I am in love with this book and all the characters! It was the perfect blend of spice and humor with real emotional depth. Marcus and Lauren kept me laughing. I adored Ruby and Griffin had me swooning. Their banter was fun and cute and their chemistry was sizzling. I can't wait for Griffin's brother's book, especially after meeting his kids in this book.

Story: 15/10
Spice: 2/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door

Ruby has lived a quiet, reserved life and finally she is ready to experience more so she makes arrangements to hire someone to help her become more comfortable. Guess who shows up? A blast from her past in Griffin, the NFL player taking a vacation in the area. Through some embarrassment, Griffin agrees to give Ruby lessons in being confident and comfortable dating.

I don’t want to spoil plot points so I am being cautious in how I write this. This might be my favorite Karla book to date. It was so much more than I was expecting. Lessons in Heartbreak is right, because my heart broke for Ruby and Griffin in a way I was not prepared for. Ruby is incredibly vulnerable with Griffin and with that vulnerability came the most beautiful and honest love. These two showed up for each other exactly as the other needed to be loved. I loved the “bad boy/good girl” aspect as I found myself relating so much to Ruby’s character. Throw in the “teach me” moments which were very tender and comforting and I was hooked.

I don't know where to start with this one except to say I loved Lessons in Heartbreak.

I cried my way through various sections as Ruby and Grifffin shared their biggest secrets and fears. But I laughed too, so many times!

I swooned at how closely Griffin listened to Ruby's pipe dreams and worked to make them a reality and my heart pitter pattered alongside Griffin's when Ruby surprised him one way or another.

I had an overwhelming sense of calm, tranquility and peace as if their union was destined.

Lessons in Heartbreak was more like lessons in love!

I was giddy throughout this whole book! Griffin and Ruby had that easy chemistry that I love, when you can tell right from the start that she's what he needs and he's what she needs. It was pure perfection.

Griffin's professional and personal life are in turmoil, so his agent sends him away for some reflective quiet time in a small town. Almost immediately he bumps into his childhood acquaintnace Ruby and imparts himself into her life in a hilarious way. Ruby, sweet Ruby, is the town librarian who is drenched in innocence, unsureness, and a general fear of putting herself out there. When Griffin interrupts a "date" that Ruby has set up with a dating coach meant to help ease some of her shyness, he knows he's gotta to something to help the girl that he remembers from his younger years.

Ruby for her part is hesitant, but she shines so bright when she's with Griffin, and all her built-up walls seem to crumble when he's around. He makes it easy for her to be herself and I really loved how easy her transformation was once she started to feel comfortable. He makes it easy for her. Likewise, Ruby shows him that he's worth of love which is something that he's never had to consider. His life is easy in many ways, but when it comes to relationships he's always been happy to be a playboy and to never take anything too seriously.

I loved their journey together. It gave me all those feel-good vibes deep in my heart. This was my first read by this author, but I've seen her books for years, so now I'm off to read some of her backlist!

4.5 stars,
First book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last! I really enjoyed Ruby and Griffin’s story. It took me through so many different feelings and emotions. One minute I’m crying the next laughing, and all the rest in between. I adore these two characters for so many different reasons that you will understand once you read it.
It’s funny, sweet, flirty, sexy, yet also sad and emotional at times.. Yes, it’s all the things. Very happy I found this new-to-me author so now I can read more of hers.
A very entertaining read with a wonderful HEA!!!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
Spice: 2.5-3 🌶️

Tropes:
- Librarian X Football Player
- Childhood Neighbors
- Dating Lessons
- Opposites Attract
- Good Girl X Playboy
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- He Falls First
- Small Town

Lessons in Heartbreak is a lesson in taking a well known and much loved trope and turning it into something much more. Ruby is shy and has a hard time putting herself out there (hence, the dating lessons), but her story is so much more compelling than that. To avoid spoilers, I won’t get in to the why exactly, but there are reasons her confidence has taken a hit and she’s so guarded. There is also more to Griffin than the cliched carefree playboy we first meet. He is such a cinnamon roll underneath his flirty exterior, and I adored that about him. Sorensen excels at writing characters who are relatable, complex, and lovable, and that was again showcased in Ruby and Griffin. It is both their histories and their journey together that makes this book so touching and heartfelt.

I loved the chemistry and dynamic between Ruby and Griffin and was rooting for them from the very beginning. They are great together, and their connection, while intense, feels natural. The banter and tension had me wanting to giggle and kick my feet, but it was their tenderness and the way each pushes the other to be the best version of themself that truly had me swooning.

IMO, this also might be Sorensen’s funniest book to date. The side characters were hilarious, and Ruby’s unintentional conversion of the football playboys to period romance junkies had me laughing out loud.

Lessons in Heartbreak cements why Karla Sorensen is an auto-buy author for me. It is sweet, witty, charming, and emotional - a story about healing and facing fears as much as it is about romance. I fell in love with these characters, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you so much to Good Girls PR, NetGalley, and Montlake for the ARC!

I love love love this book!!!

My heart was fluttering the entire time watching Griffin and Ruby’s interactions. Griffin is so sweet, patient, and caring toward Ruby, and I adored watching Ruby push herself to truly live her life. She changes so beautifully from a shy, clumsy, timid girl into someone brave and full of life—and Griffin is there for every single step she takes.

The chemistry is top notch! And I REALLY LOVE that they’re childhood neighbors!!
That familiarity and shared history just made everything even more meaningful.

The storytelling is so smooth, and I loved how their relationship and feelings developed over time. Nothing felt rushed or overdone—even though the sparks were there from the very beginning. Their interactions made me giddy, and I swear my stomach fluttered every time Griffin did or said anything for Ruby. And every brave step Ruby took made me feel so proud of her.

Griffin being completely down bad for Ruby?? Obsessed.
It broke my heart to see how hard he was on himself, but even through all of that, he always tried to be the reason behind Ruby’s smile.

Also—can we have more Marcus and Lauren? They were just too cute!!

Warning: This book may cause uncontrollable smiling and a sudden desire to find a sweet man with emotional baggage.
One of those books that nestles into your heart and refuses to leave.

Huge thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!

I was completely on board with these characters from page one; Griffin was ridiculously charming and Ruby was a girl after my own heart. I loved watching their relationship develop - there was a certain thoughtfulness to the way they dealt with each other that I really enjoyed. And then the chemistry between them? Goodness, it was delicious. I also have to note there were several moments throughout this book I was kicking my feet from feeling so giddy but nothing topped the gesture Griffin did towards the end of the story. It almost broke me with how sweet it was. Another winner from Karla Sorensen and I cannot wait for Griffin's twin brother's book!

A romance to capture your heart

A new Karla Sorensen book... I'm on it. LESSONS IN HEARTBREAK is book #1 Iin Karla's new series The Kings. If you love romance then you'll love this opposites attract, childhood neighbours, football player/librarian, small town romance. It is an emotional story with humour, angst, terrific banter, spicy lessons, and a wonderful slow burn between two amazing people.

Ruby Tate and Griffin King are two beautiful characters, and I couldn't have loved them more. Ruby is a shy librarian who, after receiving a "naughty" birthday present, has decided she needs some lessons in flirting and intimacy. Never did she expect Griffin, her childhood neighbour, to walk into her life and change everything. Ruby and Tate had such wonderful chemistry, and their connection only grew deeper and stronger as they shared their fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities. I loved their banter, it was flirty and fun, and when it became emotional it was engaging.

Ruby was fantastic and so easy to relate to. She had been through a lot in life, had terrible anxiety, was vulnerable, yet she was determined to get herself out there, even though it was going to test her every nerve. Griffin, a footballer in hiding because of a recent incident, is EVERYTHING, swooning over him was mandatory. From the moment he re-enters Ruby's life he is completely devoted to her. He's caring, loyal, patient, protective, and the added bonus ... he reads and watches historical romances, be still my beating heart.

LESSONS IN HEARTBREAK has become my favourite book from Karla. Once I started, I found it impossible to put down. It captured my heart. This is romance as it should be written, an unmissable read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

I have never met a Karla Sorenson book I didn't love and this book is no different. Childhood friends, spicy lessons, small town, sports tropes with all the feels and an HEA.

I’ve never met a Karla Sorensen book I didn’t like and this book was no different.

It was a fun lighthearted read that I couldn’t put down! Lighthearted but had spicy lessons which I loved so much. Griffin and Ruby grew up next to each along but reconnect in a hilarious but embarrassing way. I had second hand embarrassment for poor Ruby! Haha. The slow burn between these 2 was amazing and having a front row seat to Griffin’s Jane Austen movie marathons was so fun. I mean who doesn’t love a MMC getting in touch with his inner Darcy?
I adored the way these characters were able to reconnect and grow together. I thoroughly enjoyed not only the main characters in this book but the side characters. I truly hope Marcus & Griffin’s brother Barrett get books!

✨𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆✨

A playboy football player. A shy librarian. When old friends reunite, opposites attract in a witty and lighthearted romance about taking chances and falling in love against the odds.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Lessons in Heartbreak is the first book in the Kings series by Karla Sorensen. This is my first book by her and I enjoyed it throughly. I loved how effortless Griffin and Ruby’s relationship was. I adored how easy going Griffin was not only with Ruby but everyone around him. It was such a refreshing read but also beautiful. I loved the vibe and easy going environment Ruby surrounded herself with the small uncomplicated life she had. However, I also loved how Griffin made her step out of her comfort zone and experience more. Now I am really intrigued about the plans for the other King brother. Cant wait to see what happens next.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3

Griffin and Ruby are adorable!! Their banter was so good, the lessons were perfect, and Griffin was swoon worthy! The way their relationship developed was emotional, heartfelt and a a dream! I love a good sports romance and this one is a new fave! Add in some spice and it’s 5 stars all the way for me!!!

Lessons in Heartbreak is another example of what makes Karla's stories so freaking good: the very soul of these characters is practically pouring out and immersing me completely. To say that I loved Griffin and Ruby's love story is an understatement. I am still thinking about them even days after finishing their book.

Ruby is looking for assistance in learning to let go and she finds an unlikely helper in her quest: her childhood neighbor, Griffin. While at first they bicker and banter, but as they spend more time together their feelings towards each other turn deeper and stronger. But once Griffin's break from football is over, what will happen to their newfound relationship?

I love Ruby so much. Her desire to learn to let go and find someone who loves her for her spoke to me at a deep, deep level and made her so relatable. But even with her desire to let go, she had her spirit and sassiness that kept Griffin on his toes. Karla writes banter so freaking well and Griffin and Ruby's rank as some of my favorites from her. Griffin is equally as lovable. This man may have been the playful playboy, but he had to face some hard truths about his life and his relationships. Seeing his growth and his desire to put in the work was fantastic.

As Ruby and Griffin's relationship grew deeper and deeper, I found myself kicking my feet and swooning. I loved every angsty, emotional moment and cannot wait to reread them soon. Some of my favorite moments between Griffin and Ruby revolved around the Jane Austen references throughout the book. And I especially loved when the rest of the football team got involved.

I always love a Karla Sorenson book so each time she announces a new book I’m like desperate to get my hands on it, and each book never lets me down! To start, what really attracted me to this book was the relationship between Griffin and Barrett as twins competing to the point of hating each other, I loved their dynamic how that affected Griffin and his mindset of who he is. It made this story so good, and also makes me desperate for Barrett’s book that I’m hoping will be a single dad/nanny romance cause those kids are brilliant and too smart for their own good!

Ruby is struggling to connect and date after bad experiences and medical issues, so she ends up asking Griffin to give her dating advice and how to connect with guys she is interested in, and as it happens these two start to connect on a deeper level and just purely enjoy each other’s company. They never really become more than a friends with benefits situations as she is afraid to fall in love due to her life expectancy and so she struggles to take the risk to let them become more until a life-changing event. These two are a perfect romance where it’s important to take the risk when you truly find someone who sees you for who you are, loves you for that, and overall just makes you comfortable with all insecurities and more, that’s Griffin and Ruby! I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!

I am a huge Karla Sorenson fan so when she sent me her newest book, I was beyond ecstatic. I really enjoy this series that she writes for Montlake publishing. I also like how she cookie crumbles all the characters into the different books. I really enjoyed this childhood friends to strangers to romance. The FMC and the MMC really played off well on each other. They had very good chemistry and witty conversation. When it came time to real issues, I always think she does such a great job. Honestly, I didn’t even need to read the blurb because Sorenson is always a top writer for me.

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐
2🌶️

Wow wow wow... When I picked up this book, I definitely wasn't expecting this! Karla absolutely nailed the girl girl x bad boy trope and I was here for it!

Ruby works as a librarian in Welling Springs, but life has got her questioning recently. Whilst feeling like she's always played it safe by the rules, she wants to grasp life and start living it - especially when it comes to intimacy. With the help and encouragement from her bestie Lauren, she enlists the help of a expert in "how to seduce a man". Can't go wrong, right?

Griffin - the hotshot NFL player - is currently laying it low at his agents house in Wellings Springs, due to "unintentionally" bad-mouthing his brother in a recent interview with the press, thus landing him in hot water. Colour him surprised when he sees Ruby at the local coffee shop - his old neighbour who he hasn't seen in over a decade.

Whilst Ruby is waiting for her dating coach at the café, the last person she'd thought she'd ever see rock up is Griffin - the boy who used to tease her to no end. Surely, the universe is messing with her and Griffin isn't her new dating coach?! 😱

Oh my... did this book have me in an absolute chokehold! I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I wanted more! 💗🙏🏻

I truly adored Ruby - slightly awkward, a little insecure but also afraid of wanting more. However, when she's with Griffin, she doesn't feel any of that and it made sense that she asked him to teach her how to deal with intimacy.
Griffin has always been the fun twin, albeit his reputation and actions have gotten him into more trouble than he can count. What people don't know is that he always felt the need to be his own person, without people comparing him to his perfect brother.

Whilst the book does focus of Griffin helping Ruby become a much more confident person, they both go on a healing journey together. Ruby starts to see the real Griffin underneath all the public facade, but also can't help but feel guilty for wanting him, despite thinking he deserves someone who can give him forever. Griffin on the other hand can't deny his growing feelings for Ruby, the more time he spends with her. She makes him want to be a better person and for her, he'll do anything to make her happy.
GAH! Seriously could not adore them more as a couple! ❤️

I also swooned majorly hard for the little things Griffin did for Ruby and the nickname he gave her - "Birdy" 🐦... I just can't recommend this book enough!

Thank you to Karla, Montlake and Netgalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼

This book! Oh, my heart! I didn't know if it would be put back together after it broke! One of the most deliciously heart wrenching books I have ever read. Just WOW! Could Griffin get any more wonderful? Watching Ruby come out of her shell was perfect. This ranks up high on the list of my favorite Sorenson books. I laughed more in this book than any in recent memory. The banter is so spot on. Could not get enough of this book. The writing is amazing and not overdone. The side characters just add to the excellence of this book. Nothing overpowering or underwhelming. Perfect mix of main and side characters. Excellent job!

This is Karla’s writing at her finest. The characters were not only enjoyable but easy to relate to, the storyline was interesting, and there was emotional depth. Parts of the story were funny and I was hooked from the first page.

I loved both Ruby & Griffin. They were relatable and just an overall joy to read about. Griffin was charming, had a fun-loving spirit, and has always been the life of the party. Ruby was shy, always played by the rules, but was determined to experience life even if she is uncomfortable.

These two had been neighbors as kids and now years later, they encounter one another when they both are trying to change the way they are perceived. Griffin has outgrown his wild ways, but no one has seemed to notice. Ruby on the other hand, has always done what is expected of her and wants to break out of her shell a little but has anxiety and over the ways she has to. Griffin was the perfect person to help her with this because not only was she somewhat comfortable around him, but his laid back, playful personality helped put her at ease.

This story had deeper elements to it that I was not expecting and that made me enjoy it so much more. I love a story that brings out my emotions and this one definitely did that.

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Goodgirls PR, Montlake and Karla Sorenson for my ARC of Lesson in Heartbreak.

Storyline:5
MMC:5
FMC:5
Development of Relationship:5
Conflict:4
Emotional Impact:4
Total Score: 4.67

Karla Sorensen proved once again why she is one of my favorite authors as Lessons in Heartbreak was absolutely fantastic! Griffin and Ruby hooked me from the start, and I loved watching these two fall in love. Even though I know she writes stories that tend to make me cry, for some reason I wasn't quite expecting the level of emotions she brought with these characters. But I'm so excited that this isn't a standalone story, as I can't wait to see what she writes next!