Rating: 4.25/5

- football romance
- childhood neighbours
- dating lessons
- friends with benefits
- reformed playboy
- 🌶️🌶️/5
- dual pov
- dual narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Aiden Snow

Lessons in Heartbreak is a small-town, feel-good romance with just the right mix of swoon and soul. Ruby, a charmingly awkward librarian, is on the hunt for dating lessons. Who better to help than Griffin, her childhood neighbour turned NFL star, who's in town for two weeks?

What starts as a lighthearted agreement quickly turns into something deeper. Between the flirty, tension-filled lessons, Jane Austen movie nights, and quiet moments of vulnerability, Griffin starts to fall hard. And honestly? So did I. Their emotional connection is one of the book's standout parts.

Of course, it's Karla Sorensen, so you know the emotional gut-punch is coming. You'll laugh, you'll melt, and you just might tear up in the middle of your workday (guilty 😅).

The audiobook? Phenomenal. Samantha Brentmoor and Aiden Snow are pitch-perfect. Aiden nails Griffin's mix of deep charm and quiet sensitivity, while Samantha brings Ruby's inner monologue to life with warmth and wit. They're an absolute dream team, especially for dual POVs.

Also, can we talk about Griffin's brother and his chaotic kids? If The Kings is truly a series, I need that next book ASAP.

Big thanks to Karla and Brilliance Publishing for the early copy!

So overall I really did enjoy this book. There were a couple of inconsistencies, and one thing that really bothered me was that they kept repeating the escort had a brothel in Vegas which is impossible as its illegal there. Just outside of Vegas is where brothels are so just a tiny bit of research could have fixed that. Also the morning after their first time together, Ruby was looking for her underwear when she didn't have any the night before. You did definitely get the feeling Griffin really did care about Ruby. I of course loved the focus on Darcy's hand flex.

This was a fun opposites attract romance! Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

It’s between Ruby, a shy small town librarian, and Griffin, a cocky football star. They were childhood neighbors, reunited by chance as adults. Ruby is in need of lessons to teach her about sex and romance since she has been so reserved in life it’s hard for her to relax around men.

I loved their opposites attract vibes, and I’m always a fan of spicy lessons. The two of them had the most excellent banter - Ruby is so well behaved but Griffin just really knows how to push her buttons and I loved their snark. I look forward to more from this world!

I will say, the blurb says it’s lighthearted, and that’s true to an extent, but there are definitely some heavier tones that hit midway through the book. So while the banter is funny and witty, I wouldn’t call it lighthearted overall, just as an FYI if those are the vibes you’re looking for!

This was my first read by the author—and the start of a new series, which I’ll definitely continue. A familiar face from another series pops in, which was a nice touch.

The pacing is slow but engaging, with enough backstory to make the characters feel real—not just good-looking archetypes. They start off a bit cliché but develop nicely.

The main characters are likable, smart, and emotionally layered. Their bond grows naturally, and the chemistry is strong. Humor is sprinkled throughout, balancing the more serious themes like health issues.

Side characters shine, too—Lauren stood out right away, and Marcus, though a bit much at first, turns out to be a sweetheart.

One of the best parts? Football players geeking out over *Pride and Prejudice*. Their love for the Darcy hand flex is priceless.

Spice level is around a 4, with some heat and a bit of dirty talk, but the romance has time to breathe. Bonus points for not one, but two epilogues!

*Lessons in Heartbreak* is warm, funny, and romantic and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the series.

Thank you Karla Sorensen and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Football Player x Shy Librarian
Small Town
Dating/Spicy Lessons
Secret Relationship
Childhood Neighbors

This story was absolutely amazing! The banter, storyline, and character growth, it was all perfection!

Ruby & Griffin were childhood neighbors until Ruby's family moved away. Now years later they meet again in a not to traditional way, which leads to Griffin giving Ruby dating and spicy lessons.

I loved the dynamic between Ruby & Griffin. They are opposites that complete each other and bring out the best in each other. Griffin brought excitement into Ruby's life and helped her out of her shell. While Ruby calmed Griffin and helped him see that he was more than just a football player.

I loved seeing the found family trope in this story. Both Ruby & Griffin had so many people who loved and supported them in any way possible. Seeing Griffin with his teammates especially Liam was so heartwarming! I'd love to see the story of Lauren & Marcus!

I would have liked to see more development between the King brothers, but seeing that a big portion of the grudge is on Barrett's side, I'm guessing will see more development in his book.

This was the perfect spicy rom-com and I can't wait to see what's in store for the other King brother!

Karla knocks it out of the park. This book had me feeling all the feels. Laughing, crying, joy and hope.

Shy type A librarian Ruby asks football star Griffin to teach her how to make men want her in the two weeks he's in town.

I loved how Karla writes about normal everyday life activities that Griffin and Ruby experience together. And not grand parties and events because he's a football star.
They share tea, bakery goods, watching period dramas, attending a library paint party and the library carnival. I just enjoyed the normalcy these two shared.
When Griffin finds out Ruby's secret, he shows up for her in all the ways that count. Ruby sees Griffin, truly sees him, not the NFL star persona.
His nickname for her is perfect!
But they promised to not fall in love. What happens now?

You'll just have to read and find out!

Karla writes amazing characters and evokes emotion from her readers, whenever I pick up a book of hers I know I’m in for a treat.

Overall Grade: A-

Tropes: pro football player MMC; small town shy librarian FMC; opposites attract; football/sports romance; small town romance; childhood neighbors; spicy lessons

Karla Sorensen's Lessons in Heartbreak represents a sophisticated exploration of the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, elevated by the author's nuanced approach to character development and psychological depth. This novel showcases Sorensen's ongoing journey as a romance novelist, presenting readers with a deliberately paced narrative that rewards careful attention to its intricate character dynamics.

Unlike Sorensen's typically fast-paced works, Lessons in Heartbreak adopts a more measured approach that serves its thematic content well. The slower pacing allows for the full development of the acrimonious yet increasingly amorous banter between the main characters, Griffin and Ruby. This stylistic choice transforms what could have been superficial antagonism into a rich tapestry of verbal sparring that reveals deeper character motivations and emotional vulnerabilities.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Griffin's character arc. Initially presented as an archetypal "golden retriever" personality, cheerful, uncomplicated, and deliberately surface-level, Griffin undergoes substantial psychological development throughout the narrative. Sorensen employs the effective micro-trope of the MMC lacking self-awareness who gradually develops a deeper understanding through his relationship with the FMC.

Griffin's superficial jocularity serves as a defense mechanism against deeper emotional pain, a psychological complexity that becomes increasingly apparent as Ruby's perspective challenges his worldview. This internal growth creates a compelling contrast with his strained relationship with his twin brother, Barrett, highlighting how genuine connection can foster personal development in ways that familial connection cannot.

Sorensen masterfully executes another sophisticated romance trope: the concept of main characters who "see" each other more clearly than anyone else can. This mutual recognition becomes particularly poignant when contrasted with Griffin's fractured family relationships. The author demonstrates considerable skill in illustrating how true intimacy involves not just attraction but genuine understanding and acceptance of one's partner's authentic self.

The novel's central conflict, Ruby's struggle to choose love despite a health issue, creates substantial emotional stakes without relying on external dramatic devices. Sorensen constructs this internal conflict with careful attention to psychological realism, avoiding the trap of manufactured drama that often weakens contemporary romance narratives. The "soul-deep" attraction that develops between Griffin and Ruby feels earned rather than convenient, a testament to the author's careful character building.

The ancillary characters in Lessons in Heartbreak function as more than mere comic relief or plot devices. Ruby's best friend Lauren, Griffin's young relatives, and his teammate, Marcus create a supporting ecosystem that enhances rather than distracts from the central romance. These characters provide both humor and emotional depth, contributing to a "found family" dynamic that enriches the journey of Griffin and Ruby.

Sorensen's small-town setting feels authentic and lived-in, creating an immersive community atmosphere that makes readers feel genuinely connected to the story's world. This environmental storytelling adds layers of meaning to the character development, as Griffin and Ruby's relationship evolves within a context of genuine community belonging.

What distinguishes Lessons in Heartbreak within the romance genre is Sorensen's commitment to emotional authenticity. The love story she constructs between Griffin and Ruby transcends simple wish fulfillment to explore the genuine challenges and rewards of intimate partnership. Her ability to create believable, aspirational romantic relationships consistently across her body of work establishes her as a significant voice in contemporary romance literature.

Griffin's transformation from self-protective humor to genuine emotional availability represents one of the novel's finest achievements, illustrating how love can serve as a catalyst for personal growth without requiring one partner to sacrifice their essential self.

Lessons in Heartbreak stands as an impressive work of contemporary romance that successfully balances genre conventions with literary sophistication. Sorensen's careful attention to character psychology, her skilled deployment of beloved romance tropes, and her creation of an engaging supporting cast combine to produce a novel that satisfies both intellectually and emotionally.

For readers seeking romance fiction that offers both escapist pleasure and genuine emotional depth, Lessons in Heartbreak provides an ideal reading experience. Sorensen has crafted a love story that feels both fantastical and attainable, creating the kind of aspirational relationship dynamic that defines the best of the romance genre. This novel comes highly recommended for both devoted romance readers and those seeking an introduction to the genre's contemporary sophistication.

I could relate to Ruby as someone close to her age who has 0 proper experience in relationships due to health problems, being an only child who envied others with siblings, and fearing the loss of someone you love so you push them away 🥺 The beginning gave me a bit of The Kiss Quotient vibes by Helen Hoang, then it did a complete 180 and brought in NFL star Griffin, who just so happened to be her former neighbor. I’m so jelly of Ruby’s job. A librarian?! 🥹

Now let’s talk about Griffin. Holy guacamole! This man… this maannn 🫠🫠🫠🫠 Where do you find a guy who called you Birdy when you were little, a golden retriever MMC, fell first as an adult, genuinely got to know you, tried your hobbies (and actually loved them), and then offered spicy lessons while you're both slowly falling in love? Yeah… that’s Griffin 💘

The sports angle isn’t super present since it’s all set during the off-season, but honestly, I didn’t even miss it. The spice leaned fluffy but the chemistry was on point, and I adored how their relationship unfolded. That ending? So satisfying.

This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thank you Karla and NetGalley for the opportunity.

this was such a great read with important lessons about love. The development of both characters were great. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC

I was absolutely hooked from the very first paragraph. Griffin was in the right place at the right time for this meet cute so many years after they had last seen each other and so completely unexpected. The chemistry between these two was off the charts and I loved them giving into it and putting themselves out there for the other and really pushing past what was supposed to be gaining confidence getting experience with spicy lessons.

Griffin might have the bad boy of football reputation but this man watches Jane Austen movies because they are Ruby’s favorite. While exiled in Colorado at his agents house a whole new side of him comes out and it will have you swooning.

Ruby truly had the best friend to push her out of her comfort zone and really cheer her on the whole way as she peeled back all of the systematic armor she wore in the way of an overactive brain and precision in everything she did.

This book pulls out all the emotions with Ruby’s quest to get new experiences and pull her out of her carefully curated shell and Griffin’s bad boy football persona. I did not expect to start the book out laughing and then go through all the emotions while Karla Sorensen tugged on all my heart strings in the way she does best.

This was SUCH a cute read!! I absolutely devoured this book, and it left no crumbs! I could put this down for the life of me…. I will definitely be reading more of Karla in the future

5⭐️

✨ Oh wow this was such a beautiful book and felt so different to what I’ve read from Karla before. The topics discussed were handled beautifully and the whole story was the perfect balance of romance and emotional, just perfect!!

✨ Ruby had been through so much and shut herself away from the world, it broke my heart the way she thought she didn’t deserve love but I loved seeing her and Griffin come together. Griffin was such a charmer , I really enjoyed his character and the friendships he had with everyone.

✨ I loved the side characters in this and want them all to get their own books but I’m really hoping for Barrett to get a book.

How thoroughly this woman had humbled me, without intention or forethought. I wasn't sure my life would ever quite look the same after this. After her.'

Lessons in Heartbreak is Karla Sorensen's first book in an all new series and I can already say that I'm down for at least one of the King brothers. Griffin and Ruby's story is fun, sweet, charming, with a bit of some deeper content combining that with the easiest of chemistry. Think small town, opposites attract with a connection from childhood.

Ruby is a small town librarian and she think she needs a little assistance to get her groove back. To get comfortable with who she is and get back out in the dating game. When a blast from her childhood past comes through the door, she thinks HE may be the one to teach her a few lessons. Although this was originally not the case, Griffin easily steps in to the role of a no strings attached lesson giver. But these two have so much more of a connection than what they originally bargained for.

Griffin and Ruby were so good together. I liked that they both gave each other what they needed in order to heal and grow. It just came naturally to both of them. Griffin brought out a more fun side to Ruby and Ruby allowed Griffin to be more relaxed and his true self without the media getting it wrong or skewing their vision of him. It made it easy for them to build a friendship that turned into so much more. Their banter and their chemistry was electric, but also slow to build. Ruby was always holding back with a piece of who she was, but Griffin made whatever they had between them so natural and easy and totally believable. I just adored them together and the way they worked their way up to finally giving in to what they built.

And don't get me started on some of the outrageous side characters. Ruby's BFF and Griffin's teammate are hilarious and such a good addition to their story. Gotta love the confidence of two people that make their odd relationship work. I love when we combine the famous (in Griffin's case, professional football player) with the everyday person to get something magical. And magic is what Sorensen gave us. A perfect blend of humor, emotional and heart. This story and the journey these characters take you on will have you smiling, laughing, and grasping at your heart in your feels. Ruby and Griffin learn to count their blessings with each and every day they are given.

I can't wait for the next King brother's book, but he's gonna have to work for it. Griffin will be tough to beat, but I do love a single dad.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❤️football romance
❤️childhood neighbors
❤️reformed playboy
❤️librarian
❤️opposites attract

Wow! Karla is starting this new series off with a bang! Literally and figuratively.

I absolutely loved Lessons in Heartbreak. The whole idea behind Griffin giving lessons in seduction to Ruby was awesome. The fact that these two knew each other since they were children was just the icing on the cake.

Thank you to Karla Sorenson for the ARC of this book.

You know, I don't think there's a book by Karla Sorensen that I've read that I haven't just absolutely loved. She did her magic again with this one. Ruby and Griffin were so good together. Complete opposites but they brought out the best in each other. Let me just tell you that when you get to the movie scene, if you don't swoon, you don't have a romantic bone in your body LOL This was so good!

Childhood neighbors that find themselves in the same small town, after NFL star Griffin needs a bit of a reboot and runs into Ruby at a local coffee shop. The chemistry and connection were undeniable as Griffin helps Ruby in the spice/relationship department. The story was just so good—the butterflies started at the very beginning and honestly never let up. The two were perfect for each other and this was filled with flirty and funny moments and i found myself laughing out loud so many times. But it was the relationship building, the vulnerability of both characters and the tender moments that really did it for me. I honestly don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll just say this love story gives just a little bit more than your average romance. It’s got heart and heat and I loved Griffin and Ruby so much.

Another absolute hit from Karla. Her writing just keeps getting better, and I am always enthralled by her books. They are unputdownable and always evoke so many emotions. Her characters always shine, and Ruby and Griffin are stellar examples of that. These two had me hooked. I love a shy girl/bad boy and spicy lessons really up the ante. I feel like this book is made for us romcom loving millennials, but those that give us more, the ones that leave an impact and are unforgettable. Here's to another amazing read from Karla, I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

“Teach you what, exactly?” “Teach me how to make a man want me.”

Ruby loves her life as a small town librarian but lately she’s also wanting a bit more in her personal life. So with enough pushing from a friend, she decides to hire an escort to help her get more comfortable with getting intimate with someone. So when she sees who showed up she was shocked, it was her old neighbor Griffin! But there was a bit of a mix up because he so definitely not an escort but a professional football player. With Griffin laying low in town Ruby figured why not ask him for lessons instead. He seems like the right person for the job but also he’s only on town temporarily so it’s a win-win right?

I just love Ruby and Griffin’s banter! They’re hilarious together, they may seem complete opposites but I think that’s what makes them perfect for each other.
Love the little slow burn as they explore their new “relationship” and get to know each other more. Those little touches, lingering looks, Griffin was supposed to be teaching Ruby but what she didn’t realize is that she’s teaching him as well.

You can feel the chemistry between them and so much more. Lots of swoon for sure but there’s some heartfelt moments too. I may have had some teary moments. And when “it” finally happened, my goodness it was perfect.

Another gem from Karla for sure! Such a great start for this series and I can’t wait for more!

Griffin and Ruby have known each other since childhood, but lost touch till they were adults. He’s a professional football player and she’s a librarian in need of help which she asks for from an escort. Believing to be from Griffin, these two have amazing banter and chemistry with one another. She’s tired of being the inexperienced one and he brings out a different side to her, that no one can. They both learn from one another. This was a really cute read.

I received this ARC through the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing this book, opinions are my own.