119 reviews for:

Learning Curve

Max Monroe

3.95 AVERAGE

charlottenw1's profile picture

charlottenw1's review

4.0
challenging funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Scottie and Finn’s story begins with off the charts chemistry. She’s the virginal cheerleader; he’s the brooding bad boy. From the very first page you can tell their romance is gonna be electric. Their development and character arc grows stronger every time they face setback after setback.

While the virgin trope isn’t usually my go-to, this one lands better than most. Scottie doesn’t feel like a stereotypical “pure” heroine clutching her V-card like it’s a shield. Instead, she’s resilient and grounded—someone whose vulnerabilities build her character, not define her.

Finn isn’t just “the silent, broody hero” in the rough; he's like an onion and has many layers revealing a fierce protector with a heart of gold. His growth was addictive to read about.

Their bond is relentlessly tested. Still, as a reader, you may find yourself wishing the drama dialed itself back a notch or three. At times, it feels like something new is introduced just to prolong the emotional ride. Could have had a few pages less. The length occasionally drags, and certain plot twists felt like overkill.

Watching Scottie and Finn come out stronger on the other side of turmoil is heartwarming. They’re not perfect, but they fight for each other—again and again. Scottie and Finn’s love story is emotional and raw—and while the pacing and propensity for drama can feel heavy at times, their journey toward growth and mutual support keeps you rooting for them. 

hexgirls13's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

I liked this book a lot up until 80% when the author decided to randomly throw in a severe accident leaving the FMC a paraplegic and then 3rd act breakup. It was SO RUSHED we never got closure I don’t consider this an HEA at all and I wish I was warned. This was very depressing and sad and the author had a lame attempt at trying to paint this as an HEA.

So be warned this is not a HEA.

thatchickjenn's review

4.0

3.5 stars

mandiisbooked08's review

5.0

I absolutely devoured this book.
Max Monroe has a way of drawing you in immediately. The book was well-paced and I didn't feel like it had any moments that dragged.

This is a college aged romance about Finn and Scottie. They have an immediate attraction, but both struggle with demons from their past. They both come from dysfunctional families. Finn's dad is an abusive drunk that imbedded Finn with the notion that he is not worthy of love. Getting to the point where he slowly lets Scottie in was so delicious.

Finn has protective qualities over everyone he loves. The best part of the book was seeing his new friends and Scottie reciprocate the protectiveness over him.

I loved the way the author kept the reader on their toes. You never could quite figure out what was going to happen. There is so many surprises and twists that all bring the story to a pivotal end.

So much drama, so much heart, such amazing characters. I cannot wait to continue this series. The side characters are just as endearing.
emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

megan_r1's review

2.0
funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ACR:
I'll probably read the next book in the series cause I'm intrigued, but if I end up not liking it I won't be continuing.
This is a straight up wattpad book, and I've read good ones....but this yeah, NO.

Scottie (fmc) I could not stand her at all, like her name. She was whiny and pathetic with zero backbone and I get there needs to be character development, when there's a demeaning toxic bf/ex bf in the mix. 
But that all happened/ got resolved within the first 20%-30% and that's not enough for me to get connected or sympathise with her as a human. It's like she actually wanted to be in the relationship with him and felt like she deserved it or somthing but knew deep down she didn't love him or cared about him and knew it was bad. 
Finn (mmc) he was okay, but was a wet blanket cause he was like 'I don't deserve her' - 'I need you' - 'Stay away from me' - 'I love you, forgive me.' Like PICK A LANE BOI. 
He did get better in the last 40% but at that point I checked out.

The plot had so much going on but yet nothing at all. There was family drama that he was being overdramatic about like he wanted his half brother to feel what he felt about his dad not being in his life, like dude he doesn't even know you existed. There was so many miscommunications throughout like just pick when you wanted to finish the book, than stringing it along cause you don't know what else to write about. 

vixenbookaddict's review

5.0

For all the fans of the Billionaire Bad Boys that have been wanting a second gen series, it is now our time!! If you haven’t read them, what are you waiting for? But you don’t need to have read the Billionaire series in order to enjoy this book. I enjoyed all the appearances from Thatch & Cassie and friends and a lot of appearances from the Winslow brothers.

Scottie and Finn’s relationship really is quite the ride. There are lots of ups and lots of downs and it made it so much more captivating that way. I was always trying to figure out what was going to happen next. When Scottie and Finn start college, Finn is the bad boy with a lot of anger about how he grew up and he has plans to uncover a secret. Scottie is the virgin cheerleader who has a boyfriend but he is garbage! Scottie and Finn instantly connect and keep finding themselves in the same place.

The love between these two is so strong from the very beginning, but they have all these obstacles and wrong moments that slows their HEA. With every push and pull moment, you can still tell how much they love and care for each other. I really enjoyed how this book took place over most of their first year of college. The ending is really going to put you through it the most. Completely unexpected, Max Monroe really want you to feel ALL THE THINGS with this one!

I am excited to get more from these friends, particularly can’t wait to see if Blake can win the heart of Lexi!

Heaven

I need MORE! I thoroughly enjoy Max Monroe standalones, but the books connected to the originals feel like coming home. I binged this and got no sleep last night, thanks to all the endorphins spurring me on. Please, keep going and never stop!
adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

When I picked up this book I was a little skeptical because I thought maybe with it being "college aged" characters it would be too young for me.  My love for Max Monroe had me picking it up and giving it a try anyway.  I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!  
Yes, it's a bunch of college kids.  Yes, there's partying and drinking and all the stuff most college students get into atleast once.  However, there's also, trauma, drama, family and relationships.  Both MFC and MMC have histories of parental abuse (so take the trigger warning to heart).  Both characters struggle with thinking the deserve good things to happen to them.  The MFC, Scottie, is the star cheerleader, the MMC, Finn, is grateful he got into college on a scholarship and trying to stay out of trouble so he doesn't lose it.  However, when drama is shoved in Scotties face, she doesn't know what to do and Finn does whatever it takes to protect her.  
Just when I didn't think I could get enough of this book, Max Monroe throws a curveball and completely nails the ending and gives all the vibes.
Go buy this book.  I promise you wont be disappointed.