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Love Lessons Learned #1
Love Lessons Learned
John Wainwright is having a momentous day. To start off, he lands his first teaching job. Then his brother, Evan, and Evan’s husband, Daniel, take him out to celebrate in Manchester’s gay village. An encounter with a sexy man forces John to admit what he’s been denying for too long—he’s gay. His coming out proves he’s supported and loved by his family and roommates. What more could a man want? There’s just one small problem: John’s dishy Head Teacher, Brett Sanderson, and John’s gigantic crush on him. Too bad Brett is straight.
Brett Sanderson leads a double life. At thirty-three, he is the Head Teacher of a primary school. But for seven years now, during every school holiday, Brett has fled to Brighton, where he becomes ‘Rob,’ a man who has a different guy in his bed every night but has never had a relationship.
Once he’s back in school, Brett is firmly back in that closet, until his newest staff member starts prying open the door. When John pulls out all the stops to get Brett’s attention, neither man is prepared for the consequences.
Brett Sanderson leads a double life. At thirty-three, he is the Head Teacher of a primary school. But for seven years now, during every school holiday, Brett has fled to Brighton, where he becomes ‘Rob,’ a man who has a different guy in his bed every night but has never had a relationship.
Once he’s back in school, Brett is firmly back in that closet, until his newest staff member starts prying open the door. When John pulls out all the stops to get Brett’s attention, neither man is prepared for the consequences.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2014
11 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Wells
177 books1,849 followersK.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...
And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 26, 2014
4.25 stars
After reading her Collars & Cuffs series and her Personal series, I can say with conviction there are many things to love about K.C. Wells' books, particularly:
1. Her MCs are British, talk like sailors, and drink tea.
2. She writes steamy, passionate sex scenes.
3. She always has a HEA and then follows up with the characters in another book so the reader can see that they're still blissfully in love.
Love Lessons Learned checks all three boxes.
I was thrilled that the MCs aren't cops or international spies or shifters but...TEACHERS. Yes, elementary school teachers at that!
Brett, 33, is the head teacher at a primary school in an economically impoverished neighborhood in England. He is in the closet and gets his kink on only when he heads out of town a few times per year. Brett is professional to a fault and very much emotionally unavailable (so much so that I wanted to bitch slap him a few times).
John, 24, is a new teacher just hired on at the school. He's newly out and the brother of Evan (Daniel's husband from the Learning to Love series). John is a virgin and has three newly acquired, hilarious housemates. He also has a 10-inch cock. It's true. *nods solemnly*
John and Brett dance around each other until Brett makes a move. Cue Brett being a complete arse, and John moping around with his poor heart dragging on the ground. As much as I wanted these guys to get AND stay together, I wish John had been slightly less pathetic. As such, he caved at the first "I'm sorry." I was not a Brett fan initially, but he grew on me. In the end, he stood up for himself, John, and their relationship.
Besides Brett not knowing what the hell he wanted and pushing John away for the first 60 percent of the book, there were two plot points that created tension: one involving an unhinged parent who wants to do a grab-and-run with his kid and another featuring a manipulative, jealous teacher at the school. Thankfully, neither veered into melodrama territory.
I adored John's housemates and their interactions with John (and eventually Brett). Stu, Alec, and Martin were engaging and had me laughing aloud. I am betting they all get a story, and that makes me insanely happy. The slow burn and build-up between John and Brett was delicious. There's also a party involving tequila, spin-the-bottle, and John showcasing a very dirty, very impressive talent (in that order).
Huge thumbs up for the wanton, smexy times (get that fan ready!), the witty dialogue, and the sweet HEA. This is a nice beginning to what's sure to be a great series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
After reading her Collars & Cuffs series and her Personal series, I can say with conviction there are many things to love about K.C. Wells' books, particularly:
1. Her MCs are British, talk like sailors, and drink tea.
2. She writes steamy, passionate sex scenes.
3. She always has a HEA and then follows up with the characters in another book so the reader can see that they're still blissfully in love.
Love Lessons Learned checks all three boxes.
I was thrilled that the MCs aren't cops or international spies or shifters but...TEACHERS. Yes, elementary school teachers at that!
Brett, 33, is the head teacher at a primary school in an economically impoverished neighborhood in England. He is in the closet and gets his kink on only when he heads out of town a few times per year. Brett is professional to a fault and very much emotionally unavailable (so much so that I wanted to bitch slap him a few times).
John, 24, is a new teacher just hired on at the school. He's newly out and the brother of Evan (Daniel's husband from the Learning to Love series). John is a virgin and has three newly acquired, hilarious housemates. He also has a 10-inch cock. It's true. *nods solemnly*
John and Brett dance around each other until Brett makes a move. Cue Brett being a complete arse, and John moping around with his poor heart dragging on the ground. As much as I wanted these guys to get AND stay together, I wish John had been slightly less pathetic. As such, he caved at the first "I'm sorry." I was not a Brett fan initially, but he grew on me. In the end, he stood up for himself, John, and their relationship.
Besides Brett not knowing what the hell he wanted and pushing John away for the first 60 percent of the book, there were two plot points that created tension: one involving an unhinged parent who wants to do a grab-and-run with his kid and another featuring a manipulative, jealous teacher at the school. Thankfully, neither veered into melodrama territory.
I adored John's housemates and their interactions with John (and eventually Brett). Stu, Alec, and Martin were engaging and had me laughing aloud. I am betting they all get a story, and that makes me insanely happy. The slow burn and build-up between John and Brett was delicious. There's also a party involving tequila, spin-the-bottle, and John showcasing a very dirty, very impressive talent (in that order).
Huge thumbs up for the wanton, smexy times (get that fan ready!), the witty dialogue, and the sweet HEA. This is a nice beginning to what's sure to be a great series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2014
Written April 28, 2014
3 1/2 Stars - pleasant about love at work - a nice and cute teacher romance
I read Dani's 4.25 stars review some weeks ago, and that's a very good rating from her. ~ Thanks Dani, you drew my attention to this nice story and the impressive length of 10...
I liked this one but I must admit that I hesitate between to round up to 4 or down to 3 stars. Since I'm on vacation and haven't had much time for reading maybe it depends more on me than the book, that it became a bit tedious at times. - To give this book justice it actually feels most fair to put four red stars on the top here.
***********************************************************
Love Lessons Learned is about love at work and "the first one"...
John Wainwright got his first teaching job on a primary school. He has just admit what he’s been denying for too long—he’s gay. But he couldn't guess his first gigantic crush should be for the Head Teacher, Brett Sanderson. Too bad Brett is straight.
Brett lives an double life. At thirty-three, ha has for seven years now, during every school holiday, fled to Brighton, where he becomes Rob, a man who has a new unknown guy in his bed every night but has never had an real relationship. ~ And now his world just turnes upside down, he is absolutely not unmoved by his school's new young attractive and very sexy male teacher.
...John and Brett are in each other's lives and jobs. The school days and hot forbidden feelings begin to flow together.
***********************************************************
It is a different about ten years of age at the two male main characters, but even if John sometimes feels very young and innocent is not Brett so experienced he either. It becomes a bit of two blind leading two other blind beginners at relationships. Although the story alternated between John and Brett, it was still mostly John's story. He needed an older stronger man, he needed to be cherished, pampered and hugged - and got the whole package. Brett was just the right man for him and John's new housmates (Stu, Martin and Alec) was all perfect best-buddies.
There are a lot of good ideas about a wonderful friendly gay community, school policies, student problems, be open about your sexuality at work, daring to live the life you want, etc, in this novel. Sometimes it reaches the front, sometimes not. ...And maybe it was a little lengthy at times and maybe too much information, etc. about all the friends (which we certainly get to meet in the coming books), but on the whole, nicely done.
Love Lessons Learned wasn't my first novel by K.C. Wells and I really like her N.I.C.E romances. Her characters are men who are simple, ordinary, fragile and also very emotional characters. These tales are far from the hard tough gay man's world - and I like that as well sometimes. Ms Weels gives me cozy reading about cute gay guys I really wish all the best. I believe in their love as well, it feels realistic. It may take some time in these books but it all feels so practical and possible in the end.
Moreover, it is moderately steamy (..but quite sexy) and full of wonderful gay housemates, friends, colleagues, students and family. We even got a little dramatic suspense. These books just have a lovely "family" feeling that leaves you wanting more.
***********************************************************
Sometimes it's maybe a tiny bit too sugary and sweet for me. All friends are gorgeous, the sex is amazing, the feelings huge... Even so, I dare to recommend Love Lessons Learned to romantic feel good readers.
I LIKE - very enjoyable and nice...
3 1/2 Stars - pleasant about love at work - a nice and cute teacher romance
I read Dani's 4.25 stars review some weeks ago, and that's a very good rating from her. ~ Thanks Dani, you drew my attention to this nice story and the impressive length of 10...
I liked this one but I must admit that I hesitate between to round up to 4 or down to 3 stars. Since I'm on vacation and haven't had much time for reading maybe it depends more on me than the book, that it became a bit tedious at times. - To give this book justice it actually feels most fair to put four red stars on the top here.
***********************************************************
Love Lessons Learned is about love at work and "the first one"...
John Wainwright got his first teaching job on a primary school. He has just admit what he’s been denying for too long—he’s gay. But he couldn't guess his first gigantic crush should be for the Head Teacher, Brett Sanderson. Too bad Brett is straight.
“Imagine sitting in front of him, toying with a ruler,” suggested Martin. “Running your finger along its lenght, glancing at his crotch, then back to the ruler. Let your finger slide untli you've measured off about seven or eight inches. Then look ecpectantly at him.”
Brett lives an double life. At thirty-three, ha has for seven years now, during every school holiday, fled to Brighton, where he becomes Rob, a man who has a new unknown guy in his bed every night but has never had an real relationship. ~ And now his world just turnes upside down, he is absolutely not unmoved by his school's new young attractive and very sexy male teacher.
...John and Brett are in each other's lives and jobs. The school days and hot forbidden feelings begin to flow together.
***********************************************************
It is a different about ten years of age at the two male main characters, but even if John sometimes feels very young and innocent is not Brett so experienced he either. It becomes a bit of two blind leading two other blind beginners at relationships. Although the story alternated between John and Brett, it was still mostly John's story. He needed an older stronger man, he needed to be cherished, pampered and hugged - and got the whole package. Brett was just the right man for him and John's new housmates (Stu, Martin and Alec) was all perfect best-buddies.
There are a lot of good ideas about a wonderful friendly gay community, school policies, student problems, be open about your sexuality at work, daring to live the life you want, etc, in this novel. Sometimes it reaches the front, sometimes not. ...And maybe it was a little lengthy at times and maybe too much information, etc. about all the friends (which we certainly get to meet in the coming books), but on the whole, nicely done.
Love Lessons Learned wasn't my first novel by K.C. Wells and I really like her N.I.C.E romances. Her characters are men who are simple, ordinary, fragile and also very emotional characters. These tales are far from the hard tough gay man's world - and I like that as well sometimes. Ms Weels gives me cozy reading about cute gay guys I really wish all the best. I believe in their love as well, it feels realistic. It may take some time in these books but it all feels so practical and possible in the end.
Moreover, it is moderately steamy (..but quite sexy) and full of wonderful gay housemates, friends, colleagues, students and family. We even got a little dramatic suspense. These books just have a lovely "family" feeling that leaves you wanting more.
***********************************************************
Sometimes it's maybe a tiny bit too sugary and sweet for me. All friends are gorgeous, the sex is amazing, the feelings huge... Even so, I dare to recommend Love Lessons Learned to romantic feel good readers.
I LIKE - very enjoyable and nice...
April 16, 2014
I feel like I'm being a party pooper by bringing a 3 star review to a party of super high ratings. While this book was enjoyable, I had some issues with it that I couldn't get past.
To start, this book felt both like the middle of a long series and the start of a new series. Now, I know you are saying, "DUH, Heather, that is because it WAS", but let me continue. I have a pet peeve with certain first books in series. When I start a book, I want to read about the couple at hand, not get 1,000 sneak peeks into other books that are coming in the series. I felt like much of the interactions with John's housemates were just that- setting up for their books. I didn't constantly want to know about the sadness in their eyes or what types of guys they were looking for. It became almost distracting for me. While I really enjoyed the tight-knit bond that these housemates had (though the speed at which they became so close didn't really read true to me, but that is another matter), I just felt like my attention was too divided.
At the same time, I also felt like I was lacking a bunch of back story about some of the side characters, though this book is billed as a standalone. A lot of the guys from the "Learning to Love" series make appearances and I felt like I was missing something by not having read that series as well.
Another issue that I had was with Brett and John's dynamic. Though I ended up liking them together, I felt like John was a little too doormat-ish for my taste.
Also, as you guys may know, I'm a gay-virgin lover (ahem, understatement alert). Give me a gay first-timer and I'm a happy woman! However, I felt like some tension was missing with John and Brett's first few encounters. I could have used more hesitation, more anxiety, more... something. I know that what went down is sort of key to how the rest of the plot played out, but it felt a bit anticlimactic for me.
My last complaint is that, honestly, the beginning of the story was a bit... boring. I had trouble getting into the plot and connecting with the MCs.
Okay, okay, I got all of my bitching and moaning out. Now, onto the good stuff. As the book went on, I think the plot really picked up and ended up having some nice action that kept the pace moving well. I got into the groove at around 50% and smiled my way through the second 1/2 of the story. I also really liked that one scene with everyone playing truth or dare. I don't know how the scene really fit with the rest of the plot but... DAMN, can I sit in next time, guys??? To be a fly on that wall...
I also enjoyed the overall feel of the story, if that makes sense. It is easy reading, a light book despite some moments of angst. It was a nice way to pass my time, even it I don't think it will stick with me later.
So overall, a solid "like" read for me and a decent first book in a new series. I think I'll be tuning in for more, especially Alec's story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
To start, this book felt both like the middle of a long series and the start of a new series. Now, I know you are saying, "DUH, Heather, that is because it WAS", but let me continue. I have a pet peeve with certain first books in series. When I start a book, I want to read about the couple at hand, not get 1,000 sneak peeks into other books that are coming in the series. I felt like much of the interactions with John's housemates were just that- setting up for their books. I didn't constantly want to know about the sadness in their eyes or what types of guys they were looking for. It became almost distracting for me. While I really enjoyed the tight-knit bond that these housemates had (though the speed at which they became so close didn't really read true to me, but that is another matter), I just felt like my attention was too divided.
At the same time, I also felt like I was lacking a bunch of back story about some of the side characters, though this book is billed as a standalone. A lot of the guys from the "Learning to Love" series make appearances and I felt like I was missing something by not having read that series as well.
Another issue that I had was with Brett and John's dynamic. Though I ended up liking them together, I felt like John was a little too doormat-ish for my taste.
Also, as you guys may know, I'm a gay-virgin lover (ahem, understatement alert). Give me a gay first-timer and I'm a happy woman! However, I felt like some tension was missing with John and Brett's first few encounters. I could have used more hesitation, more anxiety, more... something. I know that what went down is sort of key to how the rest of the plot played out, but it felt a bit anticlimactic for me.
My last complaint is that, honestly, the beginning of the story was a bit... boring. I had trouble getting into the plot and connecting with the MCs.
Okay, okay, I got all of my bitching and moaning out. Now, onto the good stuff. As the book went on, I think the plot really picked up and ended up having some nice action that kept the pace moving well. I got into the groove at around 50% and smiled my way through the second 1/2 of the story. I also really liked that one scene with everyone playing truth or dare. I don't know how the scene really fit with the rest of the plot but... DAMN, can I sit in next time, guys??? To be a fly on that wall...
I also enjoyed the overall feel of the story, if that makes sense. It is easy reading, a light book despite some moments of angst. It was a nice way to pass my time, even it I don't think it will stick with me later.
So overall, a solid "like" read for me and a decent first book in a new series. I think I'll be tuning in for more, especially Alec's story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
April 13, 2014
4.5 stars
Another new series by K.C. Wells is off to a wonderful start. Spun off from the Learning to Love series, Love Lessons Learned focuses on John Wainwright, a 24 year old man about to start his first teaching job. John was briefly introduced as Evan’s older brother in Learning to Love: Evan & Daniel. He was questioning his sexuality then and now has just come out to his brother, but realizes his job will require him to stay closeted. His ill-conceived kiss in that earlier book is also his only experience with a man to date. Brett Sanderson, 33 years old and head teacher at the school where John is working, is also in the closet as a result of work. Since a relationship isn’t in the cards for him, he spends his breaks in Brighton where each night is spent with a different man.
Both John and Brett are secretly lusting after each other and are under the impression the other is straight. After months of working together, and a little nudge from Evan and John’s housemates, the two men finally take a chance. Unfortunately each time they get close, Brett manages to handle the situation as poorly as possible and both their personal and professional relationships suffer.
Luckily for John, his three housemates are there to offer him unconditional support. Stu, Alec and Martin are all single, gay and more experienced than John. They offer advice, comfort, loyalty and a glimpse into their own romantic wants and experiences. Alec and Stu were fleshed out well, while Martin remains a bit more mysterious, but I am definitely looking forward to reading their stories in the upcoming series. Evan and Daniel and Josh and Chris also offer assistance, including a booze fueled party that allows John to let loose with one rather amazing party trick!
Brett’s support and guidance comes from Elliot, the owner of the hotel in Brighton that Brett has made his regular home away from home. Brett realizes his true feelings for John and feels a lot of guilt for his poor judgment, but just needs the right push to start to make things right. Add to the mix a potentially dangerous school parent, a vindictive co-worker and the potentially serious repercussions of having a relationship in the workplace and there is just enough drama and angst to keep the story moving.
The characters are all well written, with humorous dialog and plenty of emotion. John was so naïve and hopeful, I just wanted to give him a hug. While I understood Brett’s thinking, his poor communication and treatment of John managed to get me so angry, I wasn’t sure he would be able to redeem himself. The relationships between the housemates brought a smile to my face. Alec especially has won me over and I am most excited for his continued story. There is a lot of sexual tension in the buildup of John and Brett’s relationship and the sex scenes were hot and passionate. It was also great to briefly catch up with the boys of the Learning to Love series (if you haven’t read those books, this one works fine as a standalone). A great start to a new series.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided by the author.
Another new series by K.C. Wells is off to a wonderful start. Spun off from the Learning to Love series, Love Lessons Learned focuses on John Wainwright, a 24 year old man about to start his first teaching job. John was briefly introduced as Evan’s older brother in Learning to Love: Evan & Daniel. He was questioning his sexuality then and now has just come out to his brother, but realizes his job will require him to stay closeted. His ill-conceived kiss in that earlier book is also his only experience with a man to date. Brett Sanderson, 33 years old and head teacher at the school where John is working, is also in the closet as a result of work. Since a relationship isn’t in the cards for him, he spends his breaks in Brighton where each night is spent with a different man.
Both John and Brett are secretly lusting after each other and are under the impression the other is straight. After months of working together, and a little nudge from Evan and John’s housemates, the two men finally take a chance. Unfortunately each time they get close, Brett manages to handle the situation as poorly as possible and both their personal and professional relationships suffer.
Luckily for John, his three housemates are there to offer him unconditional support. Stu, Alec and Martin are all single, gay and more experienced than John. They offer advice, comfort, loyalty and a glimpse into their own romantic wants and experiences. Alec and Stu were fleshed out well, while Martin remains a bit more mysterious, but I am definitely looking forward to reading their stories in the upcoming series. Evan and Daniel and Josh and Chris also offer assistance, including a booze fueled party that allows John to let loose with one rather amazing party trick!
Brett’s support and guidance comes from Elliot, the owner of the hotel in Brighton that Brett has made his regular home away from home. Brett realizes his true feelings for John and feels a lot of guilt for his poor judgment, but just needs the right push to start to make things right. Add to the mix a potentially dangerous school parent, a vindictive co-worker and the potentially serious repercussions of having a relationship in the workplace and there is just enough drama and angst to keep the story moving.
The characters are all well written, with humorous dialog and plenty of emotion. John was so naïve and hopeful, I just wanted to give him a hug. While I understood Brett’s thinking, his poor communication and treatment of John managed to get me so angry, I wasn’t sure he would be able to redeem himself. The relationships between the housemates brought a smile to my face. Alec especially has won me over and I am most excited for his continued story. There is a lot of sexual tension in the buildup of John and Brett’s relationship and the sex scenes were hot and passionate. It was also great to briefly catch up with the boys of the Learning to Love series (if you haven’t read those books, this one works fine as a standalone). A great start to a new series.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided by the author.
October 8, 2014
John Wainwright is a 24 years old young man who takes his first job as a teacher at an impoverished Elementary School. He knows for some time that he’s gay so he decides to come out to his brother at the same day he takes his new job. John’s brother is gay too, happily married for six months. John wants to care for somebody, to love and to be loved and eventually to be in a happy relationship, but he knows coming out at his new job is not possible.
Brett Sanders is 33 years old and the head teacher at the school when John works. He’s gay, but nobody from school knows it. He spend 10 years making sure no one guessed anything about his sexuality, so somehow he’s in the closet. He never had a real relationship, he only hooks up with different men when he goes in Brighton, several times a year. He’s lonely and he knows it, so he decides to be with someone who wants more than a night, he wants to settle down.
Brett is attracted with John from the start, but he is his new mentor and he doesn’t know if John is gay or not. He knows spending more time with the young man will be a torture, but he wants John to have all the support he’d need for the year ahead. John is attracted with Brett too, but he knows nothing about his boss, if he is married or not, is he is straight or gay.
Everything changes for them when Brett discovers that John is gay too.
This was just an ok read for me for some reasons. The most important one is the unnecessary amount of angst. This book is full of angst! Really!
The first chapters were ok, but after the story became very slow and boring. I waited and waited to something to happen and when it happened, I wasn’t too impressed. Maybe I was expecting something else...Another thing that annoyed me was the amount of details. There are too many!
The main characters were ok, I like them, but I didn’t loved them. I found John’s behavior a little childish at times and Brett annoyed me a little because he really was an ass at some point.
What I liked was John’s housemates. They are really great friends to John. They support each other, care for each other, they are there when John needs someone. I really liked how they interact with each other and the dialogue felt real, natural and a little funny at times. Even if I like all this, there were times when I felt there were too many scenes with them. I wanted to read more about John and Brett’s relationship than what Stu ( one of the house mates ) did or his relationship with his family and so on.
The chemistry between John and Brett is great and the sex scenes are really well written and hot!
Overall, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. Unfortunately, for me it was a forgettable story!
August 5, 2015
4.5 stars from me. What I loved most about this one is that it's the start of a brand new series from one of my auto-buy authors...Yay!!
I really liked John and Brett together, although I didn't have a lot of time for Brett when he kept leading John on and then shutting him down, I was not best pleased I have to admit. I liked catching up with Evan and Daniel, oh and Josh/Chris, and KC was very mean and told us nothing at all about Sean & Michael so we S & M fans are none the wiser about Sean's headaches, but I fear the worst as usual....
I loved the new housemates Alec, Martin and Stu...I'm sure Alec has feelings for Stu, the kids were great and I really hope that Wayne's dad gets treated sympathetically...yes I know what he did was very wrong, but desperate times etc.
Only one downside for me....a slightly jealous and petty someone in the book had the same name as mine. It must be pure coincidence hehe.
Many thanks and a big smooch as ever to K.C. for the ARC
I really liked John and Brett together, although I didn't have a lot of time for Brett when he kept leading John on and then shutting him down, I was not best pleased I have to admit. I liked catching up with Evan and Daniel, oh and Josh/Chris, and KC was very mean and told us nothing at all about Sean & Michael so we S & M fans are none the wiser about Sean's headaches, but I fear the worst as usual....
I loved the new housemates Alec, Martin and Stu...I'm sure Alec has feelings for Stu, the kids were great and I really hope that Wayne's dad gets treated sympathetically...yes I know what he did was very wrong, but desperate times etc.
Only one downside for me....a slightly jealous and petty someone in the book had the same name as mine. It must be pure coincidence hehe.
Many thanks and a big smooch as ever to K.C. for the ARC
April 16, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Before I begin my review, let me just say that I giggled my way through this read. No, not because this is a silly story. It's because this one mananged to push all the right buttons, in all the right places, at the right time. And I just LOVED! reading this.
Love Lessons Learned involves the men of the Learning To Love series, and then some. Even with the familiar men showing up, this is a different series altogether. Remember Evan and Daniel? Well, this story involves Evan's older brother, John Wainright. He had been questioning his sexuality for a long time but never really did anything about it. So, here he is, landing a job in a small school and looking for a place to stay, far away from his parents'. He finds the perfect house, a good twenty-minutes walking distance from the school in a home being shared by three guys. All openly out and gay. Well, he had just accepted his sexuality by this time so no worries. (Crossed fingers)
In the school, John gets to be mentored by the head teacher, Brett Sanderson. This is a confident man who knows what he is doing and heads his staff well. No woman had been able to snag this man's attention for he seems to be married to his job. Thing is, no one really knows who the real Brett is and if they found out? Well tongues would most likely wag. Brett is self-assured until he finds himself mentoring one John Wainright.
This is a true love story here, with all the angst, drama and such that usually accompany the genre. But what I really loved about this read is that there was no melodrama. AT. ALL! which is really good, for this made the story flow perfectly throughout its course and the plot and characters developed better than what was to be expected. In short, there is a lot going on in this story other than romance and it was a delight to read. This was humorous, a comic relief, frustrating, thrilling, and highly erotic in the best way possible. Only an author like K.C. Wells can get away with this style - leaving her readers all hot and bothered and at the same time, leaving much to the imagination.
Now why did I giggle my way through this? Well, there were just some things here that made me gasp in awe and appreciation which immediately spurred my imagination to go on overdrive hyperdrive. I don't want to spoil anything so let's just say, this is a must read. I need to add that there were times John's and Brett's romance was quite staid in comparison to what was going on between Daniel and Evan. And have I mentioned the housemates? This supporting cast of characters were brilliantly written and I have to be honest, they really stole the show at times with their comments, actions and misadventures. But their stealing it just confirmed that these men formed a beautiful bond of support group filled with a friendship and loyalty that I absolutely fell in love with. This is the support that John and Brett needed and treasured at the end. So yes, this pushed all the right buttons for me and I giggled myself silly, tickled pink from the read.
Before I begin my review, let me just say that I giggled my way through this read. No, not because this is a silly story. It's because this one mananged to push all the right buttons, in all the right places, at the right time. And I just LOVED! reading this.
Love Lessons Learned involves the men of the Learning To Love series, and then some. Even with the familiar men showing up, this is a different series altogether. Remember Evan and Daniel? Well, this story involves Evan's older brother, John Wainright. He had been questioning his sexuality for a long time but never really did anything about it. So, here he is, landing a job in a small school and looking for a place to stay, far away from his parents'. He finds the perfect house, a good twenty-minutes walking distance from the school in a home being shared by three guys. All openly out and gay. Well, he had just accepted his sexuality by this time so no worries. (Crossed fingers)
In the school, John gets to be mentored by the head teacher, Brett Sanderson. This is a confident man who knows what he is doing and heads his staff well. No woman had been able to snag this man's attention for he seems to be married to his job. Thing is, no one really knows who the real Brett is and if they found out? Well tongues would most likely wag. Brett is self-assured until he finds himself mentoring one John Wainright.
This is a true love story here, with all the angst, drama and such that usually accompany the genre. But what I really loved about this read is that there was no melodrama. AT. ALL! which is really good, for this made the story flow perfectly throughout its course and the plot and characters developed better than what was to be expected. In short, there is a lot going on in this story other than romance and it was a delight to read. This was humorous, a comic relief, frustrating, thrilling, and highly erotic in the best way possible. Only an author like K.C. Wells can get away with this style - leaving her readers all hot and bothered and at the same time, leaving much to the imagination.
Now why did I giggle my way through this? Well, there were just some things here that made me gasp in awe and appreciation which immediately spurred my imagination to go on overdrive hyperdrive. I don't want to spoil anything so let's just say, this is a must read. I need to add that there were times John's and Brett's romance was quite staid in comparison to what was going on between Daniel and Evan. And have I mentioned the housemates? This supporting cast of characters were brilliantly written and I have to be honest, they really stole the show at times with their comments, actions and misadventures. But their stealing it just confirmed that these men formed a beautiful bond of support group filled with a friendship and loyalty that I absolutely fell in love with. This is the support that John and Brett needed and treasured at the end. So yes, this pushed all the right buttons for me and I giggled myself silly, tickled pink from the read.
April 29, 2014
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I have read K.C. Wells Collars & Cuffs series and loved it. After I read Love Lessons Learned, I realized that several of the characters in this book are also in her Learning to Love series. Although I haven't yet read that series, it did not take away from my reading experience at all, but rather enticed me to go back and get the background on these characters through the Learning to Love series.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed (even without having the back-story of some) and very likeable. John Wainwright just landed his first teaching job. While celebrating with his younger brother Evan, and Evan’s husband Daniel, John meets Max. This encounter finally makes John admit to himself that he is gay. Not a huge stretch for him to accept, but he is experiencing some major life changes and being a gay primary school teacher may not be well received, so he decides to keep it private. In addition to the new job, John needs to find a place to live, preferably close to the school where he will be teaching. As luck would have it, John answers an advertisement for a “roommate needed” that turns out to be perfect, close to work with three roommates, so the cost will be manageable. While touring the house, Martin, the person that had placed the ad, wanted to make sure that John does not have a problem having three roommates that were gay. No, this is definitely not going to be a problem!
John loves his job, the kids he teaches and the staff he works with. He is also attracted to his mentor and head master, Brett Sanderson. Thinking Brett is straight, John pushes these feelings aside and strives to focus on doing the best he can at his new job.
Brett Sanderson has been living separate lives for a very long time. He takes his holidays to Brighton, where he can be himself even if he does go by another name there. During the rest of the year, he keeps his distance from his co-workers and his professional persona in place. This division in his life has never been a problem for him before, at least not until John Wainwright enters his life.
I truly loved John’s housemates Stu, Alec, and Martin. They are lovely and become great friends to John. The relationship between John and Brett was a tough one to read at times. Ms Wells had me crying early on, then furious on John’s behalf, then skeptical, and ultimately having an “awww" moment.
I enjoyed that the story drew me in and evoked such strong emotions. A well written story with depth, there is the lovely romance between John and Brett, wonderful secondary storylines that are developing, and a bit of drama too. I am hoping, very much, that Alec, Martin, Stu and Max get their own books - they are wonderful characters. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Until then, I think I will start her Learning to Love series and get to know Evan and Daniel a bit better.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I have read K.C. Wells Collars & Cuffs series and loved it. After I read Love Lessons Learned, I realized that several of the characters in this book are also in her Learning to Love series. Although I haven't yet read that series, it did not take away from my reading experience at all, but rather enticed me to go back and get the background on these characters through the Learning to Love series.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are well developed (even without having the back-story of some) and very likeable. John Wainwright just landed his first teaching job. While celebrating with his younger brother Evan, and Evan’s husband Daniel, John meets Max. This encounter finally makes John admit to himself that he is gay. Not a huge stretch for him to accept, but he is experiencing some major life changes and being a gay primary school teacher may not be well received, so he decides to keep it private. In addition to the new job, John needs to find a place to live, preferably close to the school where he will be teaching. As luck would have it, John answers an advertisement for a “roommate needed” that turns out to be perfect, close to work with three roommates, so the cost will be manageable. While touring the house, Martin, the person that had placed the ad, wanted to make sure that John does not have a problem having three roommates that were gay. No, this is definitely not going to be a problem!
John loves his job, the kids he teaches and the staff he works with. He is also attracted to his mentor and head master, Brett Sanderson. Thinking Brett is straight, John pushes these feelings aside and strives to focus on doing the best he can at his new job.
Brett Sanderson has been living separate lives for a very long time. He takes his holidays to Brighton, where he can be himself even if he does go by another name there. During the rest of the year, he keeps his distance from his co-workers and his professional persona in place. This division in his life has never been a problem for him before, at least not until John Wainwright enters his life.
I truly loved John’s housemates Stu, Alec, and Martin. They are lovely and become great friends to John. The relationship between John and Brett was a tough one to read at times. Ms Wells had me crying early on, then furious on John’s behalf, then skeptical, and ultimately having an “awww" moment.
I enjoyed that the story drew me in and evoked such strong emotions. A well written story with depth, there is the lovely romance between John and Brett, wonderful secondary storylines that are developing, and a bit of drama too. I am hoping, very much, that Alec, Martin, Stu and Max get their own books - they are wonderful characters. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series. Until then, I think I will start her Learning to Love series and get to know Evan and Daniel a bit better.
September 7, 2014
Love Lessons Learned was typical K.C. Wells and reminiscent of the cross-over series Learning to Love - this story focused on John, brother to Evan from Learning to Love: Evan & Daniel.
It is very similar in style which was perfect because I was looking forward to some nice and sweet characters. It was also nice to get the little peak at Evan and hear how the boys from the previous series were doing.
In this story, John is venturing out into his first real job, as the teacher at a school in a disadvantaged area. John has just acknowledged his own sexuality and has no experience with a man but he falls heavily for Head Teacher, Brett.
Brett, at 33, has just discovered he wants more out of life than the anonymous sex filled holidays he takes a few times a year. He wants a real relationship but the fact John is the new teacher he is mentoring takes him out of the equation for Brett.
In this story, they first need to take the steps to get together, face the ramifications of a relationship at work and deal with a number of other obstacles thrown their way. Along the way there are good friends, aggrieved co-workers, and some dramatic moments. There is hot sex and there is romance. The characters are sweet and nice and emotional.
This was a 4 star for me, mainly because I needed a good dose of sweet with happy endings.
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
It is very similar in style which was perfect because I was looking forward to some nice and sweet characters. It was also nice to get the little peak at Evan and hear how the boys from the previous series were doing.
In this story, John is venturing out into his first real job, as the teacher at a school in a disadvantaged area. John has just acknowledged his own sexuality and has no experience with a man but he falls heavily for Head Teacher, Brett.
Brett, at 33, has just discovered he wants more out of life than the anonymous sex filled holidays he takes a few times a year. He wants a real relationship but the fact John is the new teacher he is mentoring takes him out of the equation for Brett.
In this story, they first need to take the steps to get together, face the ramifications of a relationship at work and deal with a number of other obstacles thrown their way. Along the way there are good friends, aggrieved co-workers, and some dramatic moments. There is hot sex and there is romance. The characters are sweet and nice and emotional.
This was a 4 star for me, mainly because I needed a good dose of sweet with happy endings.
For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
May 27, 2014
Wow I certainly didn't expect this when I started reading this book.
Let alone feeling myself getting completely engrossed with the characters in this book . All of them!!
I wanted to start a couple of times but laid it down again.
But now I was determined to get to it and I mean Sleep Whats that???
I couldnt stop reading!
John and Brett are such fascinating man , each on their own let alone together when they finally give in to ........well everything ;)
I loved the presence of Evan & Daniel but most of all I fell in love with John's housemates.
As Always K.c knows how to get me flushed and excited with her sexiness and hotness . She definitely knows how to word the scenes!
SOoooo many stories there! and I cannot wait for the chance and opportunity to read them all :)
One thing though, could someone tell author K.c Wells that she is killing me with all these great series (and beginning of series) and for making me wait too long ( Always too long ;) ) for the next parts in them .
I hope we will get to see more of this one soon
I mean doesnt Max needs housing ? because am I the only one picking up serious M&M vibes?
and Stu and Alec what is going on there .......
But then again I could be completely off but still I want to read it all :)
Fantastic read!
Let alone feeling myself getting completely engrossed with the characters in this book . All of them!!
I wanted to start a couple of times but laid it down again.
But now I was determined to get to it and I mean Sleep Whats that???
I couldnt stop reading!
John and Brett are such fascinating man , each on their own let alone together when they finally give in to ........well everything ;)
I loved the presence of Evan & Daniel but most of all I fell in love with John's housemates.
As Always K.c knows how to get me flushed and excited with her sexiness and hotness . She definitely knows how to word the scenes!
SOoooo many stories there! and I cannot wait for the chance and opportunity to read them all :)
One thing though, could someone tell author K.c Wells that she is killing me with all these great series (and beginning of series) and for making me wait too long ( Always too long ;) ) for the next parts in them .
I hope we will get to see more of this one soon
I mean doesnt Max needs housing ? because am I the only one picking up serious M&M vibes?
and Stu and Alec what is going on there .......
But then again I could be completely off but still I want to read it all :)
Fantastic read!
July 8, 2014
John is an out if work school teacher who finally gets a job. He celebrates with his gay brother and the brother's husband. They go to a gay bar, and John is kissed by a stranger, and he liked it. John then decides to come out to his brother.
With that little bit of angst out of the way, we meet Brett -- closet case extraordinaire (he lives a "double life" as Rob when he is away on vacation as an out gay man) -- who immediately has the hots for John when they meet. He also decides that he must take the role as John's mentor because everyone else with experience is retiring from the school.
Before going on about this book, I have to get something out of the way that really perturbs me. Everyone in this book is gay . . . It becomes downright unbelievable as a matter of fact. Can anyone write a book that has a decent interaction of straight and gay characters?
OK, now back to the story . . . John's brother, Evan, plays a dirty trick and gets Brett and John to out themselves to each other. Brett decides that it would not be proper to date his subordinate at work, so John and his roommates come up with a plan to drive Brett crazy and make him want to have John as his boyfriend. Well, the plan works perfectly, and Brett ends with John as his personal Christmas present.
There is a lot of stupid angst before John and Brett finally become a "couple". (Let's look at one example from the book . . . John and Brett gave been sleeping together for six days --- SIX DAYS! John wakes up with morning wood, and he sees that Brett, who is still sleeping, is also hard. John decides to put a condom on Brett's wood and "ride him". Well, Brett wakes up, there is a little dialogue, and John says, "I can't wait until we can go bareback." There is silence from Brett, who has been quite a man-whore in his life, and there has never been any discussion concerning the status of either man's STDs. John gets up from Brett's cock and storms out of the room -- "obviously I don't mean that much to you since you won't f*ck me bareback." This is just "stupid angst" and demonstrates only that at least one person in this sexual relationship has no idea about a disease that has ravaged the gay community for thirty years.).
If you can deal with stupid scenes like this, then you have a chance of liking this book. But, I warn you in advance, there are a lot of stupid scenes.
Ultimately after a lot of angst, a bad case of homophobia, and a gun battle (yes, a gun battle), there is a semi-happy ever after ending to this story. I say that it is not a complete HEA ending because one of the main characters loses his job based on a homophobic twist just before the end of the book.
Book is written with a clear British nod. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the British school system and the manner in which it is administered.
Overall, I give this story three stars.
With that little bit of angst out of the way, we meet Brett -- closet case extraordinaire (he lives a "double life" as Rob when he is away on vacation as an out gay man) -- who immediately has the hots for John when they meet. He also decides that he must take the role as John's mentor because everyone else with experience is retiring from the school.
Before going on about this book, I have to get something out of the way that really perturbs me. Everyone in this book is gay . . . It becomes downright unbelievable as a matter of fact. Can anyone write a book that has a decent interaction of straight and gay characters?
OK, now back to the story . . . John's brother, Evan, plays a dirty trick and gets Brett and John to out themselves to each other. Brett decides that it would not be proper to date his subordinate at work, so John and his roommates come up with a plan to drive Brett crazy and make him want to have John as his boyfriend. Well, the plan works perfectly, and Brett ends with John as his personal Christmas present.
There is a lot of stupid angst before John and Brett finally become a "couple". (Let's look at one example from the book . . . John and Brett gave been sleeping together for six days --- SIX DAYS! John wakes up with morning wood, and he sees that Brett, who is still sleeping, is also hard. John decides to put a condom on Brett's wood and "ride him". Well, Brett wakes up, there is a little dialogue, and John says, "I can't wait until we can go bareback." There is silence from Brett, who has been quite a man-whore in his life, and there has never been any discussion concerning the status of either man's STDs. John gets up from Brett's cock and storms out of the room -- "obviously I don't mean that much to you since you won't f*ck me bareback." This is just "stupid angst" and demonstrates only that at least one person in this sexual relationship has no idea about a disease that has ravaged the gay community for thirty years.).
If you can deal with stupid scenes like this, then you have a chance of liking this book. But, I warn you in advance, there are a lot of stupid scenes.
Ultimately after a lot of angst, a bad case of homophobia, and a gun battle (yes, a gun battle), there is a semi-happy ever after ending to this story. I say that it is not a complete HEA ending because one of the main characters loses his job based on a homophobic twist just before the end of the book.
Book is written with a clear British nod. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the British school system and the manner in which it is administered.
Overall, I give this story three stars.
May 18, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
One of my favourite parts of the book was when John and Brett attended a charity event when John’s brother, Evan hits on Brett in order to confirm if Brett is or is not gay – it was laugh out loud funny and was definitely the turning point for John and Brett’s relationship.
In many stories, I feel that sex in public places is stupid and the characters should know better. In this instance, the sex scene in Brett’s office was emotionally charged and both men felt the risk was negligible. I did feel that Brett was out of line when he found out John was a virgin and treated John like he was just a casual fuck. Brett feels like he took advantage of John, and so Brett proceeds to keep John at arm’s length and decides the best course of action is to treat John professionally, which John interprets as indifference and disdain. John is devastated, and Brett knows what a bastard he has been, and no matter what John does to put thoughts of Brett aside, he keeps wondering why Brett no longer likes him after they had sex. Eventually, a kind soul reminds Brett that life is too short to let something good pass him by.
Read Jason's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
One of my favourite parts of the book was when John and Brett attended a charity event when John’s brother, Evan hits on Brett in order to confirm if Brett is or is not gay – it was laugh out loud funny and was definitely the turning point for John and Brett’s relationship.
In many stories, I feel that sex in public places is stupid and the characters should know better. In this instance, the sex scene in Brett’s office was emotionally charged and both men felt the risk was negligible. I did feel that Brett was out of line when he found out John was a virgin and treated John like he was just a casual fuck. Brett feels like he took advantage of John, and so Brett proceeds to keep John at arm’s length and decides the best course of action is to treat John professionally, which John interprets as indifference and disdain. John is devastated, and Brett knows what a bastard he has been, and no matter what John does to put thoughts of Brett aside, he keeps wondering why Brett no longer likes him after they had sex. Eventually, a kind soul reminds Brett that life is too short to let something good pass him by.
Read Jason's review in its entirety here.
May 10, 2016
This is the first K.C. Wells book that I read, and I must say I'm sure I will enjoy her other books more.
I really don't know why but this story didn't really work for me.
From the beginning I expected something different, and I was disappointed. I love virgin characters :D so John was supposed to be one of my favorites, but I found him too shy, very unsure of himself, of his sexuality and Brett... well he was really a jerk! God, I wanted to slap him! Not sure I could forgive him so easy.
I read this book through so many days... too many.
Long story short: the beginning was ok, but I expected more, more action, more passion...
I think the presentation gives too much, so we knew from the start that John was unsure of being gay, that his brother Evan supports him and that Brett leads a double life. I think there were not too many surprises left.
Josh and Brett were too shy with each other, and until the middle of the book I just couldn't feel the attraction between them. But the sex scenes were HOT! :)
I really don't know why but this story didn't really work for me.
From the beginning I expected something different, and I was disappointed. I love virgin characters :D so John was supposed to be one of my favorites, but I found him too shy, very unsure of himself, of his sexuality and Brett... well he was really a jerk! God, I wanted to slap him! Not sure I could forgive him so easy.
I read this book through so many days... too many.
Long story short: the beginning was ok, but I expected more, more action, more passion...
I think the presentation gives too much, so we knew from the start that John was unsure of being gay, that his brother Evan supports him and that Brett leads a double life. I think there were not too many surprises left.
Josh and Brett were too shy with each other, and until the middle of the book I just couldn't feel the attraction between them. But the sex scenes were HOT! :)
April 29, 2014
4.5/5.0
I have read K.C. Wells Collars & Cuffs series and loved it. After I read Love Lessons Learned, I realized that several of the characters in this book are also in her Learning to Love series. Although I haven’t yet read that series, it did not take away from my reading experience at all, but rather enticed me to go back and get the background on these characters through the Learning to Love series.
So while this series is in a different direction than what I have read of Ms Wells before....check out the full review at:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
I have read K.C. Wells Collars & Cuffs series and loved it. After I read Love Lessons Learned, I realized that several of the characters in this book are also in her Learning to Love series. Although I haven’t yet read that series, it did not take away from my reading experience at all, but rather enticed me to go back and get the background on these characters through the Learning to Love series.
So while this series is in a different direction than what I have read of Ms Wells before....check out the full review at:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
December 4, 2014
I liked this better than the Learning to Love series. Looking forward to book 2 - I hope it's about Stu!
May 3, 2014
This pleasing chunk-of-life story proved to be an engaging, well-paced mix of romance and transcendence as both main characters struggle with inner conflict while they come to know both their inner selves and each other.
Charismatic John Wainwright has come to the conclusion that he is gay, after a long period of uncertainty. His brother Evan is gay and is happily married to his partner Daniel, but despite being around them and their friends, John has had difficulty seeing himself as a gay man. He’s more passionate about teaching than any of the men he’s met. Newly out of college he simply wants a good job where he can do what he loves—educate and encourage young minds. When he lands the job of his dreams, teaching in a school that offers opportunites for deprived children, he decides to keep his sexuality on the down low. After all, he’s a gay virgin, and as busy as he’ll be learning the ins and outs of his new job it’s highly likely that he’ll remain that way indefinitely. He is totally unprepared for the hotness that is Brett Sanderson, the principal of the school and his new mentor. But that won’t be a problem, because Brett is as straight as a nail.
Brett Sanderson keeps his professional life and his private life as far apart as possible. Being gay and running an elementary school leaves too much room for the wrong interpretation in today’s society and he doesn’t need the hassle. As a gay man he’s not looking to settle down, there are too many flavors of man and too much hot uninhibited sex for him to get into a genuine relationship. The truth is, he’s simply not built that way and he has no idea what others see in it anyway. No, his week-long trips to Brighton where he is free to have as many men as he wants works for him. At least until he meets his new teaching hire John Wainright. For the first time Brett’s professional life and private life threaten to collide. All of this upset over someone who isn’t even gay, what the hell is wrong with him?
This solidly entertaining story really is a chunk-of-life. It took me from John’s initial acceptance of his sexual preference, introduced a highly enjoyable cast of supporting characters, whom showed how supportive the gay community can be, and fully explored the expansive romance between John and Brett. In addition, woven throughout the tale were chunks of information on the UK schooling system. It all made for fascinating reading and added to what is a warm, substantial and believable, behind- the-scenes romantic gay fiction tale.
I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie between John and his roommates. The party scene with the Truth-or-Dare style drinking game was extremely well done. The author provided just the right balance between steam, amusement, and emotional turmoil to create what I feel was a standout scene in the story. The entire passage portrayed a degree of realism that I’ve not often read in male-male romance stories.
I’m hard-pressed to decide if I loved the adorable John or some of his roommates more. Snatches of their lives showed up in colorful glimpses throughout this work and I intend to seek out the other books in the series to see if I can gain more insight. Brett, I enjoyed much. His bewilderment as his strict self-applied moral code morphed to a slow acceptance that he had changed, tugged at my heartstrings somewhat.
The book is on the longish side of male-male romance books, but the entire story is pretty mesmerizing. At times I felt I was a fly on the wall or perhaps peering through a keyhole. The sex is steamy with an emphasis on romance, but shadowy glimpses of the wilder side of gay sex are woven sporadically through the book. All in all, this one is a winner, especially if you enjoy episodic stories.
Thank you, K.C. Wells, for penning this captivating story that allowed me to be one of the boys!
“Tender, Splash, Emotion”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Charismatic John Wainwright has come to the conclusion that he is gay, after a long period of uncertainty. His brother Evan is gay and is happily married to his partner Daniel, but despite being around them and their friends, John has had difficulty seeing himself as a gay man. He’s more passionate about teaching than any of the men he’s met. Newly out of college he simply wants a good job where he can do what he loves—educate and encourage young minds. When he lands the job of his dreams, teaching in a school that offers opportunites for deprived children, he decides to keep his sexuality on the down low. After all, he’s a gay virgin, and as busy as he’ll be learning the ins and outs of his new job it’s highly likely that he’ll remain that way indefinitely. He is totally unprepared for the hotness that is Brett Sanderson, the principal of the school and his new mentor. But that won’t be a problem, because Brett is as straight as a nail.
Brett Sanderson keeps his professional life and his private life as far apart as possible. Being gay and running an elementary school leaves too much room for the wrong interpretation in today’s society and he doesn’t need the hassle. As a gay man he’s not looking to settle down, there are too many flavors of man and too much hot uninhibited sex for him to get into a genuine relationship. The truth is, he’s simply not built that way and he has no idea what others see in it anyway. No, his week-long trips to Brighton where he is free to have as many men as he wants works for him. At least until he meets his new teaching hire John Wainright. For the first time Brett’s professional life and private life threaten to collide. All of this upset over someone who isn’t even gay, what the hell is wrong with him?
This solidly entertaining story really is a chunk-of-life. It took me from John’s initial acceptance of his sexual preference, introduced a highly enjoyable cast of supporting characters, whom showed how supportive the gay community can be, and fully explored the expansive romance between John and Brett. In addition, woven throughout the tale were chunks of information on the UK schooling system. It all made for fascinating reading and added to what is a warm, substantial and believable, behind- the-scenes romantic gay fiction tale.
I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie between John and his roommates. The party scene with the Truth-or-Dare style drinking game was extremely well done. The author provided just the right balance between steam, amusement, and emotional turmoil to create what I feel was a standout scene in the story. The entire passage portrayed a degree of realism that I’ve not often read in male-male romance stories.
I’m hard-pressed to decide if I loved the adorable John or some of his roommates more. Snatches of their lives showed up in colorful glimpses throughout this work and I intend to seek out the other books in the series to see if I can gain more insight. Brett, I enjoyed much. His bewilderment as his strict self-applied moral code morphed to a slow acceptance that he had changed, tugged at my heartstrings somewhat.
The book is on the longish side of male-male romance books, but the entire story is pretty mesmerizing. At times I felt I was a fly on the wall or perhaps peering through a keyhole. The sex is steamy with an emphasis on romance, but shadowy glimpses of the wilder side of gay sex are woven sporadically through the book. All in all, this one is a winner, especially if you enjoy episodic stories.
Thank you, K.C. Wells, for penning this captivating story that allowed me to be one of the boys!
“Tender, Splash, Emotion”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 28, 2014
Tootsie Reviews Love Lessons Learned by Kc Wells
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Love Lessons Learned, by KC Wells, is a continuation of the Learning to Love series. I don’t think it is necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one, but the characters do pop in quite frequently. John Wainwright is at the center of this story. He, also, is the brother of Evan from Learning to Love, Evan and Daniel. He manages to land his first teaching job, and comes out to his brother all at the same time. He has known for a while he was gay, he just never acknowledged it. He gets caught red-handed at a bar one evening by his brother so he feels it is time to come clean. Put the brakes on though………with his new job just starting, there is NO way he is going to reveal that information to anyone. His brother wants him to go out and live it up, but John fears there may be repercussions at the school. He’s waited this long, going a little longer will not kill him. Of course, all of that changes when he actually gets to the school, and discovers the head teacher is actually pretty hot. He is positive his new mentor is straight so, hopefully, he can keep his libido under control.
Brett Sanderson, head teacher, single, lonely and gay. He keeps himself tightly sealed in the closet during the school term. Every break or vacation, he heads off to Brighton, a gay community, where he becomes Rob. He realizes this lifestyle is no longer the fun it once was. He has been going there for 7 years, maybe it’s time to settle down, find someone he can come home to. The new, younger, sexy teacher, has pinged his radar. He really enjoys spending time with him, he’s smart and funny, and they have so much fun together. Once he finds out that John is also gay, all bets are off. One kiss leads to wanting more, which leads to taking chances. John seems game in the pursuit, but what happens when Brett takes the ball and runs with it? He doesn’t know John is a virgin. A wrong move may stop their relationship before it even starts. Will he get ahead of himself, and move their infatuation backwards instead of forward?
This is an engaging story with a trifle amount of angst. You may find yourself holding your breath for a few short minutes. What little there is, gets resolved quickly. The author has written a feel good story, where everyone is supportive and helpful, regardless of the situation you may be in. The side characters which happen to be John’s roommates are all exciting, down to earth, people. They are there for John in whatever capacity he needs them, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, just asking for advice, or ready to put a smack down on someone. They add much laughter and excitement to the story. If you are familiar with the Learning to Love cast, you will be able to catch up with their news as well. My one complaint, and it may only be me this bothers, but the description of John in the book is nothing like what is on the front cover. This, of course, doesn’t deter you from the story, but I always find myself going back, looking at the covers, seeing what the guys look like. I may do this several times as I read different passages. I love to study their faces, then visualize them in the story. What I did find, was a storyline with a beautiful simplicity that flowed smoothly. Within that simplicity are some very extraordinary, complex characters that have a lot of love to offer. Hopefully, overtime, and more novels, each one of the guys will find their happy ever after.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Love Lessons Learned, by KC Wells, is a continuation of the Learning to Love series. I don’t think it is necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one, but the characters do pop in quite frequently. John Wainwright is at the center of this story. He, also, is the brother of Evan from Learning to Love, Evan and Daniel. He manages to land his first teaching job, and comes out to his brother all at the same time. He has known for a while he was gay, he just never acknowledged it. He gets caught red-handed at a bar one evening by his brother so he feels it is time to come clean. Put the brakes on though………with his new job just starting, there is NO way he is going to reveal that information to anyone. His brother wants him to go out and live it up, but John fears there may be repercussions at the school. He’s waited this long, going a little longer will not kill him. Of course, all of that changes when he actually gets to the school, and discovers the head teacher is actually pretty hot. He is positive his new mentor is straight so, hopefully, he can keep his libido under control.
Brett Sanderson, head teacher, single, lonely and gay. He keeps himself tightly sealed in the closet during the school term. Every break or vacation, he heads off to Brighton, a gay community, where he becomes Rob. He realizes this lifestyle is no longer the fun it once was. He has been going there for 7 years, maybe it’s time to settle down, find someone he can come home to. The new, younger, sexy teacher, has pinged his radar. He really enjoys spending time with him, he’s smart and funny, and they have so much fun together. Once he finds out that John is also gay, all bets are off. One kiss leads to wanting more, which leads to taking chances. John seems game in the pursuit, but what happens when Brett takes the ball and runs with it? He doesn’t know John is a virgin. A wrong move may stop their relationship before it even starts. Will he get ahead of himself, and move their infatuation backwards instead of forward?
This is an engaging story with a trifle amount of angst. You may find yourself holding your breath for a few short minutes. What little there is, gets resolved quickly. The author has written a feel good story, where everyone is supportive and helpful, regardless of the situation you may be in. The side characters which happen to be John’s roommates are all exciting, down to earth, people. They are there for John in whatever capacity he needs them, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, just asking for advice, or ready to put a smack down on someone. They add much laughter and excitement to the story. If you are familiar with the Learning to Love cast, you will be able to catch up with their news as well. My one complaint, and it may only be me this bothers, but the description of John in the book is nothing like what is on the front cover. This, of course, doesn’t deter you from the story, but I always find myself going back, looking at the covers, seeing what the guys look like. I may do this several times as I read different passages. I love to study their faces, then visualize them in the story. What I did find, was a storyline with a beautiful simplicity that flowed smoothly. Within that simplicity are some very extraordinary, complex characters that have a lot of love to offer. Hopefully, overtime, and more novels, each one of the guys will find their happy ever after.
August 17, 2014
I’m just going to come right out and say it - I’m a sucker for Brits. That made Love Lessons Learned by K.C. Wells a really entertaining read for me. Her characters were well rounded, warm, funny, and engaging, with a plot that was alternately romantic and steamy by turns. This is the fourth book in the series, and though I haven’t read any of the previous installments, I enjoyed this one so much that I will be working through them.
John Wainwright struggled with taking that first step to admitting that he was homosexual. He knew that he’d have support from his family - his younger brother Evan had already come out to them successfully - but his chosen professional made it difficult to be open about his sexuality. His fear was that narrow-minded people still equated being gay with molesting children, though nothing could be farther from the truth. Watching the scenes with his students unfold was very telling to the kind of man he was. He not only was good at his job - he loved it - and I enjoyed seeing someone follow their bliss and live their dream employment-wise. The one bump in the road with his career, was Brett Sanderson, the Head Teacher (I believe here in America he would be called the principal). Brett was attractive, engaging and in John’s mind, very, very straight.
He was also assigned as John’s mentor and responsible for assessing the new teacher’s performance.
Brett wasn’t as straight as he appeared to be, but feeling that coming out would also damage his career, chose to confine his sexual encounters to Brighton, an area well known for their tolerance of the Gay lifestyle. His growing attraction to John was fueled as much by his mental connection with a like-minded individual, as it was due to the physical attraction Brett experienced.
You’d think that with these characters, it would be easy for them to forge a connection, but it was far from it. I would actually hurt for the two of them with their “one step forward, two steps back” method of approaching their relationship, and I was glad that John had his three (also Gay) housemates to help him work through his first experience with love. Brett could have easily been dismissed as a callous and selfish person, but I could see that he’d been struggling with his sexuality for a long time, and as the Head Teacher in his school, had quite a bit to lose by coming out. Still, watching him come to the realization that hooking up for the sole purpose of “no strings sex” wasn’t as satisfying as he’d previously thought was a treat. Both men worked through some terrifyingly emotional personal issues and I thought it added a nice touch to the story.
Main characters aside, Ms. Wells did a superb job with fleshing out the secondaries to just the right amount. Not so much that it detracted from the plot, but just enough that I really, really want to see the housemates (Stu, Martin, and Alec), and Max get their own time to shine. If you’re a fan of the M/M genre, and find a story that’s both sexy and romantic gratifying, then I you’ll definitely have a soft spot for Love Lessons Learned by K.C. Wells.
Five Shooting Stars!!
John Wainwright struggled with taking that first step to admitting that he was homosexual. He knew that he’d have support from his family - his younger brother Evan had already come out to them successfully - but his chosen professional made it difficult to be open about his sexuality. His fear was that narrow-minded people still equated being gay with molesting children, though nothing could be farther from the truth. Watching the scenes with his students unfold was very telling to the kind of man he was. He not only was good at his job - he loved it - and I enjoyed seeing someone follow their bliss and live their dream employment-wise. The one bump in the road with his career, was Brett Sanderson, the Head Teacher (I believe here in America he would be called the principal). Brett was attractive, engaging and in John’s mind, very, very straight.
He was also assigned as John’s mentor and responsible for assessing the new teacher’s performance.
Brett wasn’t as straight as he appeared to be, but feeling that coming out would also damage his career, chose to confine his sexual encounters to Brighton, an area well known for their tolerance of the Gay lifestyle. His growing attraction to John was fueled as much by his mental connection with a like-minded individual, as it was due to the physical attraction Brett experienced.
You’d think that with these characters, it would be easy for them to forge a connection, but it was far from it. I would actually hurt for the two of them with their “one step forward, two steps back” method of approaching their relationship, and I was glad that John had his three (also Gay) housemates to help him work through his first experience with love. Brett could have easily been dismissed as a callous and selfish person, but I could see that he’d been struggling with his sexuality for a long time, and as the Head Teacher in his school, had quite a bit to lose by coming out. Still, watching him come to the realization that hooking up for the sole purpose of “no strings sex” wasn’t as satisfying as he’d previously thought was a treat. Both men worked through some terrifyingly emotional personal issues and I thought it added a nice touch to the story.
Main characters aside, Ms. Wells did a superb job with fleshing out the secondaries to just the right amount. Not so much that it detracted from the plot, but just enough that I really, really want to see the housemates (Stu, Martin, and Alec), and Max get their own time to shine. If you’re a fan of the M/M genre, and find a story that’s both sexy and romantic gratifying, then I you’ll definitely have a soft spot for Love Lessons Learned by K.C. Wells.
Five Shooting Stars!!
April 15, 2014
Love Lessons Learned – K.C Wells
Book One of the Love Lessons Learned Series – Spin off series of the Learning to Love Series
Let me have a total fan girl moment and say OMG YAY and WOO HOO!!
If K.C. Wells writes it, I will read it (on the day I get it)! I was not disappointed in this wonderful book and you need look no further than my Facebook feed to see I read it in one sitting (well I did feed the dogs and eat dinner, but that was quick).
Learning to Love: Evan and Daniel was my favourite of the Learning to Love series. This was a lovely look back into the lives of Evan and Daniel as we learnt about Evan’s older brother, John. It was crazy making that Sean was mentioned several times but he never appears ‘on screen’. When the release of the final Learning to Love book is announced I imagine that fans far and wide will be clamouring for it. I know I will.
John Wainwright is a new teacher, starting his first year as the only male teacher, besides head teacher Brett, in a small school. He is innocent and only just out of the closet. Brett Sanderson is the Head Teacher and spends his well-earned holidays screwing his way through Brighton. Together they are cute and hot.
Their relationship is a balance of professional and personal. John is a far nicer person than I am, I wouldn’t have let Brett get away with half of the things he does. That being said the tension and movement in the book is very natural and well-paced. John and Brett are a lovely couple and I truly enjoyed their growth.
Favourite things:
Max. Read the book, you will love him. I love him and he was a true highlight. I am very hopeful that he will be featuring in a future book in this series.
The House Mates. Cute, funny, loving and caring *sigh* I want to move in with them. I had a couple of moments of wanting the happy ending to be with one of them. But all was right in the end. Getting a glimpse of these wonderful three men was delightful. I smiled throughout every scene they were in.
Real characters. The men are teachers, they care about their school and their students. Every parent in the world would be delighted to have teachers like these. Students who are not perfect and want to throw things at their teachers. Parents who have no idea what schools do. Friends who are real friends and a woman scorned. K.C Wells knows how to write characters you either love or hate, but are real and relatable.
My favourite thing: The whole Book!
Love Lessons Learned was wonderful, delightful and brilliant. I loved it all.
K.C. when can I have another book? :D (Lauren runs away before she gets called pushy (again) :D )
Book One of the Love Lessons Learned Series – Spin off series of the Learning to Love Series
Let me have a total fan girl moment and say OMG YAY and WOO HOO!!
If K.C. Wells writes it, I will read it (on the day I get it)! I was not disappointed in this wonderful book and you need look no further than my Facebook feed to see I read it in one sitting (well I did feed the dogs and eat dinner, but that was quick).
Learning to Love: Evan and Daniel was my favourite of the Learning to Love series. This was a lovely look back into the lives of Evan and Daniel as we learnt about Evan’s older brother, John. It was crazy making that Sean was mentioned several times but he never appears ‘on screen’. When the release of the final Learning to Love book is announced I imagine that fans far and wide will be clamouring for it. I know I will.
John Wainwright is a new teacher, starting his first year as the only male teacher, besides head teacher Brett, in a small school. He is innocent and only just out of the closet. Brett Sanderson is the Head Teacher and spends his well-earned holidays screwing his way through Brighton. Together they are cute and hot.
Their relationship is a balance of professional and personal. John is a far nicer person than I am, I wouldn’t have let Brett get away with half of the things he does. That being said the tension and movement in the book is very natural and well-paced. John and Brett are a lovely couple and I truly enjoyed their growth.
Favourite things:
Max. Read the book, you will love him. I love him and he was a true highlight. I am very hopeful that he will be featuring in a future book in this series.
The House Mates. Cute, funny, loving and caring *sigh* I want to move in with them. I had a couple of moments of wanting the happy ending to be with one of them. But all was right in the end. Getting a glimpse of these wonderful three men was delightful. I smiled throughout every scene they were in.
Real characters. The men are teachers, they care about their school and their students. Every parent in the world would be delighted to have teachers like these. Students who are not perfect and want to throw things at their teachers. Parents who have no idea what schools do. Friends who are real friends and a woman scorned. K.C Wells knows how to write characters you either love or hate, but are real and relatable.
My favourite thing: The whole Book!
Love Lessons Learned was wonderful, delightful and brilliant. I loved it all.
K.C. when can I have another book? :D (Lauren runs away before she gets called pushy (again) :D )
April 20, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.75 Stars
I have loved this series from the start and was very excited to get my hands on the latest book!!
I have to say I was not disappointed! As well as catching up with the characters from the previous books the author has given us great new characters in this one! Hopefully we will get their stories soon and the series will continue!
Remember Evan from Book 2? Well this is about John, Evans brother, who has just finished University and landed his first teaching job. On receiving the good news about his job Evan and his husband Daniel take him out on the town for the night. John has been questioning his sexuality for a while but a night in a gay bar confirms what he already knew in the back of his mind. He is a gay man.
His family are supportive and he moves into a house share with three other gay men who very quickly become good friends. He throws himself into his new job with passion and is quickly a favourite with parents, teachers and pupils. The only thorn in his side is his attraction to his head teacher and mentor, but as the guy is straight and John has no intention of being out at work he is determined to ignore it.
Brett Sanderson has been very successful in his teaching career. He very quickly rose through the ranks to make head teacher but it comes at a cost. There are still bigots out there who wouldn’t want a gay man working with children so his private life is just that.....private. In the school holidays he takes on a different persona in a different town and gets what he needs. This has always worked well for him until his new young teacher starts work and upsets his karma.
The attraction is mutual and the sparks fly between the two but each time they come anywhere near admitting what they feel Brett panics and runs and John ends up hurt. Brett finds himself questioning the way he lives his life and realises he is lonely but is not brave enough to make a change. Josh receives terrific advice and support from his new friends and family but cannot get the other man out of his mind.
It takes something spectacular for Brett to open his eyes and give him the courage to end his double life. The fallout could end their careers and they both have to decide whether it is worth it or whether they should just walk away.
4.75 Stars
I have loved this series from the start and was very excited to get my hands on the latest book!!
I have to say I was not disappointed! As well as catching up with the characters from the previous books the author has given us great new characters in this one! Hopefully we will get their stories soon and the series will continue!
Remember Evan from Book 2? Well this is about John, Evans brother, who has just finished University and landed his first teaching job. On receiving the good news about his job Evan and his husband Daniel take him out on the town for the night. John has been questioning his sexuality for a while but a night in a gay bar confirms what he already knew in the back of his mind. He is a gay man.
His family are supportive and he moves into a house share with three other gay men who very quickly become good friends. He throws himself into his new job with passion and is quickly a favourite with parents, teachers and pupils. The only thorn in his side is his attraction to his head teacher and mentor, but as the guy is straight and John has no intention of being out at work he is determined to ignore it.
Brett Sanderson has been very successful in his teaching career. He very quickly rose through the ranks to make head teacher but it comes at a cost. There are still bigots out there who wouldn’t want a gay man working with children so his private life is just that.....private. In the school holidays he takes on a different persona in a different town and gets what he needs. This has always worked well for him until his new young teacher starts work and upsets his karma.
The attraction is mutual and the sparks fly between the two but each time they come anywhere near admitting what they feel Brett panics and runs and John ends up hurt. Brett finds himself questioning the way he lives his life and realises he is lonely but is not brave enough to make a change. Josh receives terrific advice and support from his new friends and family but cannot get the other man out of his mind.
It takes something spectacular for Brett to open his eyes and give him the courage to end his double life. The fallout could end their careers and they both have to decide whether it is worth it or whether they should just walk away.
May 14, 2014
After I had read the books in the Learning to Love series (look for my reviews below!), I was curious about John, Evan's brother from book 2. At the time I thought that his story would be one worth reading because he seemed liked such a complex and interesting character. I have to say, K.C. Wells did not disappoint in telling in his story.
With her usual mix of the sweet, the spicy and the emotional, K.C. Wells delivered an amazing first book as the start to this series.
I loved John! His character was a mixed of vulnerability, curiosity and determination. I loved that after struggling with it he accepted his sexuality and was determined to move forward with his life and his career. His emotions were intense and his struggles felt real. I especially admired his fortitude when everything seemed to be against him and Brett.
Brett was also a great character to get to know. I especially enjoyed his struggle to keep his emotions and physical attraction at bay when it came to John. He had so many layers to him and I enjoyed seeing as each and everyone of them was peeled away simply because of John. He was both sweet and intense with a lovely caring side and so very conflicted about the situation he was facing.
Do I even have to mention how amazing was their chemistry? One thing I have to say about K.C. Wells is that she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to bringing in the heat factor in her stories. Both John and Brett fought their attraction for each other so hard that when the time came for that first encounter *fans herself* it was everything I had expected and very, very HOT!
What I enjoyed the most though would have to be John and Brett's honest interactions and their tender moments. They all served to deepen their connection and bring them closer together. Of course, the sex was awesome too, especially once their emotions came fully into play.
All in all, a great start to a series that brought about the story of two individuals that had resigned themselves to never finding that one person they could spend their life with but embraced the opportunity when the right person came along.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest review as a participant of this event.
With her usual mix of the sweet, the spicy and the emotional, K.C. Wells delivered an amazing first book as the start to this series.
I loved John! His character was a mixed of vulnerability, curiosity and determination. I loved that after struggling with it he accepted his sexuality and was determined to move forward with his life and his career. His emotions were intense and his struggles felt real. I especially admired his fortitude when everything seemed to be against him and Brett.
Brett was also a great character to get to know. I especially enjoyed his struggle to keep his emotions and physical attraction at bay when it came to John. He had so many layers to him and I enjoyed seeing as each and everyone of them was peeled away simply because of John. He was both sweet and intense with a lovely caring side and so very conflicted about the situation he was facing.
Do I even have to mention how amazing was their chemistry? One thing I have to say about K.C. Wells is that she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to bringing in the heat factor in her stories. Both John and Brett fought their attraction for each other so hard that when the time came for that first encounter *fans herself* it was everything I had expected and very, very HOT!
What I enjoyed the most though would have to be John and Brett's honest interactions and their tender moments. They all served to deepen their connection and bring them closer together. Of course, the sex was awesome too, especially once their emotions came fully into play.
All in all, a great start to a series that brought about the story of two individuals that had resigned themselves to never finding that one person they could spend their life with but embraced the opportunity when the right person came along.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest review as a participant of this event.
May 8, 2014
3.5/ 5 stars...
John has been on the fence about his sexuality for a while now. A lack of support if he comes out has nothing to do with it, his brother Evan is gay and happily married to another man and their family is wholly supportive. It’s himself that he is hiding from. His brother and brother in law take him out to a gay club in the village to celebrate when John lands his dream job, and an enthusiastic patron makes John realize the truth about his sexuality.
Brett lives his life securely behind the locked door of his closet, only being himself when he is on vacation in Brighton. But the adorably attractive new teacher is testing not only his will power, but his ability to hide the truth about his sexuality. Brett has never found a man that he wants to “sleep with. Screw them ten ways from Sunday, leave them breathless and then show them the door is his usual routine. That all changes when he takes a chance on love.
I’ll start with what was off for me with this story. It wasn’t cohesive throughout, there were times when the story disconnected between the storyline and the characters. And as much as I loved the new found passion that John and Brett shared, sometimes it seemed they were having sex just because, it didn’t advance the story.
What I loved was the chemistry these two had and the lengths they both went to in order to achieve their goals. John is sultry and seductive in his attempts to seduce the older man that is rejecting his affections. Brett is smoldering and ready to explode under John’s flirtations. This push and pull was what kept me interested in the story. Fans of Wells Learning to Love series will see some familiar faces in this book, as well as some wildly varying and enticing new secondary characters in John’s roommates.
I’m very excited to see where Well’s takes this new series and this new cast of characters. I’m a huge fan of her Personal series and her writing style is just that, personal. I love the connection she builds between characters and readers. This is a must read for KC Wells fans as well as fans of contemporary romance.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
John has been on the fence about his sexuality for a while now. A lack of support if he comes out has nothing to do with it, his brother Evan is gay and happily married to another man and their family is wholly supportive. It’s himself that he is hiding from. His brother and brother in law take him out to a gay club in the village to celebrate when John lands his dream job, and an enthusiastic patron makes John realize the truth about his sexuality.
Brett lives his life securely behind the locked door of his closet, only being himself when he is on vacation in Brighton. But the adorably attractive new teacher is testing not only his will power, but his ability to hide the truth about his sexuality. Brett has never found a man that he wants to “sleep with. Screw them ten ways from Sunday, leave them breathless and then show them the door is his usual routine. That all changes when he takes a chance on love.
I’ll start with what was off for me with this story. It wasn’t cohesive throughout, there were times when the story disconnected between the storyline and the characters. And as much as I loved the new found passion that John and Brett shared, sometimes it seemed they were having sex just because, it didn’t advance the story.
What I loved was the chemistry these two had and the lengths they both went to in order to achieve their goals. John is sultry and seductive in his attempts to seduce the older man that is rejecting his affections. Brett is smoldering and ready to explode under John’s flirtations. This push and pull was what kept me interested in the story. Fans of Wells Learning to Love series will see some familiar faces in this book, as well as some wildly varying and enticing new secondary characters in John’s roommates.
I’m very excited to see where Well’s takes this new series and this new cast of characters. I’m a huge fan of her Personal series and her writing style is just that, personal. I love the connection she builds between characters and readers. This is a must read for KC Wells fans as well as fans of contemporary romance.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
April 22, 2014
3.5 Stars
This was a pretty good book. I felt a little bit lost at times, because it seems like this is a spin-off of another series by this author. Some of the secondary characters would have made more sense if I read that series (yes i'm talking about Evan and his husband and those housemates of their) since the book hinted at some issues that I should have known about.
I liked John and Brett good enough, but I think I loved John's friends and housemates better. John was such a doormat. He let Brett treat him like shit numerous times and then took him back without any groveling on Brett's part. Fuck that, make the asshole beg.
And Brett, for all his 33 years, was acting more like a 20 year old. He had way too many commitment problems, and we don't know exactly where those stem from. Is it because of his childhood spent in orphanage? Maybe, but it seems like that makes him more generous and focused on fundraisers and charities. I still feel like Brett is a total mystery. know nothing about him except he had a sad childhood (but we don't learn how he feels about that time in his life)spend in an orphanage, but why? What happened to his parents and the rest of his family? Why is there no talk about that?
My favorite part of this book was that spin the bottle game. That game helped me learn the only thing I really know about John: he has a gigantic dick which he can suck off by himself. That's all we really need to know about one of the main characters, right? *snort*
I did learn that there's something going on between Alec and Stu *the slut*, so hopefully one of the next books will be their. And Max and Ben hooked up...now if it's only for the night, that remains to be seen.
This was a pretty good book. I felt a little bit lost at times, because it seems like this is a spin-off of another series by this author. Some of the secondary characters would have made more sense if I read that series (yes i'm talking about Evan and his husband and those housemates of their) since the book hinted at some issues that I should have known about.
I liked John and Brett good enough, but I think I loved John's friends and housemates better. John was such a doormat. He let Brett treat him like shit numerous times and then took him back without any groveling on Brett's part. Fuck that, make the asshole beg.
And Brett, for all his 33 years, was acting more like a 20 year old. He had way too many commitment problems, and we don't know exactly where those stem from. Is it because of his childhood spent in orphanage? Maybe, but it seems like that makes him more generous and focused on fundraisers and charities. I still feel like Brett is a total mystery. know nothing about him except he had a sad childhood (but we don't learn how he feels about that time in his life)spend in an orphanage, but why? What happened to his parents and the rest of his family? Why is there no talk about that?
My favorite part of this book was that spin the bottle game. That game helped me learn the only thing I really know about John: he has a gigantic dick which he can suck off by himself. That's all we really need to know about one of the main characters, right? *snort*
I did learn that there's something going on between Alec and Stu *the slut*, so hopefully one of the next books will be their. And Max and Ben hooked up...now if it's only for the night, that remains to be seen.
May 9, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=26418
John Wainwright is a 24-year-old man who has graduated from college and is looking for his first real job. John’s goal is to be an elementary school teacher. He looks for a long time before finding a job. John is also not just growing career wise he is also facing the fact that he is attracted to men and what that might mean for his career and life in the future.
Brett Sanderson is the head teacher at the school where John works. Brett is also the most senior teacher on staff so he is John’s mentor as well. Brett is 33 years old and has never been in a relationship. He has had a series of one-night stands. He kept his sexuality firmly in the closet.
The chemistry between Brett and John is blistering. The sex scenes were hot and steamy. I loved seeing how Brett grew from not wanting to have a relationship too willing to have one with John. John works hard to get Brett’s attention and to keep it. I also loved how willing John was to give Brett more chances than most to try and make the relationship work.
Love Lessons Learned is the first book in the Love Lessons Learned series by K. C. Wells. I found this book well written with interesting and engaging characters. I loved that the main characters were teachers and not some other exciting career. I enjoyed how realistic this book was. The fears that John had are not just realistic but showed how well intelligent he is. Overall, this was a great book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=26418
John Wainwright is a 24-year-old man who has graduated from college and is looking for his first real job. John’s goal is to be an elementary school teacher. He looks for a long time before finding a job. John is also not just growing career wise he is also facing the fact that he is attracted to men and what that might mean for his career and life in the future.
Brett Sanderson is the head teacher at the school where John works. Brett is also the most senior teacher on staff so he is John’s mentor as well. Brett is 33 years old and has never been in a relationship. He has had a series of one-night stands. He kept his sexuality firmly in the closet.
The chemistry between Brett and John is blistering. The sex scenes were hot and steamy. I loved seeing how Brett grew from not wanting to have a relationship too willing to have one with John. John works hard to get Brett’s attention and to keep it. I also loved how willing John was to give Brett more chances than most to try and make the relationship work.
Love Lessons Learned is the first book in the Love Lessons Learned series by K. C. Wells. I found this book well written with interesting and engaging characters. I loved that the main characters were teachers and not some other exciting career. I enjoyed how realistic this book was. The fears that John had are not just realistic but showed how well intelligent he is. Overall, this was a great book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
June 6, 2014
A closeted mentor teacher falls for his fledgling out-and-proud instructor in this British romance that flirts with improper conduct.
When John Wainwright is hired to teach at an impoverished Manchester elementary school, he's immediately attracted to Head Teacher Brett Sanderson, who is also his mentor. But John thinks closeted Brett is straight, an impression Brett works hard at maintaining.
Since John, whose brother is a married gay man, wants to ultimately have the same kind of relationship his brother enjoys, he doesn't pursue Brett, but settles into his new living arrangement with three other out-and-proud men.
Brett, too, feels an attraction to John, but since Brett's only acknowledgement of his true self is as "Rob" in the gay resort of Brighton during school holidays, Brett too is ignoring his attraction to his mentee.
It's a stand-off until, one day, overcome by his attraction, Brett kisses John, and then the floodgates open. But is it wise to have an affair with John when he's supposed to be mentoring him?
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
When John Wainwright is hired to teach at an impoverished Manchester elementary school, he's immediately attracted to Head Teacher Brett Sanderson, who is also his mentor. But John thinks closeted Brett is straight, an impression Brett works hard at maintaining.
Since John, whose brother is a married gay man, wants to ultimately have the same kind of relationship his brother enjoys, he doesn't pursue Brett, but settles into his new living arrangement with three other out-and-proud men.
Brett, too, feels an attraction to John, but since Brett's only acknowledgement of his true self is as "Rob" in the gay resort of Brighton during school holidays, Brett too is ignoring his attraction to his mentee.
It's a stand-off until, one day, overcome by his attraction, Brett kisses John, and then the floodgates open. But is it wise to have an affair with John when he's supposed to be mentoring him?
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
June 10, 2014
2.5 Stars
So, I'm a true-blue K.C. Wells fan, right? But this one didn't do it for me. It wasn't bad, it just didn't hit the mark. First, the beginning was slow and boring. (At 32%, I picked up and finished another book!) Second, these guys aren't guys! I mean, I don't know of any guys who cradle and carry each other around like these men do. It irks me, frankly. They're not real IMHO. Third, the that was revealed at 97% pissed me off. But it's resolved in ... *counts on fingers* ... less than one page (i.e., a sentence or two). What the fuck!???! Which brings me to my fourth and final point: angst. If you're going to do it, please do it right. Don't get the emo in me all chomping at the bit for some groveling and hot make-up lurve only to have it all go to mush. Yuck! The misunderstandings and wrongs are too easily resolved because everyone and everything are too perfect.
On the bright side, K.C. Wells can write sexy, smexy scenes like no body's business.
Bottom line: Missed the mark.
So, I'm a true-blue K.C. Wells fan, right? But this one didn't do it for me. It wasn't bad, it just didn't hit the mark. First, the beginning was slow and boring. (At 32%, I picked up and finished another book!) Second, these guys aren't guys! I mean, I don't know of any guys who cradle and carry each other around like these men do. It irks me, frankly. They're not real IMHO. Third, the that was revealed at 97% pissed me off. But it's resolved in ... *counts on fingers* ... less than one page (i.e., a sentence or two). What the fuck!???! Which brings me to my fourth and final point: angst. If you're going to do it, please do it right. Don't get the emo in me all chomping at the bit for some groveling and hot make-up lurve only to have it all go to mush. Yuck! The misunderstandings and wrongs are too easily resolved because everyone and everything are too perfect.
On the bright side, K.C. Wells can write sexy, smexy scenes like no body's business.
Bottom line: Missed the mark.
September 13, 2016
Title: Love Lessons Learned
Author: K.C. Wells
Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★¼
Love Lessons Learned is definitely a “true love” story. John Wainright has been unsure about his sexuality but has been working on his education so there was no time to explore it. With his education behind him he needs a job which at first doesn’t seem to be going all that well until he lands a job at a small school where Brett Sanderson is the head teacher. Then with the help of his little brother Evan John admits his sexuality, finds a place to live, and begins his new career. John, however, feels that because of his career he must remain in the closet.
Complete Review at WoDF - Love Lessons Learned
Author: K.C. Wells
Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★¼
Love Lessons Learned is definitely a “true love” story. John Wainright has been unsure about his sexuality but has been working on his education so there was no time to explore it. With his education behind him he needs a job which at first doesn’t seem to be going all that well until he lands a job at a small school where Brett Sanderson is the head teacher. Then with the help of his little brother Evan John admits his sexuality, finds a place to live, and begins his new career. John, however, feels that because of his career he must remain in the closet.
Complete Review at WoDF - Love Lessons Learned
June 6, 2014
John Wainwright finally accepts that he is gay and all this coincides with his first teaching job. Evan, and Daniel, take him out to celebrate in Manchester’s gay village. That is the answer.
Head Teacher, Brett Sanderson has a double life and goes away during breaks because no one knows he is gay. He has never had a relationship.
Brett is attracted to John but thinks he is straight , same with John thinking that about Brett. But get close and they make many mistakes but when tragedy strikes and Brett opened his eyes ... he needs to make a decision that changed all.
They have to fight for their love and learned that love and happiness is there ...
Love the roommates of John and hope they get their stories and a chance at happiness
Head Teacher, Brett Sanderson has a double life and goes away during breaks because no one knows he is gay. He has never had a relationship.
Brett is attracted to John but thinks he is straight , same with John thinking that about Brett. But get close and they make many mistakes but when tragedy strikes and Brett opened his eyes ... he needs to make a decision that changed all.
They have to fight for their love and learned that love and happiness is there ...
Love the roommates of John and hope they get their stories and a chance at happiness
April 24, 2014
Defiantly 5 star rating, No spoilers here but its a great book about 2 men, both in the teaching positions at the same school and the head teacher Brett is only out of the closet when school is out for break and he goes to a different town using a different name. John is new in the teaching field and hasn't admitted to him self or others about his sexual status because hes still confused for the first couple of chapters. There is also Johns little brother and his husband that are there for him as well as his 3 new roommates, they share a really old Victorian house together and they are very supportive and even protective of John in his new life. John and Brett are dealing with their connection and with each other. Couldnt put it down it was a great story.
April 16, 2014
I love a sweet book, and this one is so freaking sweet, my teeth hurt. John is adorable and loveable, diving head first into a new life after coming out. Brent is not prepared for the pull that is John and where that might take him. So, between the two is great chemistry, fun, and steamy encounters. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more from these guys and John's housemates. I just know there is so much more to come from this series.
I need to go back and read the Learning to Love series, as so many of them turned up here. I can't wait to get to know them all.
Really, fun stuff, this one was.
I need to go back and read the Learning to Love series, as so many of them turned up here. I can't wait to get to know them all.
Really, fun stuff, this one was.
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