Reviews

Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen

kanakosuwa's review

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emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

freadomlibrary's review against another edition

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4.0

Trigger warnings: mentions of parental death (cancer)

I've missed this series! It felt a little strange to read this one before the sixth book Shenanigans, but that's all my library's fault for buying them out of order haha. I really liked Vera and Ian. I am in a "opposites attract" relationship so I felt really identified with how much they bickered and how different they were, but also that they understood what they should really agree on. They were both really unique characters on their own and I also really liked how the plot developed a little beyond just them. However, I feel like I need a guide to remember what couple each book covers and the gist of their love story so I can keep everyone straight haha.

1bookobsessionconfessions's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 STARS
Ian is a hockey player who’s got flirting down to a science. He doesn’t care about his image, looks, etc. Despite being a tough hockey player he’s easy going and extremely likable and very lickable ;)
He has an image issue with some recent bad looking behavior and needs help with his image to appease his hockey team.
Vera is focused on her new fashion stylist business. She seems a bit prissy and uptight. She’s very career driven and single minded. I began to really like her as her layers got revealed.
The two are new neighbors and they clash immediately, yet they both are aware of their strong attraction despite being opposites.
The banter and humor is fabulous.
The flirting and the wordplay is amazing.

They have mutual friends and end up on a summer getaway to Italy.
The story takes place in Lake Como mostly and it sets a beautiful backdrop to this sexy romance where Ian is her sexual tutor and Vera is his image makeover specialist.
The chemistry, the flirting, the banter and emotions are all so entertaining.
The sex is absolutely FIRE

leahana's review against another edition

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5.0

Another fun sports romance by Sarina Bowen!

Love Lessons is Vera and Ian’s story. They have an opposites attract vibe and some good banter.

Who doesn’t love a gruff misunderstood main character?! It’s one of my favorites honestly so I liked getting to know Ian better as the book went on. As for the inexperienced vibe from Vera, ehh not something I typically like, but these two had chemistry and Sarina is an excellent writer so I enjoyed it.

Cameos by other characters in the series were a nice touch

hannah109's review

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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nightowlbibliophile's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

readfrenzy's review against another edition

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4.0

Will I ever tire of Sarina Bowen’s professional hockey novels? Evidently the answer to that question is no—and I don’t even like hockey. Love Lessons is another welcome addition to the Brooklyn Bruisers series.

So often in the “hero needs a PR makeover” trope, the main character is a pathetic hot mess—boozing, womanizing, and brawling. Ian Crickey, on the other hand, is a truly decent, humble guy. He’s just dealing with a couple of unfortunate recent incidents in the public eye. The story does a good job highlighting his vulnerable side.

Ian and Vera are polar opposites. He wears threadbare t-shirts and thinks shopping is a joke, while she makes a living as a stylist. I loved her fashionista’s point of view and the positive effect her passion has on those around her. Ian exudes confidence in the bedroom, but Vera has some serious self-esteem issues. His patience and sensitivity in helping her overcome them is wonderful. When they’re not in the bedroom they are arguing, but it’s all in good fun. They just click.

One of the perks of reading this series is that couples from other books are never forgotten. It was nice to be reunited with Ian’s teammates and their partners. Much of the book takes place during a group trip to Italy, and I lived vicariously through their luxurious Italian vacation. Molto bene!

The audiobook is narrated by Joe Arden and Rose Dioro. As usual, they bring humor and warmth to their depictions.

Recommended for fans of:
Sports romance
Fashion
Italy

*I received an early copy of the audiobook. This does not affect the content of my review.*
Reading Frenzy Book Blog

colleen1011's review against another edition

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4.0

This is one of my favorite series and and I love how the author is able to give each couple their own story with its own twists and turns and not repeat the same story over and over. I loved Vera as a character , she was a great main character to root for and I loved her and Ian together. I found this to be a great story and I read it quickly. I would recommend to others.

xxbooksilovexx's review against another edition

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5.0

Another great listen by Sarina Bowen. It's always fun when you get to spend time in the Brooklyn Bruisers' world. Loved Vera & all her quirkiness. Also Loved Ian's tough but sweet guy persona. Put Vera & Ian together on an Italian vacation and watch the "love lessons" fly. Really enjoyed their story. Excellent narration by Rose Dioro & Joe Arden.

melinda1962's review against another edition

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5.0

5+ The majority of this book takes place at Lake Como, Italy. Enemies to friends with benefits while on vacation. Ian and Vera were very sweet together. The ending of this book was also a great ending to this series.