“You make me feel like a better version of myself.”

I had such a lovely time with Learning Curves. This is a tender and healthy romance, in which both characters do not hesitate to communicate –once the channel “established”– and honestly I think we need more of that kind of romances (BTW, were most of the healthy romances I’ve read this last few months queer? Yes. I let you do whatever you want with that observation).
Audrey is such a great young character (she’s in her late 20s), with the same positive energy as a Golden Retriever puppy, while Michelle is tired, difficult to approach, and, yes, very black cat. I loved how her mental state is described, as much as how she reborns during the story. I’m not one to read a lot of age gap romances, but this one was great, especially because there isn’t a true power imbalance in favor of just one of them, and because that’s something that worries them, and that they discuss together.
But what was my fav’ part is how important art –especially women artists– is in this story. It helps them to get closer to one another, but also to discuss feminism (and patriarchy) in both art and academia.
Add to that a magnificent scenery, fall vibes and some super hot moments (that pottery scene!) and you have a cute romance, both sweet and hot… a very good time!

Thanks to the author and Montlake for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

This book gets it. If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn sapphic romance that simmers with tension, navigates complicated power dynamics with care, and still finds space for tea-fueled flirtation and pottery wheel seduction—Learning Curves might just be your next favorite read.

Audrey is all bright energy and fresh hope, returning to Northshire University to teach with a spark in her chest and a memory in her bones: Dr. Michelle Thompson, the once-inspiring professor who unknowingly sparked her first queer crush. But the Michelle she finds now? Guarded. Grumpy. Burnt out from a career that hasn’t lived up to its promise and a marriage that left her questioning everything. And that disconnect—between who Michelle was and who she is—sets the stage for one of the most tender, carefully drawn workplace romances I’ve read in a while. And Rachel Lacey takes such good care of us throughout this book

There’s so much to love here. The age gap is treated with nuance. The former student/mentor dynamic? Handled with integrity and respect—Michelle’s initial discomfort with Audrey’s past feelings isn’t waved off or romanticized, and that makes their eventual connection all the more powerful. Watching these two women slowly unspool each other’s defenses is a quiet kind of magic.

And the communication? Chef’s kiss. No third-act breakup, no cheap miscommunication trope—just two women navigating their fears and desires like adults. It’s... deeply refreshing.

Plus, the sapphic steam is real. Like, “ice-down-my-tea-because-it's-so-hot” real. Clay and wine and reawakened longing? Say less. 🔥

While some internal monologues can come off repetitive, especially on Michelle’s end, but I understand WHY and the emotional payoff and grounded intimacy more than make up for it. Rachel Lacey continues to craft stories that feel like a warm hug and a daring kiss all at once.

Also? The Quinn Riley audiobook is going to ruin me in the best possible way.

Learning curves is thoughtful, steamy, mature, and deeply affirming. I loved this ode to second chances—both in love and in rediscovering yourself.

*academia
*autumn
*sapphic
*age gap
*professor and former student /professor
*slow burn

A fun read and though I was hoping for a little more chemistry between Audrey and Michelle, I liked this one.



Thank you to Montclair and NetGalley for the DRC

I LOVED this book so much. I've read a good number of Rachel Lacey's books and this one is now my favorite of hers. I love a college setting during the fall - it's one of my favorite settings in books! I really felt like I was in Vermont during the fall with these characters teaching Art. I loved that we got both of their perspectives - and I just loved both Audrey & Michelle. This had some really sweet romantic moments - hello pottery wheel scene!!! How Audrey got Michelle to open up and warm up to her was so sweet to read - I really felt every moment between them. Perfect fall romance!

Read if you like:
- Sapphic romances
- Books set during the Fall
- Books set in Vermont/ New England
- Academia setting
- Art (especially art history and ceramics)
- Age gap
- Teacher/former student
- The pottery scene in Ghost
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Good steam
- Cats
- Aspiring authors / writers
- Hot professors

Definitely one of my faves of the year and I highly recommend picking this up on Sept 2

*Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review*

I am not one to finish a book and immediately want to reread said book. This book had me wanting to do just that.
The story moved along at a great pace, no sagging story lines here. The relationship between Audrey and Michelle built slowly on sound foundations and didn’t feel rushed. But people, people, people, there was communication! It wasn’t instantaneous but built upon as the friendship started to develop. Communication was communicated as a condition of said friendship building. This book just hit all the happy reader marks for me. The flirting. The witty banter. The pulling and pushing someone out of their comfort zone with the understanding of their limits. The sexy times. The art. The communication. This book just did it for me.
A fine and engaging book

Learning Curves by Rachel Lacey is an absolute gem of a romance novel. It's thoughtfully written, emotionally satisfying, and refreshingly authentic. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the warmth of the characters and the depth of their journeys. Each character feels fully realised, with growth that unfolds naturally and never feels forced. It can feel rare to find a romance where both leads are so well-developed and relatable, but Lacey handles this with finesse.

The plot is perfectly paced, steady and engaging without ever dragging or rushing. There is a wonderful balance between personal introspection and romantic development, making every chapter feel meaningful. The romance itself is believable, heartfelt, and brimming with chemistry. It grows in a way that feels both realistic and rewarding, with just the right amount of tension and tenderness.

Rachel Lacey has a gift for creating stories that are not only romantic but also deeply human. Learning Curves is a beautiful reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth the risk. Highly recommended for anyone who loves smart, emotionally rich romance with heart and substance.

This was very cute and an easy read!
I love the dynamic between Michelle and Audrey and I think crushing on your professor is a top tier trope 😅

While I found these characters to be endearing I do wish the “slow” burn was a little less slow. The book is 250 pages and there were parts where it felt like it was dragging on. That being said, I loved the ending (and that pottery scene?! HOT).

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

This was such a bummer of a miss for me. The slow burn was slow burning a bit much for me and honestly I didnt feel like I even enjoyed either character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing with an e- ARC of this book!

4 ⭐️
This was SO FUN!
I really enjoyed some of the tropes that were in the book (age gap, university and a sprinkle of forbidden / ex student - professor romance).
I thought it was really well done, because the characters COMMUNICATED! Which truly showed how emotionally mature they both were while still being vulnerable with each other.
I loved how they uplifted each other always, and that at the end of the day it’s so beautiful seeing two women excel separately professionally but also together romantically!
I need to read more Rachel Lacey books!

This was actually so good! it's my first book by Rachel Lacey, but I enjoyed it so much. while the first part started out a little slower, I began to really fall in love with these two ladies and their slow burn romance. the tension was thick, and I was thoroughly intrigued and giddy watching these two fall for each other. Michelle was such a complicated character, but she ended up being my favorite by the end, certain aspects of her personality definitely made me feel connected and seen in different ways. Audrey was a fun character, so full of life and excited about everything and I enjoyed how in the small ways she brought out the real Michelle and an even better version of her. I really loved their dynamic and how it was so seamless and honestly easy that their friendship turned into love.

This book was a good and a good introduction to Rachel Lacey's novels, I can't wait to explore more of Rachel's books. :)

Wow! Rachel Lacy does it again. This story was exceptional. I felt the author did a phenomenal job with the plot and characters. This was a sweet (with steam), age gap romance. Audrey discovers she is teaching at the same university as her old professor/first female crush. She discovers she is teaching the course Michelle has been pitching for years. I really enjoyed the chemistry, emotions, romance, and spice.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

For the past year, Rachel Lacey has cemented herself as one of my favorite sapphic authors. Cover Story is one of my most adored romance books of all time, and every one of Lacey's books I have read since have rated 4 stars or above, and Learning Curves is no exception! Following Art History professor Audrey as she returns to her alma mater as the newest faculty member and her long-time mentor, the jaded professor Michelle, this novel explores not only an unlikely (and almost taboo) love but also delves into the complicated and often unfair world of academia. As a recent graduate and staff member of a small New England Liberal Arts University, who also happened to grow up in Vermont (where this novel is set), this book was MADE for me, and I am happy to report that it is so evident that Lacey did her research! Every aspect of the collegiate environment made perfect sense, and as a teacher myself, I could completely relate to Audrey's enthusiasm and Michelle's cynicism, which breathed life and believability into this novel. Beyond the setting, the romance is also adorable, as it is very easy to root for these two characters and their relationship. My only critique is that I wish this novel spent a little more time hashing through their previous student-teacher relationship.

Lacey knows how to write a grounded, cute sapphic relationship, and I cannot wait for this novel to come out. While it is not my favorite of Lacey's writing, this was still an incredible story! I am so impressed with how Lacey portrays a realistic setting, and Lacey, unlike a lot of authors, truly gets the quintessential small town New England vibes, especially VT!

This is a lovely read, a perfect sweet romance, and an ideal summer beach read. To use lyrics from Frozen, true love thaws a frozen heart.

This was a quick, lighthearted read, perfect for people who love romances with fall vibes.
I was intrigued by the premises, I love art and the "student x professor" and "workplace romance" tropes and this book is a great interpretation of both. I liked Audrey's character, she was so sweet and understandable, the perfect match to Michelle, she was what she needed to change her life for the better.
Michelle at the beginning wasn't exactly pleasant but her development was done really well.
Overall I enjoyed the story and the pace of the relationship, but around the end of the book I got a bit bored.

I first want to thank Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read Learning Curves by Rachel Lacey. This review is solely my opinion.

Where to start... Rachel Lacey has done it again! I fell in love with her books when I first started reading Don't Cry For Me, and Leaning Curves does not disappoint.

The story follows Audrey, a newish associate professor. All her previous jobs had been short-term adjunct postions. She finally lands her dream job, sort of. She has a one year contract working as an associate professor at her undergrad alma mater. Even more exciting, she gets to work alongside her undergrad advisor, Dr. Thompson, whom Audrey had the biggest crush on while in college. Audrey is upset to learn that her favorite professor is no longer the woman she remembers. Michelle Thompson is stuck. She is working on getting over her recent divorce. She is stuck teaching intro level classes to a bunch of students who don't care. Then, she finds out that the new associate professor has been given the class she has been pitching for the last 5 years. Michelle and Audrey find that it is easier to get along and work with each other rather than try to hate each other. They both make strides and grow independently as well as together.

I gave this read 5 stars, and I definitely recommend giving it a read when it comes out on September 2nd.

I love you ice queens
I love you queer women in academia
I love you professor/former student trope
I love you no 3rd act breakup
I love you Rachel Lacey

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC of Learning Curves!!!

Okay…Miss Rachel Lacey first of all, thank you for adding another sapphic book crush to my list. Excuse me Dr. Michelle Thompson, but my sapphic heart…swoon. I guess I have a type.
Second Cover Story and Star Collide cameo’s, thank you freaking-lutely. Lastly, women in tweed with an english accent, and an age gap romance.
Would I recommend this, age gap, enemies to lover, swoony sapphic romance. Hands down yas! Looking forward to the audio book.

I wanted to love this book so much. Sapphic, education setting, some pining, but I ultimately felt like the build up was a bit slow and boring and didn't have the angst it could have. As in, it could have been so much more.

The writing was accessible but the dialogue was a bit simple and awkward at times.

There wasn't anything overly wrong with the book. But I feel like I will forget about these characters pretty quickly.

I've rated this a 2.5 star but rounded up to 3 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

3.5 ⭐ rounded up

This was such a cute, lighthearted book. It was really nice to read a love story between older female leads, too. Audrey and Michelle were such fun characters, and their romance was adorable! I’m usually more of a romantasy reader, but the summary of this one made me request the ARC — and I’m happy I did!

Overall, it was a really solid book when it comes to characters, plot, and romance. However, this book had some slow moments, and too much filler information during these more mundane scenes, such as lengthy thoughts on the cat’s previous and current feeding routine. This is just an example, but things like this would be talked about for multiple paragraphs sometimes, and felt like an attempt to hit a certain word count. This isn’t the biggest issue in the world though, and I still had a lot of fun with this book!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was incredibly adorable and sexy. I really enjoyed my time reading it and, once I got into the story, I flew through it. My only complaint, which is a fairly big one, is that the dialogue felt like it was written by AI, especially when referencing social issues. It's common for people to talk about societal issues in academia but the way they actually voiced their opinions and concerns made them seem like robots. Will still recommend to anyone who likes sapphic romances but with the asterisks of awkward dialogue.