Thank you to Karla Sorensen, Montlake, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

If I love anything, it is a book with banter that will make me laugh and swoon at the same time. This book definitely delivered. But this was just all sunshine and rainbows. It touched on some sensitive topics, and it was done so well.

I really love how Karla Sorensen writes. It's like you are best friends with these characters and you feel what they feel. If that makes sense.

5 Star Review Lessons in Heartbreak (The Kings #1) by Karla Sorensen

This was a fabulous read and if it is anything to go by then Ms. Sorensen has a winning series on her hands.

This is Griffin King and small town librarian Ruby Tate’s story and what an entertaining story it was.

I fell hard and fast for Griffin, he is my idea of a book boyfriend but I was frustrated by the doubts he had about himself as did Ruby. It broke my heart.

The growth that both Griffin and Ruby went through in this book was heartwarming and I was cherished for them to get their happily ever after.

If ever a couple deserved to find love, it was these two. An emotional story that got to me on numerous levels.

Karla can do no wrong. She writes books that you fall in love with. Griffin and Ruby were everything. The banter, lessons in seduction, emotion and love came through the pages and I felt them all. Griffin fell so hard, I loved him. I can’t recommend these books more!

Thank you very much to Karla Sorensen and Good Girl PR for this eARC!

I enjoyed this book! It had a good mix of light-hearted moments mixed with heavier topics such as health complications and family issues.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the tension between the two characters! Never before have I felt tension from a handhold?! And this tension carried on throughout their relationship (both emotionally and physically). I also appreciated the emotional growth that both characters underwent.

However, I do have some critiques of this book. Firstly, I was frustrated by the reasons why they were not formalizing their relationship. On one level, I completely understand why there is this fear of relationships and the natural inclination to avoid falling in love. However, there was also a part of me that was frustrated by the lack of communication between the MCs regarding this reason. Instead, both were under the impression that the other didn't want a serious, long-term relationship. Additionally, the issue was not resolved because the characters worked through their fear; instead, a big event at the end of the book triggered the formalization of their relationship, which was frustrating.

Next, I was also frustrated that there was no real resolution, or at least some kind of ending, to the familial issues between Griffin and his brother. This was a significant issue throughout the book, and by not resolving it (or merely discussing the steps taken to address it), a key part of the story was left out. It is only in the epilogues that we hear about the relationship slowly being rebuilt.

As a side note, I'm also fully choosing to ignore the fact that their romance (before the inevitable third-act separation) happened over three or so weeks.

Overall, this was a good book that I really enjoyed, but not one I would gravitate towards for a re-read.

Tropes:
- Football romance
- Opposites attract
- Dating lessons
- Small town
- Nicknames
- Family issues
- Medical issues

stop it right nowwww, Karla!! 😍 I love when the bookish girlie gets the footballer!! gah I haven’t felt this giddy and the FEEL GOOD in such a long time. the accidental meet cute?? the TEACH ME?! ma’am. throw in the audio with Aiden Snow rumbling about librarian kink and Samantha Brentmoor slaying as the sweetest, awkward FMC?!? perfection. I NEEDED THIS. 😩🥰

t r o p e s :
•bookish FMC, footballer MMC
•opposites attract
•childhood friends to lovers
•TEACH ME
•librarian kink
•swoony and spicy!

Thank you to Montlake for a gifted copy!

If you haven't read Karla Sorensen, do it. Her backlist is phenomenal. This one? Wow, it was so special. Former neighbors who find each other later on in life, he was the twin she didn't like, and he's the playboy giving her lessons. 09 Yes, I said it - LESSONS! What's more? She's the buttoned up librarian. *squeals*

I loved the easing into the lessons, as well as the tension. And when they fell, ugh so beautiful. It was fun to see both characters relatively clueless to their feelings until later on while also seeing the love for each other in the little gestures. And my heavens how precious those littles gestures were. I'm still not over it. This is a great book if you need something happy, a little less emotionally taxing (I know, I was surprised too), and full of so much heart.

**Please protect your mental health, as the FMC does have prior medical concerns talked about on page.**

I absolutely love every book I've read from Karla Sorensen, and Lessons in Heartbreak is a prime example of why. This book was funny, emotional, and engaging with likeable characters and a good balance of sweetness and spice.

Griffin is on an agent imposed time out after a PR nightmare when an article quotes him talking trash about his brother. The small town he's sent to is the last place he expects to see someone he knows, but that's exactly where he runs into his childhood neighbor, Ruby. She needs help with relationships and dating, and after a misunderstanding he decides to help her. However, it isn't long before feelings develop and the two of them find their chemistry and connection is very real.

Griffin and Ruby are fairly opposite so it was fun watching them fall for one another. Karla did a nice job making them both relatable and interesting characters. The story and relationship development were nicely paced, and I loved the small-town setting too. This was a great start to the Kings series and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Small town librarian and the hot shot athlete laying low who just happen to be childhood enemies? Say less.

There was so much to like about both Ruby and Griffin. Both very different and living a life that reflected it. But when a twist of fate brings them back into each other's orbit it was as if the stars aligned, the clouds parted and the angels sang.

I loved Griffin's pursuit of what he wanted. How he put it out there and went after it, and not in an overly aggressive, but an assertive way. And how Ruby, while reluctant at first, couldn't help but give into his charms. But there was so much more to it, to them than that. They connected on a deeper level than either one expected and it left them both shaken.

With Karla Sorensen's signature slow burn genius, Lessons in Heartbreak had me waiting for the moment Ruby would finally give in to what her heart wanted. And let me tell you, it was so worth the wait. Sexy, sentimental and sweet, Ruby and Griffin's opposites attract romance had me hanging on every word. And that ending...be still my swooning heart! It was perfectly them.

Ruby Tate, local librarian, realizes that she wants more out of life and to feel comfortable around men. She soon realizes that she shouldn’t have listened to her friend who advised her to meet with an escort for relationship advice. When Griffin King, a childhood acquaintance, arrived at her table she had no idea that he was an escort, but soon learns that he isn’t and wasn’t the man she was to meet. All embarrassment aside, and there was plenty of that, he offers to be the one to help her with her issue. As they spend time together, she begins to feel comfortable in his company, but of course there can’t be anything permanent between them. He is a professional football player with a lavish lifestyle and she is a small-town librarian. What could they possibly have in common? He enjoys showing her some of the activities she has been missing and she introduces him to her love of books and movies. He is unable to stop the attraction and feelings that he has for her, but knows that he is not good enough for her. He has skated through life on good times and talent, even putting him at odds with his twin brother. How does she tell him what she has been through which she believes makes her unable to form a permanent attachment with anyone? The heartfelt emotions and spirited dialog, as the two come to terms with this new relationship, made this a truly beautiful love story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This book!!! Small town librarian and a pro footballer?!? Sign me up!!

I swooned over Griffin Ann’s Ruby’s banter and their chemistry was amazing!! This book was great, being a good mix of angst and spice with a heartwarming story. More please!

Holy moly, Lessons in Heartbreak was a delicious slow burn!

Griffin and Ruby are former childhood neighbors; now in their thirties, they run into each other while he's hiding out in the small Colorado town where she lives. He's in town for a few weeks to lay low after a media fiasco, and they cross paths again when Ruby mistakenly believes he is the escort she hired to help her get over her fear of being intimate with a man. Not the ideal reunion, but it was certainly a memorable one!

Ruby has had some health issues that have left her feeling isolated the past few years. She desperately wants to get past her fears of being with a man, but does not want to put herself in a situation where love is part of the equation. Deciding that he can do a better job than any escort, Griffin takes it upon himself to be Ruby's intimacy coach... and she ends up teaching him a thing or two in return.

While Ruby's vulnerability stems from her health issues, Griffin has deep-rooted issues of not being good enough that trace back to his lifelong rivalry with his twin, Barrett. Watching these two open up to one another through their movie dates and book talk was heartwarming. Having been burned by an ex, Griffin never expected that he could be the "forever" kind of guy, and Ruby has zero desire to get into a long-term relationship because of her past. So of course, when these two fall in love, the Big Feeling have them both running scared. Seeing who he is on the inside, not just the monster football player the rest of the world sees, softens up the big brute.

Ruby and Griffin's chemistry was electric. By the time they *finally* got together, I was on the edge of my seat... even though it was the most bittersweet moment of their situationship.

The two epilogues with this book were absolutely perfect, especially the one set 10 years in the future. I can't wait to read more in this series! As a longtime Karla Sorensen reader, I loved the cameo from Liam and Zoe, now that Liam and Griffin are teammates. I really hope that Lauren and Marcus have a book of their own coming — because I need more of those two — and look forward to seeing Ice Man Barrett fall in love as well!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

Karla Sorenson does it again… another beautiful book and how two people can fall in love regardless of their pasts. And how they learn to appreciate the little things in life and just take it one day at a time. Ruby and Griffin knew each other as kids and neighbors and now they reconnect. She’s the quiet librarian and he’s the pro football player. Both of their pasts are affecting them and wanting them turn to each other thinking they don’t deserve or want love… it’s just an amazing read

“To the friends in our life who know exactly when to push us past our fears”

Just want to start off by thanking #netgally, Karla Sorenson, and Montlake for the opportunity to ARC read this beautiful book.

Griffin and Ruby’s story starts off as your typical semi-fake dating trope where Ruby, the local librarian is more or less looking for some… dating help. In walks Griffin, former childhood neighbor and off the charts attractive football star. Griffin definitely wasn’t what she pictured when she set out looking for help, but the universe works in some mysterious ways sometimes.

The quick witted book worm and the charming football star. The usual, right? But this book was anything but typical. You get a twist about half way through that makes everything click into place and really adds a layer of depth to this story that I wasn’t expecting, but made me cherish it so much more.

This book is was LITERALLY THE SWEETEST MOST ADORABLE BOOK EVER. On a scale of 1-10, the cuteness factor was a solid 100. PLUS Ruby and Griffins level of communication throughout the entire book? Chefs kiss 💋
I absolutely adored that there was no real miscommunication trope in this book and all the books references we got were so beautifully placed. Plus these characters were funny and relatable. I honestly wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars.

Overall rating- 5✨
Spice- 3🌶️


Will be updating with my Instagram link when it posts tomorrow

Small town
Shy librarian
Sports 🏈
Childhood friend
Opposites
Player MMC
Spicy love lessons
Meet cute

Main characters
Ruby
Griffin

Ruby is a reserved librarian who is looking to spice up her nonexistent love life. She has been through a lot and her last relationship left a dent in her confidence. Her and her friend think hiring an escort would be a good start.
Griffin is a popular NFL star. He is outgoing and enjoys a good time. A few unfortunate quotes and his agent sends him to a his cabin in a small town until things cool down.

The story is cute and fun. The characters are likable. A nice flow burn as they explore the dynamics of their lessons. The funny and flirty banter and low drama make this an easy read. The side characters add comedy. I love that Grufgin gets to show Ruby his real self and not the playboy persona that the public gets.

Nice beginning to the series.

“I will love you through every sunrise and every sunset because we’ve already missed too many. Do you understand me? I’m not going anywhere.”

And here I thought I was in for a lighthearted romance! Ruby and Griffin’s story was funny yet emotional and definitely had some moments that had my heart aching. All Ruby was looking for was some much needed “experience” in her love life, but she didn’t bargain for her old childhood neighbor, Griffin King, to be the one to show her. His cocky nature was good for her in more ways than one 😉🤣

“One kiss and a little groping, and I was a fucking wreck.”

The banter in this book was top notch, a freaking warm muffin joke almost had me spitting my coffee out in my car while listening! The blatant flirting from Griffin had me grinning and I loved how in turn Ruby got Griffin to watch her favorite Jane Austin movies with her. Their love was sweet yet daring and sexy at times, a fun and flirtatious romance!

I will never pass up a Karla Sorensen book, and this one was no different!

I loved these two! Griffin and Ruby are definitely opposites in a lot of ways, and have some grumpy/sunshine energy (she’s the grumpy one). While they knew each other as kids, the way they reconnect is definitely unconventional, and embarrassing for Ruby.

Ruby feels awkward and unsure around men, so she hires…a professional… to help her get over some of that. When she’s sitting at the coffee shop waiting to meet him, in walks Griffin. They have quite the miscommunication before the actual guy she’s waiting for walks in.

Right away, Griffin wants to get past the awkwardness and develop a friendship with Ruby. And pretty quickly, Ruby ditches her “professional” and asked Griffin to be the one to help her work through some of her awkwardness. But if course, for as much as they promise it’s temporary and no real feeling need to be involved…real feelings definitely develop.

My favorite part of this book was the ways Ruby and Griffin open up to each other and build trust. They had a good foundation to build off of, once they both were honest with themselves and each other about their feelings. They had some big things to work through, but in the end, they proved that they could work through anything!

I have to add, I’m definitely intrigued about Barrett’s book already! I can’t wait to see more of Griffin and Ruby in book 2!

I am so grateful I could ARC this book, my first time reading anything written by this Karla. This author stole my heart in the first chapter! I laughed out loud at Ruby's birthday gift mishap and her hilarious fear reaction. Ruby's quirky personality vibes perfectly with mine. Griffin? Total golden retriever energy with a dash of spice! His adventurous niece and nephew stole the show - I'm seriously calling for a spin-off novella! A feel-good, laugh-out-loud read with a happy ever after that left me smiling.

When you’ve been immersed in one world for so long, it’s hard to think that anything else will demand your attention like they did, Griffin and Ruby did just that.
Both Griffin and Ruby had fears and vulnerabilities that just cracked your chest wide open. One of the most beautiful things was how easily each of them was able to read the other. They could see through the masks that each of them put up to protect themselves.
Setting out to change how they think of themselves and others perceptions, Griffin and Ruby come together in an unconventional way.
Once again Karla has created a world that I want to see more of and characters, main and side ones that I’m invested in.
I’m very much ready and excited to see where this next series takes us.

This is a beautifully written small Town Romance with Second Chance vibes. The story flows effortlessly through the connection between these two people who once knew each other as children. Their meet cute was wholly unexpected and wonderfully funny. It started their journey on a fun note. Which helped with the organic build up of their relationship. It never felt forced but rather seamless and inevitable. They helped to heal each other allowing the time needed for a relationship to build. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’m not going to say much but definitely an excellent start to this new series by Karla.

Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen was such a fun and charming read. This is a small town, sports romance with spicy lessons and opposites attract. What could possibly go wrong between a sexy, charming football player and a shy, sweet librarian and an unexpected mix-up. I truly enjoy reading anything this author writes. Here we have Griffin and Ruby. When Ruby decides she needs to start putting herself out there, what else is a girl to do but hire an escort, right? Griffin did not expect Ruby, but sometimes the unexpected is just what you need.

Griffin and Ruby knew each other as children and now, their attraction, connection and spicy lessons were everything. I loved seeing Ruby wanting to get out of her comfort zone and finding the confidence and safety she needs from Griffin. I also loved how caring and patient Griffin was. Their connection was genuine and heartwarming to read. This was a great start to a new series and I am so excited to see what comes next.

Happy reading!