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The Education of the Heart #3
Learning to Walk
Weirdest neighbor ever…but he has an addicting smile and he was helpful in explaining Brady’s…well, Brady’s love of interesting things.
Craziest way to ever be asked out on a date…but Gareth is happy and the nosy neighbor is nice…and a good kisser.
Best first date ever…and the best apartment building ever.
Everyone sees meeting a potential date for the first time a little differently.
Someone might walk away from a first meeting confused about names and wondering how they ended up with a date.
Someone else might walk away appreciating an offer for a bit of naughty help.
Another might end up loving life and hoping that the two cuties upstairs are just as adorable on a date as they are when he’s eavesdropping.
However, there are a few things everyone can agree on…their neighbors are fascinating, Gareth has questions, and Cashel has no idea what’s going to happen with the wickedly helpful neighbor.
Author’s While this duet is part of the Education of the Heart series, these are the roommates from Save Me Santa . While it’s not technically necessary, I think Learning to Walk and Learning to Run will be more enjoyable if you’ve already read Brady’s story, Save Me Santa .
Craziest way to ever be asked out on a date…but Gareth is happy and the nosy neighbor is nice…and a good kisser.
Best first date ever…and the best apartment building ever.
Everyone sees meeting a potential date for the first time a little differently.
Someone might walk away from a first meeting confused about names and wondering how they ended up with a date.
Someone else might walk away appreciating an offer for a bit of naughty help.
Another might end up loving life and hoping that the two cuties upstairs are just as adorable on a date as they are when he’s eavesdropping.
However, there are a few things everyone can agree on…their neighbors are fascinating, Gareth has questions, and Cashel has no idea what’s going to happen with the wickedly helpful neighbor.
Author’s While this duet is part of the Education of the Heart series, these are the roommates from Save Me Santa . While it’s not technically necessary, I think Learning to Walk and Learning to Run will be more enjoyable if you’ve already read Brady’s story, Save Me Santa .
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
110 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Innes
139 books1,179 followersM.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.
When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
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When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery
Do you want to get sneak peeks at upcoming books? Personal updates? A chance at freebies and more?
Click here to join M.A. Innes Newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 8, 2023
This is the follow-up to Save Me Santa with the roommates. A new guy in the building overhears their rambling about not understanding BDSM or spankings and decides to step in and offer his advice and just decides that they are all going to date (the two are best friends but platonic) and the two just ... silently go along with it.
I was so frustrated. They are the author's typical pair. One is bubbly and flighty says whatever comes out of his mouth. The other is more reserved and gets frustrated with his friend's babbling and the Dom find it all amusing and perfect. This book only takes place over a few days. Less than a week so there isn't much development. And I can't believe these guys are about to graduate university. They rely on Brady's mother (the little in the first book) to determine what is rude. "Is that rude to ask someone their name if you are on a date with them? Brady's mom said we can't be rude." Are you 7 or 22? 3 adults who are unaware of what is rude and what is not? How have you survived at university? You appear to be totally clueless about anything but have managed to get a degree? How?
So I just didn't get it. He whirled into their lives, informed them both they were all dating and were now dating each other as well and they just went along for the ride. Good thing he wasn't a cult leader because they would have been murdering people or robbing banks. I think perhaps I just need to back off this author as it's just the same characters more or less with different names and slightly different locales/kinks.
I was so frustrated. They are the author's typical pair. One is bubbly and flighty says whatever comes out of his mouth. The other is more reserved and gets frustrated with his friend's babbling and the Dom find it all amusing and perfect. This book only takes place over a few days. Less than a week so there isn't much development. And I can't believe these guys are about to graduate university. They rely on Brady's mother (the little in the first book) to determine what is rude. "Is that rude to ask someone their name if you are on a date with them? Brady's mom said we can't be rude." Are you 7 or 22? 3 adults who are unaware of what is rude and what is not? How have you survived at university? You appear to be totally clueless about anything but have managed to get a degree? How?
So I just didn't get it. He whirled into their lives, informed them both they were all dating and were now dating each other as well and they just went along for the ride. Good thing he wasn't a cult leader because they would have been murdering people or robbing banks. I think perhaps I just need to back off this author as it's just the same characters more or less with different names and slightly different locales/kinks.
October 5, 2024
It takes three to help each other learn how to walk.
Finding your family is difficult, but forming a special family with dominant and submissive roles while learning what you like and what are your limits while developing rules and personal limitations can be challenging.
It takes a lot of love and understanding as each tries to learn what they desire and what they can bring to the family activities to make it better for each one in their relationship together.
Finding your family is difficult, but forming a special family with dominant and submissive roles while learning what you like and what are your limits while developing rules and personal limitations can be challenging.
It takes a lot of love and understanding as each tries to learn what they desire and what they can bring to the family activities to make it better for each one in their relationship together.
August 25, 2023
Learning to Walk is the third book and the start of the second duet in The Education of the Heart series by M.A. Innes. This is the story of Bates, Cashel and Gareth (if you read Save me Santa, the downstairs neighbor). I loved their story. I've wanted Cashel and Gareth's story since Save Me Santa and Bates was perfect for them. Their story was sweet and full of feels. Can't wait to the rest of their story .
August 14, 2024
The way the book starts with how Bates meets the other two main characters was nonsensical. And the dialogue in the first few pages was confusing; not knowing any of the characters on the first few pages made the conversation hard to follow. I felt like many of the characters were unbelievable and some were written as if they have learning challenges (but that was not stated anywhere in the book). It could have been an okay story; it just needed better reasoning on how the three characters got together.
September 22, 2023
Not so much my taste, since I found it hard getting into the way it was written… DNF since I just couldn’t get through- the changing POV and thoughts in 3 heads and actually the pretty weird beginning made hard for me to get into…
Bates was kind of creepy - to close to stalking than being nosy…which made the whole storyline weird in a way…
Bates was kind of creepy - to close to stalking than being nosy…which made the whole storyline weird in a way…
August 27, 2023
Dom Bates likes being helpful and the cuties upstairs have the most wonderful questions that they talk about loud enough for him to hear. Gareth is more concerned about having his questions answered and the way Bates seems to think he should be dating his best friend Cash and Bates at the same time. Cashel isn't sure what is happening when their tornado of a neighbour comes into their life and knows nothing will ever be the same when he ends up on a date with Gareth and Bates. Their neighbour knows him better than he knows himself. When a nosy neighbour decides to help two curious men, questions finally get answers and nothing will ever be the same.
I loved this story with the cute best friends who were curious and the neighbour who helped them with answers and so much more. It was so sweet as they discovered that Bates was a dom, one of them was a sub who was a pup and the other was a switch. Some of their conversations were crazy and so funny. They made a cute throuple which I hope has a long way to go. This was easy to feel, read and understand. This is an MMM story with mature content in a BDSM-like D/s dynamic with the start of pup play.
Please note that Gareth and Cashel were roommates in Save Me Santa which is the story of Brady and Jude by the same author
I loved this story with the cute best friends who were curious and the neighbour who helped them with answers and so much more. It was so sweet as they discovered that Bates was a dom, one of them was a sub who was a pup and the other was a switch. Some of their conversations were crazy and so funny. They made a cute throuple which I hope has a long way to go. This was easy to feel, read and understand. This is an MMM story with mature content in a BDSM-like D/s dynamic with the start of pup play.
Please note that Gareth and Cashel were roommates in Save Me Santa which is the story of Brady and Jude by the same author
September 4, 2023
We first met Gareth and Cashel in Save Me, Santa as Brady’s roommates. They were perplexed by Brady and Jude’s relationship and had lots of questions. Enter “Downstairs Guy” aka Bates. He overhears the two cuties having conversations about Daddies, spankings, and other topics. He decides that he is going to help them discover all about BDSM by dating them both.
I really like all of these characters. The beginning of their relationship moved slowly (needed) and progressed to a certain level by the end. Gareth and Cashel have been friends since childhood so for them to take their friendship to a romantic level was quite interesting. I also was intrigued by the fact that Cash was a switch and wanted to Dom Gareth on some levels.
Bates was a great Dom for these two– not overbearing or with a ton of rules. I think that would have sent both of them running for the hills. However, near the end, he didn’t feel quite in charge. Maybe he was trying to sit back and let Cash figure out his more Dommy side, but in the last chapter especially, he felt like an afterthought.
I am interested to see where these three end up next book Learning to Run
I received an ARC copy for my honest review
I really like all of these characters. The beginning of their relationship moved slowly (needed) and progressed to a certain level by the end. Gareth and Cashel have been friends since childhood so for them to take their friendship to a romantic level was quite interesting. I also was intrigued by the fact that Cash was a switch and wanted to Dom Gareth on some levels.
Bates was a great Dom for these two– not overbearing or with a ton of rules. I think that would have sent both of them running for the hills. However, near the end, he didn’t feel quite in charge. Maybe he was trying to sit back and let Cash figure out his more Dommy side, but in the last chapter especially, he felt like an afterthought.
I am interested to see where these three end up next book Learning to Run
I received an ARC copy for my honest review
September 4, 2023
Learning to walk is the third book in the Education of the Hearts Series and technically can be read as a stand alone but I think everyone gets a little muddled and it’s probably best read after Save Me Santa which is, unusually, part of an entirely different set of books. Save me Santa introduces our characters as it is the main story of Brady (and their neighbor Jude). Learning to Walk is the story of Brady’s roommates Garett and Cashel and their neighbor Bates. Like all MA Innes’ work, this is a low angst/no angst MMM book (like seriously, no angst) where our MCs start getting to explore the dynamics of their relationship(s). There’s a dom, a sub, and a switch, a pup and a whole lot of fun. Well, just the tip level of fun as it is a HFN and their story will continue in Learning to Run. Part one is a smushy soft look at getting to know one another in different ways. I anticipate part 2 will have ALL THE SPICE. So much spice. But like sugar spice. Looking forward to seeing these three fly.
November 6, 2023
A Dom, a Sub, and a Switch
I can't believe I waited so long to finally read this. Bates and Cash and Garret were absolutely adorable together and I loved how they went about figuring out a relationship with the three of them. M.A. Innes is utterly phenomenal at writing about various BDSM tropes and relationships. Safe, Sane, Consensual - those seem to be the cornerstones of her books, and the way she emphasizes honesty and communication makes everything that much more intimate. I love how several of her books have recurring, and or, overlapping characters. It's always fun when favorites from one series pops up in another. This book gave me such warm, fuzzy feelings and I'm all set to dive into the next book. I honestly can't recommend this author enough, and even if you've never read any of her previous books, you can absolutely jump in to this one as a standalone. But why would you want to miss out on the rest?! All the stars* Highly recommend!
I can't believe I waited so long to finally read this. Bates and Cash and Garret were absolutely adorable together and I loved how they went about figuring out a relationship with the three of them. M.A. Innes is utterly phenomenal at writing about various BDSM tropes and relationships. Safe, Sane, Consensual - those seem to be the cornerstones of her books, and the way she emphasizes honesty and communication makes everything that much more intimate. I love how several of her books have recurring, and or, overlapping characters. It's always fun when favorites from one series pops up in another. This book gave me such warm, fuzzy feelings and I'm all set to dive into the next book. I honestly can't recommend this author enough, and even if you've never read any of her previous books, you can absolutely jump in to this one as a standalone. But why would you want to miss out on the rest?! All the stars* Highly recommend!
September 9, 2023
These three are funny together and apart. Bates knew what he was going into, but Gareth and Cashel aren't sure. Gareth is more than happy to have someone explain everything to him and Cashel has some secrets that he has been holding on to.
This story was fantastic and I laughed so much as these three find their normal and what works for them. I really want to meet Brady's mom and see how Bates and Jude do with meeting her on page.
There is much laughter and tender moments between our trio. I think they do well when Jude and Brady put their noses where they aren't wanted.
I can't wait to read more about these guys and how their relationship progresses. We have some ideas that are given and I can't wait to see how those go for them.
This story was fantastic and I laughed so much as these three find their normal and what works for them. I really want to meet Brady's mom and see how Bates and Jude do with meeting her on page.
There is much laughter and tender moments between our trio. I think they do well when Jude and Brady put their noses where they aren't wanted.
I can't wait to read more about these guys and how their relationship progresses. We have some ideas that are given and I can't wait to see how those go for them.
July 13, 2025
It took me a little bit to get into this book because I was expecting it to be a little bit more connected to the first two books in this series. However, I loved getting to see their relationship develop and I loved that we get to see each of the characters thought processes as they navigate their new relationship! I love the way that this books ends with each of the characters kind of figuring out their role in the relationship and them all kind of exploring their interests and what they like as they continue to grow as a couple. And I love that Bates is never hesitant or turned off by how close Gareth and Cash are but instead just embraces it! Overall, I love the dynamic that the three of them have and I can’t wait to see how that continues to develop in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
wonderful story
This is a stand alone book but it has characters from Save Me Santa and you really should read that first to get all the inside jokes.
Now that aside I absolutely adored this book. Cash and Gareth are priceless. I love the banter between them. Bates is definitely the dom they need. Their shenanigans doesn’t scare him away it draws him in closer. This is THE book to read if you want to smile and laugh. My own husband may or may not believe I’m off my rocker because he walked in and I was cracking up allllll by myself. Seriously give it a shot. She draws you in from the first few pages.
This is a stand alone book but it has characters from Save Me Santa and you really should read that first to get all the inside jokes.
Now that aside I absolutely adored this book. Cash and Gareth are priceless. I love the banter between them. Bates is definitely the dom they need. Their shenanigans doesn’t scare him away it draws him in closer. This is THE book to read if you want to smile and laugh. My own husband may or may not believe I’m off my rocker because he walked in and I was cracking up allllll by myself. Seriously give it a shot. She draws you in from the first few pages.
September 2, 2023
I love Save Me, Santa, and it is so funny to see Brady and especially Jude through the eyes of Brady's roommates Gareth and Cashel. When they have questions about kink, their nosy neighbor Bates offers to help them out. (The walls are way too thin in this building!)
I really like these men, and their story makes me giggle, smile, and sigh with happiness. Gareth is one of the cute, funny, curious subs this author excels at creating. Cashel is more of a worrier, and it's sweet to see him begin to come out of his shell. Bates loves drama and gossip who is also a caring and sweet dom.
This story is so good, and I'm excited to see this relationship continue to grow in the next installment.
I really like these men, and their story makes me giggle, smile, and sigh with happiness. Gareth is one of the cute, funny, curious subs this author excels at creating. Cashel is more of a worrier, and it's sweet to see him begin to come out of his shell. Bates loves drama and gossip who is also a caring and sweet dom.
This story is so good, and I'm excited to see this relationship continue to grow in the next installment.
August 18, 2024
3.4 ⭐
This author has the silliest meet-cutes and I keep falling for them 😂. In real life I would be horrified if a nosy neighbor came to my door because he heard everything that happened at my house and he wanted to volunteer himself as my kink teacher 😭. But in the book, the neighbor was not creepy at all, he's just quirky and hella nosy. Like, the guy knows everything that goes around in his building, night adventures included 😃.
The book was a little slow for my taste, and I guess the things I was waiting for will appear in the next one. I still enjoyed the usual light and sweet tone of this author's writing style though.
This author has the silliest meet-cutes and I keep falling for them 😂. In real life I would be horrified if a nosy neighbor came to my door because he heard everything that happened at my house and he wanted to volunteer himself as my kink teacher 😭. But in the book, the neighbor was not creepy at all, he's just quirky and hella nosy. Like, the guy knows everything that goes around in his building, night adventures included 😃.
The book was a little slow for my taste, and I guess the things I was waiting for will appear in the next one. I still enjoyed the usual light and sweet tone of this author's writing style though.
August 26, 2023
Having met Gareth and Cashel in one of the author’s previous books, they were characters that intrigued me and I’m so glad I got to finally get to know them better.
Their neighbour Bates was exactly the Dom whom they needed to explore the untapped facets of themselves as they formed a relationship as a trio.
A story of wit, banter and a bit of spice, this is an engaging read from beginning to end.
Their neighbour Bates was exactly the Dom whom they needed to explore the untapped facets of themselves as they formed a relationship as a trio.
A story of wit, banter and a bit of spice, this is an engaging read from beginning to end.
August 23, 2023
Wow!!! I wanted Cashel and Gareth’s story since we met them in Save Me Santa. Bates was the perfect guy for them. Gareth is so adorable and Bates is that perfect blend of sweet, smart, and funny. Cashel is the one who really stole my heart. Such a great read. It was so funny and sweet. I can’t wait to get more of these cuties.
August 29, 2023
Oh wow this is a really enjoyable read, in my opinion the reader must have read Santa Save Me before reading this book as the background and the characters are introduced in it.
Gareth, Cash and nosy neighbour Bates are wonderful together and I can’t wait to read more as their relationship develops and settles in their next book.
Gareth, Cash and nosy neighbour Bates are wonderful together and I can’t wait to read more as their relationship develops and settles in their next book.
August 30, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed Gareth, Cashel, and Bates’ story. It’s very on-brand for M.A. Innes and a fun addition to the series. I’m looking forward to the next book, Learning to Run. I’m hopeful we’ll get to experience Brady’s mother and find out more regarding Gareth and Cash’s families as that feels unfinished.
I enjoyed Gareth, Cashel, and Bates’ story. It’s very on-brand for M.A. Innes and a fun addition to the series. I’m looking forward to the next book, Learning to Run. I’m hopeful we’ll get to experience Brady’s mother and find out more regarding Gareth and Cash’s families as that feels unfinished.
September 5, 2023
Learning To Walk
Bates, Cash, and Gareth
This story had me chuckling pretty much the entire time. Cash and Gareth were absolutely adorable. Bates character was so outgoing and understanding. I liked how he just took it upon himself to help the guys out. Very entertaining. Now I gotta go back and read Brady and Jude's story.
Bates, Cash, and Gareth
This story had me chuckling pretty much the entire time. Cash and Gareth were absolutely adorable. Bates character was so outgoing and understanding. I liked how he just took it upon himself to help the guys out. Very entertaining. Now I gotta go back and read Brady and Jude's story.
August 27, 2023
This book is the third in the education of the heart series and also mentions characters from Save Me Santa. You do not need to have read these books first but they are also great reads.
I loved how funny and sweet this book was and if you enjoy that type of read this book is for you.
I loved how funny and sweet this book was and if you enjoy that type of read this book is for you.
August 29, 2023
So good
I truly enjoyed reading how Bates Cash and Gareth came together and began to blossom in their relationship. Excited their story has more to come because the end has you wanting more but not a cliffhanger.
I truly enjoyed reading how Bates Cash and Gareth came together and began to blossom in their relationship. Excited their story has more to come because the end has you wanting more but not a cliffhanger.
February 26, 2024
So fun
This book has it all! It's fun, funny, sweet, and hot. Gareth, Cashel, and Bates work so great together, and I can't wait to start the next book. I think having read Save Me Santa added to the story and humor for me.
This book has it all! It's fun, funny, sweet, and hot. Gareth, Cashel, and Bates work so great together, and I can't wait to start the next book. I think having read Save Me Santa added to the story and humor for me.
July 13, 2024
4.25 stars
Plenty of slightly ridiculous conversations to figure out all the moving parts of this poly relationship. A few orgasms, but I'll definitely looking for more in the next story, along with spanking and pet play.
Plenty of slightly ridiculous conversations to figure out all the moving parts of this poly relationship. A few orgasms, but I'll definitely looking for more in the next story, along with spanking and pet play.
August 26, 2023
Great story
I absolutely loved this story. It was so good and the characters were so very interesting. I can’t wait to read more about these three.
I absolutely loved this story. It was so good and the characters were so very interesting. I can’t wait to read more about these three.
September 26, 2023
this was fun but i also felt so repetive in some parts.
some conversations just kept going around in circles and it took me out of the story.
hopeful book 2 will be paced better.
some conversations just kept going around in circles and it took me out of the story.
hopeful book 2 will be paced better.
September 28, 2023
Restraints, edging, ménage/triad, light pain, puppy play
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
Beautiful as usual <3 i love this college universe so much.
Beautiful as usual <3 i love this college universe so much. Reading it in order is the best experience for sure.
Beautiful as usual <3 i love this college universe so much. Reading it in order is the best experience for sure.
August 22, 2024
I loved the sweet build of the relationship of all three men. Once again the residence of the building prove how special they all are. I can’t wait until the rest of the family get together.
July 29, 2024
So glad to have Cashel and Gareth's story . Love the confusion, their talks and connection between the two of them .
Bates, being the downstairs neighbour, who loves to hear what's going on upstairs decides to step in and help clear some of their confusion.
Bates is the perfect partner , Dom, the two need.
Their story is super sweet and funny . Can't wait for the rest of their story
Bates, being the downstairs neighbour, who loves to hear what's going on upstairs decides to step in and help clear some of their confusion.
Bates is the perfect partner , Dom, the two need.
Their story is super sweet and funny . Can't wait for the rest of their story
February 7, 2025
First read: September 1, 2023
Second read: February 7, 2025
Second read: February 7, 2025
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews