount of emotion and you‘ll just fall in love with Griffin.

4.5 Stars

This was a sweet story. I always enjoy anything Karla Sorenson writes. Both characters were fun and sweet together.

Loved it. So much! Total fan of opposites attraction with all the swooning and steam that I need! This is why Karla is a one-click author for me!

Lessons in Heartbreak reunites childhood neighbors after years apart. Ruby, an anxious and inexperienced librarian, crosses paths with Griffin, a charismatic football player seeking refuge from a PR scandal. They reconnect as they help each other navigate their respective challenges.

The book offers a light, heartwarming read with moments of genuine emotional growth for both characters. While enjoyable, I struggled to fully connect with Ruby and Griffin and their relationship felt underdeveloped, especially given the quick timeline of the story. Ultimately, the slow pace and lack of chemistry kept me from being truly invested. It was an interesting storyline that unfortunately fell flat for me.

While on vacation, Griffin ends up meeting his childhood neighbour Ruby. She seeks his help with some “lessons” and he ends up getting roped in to help her.

While he does teach her some things, I loved how Ruby ends up imparting her wisdom too, via books and historical romances (cue hand flex!). What started off as something casual soon develops into something more.

Thank God for good friends like Lauren. Sometimes we truly need a friend to give us the right push and perspective. This book totally made me use up my tissues as it imparts a very important message about not taking things for granted. Every day, every moment, that we get to spend with our loved ones is a precious one.

Sorensen does it again! I didn't want to put this one down!

Ruby is looking to be more confident with men to overcome a past negative experience and wants to get out of her safe routine that has left her lonely, When she mistakes her former childhood neighbor as the escort hired to teach her how to seduce, they reconnect and he starts her lessons.

Despite being a pro football defensive player known for his wild antics, you see that Griffin is more similar than thought to petite librarian, routine and safety, Ruby. Both feel they are in boxes and don't want to live under those perceptions anymore. They help each other grow through support and partnership.

I loved how they opened up to each other in ways they don't to others. And their chemistry was electric! Their passion was immediate, and as they clearly fell hard, became even more intense.

Overall, there was some nice humor, a lot of passion and tension, and SO MUCH YEARNING. Sorensen wrote their love and chemistry so well that I wanted to highlight everything it was so good. I didn't expect Ruby's past, but it was so interesting because the conflict felt unique and reasonable. And they came together, never to be lonely again, in a great ending!

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for an arc to read and review!

Read for: seduction lessons, sports romance, librarian x football, childhood neighbors-strangers-lovers, opposites attract, dual POV

(omg I've realized why the title is the title- perfect.)

4.5 stars
2.5 stars

Oh my god I loved this book so much! It’s a 5 star read for me. Griffin and Ruby were just everything. I loved the premise, I loved watching them grow. It was just everything seeing them organically fall in love in the middle of a hilariously outrageous situation. Lauren is a hoot too! I want a book for them!

Thank you to Montlake for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lessons in Heartbreak is the first in a brand-new series by Karla Sorensen featuring the King family—and after finishing this one, I’m already eagerly anticipating book two.

This story has a fun setup with just the right blend of second-chance and childhood familiarity. Ruby used to live next door to Griffin and his twin brother, spending her younger years climbing the tree between their houses to spy on them playing sports. She may have even crushed on Griffin’s twin—but Griffin? He just teased her relentlessly.

Fast-forward several years, and Ruby is dealing with a fear of intimacy that stems from a deeply personal and well-explained reason (handled with nuance and care). In an effort to overcome it without risking emotional fallout, she decides to hire an escort. But instead of a stranger showing up to meet her at the café… it’s Griffin. The annoying twin she hasn’t seen in years. And just like that, we’re off.

What follows is a heartfelt, flirty, and emotionally rich slow burn that genuinely surprised me with its depth. From tension-filled “lessons” to quiet, vulnerable conversations and charming Jane Austen movie nights, Griffin and Ruby’s relationship evolves with such a thoughtful cadence. Their emotional connection—and the care with which they start to understand each other—is one of the book’s standout elements.

Griffin, in particular, starts to fall hard, and watching his walls come down made for a swoony, satisfying arc. Ruby’s journey is equally moving—full of self-reflection and strength, as she navigates what she wants and deserves in love.

This book has the signature Karla Sorensen charm: warm characters, genuine emotional stakes, and just the right amount of steam. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of the Kings in the next installment.