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!

From the moment I read this blurb, I had to read Lessons In Heartbreak. And I was hooked once I started. This story is full of moments that make you swoon and laugh. As Ruby and Griffin fall for each other, their journey is one with tender moments and smoldering tension.

Ruby is reserved and organized, but ready to dive into dating with confidence. So when a misunderstanding has her confusing her childhood neighbor with her hired “coach,” it leads her to reconnecting with Griffin King. The neighbor boy who use to tease her and his twin brother she use to crush on.

Griffin has this charm about him that pulls you in. His teasing banter and patience when it comes to Ruby is perfect, as it gets her to start to let down her walls. And his understanding of Ruby makes their connection all the more special.

I am looking forward to the rest of this series.

There were truly some fantastic tropes in this book.
-Pro Football Player
-Opposites Attract
-Sports Romance
-Small Town Librarian
-Childhood Neighbors

Following a bad experience with a man, Ruby, our control freak FMC, seeks help in how to approach and interact with men. While not her initial intention, she ends up with her childhood neighbor and pro football player, Griffin King. Their arrangement ends up being something very different than what both Ruby and Griffin planned.

I enjoyed the hidden emotional histories that both MCs had and truly understood why they each felt the way they did about current and future relationships. Marcus and Lauren were the best side characters and provided a great balance amongst the characters.

This was a quick read for me and overall I enjoyed it!

What in introduction to the new Kings series! Once again, Karla has written a book that captures the heart immediately and doesn’t let go. This one was fun, but also so emotional and heartwarming.

Griffin and Ruby, our MC’s, are just absolutely everything. I found myself compelled throughout the story and wanting to know more about these interesting, charming and lovable characters!

The storyline is unique, captivating, and written in a way that captures your attention for a moment one.

I absolutely was crying happy tears through the epilogue, and I actually reached out to Karla with a blubbery voice message when I was done because I just couldn’t believe how much this book nestled its way into my heart.

Cannot recommend it enough!

I was really excited to dive into this book after reading the intriguing plot summary. Ruby has never been in a relationship and struggles with anxiety around men. Initially, she plans to hire an escort to help her gain confidence—but then Griffin enters the picture. He’s her former neighbor, now a professional football player hiding out in her small town, and Ruby decides he might be the perfect person to coach her instead.

Griffin is charming, funny, and has a genuinely kind heart. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold was heartwarming. That said, I did feel the transition from Ruby’s deep discomfort around men to her ease with Griffin happened a bit too quickly—it could have used a bit more development to feel fully believable.

Still, I really enjoyed the emotional journey. Ruby’s reluctance to fall in love due to her medical condition added a poignant layer to the story. And Griffin’s accident served as a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable, and sometimes love is worth the risk.

Pretty much every time I read a Karla Sorensen book, I think it’s the best one. But, for real this time- this one has a special place in my literary heart. ❤️

From the beginning, there wasn’t any slow parts. I didn’t want to put it down- just more more more. There was love and loss. There were so many emotions, some heartbreak, but we didn’t have to dwell in the sadness too long, and it wasn’t frustrating. I didn’t feel like I wanted to yell at any of the characters. There were heavy themes and it was an emotional read- but it never seemed too heavy or too much.

The main couple and their friends were well developed and I loved getting to know them. I also loved seeing a favorite couple from another one of Karla’s books!

I loved this book and many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was honored to receive a copy of Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen. Thank you, Karla, Good Girls PR, and NetGalley for this opportunity. This book was a wonderful surprise and I am now a new fan of Karla Sorensen’s. Her writing is absolutely beautiful and she has a way with words that brings all the emotions to life. I read this one slowly because it is a bit deeper than expected and what I’m used to. I also had to pause my reading for 2 hours because I decided midway to finally watch Pride & Prejudice, which is mentioned several times. This book touched my soul in a way I never expected and in return, it filled with me with feelings of joy, gratitude, and love. Along with the deep feels, this book also made me laugh. The dynamic between Ruby and Griffin is perfect and had me cackling at times. I cannot wait to read more from Karla and look forward to the next book in The Kings series.

This book has a comfortable rhythm about it. It kinda feels like a sitcom from the early millennium. Ruby was prettt lonely and Griffin was the brooding hockey player that loves her for who she is. He also has a twin. Fractured family bonds with both characters are heartbreaking. They learn to love themselves and it was refreshing.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.

I have tried to finish this book. Normally I love this author. I just didn't get into it. Got to 70% and there simply wasn't anything exciting for me to continue. Maybe I will try to finish it sometimes but now it's not time.

Goodness gracious! This book has my heart. What an emotional romance book that will leave your heart so full. Griffin King was everything we love in books boyfriends. A must read book!

I don’t want to give anything away with my review. This book needs to be read by any and all romance lovers. This story is the reason romance will always be my favorite genre.

Ruby and Griffin meet many years after they were neighbors. Ruby is reserved but when Griffin walks back into her life, things change. Gahh..their friendship turns into so much more. Read this book.

Highly recommended.

A*R*C review from NetGalley and review team.

I was not expecting this tearjerker! Reformed playboy and stiff librarian, classic unlikely pairing that definitely hits you emotionally. Ruby had me hooked from the first page, I just had to read this in one sitting, could not put this down and did not want it to end! So many moments of will they say it, won’t they?! And so many times I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug…. I’m glad that Griffin was able to do that and was strong enough to support her. Adored this book, swooned over Griffin, laughed out loud at Marcus and just loved Ruby.

Lessons in Heartbreak is a lovely opposites attract romance with charming characters, football, libraries, and loads of Jane Austen references too. Karla Sorensen’s latest book is delightful, and perfect reading for a warm summer afternoon.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Librarian Ruby is tired of feeling awkward around men and wants to figure out once and for all how to talk to them…and do other things too. Naturally she hires an escort to help her out, who better than a professional? Only when her childhood friend, pro football players Griffin shows up, she mistakes him for the man she hired. Hilarity ensues. But Griffin is intrigued by the sweet, shy woman, and offers to help her out before football season starts. No feelings involved, and they both easily go their separate ways afterwards…right?

I adore a story with lessons in love and I was hooked on this book from the beginning. Ruby is so awkward, and I love how even her initial interactions with Griffin force her out of her comfort zone. And Griffin is worthy of full-on swooniness as he pushes himself to be patient with Ruby even when he doesn’t understand her hesitations. He also loves that she’s completely unimpressed with him and his fame.

And there are So Many Austen references! They are a treat for anyone who’s watched even one movie adaptation. The secondary characters here are wonderful, too, especially Griffin’s teammate Marcus and Ruby’s bestie Lauren. Griffin’s niece and nephew are a hoot, and have me looking forward to seeing more of them in his brother Barrett’s book.

Lessons is Heartbreak is a delight. Karla Sorensen once again writes a sweet and swoony romance with a tough football player with marshmallow insides and the shy woman who truly comes into her own. And if you are a fan of lessons in love and Jane Austen too, this romance is filled with treat after treat.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read almost all of this authors work and have absolutely loved everything. And then there is this book which is no exception. The hidden little easter eggs. The nuances between main characters. As always the background characters are always the icing on the cake. I still cry over the loss of the rookie. The whole book was amazeballs. Shout out to the opening line of Chapter 24. I am still laughing. I really hope this is a book 1 and there is even more to explore in this world.