Rating: 5⭐️ | Spice: 3🌶️
What to Expect:
Childhood Neighbors to Lovers
Football Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Quiet Librarian FMC
He Falls First
Opposites Attract
Family Drama
Spice Lessons

Thank you SOOOO much Karla and @good.girls.pr for this free ARC and bookmail!

“I didn’t know what power this movie had, but I wanted her to hold my hand more than anything in the entire fucking world.”

Review Title & Vibes:
{BROKEN BUT IN THE BEST WAY} I have a new favorite golden retriever MMC - his name is Griffin King. Lordy does this man know how to have a good time. Deep down all he wants is something real - respect. Ruby Tate is more than what she seems - not just a buttoned-up “birdy” looking for a way out of her self-imposed cage. She’s so freaking brave. I couldn’t love this pair more! This story had me running through the gambit of emotions - at 50% the book title became abundantly clear. I’m convinced Karla Sorensen can do no wrong, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting her next installment of this series!

Things I Loved:
•small town goodness - I’d love to live in this perfectly quaint Colorado town
•wild bestie name LAUREN! That girl is unhinged and I couldn’t get enough of her (or her love interest)
•real deeply meaningful backstories - I connected with these MCs

Recommended to...  
Anyone in need of fantastic opposites attract romance with all the feels!

3.5 stars

I was eagerly awaiting this book. Sadly, it didn't rock my world. That's not to say that it wasn't good, as it was. It just never quite hit the mark for me.

I never really connected with the story or characters. I needed it fleshed out, especially about Griffin and how brother. I'm hoping the next book, if it is the brother's story it will give that a more complete story.

Still a fan of this author. Although it wasn't my favorite, I'm sure it will delight other readers.

Lessons in Heartbreak is an all new series starter from Karla Sorensen. It follows a carefree player named Griffin and a cautious Ruby who hasn‘t lived life to the fullest yet.

Griffin and Ruby have known eachother growing up so to meet again unexpectedly isn‘t in any of their plans but they quickly form a sort of friendship that helps them both.

I really enjoyed their story! This series starter is the perfect story to start off with. It has a healthy amount of emotion and you‘ll just fall in love with Griffin.

4.5 Stars

This was a sweet story. I always enjoy anything Karla Sorenson writes. Both characters were fun and sweet together.

Loved it. So much! Total fan of opposites attraction with all the swooning and steam that I need! This is why Karla is a one-click author for me!

Lessons in Heartbreak reunites childhood neighbors after years apart. Ruby, an anxious and inexperienced librarian, crosses paths with Griffin, a charismatic football player seeking refuge from a PR scandal. They reconnect as they help each other navigate their respective challenges.

The book offers a light, heartwarming read with moments of genuine emotional growth for both characters. While enjoyable, I struggled to fully connect with Ruby and Griffin and their relationship felt underdeveloped, especially given the quick timeline of the story. Ultimately, the slow pace and lack of chemistry kept me from being truly invested. It was an interesting storyline that unfortunately fell flat for me.

While on vacation, Griffin ends up meeting his childhood neighbour Ruby. She seeks his help with some “lessons” and he ends up getting roped in to help her.

While he does teach her some things, I loved how Ruby ends up imparting her wisdom too, via books and historical romances (cue hand flex!). What started off as something casual soon develops into something more.

Thank God for good friends like Lauren. Sometimes we truly need a friend to give us the right push and perspective. This book totally made me use up my tissues as it imparts a very important message about not taking things for granted. Every day, every moment, that we get to spend with our loved ones is a precious one.

Sorensen does it again! I didn't want to put this one down!

Ruby is looking to be more confident with men to overcome a past negative experience and wants to get out of her safe routine that has left her lonely, When she mistakes her former childhood neighbor as the escort hired to teach her how to seduce, they reconnect and he starts her lessons.

Despite being a pro football defensive player known for his wild antics, you see that Griffin is more similar than thought to petite librarian, routine and safety, Ruby. Both feel they are in boxes and don't want to live under those perceptions anymore. They help each other grow through support and partnership.

I loved how they opened up to each other in ways they don't to others. And their chemistry was electric! Their passion was immediate, and as they clearly fell hard, became even more intense.

Overall, there was some nice humor, a lot of passion and tension, and SO MUCH YEARNING. Sorensen wrote their love and chemistry so well that I wanted to highlight everything it was so good. I didn't expect Ruby's past, but it was so interesting because the conflict felt unique and reasonable. And they came together, never to be lonely again, in a great ending!

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for an arc to read and review!

Read for: seduction lessons, sports romance, librarian x football, childhood neighbors-strangers-lovers, opposites attract, dual POV

(omg I've realized why the title is the title- perfect.)

4.5 stars
2.5 stars

Oh my god I loved this book so much! It’s a 5 star read for me. Griffin and Ruby were just everything. I loved the premise, I loved watching them grow. It was just everything seeing them organically fall in love in the middle of a hilariously outrageous situation. Lauren is a hoot too! I want a book for them!

Thank you to Montlake for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lessons in Heartbreak is the first in a brand-new series by Karla Sorensen featuring the King family—and after finishing this one, I’m already eagerly anticipating book two.

This story has a fun setup with just the right blend of second-chance and childhood familiarity. Ruby used to live next door to Griffin and his twin brother, spending her younger years climbing the tree between their houses to spy on them playing sports. She may have even crushed on Griffin’s twin—but Griffin? He just teased her relentlessly.

Fast-forward several years, and Ruby is dealing with a fear of intimacy that stems from a deeply personal and well-explained reason (handled with nuance and care). In an effort to overcome it without risking emotional fallout, she decides to hire an escort. But instead of a stranger showing up to meet her at the café… it’s Griffin. The annoying twin she hasn’t seen in years. And just like that, we’re off.

What follows is a heartfelt, flirty, and emotionally rich slow burn that genuinely surprised me with its depth. From tension-filled “lessons” to quiet, vulnerable conversations and charming Jane Austen movie nights, Griffin and Ruby’s relationship evolves with such a thoughtful cadence. Their emotional connection—and the care with which they start to understand each other—is one of the book’s standout elements.

Griffin, in particular, starts to fall hard, and watching his walls come down made for a swoony, satisfying arc. Ruby’s journey is equally moving—full of self-reflection and strength, as she navigates what she wants and deserves in love.

This book has the signature Karla Sorensen charm: warm characters, genuine emotional stakes, and just the right amount of steam. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of the Kings in the next installment.

This was a new to me author which is always fun. Griffan King was the boy next door who relentlessly teased Ruby. That's ok because it was his twin brother she liked best anyway. When she moved away still as a child, she thought she'd never see the King twins again. Fate had other plans. Ruby wants to finally get serious about getting into the dating game but when a dating coach doesn't quite work out, she ends up with none other than Griffan King playboy of the two King brothers. Griffan for his part is never taken seriously and maybe there were reasons for that, but Griffan is not at all what he seems. Griffan decides he can be coach to Ruby. Thing is they actually end up teaching each other and maybe falling in love. These two had some personal obstacles to overcome. Didn't make it easy the least bit. Lots of interesting side characters to help move the story along. Definitely enjoyable and worth reading the next book in this series.

Find out more about Karla Sorenson here Karla Sorensen

4 stars

“that’s what it was about. It wasn’t just saying we loved each other—it was showing it. Choosing each other, through all the hard.”

If early 2000s romcoms raised you, this book is definitely for you. It carried that familiar sparkle—the banter, the charm, the comforting rhythm—but it also carried something heavier. something that will settle quietly in your chest and stay there.

Ruby was the kind of heroine I loved immediately. her warmth, her awkwardness, the way she tried so hard to stay whole despite everything. I felt her loneliness, her longing, the ache of wanting to be touched without fear.

then there was Griffin. he wasn’t just the brooding hockey player or the twin she didn’t expect to fall for—he was so much more. I loved that he didn’t try to fix her. he met her where she was. he didn’t pull her out of the dark; he sat beside her in it. their chemistry wasn’t loud or rushed—it built slowly, in the glances, in the jokes, in the quiet.

but this wasn’t just a love story. It was about grief, too. about family wounds that don’t close cleanly. Griffin’s fractured relationship with his twin and Ruby’s past… and when that unraveled, I had to put the book down and breathe. It hurt. but it mattered.

I came in looking for the comfort of a romcom. I left carrying something heavier, something better. a story about healing, not fixing. about being seen, even in your brokenness.

and I’d read it all over again.

many thanks to the author and netgalley for the eARC

If you know me, you all know how much I love Karla, so this is going to be a walk in the park...

Lessons in Heartbreak is a delightful blend of funny, heartfelt, and slow burn romance that left me feeling so warm inside. Karla, as always, masterfully crafted a story that balances emotional depth with lighthearted moments, making it a winning read for me.

The story follows a shy librarian who, in an attempt to overcome her fear of intimacy, hires an escort in attempt to up her dating game. Enter Griffin King, her childhood neighbour turned professional football player, who is decidedly... not the escort she hired. The ensuing mix-up sets the stage for a series of witty and emotionally charged interactions between the two. Seriously, the banter is giving in this book and I LOVED IT.

Griffin is your typical playboy athlete, but there's more to him than meets the eye. His unexpected reentry into the librarian's life brings both chaos and clarity, challenging her to confront her fears and rediscover herself. Their chemistry is on fire, and the slow burn of their relationship development is both satisfying and realistic.

Karla's writing was centre stage as she delved into themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the complexities of rekindled connections. The characters are well-developed, each with their own quirks and depths that make them relatable and lovable.

Lessons in Heartbreak is a beautifully written romance that captures the essence of both second, and once in a lifetime, chances and the courage it takes to open up your heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced readers copy!

While I love this trope, I was not engaged by these characters or their romance. Found it hard to believe and cringe.

Lessons in Heartbreak is the first book in the Kings series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Ruby was awkward and shy, andl Griffin was the complete opposite. He was a football star and a (reformed) player.

I loved these two so much! Griffin brought Ruby out of her shell but not completely changing her; he just helped her gain more confidence.

Their relationship went from lessons to real love, and I loved seeing the two of them fall for each other.

There were some heartbreaking and emotional moments. But there was also so much love.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Sweet Ruby & Griffin. This book was so sweet and the characters were adorable together. Ruby & Griffin found each other again and helped each other grow. Their love story was adorable. Lauren and Marcus were hilarious and provided good levity. Can’t wait to read Barrett’s story with his HEA. The kids were adorable. Enjoyed it so much!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

This is the first book I have read by Karla Sorenson and I will absolutely be reading more!

Lessons in Heartbreak, book 1 in The Kings series, follows Ruby Tate, a shy librarian, and Griffin King, an NFL player with a bad boy reputation. Their love story is so so sweet. They had amazing chemistry and there was lots of sexual tension. Griffin is so observant of what Ruby needs and a great teacher. Both Ruby and Griffin have their own personal problems but with each other's help they conquer their fears and push each other to be better.

Lauren and Marcus are hilarious side characters. When Ruby and Griffin have difficulties expressing their feelings for one another, Lauren knows exactly how to push them in the right direction.

For fans of:
-He falls first
-Football player x librarian
-Childhood neighbors to lovers
-Dating coach
-Playboy x good girl
-Small town romance

"I knew two things right in that moment: Ruby Tate was so much sexier than she realized. And I was completely fucked."

"A world without Ruby Tate. Fucking unfathomable."

"I see you, Griffin. Not what people say about you or what you used to be. I see you, and I have never respected anyone in my life more."

*Thank you to Netgalley, Montlake, and the author, Karla Sorenson, for the ARC. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

Ahh I loved this book so much. Whenever I pick up a book by Karla, I know I'm going to experience a wide range of emotions. Lessons in Heartbreak was no different. I laughed, I cried, sometimes doing both on the same page. Karla's books always have the perfect amount of angst.

Griffin is perfection and the ideal book boyfriend. I don't think I will ever find a MMC that adores the FMC as much. Ruby may be my favorite FMC. In the beginning she was very reserved and I enjoyed seeing how Griffin brought her out of her shell. I loved banter between the two and the insane chemistry. They just clicked from the beginning.

As always the side characters were great and really add to the story. I have a feeling that Barrett may be getting a book and I would definitely read that! I would love to get more from his side.

If you're looking for a book where you'll love both the FMC and MMC, I highly recommend Lessons in Heartbreak!

Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book early!

This book was honestly just ok. I got bored after a while and had to heavily skim through the book. I feel like ruby didn’t really have any character and was just so bland, but then we were supposed to believe she got an escort??? Ms goody two shoes who literally never did anything wrong bought an escort?? Like that just wasn’t believable to me at all. Griffin was honestly just okay, but was definitely sweet when he needed to be. Overall this book was ok and I might still read on.

“I want all of your days. Every single one, because they’re so f**king precious.”

I didn’t know what to really expect when I started reading this book. I’ve been dipping into more contemporary romances this year and it’s been a refresher for me.

I absolutely adored Ruby and Griffin! The story starts off with our shy, innocent and sweet librarian, Ruby Tate, who bumps into her childhood neighbor, Griffin King, after a mixup at a coffee shop. He’s a playboy, football pro who’s in town after a PR incident, and boy do they remember each other. Ruby fears intimacy and Griffin makes an arrangement with her to sort of “teach” her the art of intimacy.

I cried a few times reading this story. Both Ruby and Griffin have gone through so much and have experienced heartbreak in different ways. These characters learn to love themselves with help from each other and it was so lovely to read about. Ruby gained confidence and Griffin learned what it was like to fall in love. Well they both did. I absolutely loved Lauren and Marcus aka Ruby and Griffin’s individual best friends. Their personalities were so much fun and I could tell how much they cared about Ruby and Griffin.

I am so proud of how far both Ruby and Griffin have come since the beginning of the book. Ruby truly found herself and her confidence, and it was truly inspiring for me as someone who is very shy. Griffin was definitely unexpected seeing how he was a playboy at the beginning and his emotional maturity was on another level throughout the book. There was one scene I loved during the fair, where Griffin showed that he’d do anything to make Ruby smile and aHHH, I wish I knew how that kind of love felt!!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I did see some characters pop in from another one of Karla’s books that I’m now interested in reading!! Fall in love with Ruby and Griffin as much as I did!

Thank you so much to Good Girls PR, NetGalley, and Montlake for the eARC and to Karla Sorensen for the physical arc! I am so glad I read this book!