𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝, 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐-𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚁𝚞𝚋𝚢 𝚃𝚊𝚝𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚝.

✨𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨📚
🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️ (5/5)
🌶️🌶️ (2/5)

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚎𝚝:
•childhood neighbors
•football player/Librarian
•opposites attract
•spicy lessons
•sports romance
•small town
———•———•———•———
I was hooked from the start with the childhood neighbors connection. All to find out they weren’t exactly friendly, but that left us with the perfect slow burn.

When they reconnect years later Ruby is still the book nerd librarian with little to no experience with man, but wanting to get out there and get experience. Insert Griffin and his playboy persona who is up for the job.😮‍💨

The main thing I love about @karla is the depth of emotion she added to the story. When you think it’s just a frienemis to lovers with witty banter it turns out we see the vulnerability of each character.

Whether you go in blind, read all the reviews or are talked into reading it by a friend 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭! It’s great!!

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 Karla for allowing me the early reading opportunity!🩵

This was a fast read! Not one of my favorite from her, but I’m excited to read more in this series. I enjoyed the variation of experiences discussed within the book, with the FMC’s heart transplant and there was a good resolution to it all. I also appreciated the author sticking with not eventually making them reproduce. Happiness can look different for everyone.

Lessons in Heartbreak made me laugh, swoon, and cry—more than once. Karla Sorensen delivers yet another heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that had me completely hooked from start to finish.

Griffin King is everything I didn’t know I needed—a charming, cocky football player with surprising depth—and watching him reconnect with shy, rule-following librarian Juliet was pure magic. Their chemistry crackled from the very beginning (even through the hilarious escort mix-up), and the way their friendship slowly deepened into something more was so sweet and satisfying. This is the kind of story that celebrates quiet strength, vulnerability, and the beauty of taking a chance on the unexpected.

Seeing Liam again was such a fun surprise for longtime Karla fans, but this book easily stands on its own. If you love opposites-attract, small-town romance with banter, heart, and a touch of spice, Lessons in Heartbreak is a must-read.

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Okay Karla I was unfamiliar with your game! This was so good, I felt so connected to Ruby and how she felt it really hit hard. The chemistry between her and Griffin was insaaaaane and I was giggling and kicking my feet that he was the only one she felt safe with. Their relationship felt so real and raw and Karla really beautifully captured navigating a relationship when you’ve never let anyone in before.

If Karla writes it, I'm going to read it. Lessons in Heartbreak is the first book in The Kings series, following Ruby Tate and Griffin King. Ruby is a quiet, shy, and introverted librarian who has never really felt confident around me. Griffin is her childhood neighbor, who is now a professional football player. After some PR issues, Griffin finds himself back in their small town of Welling Springs, Colorado. Ruby and Griffin run into each other by chance, and Ruby unknowingly mistakes him for the dating coach/escort she hired to teach her how to be more comfortable with intimacy. Still needing help, Griffin agrees to help her build confidence, but only if they agree not to fall in love.

This was such a fun, sweet, and emotional read. I loved Ruby and Griffin together. Ruby is super relatable. She is smart, a little anxious, and struggles with new experiences. I loved how, despite all of that, she was determined to push beyond her comfort zone and learn. Ruby was so easy to root for. Griffin has been added to my list of favorite book boyfriends. Underneath the typical playboy football player facade, he is thoughtful, sweet, patient, and all in with Ruby. Griffin made Ruby feel safe, and I loved every second of it. These two had amazing chemistry, and their banter had me laughing out loud. They both saw each other for who they really were. Ruby's story broke my heart, but watching Griffin approach everything with care warmed my heart. Lessons in Heartbreak has a sizzling, slow-burning romance, fun side characters, and a happy ending that will make you giddy. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I LOVE Karla’s book and as soon as I saw that the FMC was a librarian it was cat nip for me!
I’m planning on re-reading it on audio as well!

When a blast from the past ends up changing your future. What a beautiful story of life, learning, and making big decisions that you realize have effects on the people around you.

I am loving this new series! The writing is fantastic and flowed so well, and I loved these two main characters! Ruby and Griffin were childhood neighbors, through rough and tumble Griffin was always playing around with his twin brother while Ruby watched from her treehouse. Life led them down different paths, though now they’re back in a small town again, where Griffin is laying low when feuding with his brother in the media. Ruby is shy and very formal, and she wants to experience dating without getting her heart broken. She hires an escort, but mistakenly thinks Griffen is who she hired. After the initial awkwardness, Griffin decides to coach Ruby, to feel more confident in herself. I honestly really like these two. They found comfort and camaraderie in each other, especially as they navigate how to be different people and being accepted by others. I like how they can be vulnerable with each other, but also supportive. Really enjoyed this one!

I haven’t read Karla in awhile…shame on me. This book is so fantastic! Filled with amazing characters, tropes and an amazing HEA!! The scene where they painted each others portraits had me laughing so hard. This is just one of the laugh out loud moments in this story. Griffin, a hockey player, might be tough on the outside but he’s caring, protective and a very loving person . His “coaching” and encouragement may set your kindle on fire…holy smokes. Ruby is a librarian, leads a quiet life but is determined to get out more and become comfortable dating. This is a beautiful love story filled with taking chances, learning to trust and learning to let go. There are many laugh out loud moments, deep/heavy conversations and a whole lot of love. A fantastic read!!

For right now, I just have two thing to say about this story.

I hate that I am limited by 5 stars. This isn’t a 5 star story. It doesn’t even touch most of the books out there with 5 star ratings. This story transcends all rules of rating and reviewing and I don’t know if I have the words to describe what I just experienced … stay tuned.

And Karla, if you happen to read this, thank you for this journey.

Okay, three things! The performance by Samantha Brentmoor & Aiden Snow was fantastic, but Samantha, she was bigger than even outstanding and I just want to hug her for so vividly and poignantly bringing Ruby to life.

ARC REVIEW- LESSONS IN HEARTBREAK

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Tropes:
🩵Sports Romance
🩵Football Player MMC X Librarian FMC
🩵Opposites Attract
🩵Childhood Neighbors
🩵Spicy Lessons
_________________________
Thanks to Karla Sorensen and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
_________________________
Karla is one of my go-to authors when I’m wanting some sports mixed with big emotions. She definitely doesn’t disappoint with Lessons in Heartbreak. It definitely reminded me of a 2000s rom com but with the angst cranked up to a 5.

Griffin and Ruby’s (re) meet cute was absolutely hilarious and definitely hooked me. I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet but it had me genuinely LOL’ing. It gave me rom com from 2000s vibes.

I loved it all. The spicy lessons. The banter. The inner turmoil and childhood trauma to work through. And I loved how through it all, you could see such a lovely relationship develop between the two of them. Reading Karla is always a no brainer for me.

Great book. Hot guy on the cover. Sports romance. It’s got it all and you won’t be disappointed picking this one up. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I initially picked up this book on NetGalley expecting a breezy small-town romance, but what unfolded was so much more than that. Packed with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and an emotional depth that took me by surprise, this story turned out to be a gem.

At its heart is Ruby, sweet, a little clumsy, and quietly determined to take charge of her life—even if she feels stuck and inexperienced. In a rare moment of bravery (and classic rom-com fashion), she takes an unexpected leap and tries to hire an escort to help her get out of her shell. Or so she thinks. Enter Griffin King, her childhood neighbor,, who just happens to be a handsome professional football player. One chaotic, laugh-out-loud mix-up later, and we’ve got the makings of a truly delightful opposites-attract romance.

What begins as a playful setup quickly blossoms into something much more heartfelt. Griffin doesn’t just help Ruby gain dating confidence; he gently encourages her to believe in herself in ways she never thought possible. And during their so-called “lessons,” their connection catches fire—both emotionally and romantically. But what really makes this story shine is how layered and authentic it feels. Griffin, who could’ve easily been reduced to a charming jock stereotype, is instead grounded, patient, and quietly vulnerable. He’s not there to “fix” Ruby—he simply shows up for her, offering the kind of steady support that helps her flourish. It only made me fall even harder for the hero and cheer this couple on even more.

What truly captivated me about this story was experiencing Ruby’s journey—seeing her gradually embrace her own self-worth and open herself up to love was an emotional and satisfying ride. Griffin brought even more layers to the tale; beneath his confident swagger and charm was a man grappling with how to be truly seen, and that subtle vulnerability made him unforgettable. The romance itself was a masterclass in the art of the slow burn, woven with tender, heartfelt moments that caught me off guard in the most wonderful way.

I also loved how the story dug deeper, exploring themes like grief, family baggage, and the often messy, imperfect road to love. And let’s talk about the fiery side couple—Marcus and Lauren brought endless sparks to every scene they were in and completely won me over. That unforgettable window scene in the epilogue left me laughing with sheer joy!

To top it all off, Griffin’s nieces were delightful, adding so much warmth and charm to the narrative. Every element worked together beautifully, making this a truly memorable and heartwarming read.

That said, there were a few bumps along the way. Some third-act twists felt a touch predictable or needlessly dramatic, especially toward the end. And while the supporting cast was generally well-done, certain characters—like Griffin’s twin—felt underutilized. (Looking for his story.)

But minor quibbles aside, this book is so much more than a flirty romance. It’s a heartfelt story about vulnerability, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected of places. If you’re a fan of childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamics, small-town charm, or romances that blend swoon-worthy slow burns with genuine emotional payoff, don’t wait on this one—add it to your TBR now!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for providing the eARC.

Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors!
Got all the feels while reading this book. It was nonstop reading from beginning to end. Cannot wait to read what she has in store next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was so wholesome, I loved it!! It had everything I could want: it’s funny, sweet, sexy, and full of emotional depth. The tension between Griffin and Ruby was amazing, but what really stood out to me was how deeply they connected. Their relationship felt so real and raw, and the emotional journey of the story as a whole just hit perfectly.

Griffin was perfect for Ruby. I was rooting for them so hard, and I loved how their bond grew through both the light, flirty moments and the heavier, more vulnerable ones.

Karla’s books always get me, she somehow balances sweet, steamy, and heartfelt so well. I’ve read the Ward Sisters series and loved it, and now I want to go back and read everything else she’s written!

⭐️5
🌶️2.5

I can’t get enough of every book that Karla has written and this one is no exception. I’m in love with the humor and emotional elements that are brought to life in Griffin and Ruby’s story.

Griffin is a professional football player and his twin brother is a professional coach. Ruby grew up with the brothers and had a crush on Griffin’s brother. Then she runs into Griffin after hiring a professional to assist her with dating and seduction. Ruby is beyond embarrassed but Griffin is insistent that he can help her. They come up with an arrangement that works and become closer. Throughout their time spent together, Ruby learns that Griffin is not just the goofball that he portrays on the outside and begins to see him for the man he truly is on the inside.

The banter between Ruby and Griffin is unmatched. I love her quick wit and ability to take his ego down a few notches. Ruby is also so strong and has been battling on her own for so long that she doesn’t accept help easily. Griffin is hands down my favorite. He is hilarious, sweet, and perfect for Ruby. I love that she helped him with his brother and healed him too.

So much heartbreak!

Ruby is tired of being the stable, predictable, "old soul" that she's always been, so she sets out to broaden her horizons - especially when it comes to dating. But then things go sideways when she runs into a familiar face - Griffin, who with his twin brother lived next door to Ruby when they were children, and who is now a professional ball player hiding from his latest scandal.

We have an opposites-attract romance here, with former playboy Griffin finding out his heart is vulnerable after all, and sheltered Ruby who has very serious reasons for never venturing too deep into the dating pool. I absolutely adored how their relationship developed, almost against their wills, and based on so much more than simple physical attraction. The depth of their connection surprised even themselves, and I loved watching them figure it all out.

This is my first book by this author, and I have to admit I'm hooked. I hope there's more to come in this series. Highly recommended for anyone who loves to read contemporary romances.

I oh so enjoyed this book about a librarian and football player. This world sucked me in. There is heat, heart, and fun. I can’t wait for the next book to return.

I voluntarily read an early copy.

Out of all of Karla’s books I have read, this one is my favorite. My literary heart couldn't handle all the swoon worthy moments with Griffin and Ruby. I especially loved all the Jane Austen and Jane Eyre references.

Griffin and Ruby’s story is an epic love story. There is so much love, loss, heartache and regret. Ruby has gone through so many health issues that she doesn’t like taking risks and has emotionally shut down. Griffin is the ultimate rule breaker that never steers away from a fun challenge. His new challenge is to break Ruby free from her quiet life. He is everything Ruby needs to start feeling alive again and she is everything Griffin needs to stay grounded. This book was amazon from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book.

Just as I was wondering why the book is named so, the reason became clear. Be it as much as the progress of the story broke my heart, it still held me captive right to its sweet epilogues. Known for writing “heartwarming characters with emotional depth,” Karla Sorensen has done it yet again with Griffin and Ruby. Tears may or may not have been involved. And the obsession over the “hand flex?” Top tier!!

After a reading slump of books I could not finish, I started off with appreciation for this book because it was't hard for me to stay connected... until it was. The story didn't offer much new and things got very meh. I then bounced around some non-fiction books -- yes, that's how bad my reading slump is that non-fiction actually reads better -- and did my best to come back to this.

How I got through this was speed read, skimming for the dialogue to keep me engaged. Ultimately, that means this deserves at least 1.5 stars and needed more chemistry, depth and connection to get this to a solid ok 2 star rating.