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The Education of the Heart #5
Learning to Change
Dean
It’s the neighbors’ fault. All of it. Well, not the booze but everything else that lead up to the weird we’re going to figure this out exploration is definitely the neighbors’ fault. Dean’s starting to realize he’s not as nervous about their new adventure as he should be but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t found plenty to worry about. With his roommates and best friends, there’s always something to worry about.
Joel
They have the best neighbors, but they’ve left Joel with more than a few questions. Why do people submit? Why don’t more people like humiliation? Why has it taken him so long to figure out how much he likes his roommates? Yes, Joel has questions, but he’s not going to let that stop him from diving into all kinds of fun.
Tate
They were adorably insane, but Tate wouldn’t change his best friends for anything. He also can’t deny them much, so no one is surprised when he dives right in to answering Joel’s questions and helping Dean to figure out caretaking comes in all kinds of interesting packages. New questions might bring curious changes, but he knows he’s the Dom for the job.
When three best friends sit down with questions and fruity drinks, it’ll take more than second-guessing and alcohol to keep them from lending a helping hand and sharing their passion-filled hearts.
Author’s Learning to Change (5) and Learning to Grow (6) are a standalone duet. This duet has the opera singer who lives in our favorite apartment building, but you do not need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy these.
It’s the neighbors’ fault. All of it. Well, not the booze but everything else that lead up to the weird we’re going to figure this out exploration is definitely the neighbors’ fault. Dean’s starting to realize he’s not as nervous about their new adventure as he should be but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t found plenty to worry about. With his roommates and best friends, there’s always something to worry about.
Joel
They have the best neighbors, but they’ve left Joel with more than a few questions. Why do people submit? Why don’t more people like humiliation? Why has it taken him so long to figure out how much he likes his roommates? Yes, Joel has questions, but he’s not going to let that stop him from diving into all kinds of fun.
Tate
They were adorably insane, but Tate wouldn’t change his best friends for anything. He also can’t deny them much, so no one is surprised when he dives right in to answering Joel’s questions and helping Dean to figure out caretaking comes in all kinds of interesting packages. New questions might bring curious changes, but he knows he’s the Dom for the job.
When three best friends sit down with questions and fruity drinks, it’ll take more than second-guessing and alcohol to keep them from lending a helping hand and sharing their passion-filled hearts.
Author’s Learning to Change (5) and Learning to Grow (6) are a standalone duet. This duet has the opera singer who lives in our favorite apartment building, but you do not need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy these.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2024
68 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Innes
140 books1,192 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 16, 2024
3.75 ⭐
Did I just skipped over two books of the series to read this one because I won a free copy in a giveaway? Hell yeah 😂. It was my first time wining anything for free 😭
The story was sweet and I can't wait to read the rest ❤️. I felt like a lot of things need to be addressed in book two for them to have the best ending.
Did I just skipped over two books of the series to read this one because I won a free copy in a giveaway? Hell yeah 😂. It was my first time wining anything for free 😭
The story was sweet and I can't wait to read the rest ❤️. I felt like a lot of things need to be addressed in book two for them to have the best ending.
August 14, 2024
Urgh !! 🤨… frustration…. lecture non stimulante! C’était ennuyant à mourir. Personnalité zéro, histoire zéro par contre définition des persos à travers leurs sexualités m’a donné une overdose. Il y avait rien de génial, tout était plat j’ai sauté beaucoup de passages car ils étaient ni existants ni intéressants. Pas d’affect, pas d’émotions… juste une description et l’exploration d’un mode vie pour les nuls 😒.
Je ne comprends pas pourquoi ce livre à des 5 étoiles lol 😆.
Aucune maturité, c’est juste des potes qui couchent ensemble et qui ont la grande révélation et leurs do list à se connaître c’est tout!
Tout est beau et parfait beurk 🤢, ce genre d’histoire rend fainéant. Pas de stimulation, pas de profondeur ni d’intérêt.
L’imperfection c’est ce qui rend les choses belles. Et là tout est incroyablement parfait, les réponses, comportements, des robots en somme. J’en ai marre de lire des histoires utopiques, à la walt Disney à l’ancienne. Ça pourrit la créativité.
Les gars se fréquentent à peine une soirée à coucher ou faire une scène que tout est okay. Sérieusement 😟 malgré le fait qu’ils sont colocataires depuis un an.
Ce n’est pas une histoire d’amour, je sais même pas ce que c’est en vrai.
Je suis sensée ressentir quelque chose mais j’ai rien ressenti en lisant c’était plus une corvée qu’un plaisir. Y a au début Dean qui paraissait intéressant mais à la fin 😩
Indifférence totale.
Auteure que je bannis de ma liseuse avec un grand plaisir.
Et que j’éviterai avec zèle à l’avenir c’est comme la junkfood nocive pour ma santé et ici pour mon mentale.
Aussi, j’en ai ma claque des soumis sans personnalité pas du tout intérêt à être soumis pffff! M’en fous d’être insensible j’en fais une overdose et dans cette histoire le Joel m’a cassé les couilles!!! Les Switch sont un plus intéressant mais le reste m’en branle complet!!
Je ne comprends pas pourquoi ce livre à des 5 étoiles lol 😆.
Aucune maturité, c’est juste des potes qui couchent ensemble et qui ont la grande révélation et leurs do list à se connaître c’est tout!
Tout est beau et parfait beurk 🤢, ce genre d’histoire rend fainéant. Pas de stimulation, pas de profondeur ni d’intérêt.
L’imperfection c’est ce qui rend les choses belles. Et là tout est incroyablement parfait, les réponses, comportements, des robots en somme. J’en ai marre de lire des histoires utopiques, à la walt Disney à l’ancienne. Ça pourrit la créativité.
Les gars se fréquentent à peine une soirée à coucher ou faire une scène que tout est okay. Sérieusement 😟 malgré le fait qu’ils sont colocataires depuis un an.
Ce n’est pas une histoire d’amour, je sais même pas ce que c’est en vrai.
Je suis sensée ressentir quelque chose mais j’ai rien ressenti en lisant c’était plus une corvée qu’un plaisir. Y a au début Dean qui paraissait intéressant mais à la fin 😩
Indifférence totale.
Auteure que je bannis de ma liseuse avec un grand plaisir.
Et que j’éviterai avec zèle à l’avenir c’est comme la junkfood nocive pour ma santé et ici pour mon mentale.
Aussi, j’en ai ma claque des soumis sans personnalité pas du tout intérêt à être soumis pffff! M’en fous d’être insensible j’en fais une overdose et dans cette histoire le Joel m’a cassé les couilles!!! Les Switch sont un plus intéressant mais le reste m’en branle complet!!
August 17, 2024
I'm feeling generous...so 2 stars.
I thought we'd left the ghost writer/AI writing in 2023 but I was wrong. This book was released over a week ago and it's sitting at 41 reviews....and I assume most or all are from the ARC team. Speaking from experience, the author doesn't allow reviews that aren't positive. The small number of reviews should be a wake up call, but I'm predicting it won't be. It's yet another book that's ruined a great series. FML.
I had to ask a friend to read the first chapter because I was having such a hard time following along. Here's our conversation:
Them: This writing is insane.
Me: This has to be ai or a ghost writer...right?
Them: Um. I hope so. Because it's written like gibberish.
Shaw, if you had an editor or copywriter proofread this and they didn't tell you to fix the first chapter...you need to fire them. I don't understand how something this poorly written was published...in a book....by an established author.
You ruined this series for me. Leon and Morgan are one of my favorite couples in the universe you created. Tate was their neighbor and we learn basically nothing about him, or Dean. This read like a first draft and you could have used any other name for Joel such as Kenzie, Addison, Paxton, Dessie, or Charlie. Why? Because they are all the same character with different names. All of their internal dialogue is the same. How they interact with their partners is the same. How they give a b.j....the same. It's exhausting and repetitive. It's made worse by the fact that the first 63% is basically 1 day. We learn nothing about the characters. There's no chemistry or romance between the three of them. The jump from cages to Joel being a little was out of place and don't get me started on the puppy gear. Nothing in this book has me invested enough in the characters to warrant a re-read. It definitely hasn't convinced me that I need to read the next book. The pacing was off and the book was entirely too long.
The writing is atrocious. There's no character development, no plot, no romance, no chemistry, no flow and nothing sexy...at all. it will go on the same never read again shelf as Finley and Jared, The Gift of Strength and The Christmas Mac n Cheese mystery.
I guess the only positive of the book is that there's not a word repeated 300 times.....that's how low my expectations are with this author. It shameful....disgraceful and again, false advertising. Please stop.
I thought we'd left the ghost writer/AI writing in 2023 but I was wrong. This book was released over a week ago and it's sitting at 41 reviews....and I assume most or all are from the ARC team. Speaking from experience, the author doesn't allow reviews that aren't positive. The small number of reviews should be a wake up call, but I'm predicting it won't be. It's yet another book that's ruined a great series. FML.
I had to ask a friend to read the first chapter because I was having such a hard time following along. Here's our conversation:
Them: This writing is insane.
Me: This has to be ai or a ghost writer...right?
Them: Um. I hope so. Because it's written like gibberish.
Shaw, if you had an editor or copywriter proofread this and they didn't tell you to fix the first chapter...you need to fire them. I don't understand how something this poorly written was published...in a book....by an established author.
You ruined this series for me. Leon and Morgan are one of my favorite couples in the universe you created. Tate was their neighbor and we learn basically nothing about him, or Dean. This read like a first draft and you could have used any other name for Joel such as Kenzie, Addison, Paxton, Dessie, or Charlie. Why? Because they are all the same character with different names. All of their internal dialogue is the same. How they interact with their partners is the same. How they give a b.j....the same. It's exhausting and repetitive. It's made worse by the fact that the first 63% is basically 1 day. We learn nothing about the characters. There's no chemistry or romance between the three of them. The jump from cages to Joel being a little was out of place and don't get me started on the puppy gear. Nothing in this book has me invested enough in the characters to warrant a re-read. It definitely hasn't convinced me that I need to read the next book. The pacing was off and the book was entirely too long.
The writing is atrocious. There's no character development, no plot, no romance, no chemistry, no flow and nothing sexy...at all. it will go on the same never read again shelf as Finley and Jared, The Gift of Strength and The Christmas Mac n Cheese mystery.
I guess the only positive of the book is that there's not a word repeated 300 times.....that's how low my expectations are with this author. It shameful....disgraceful and again, false advertising. Please stop.
August 15, 2024
Dean thinks that it is the neighbours’ fault. All of it. Well, not the booze but everything else that lead up to the weird we're going to figure this out exploration is definitely the neighbours’ fault. Dean’s starting to realise he’s not as nervous about their new adventure as he should be but that doesn't mean he hasn't found plenty to worry about. With his roommates and best friends, there’s always something to worry about. Joel thinks that they have the best neighbours, but they've left Joel with more than a few questions. Why do people submit? Why don’t more people like humiliation? Why has it taken him so long to figure out how much he likes his roommates? Yes, Joel has questions, but he’s not going to let that stop him from diving into all kinds of fun. Tate thinks that they are adorably insane, but Tate wouldn't change his best friends for anything. He also can’t deny them much, so no one is surprised when he dives right in to answering Joel’s questions and helping Dean to figure out that caretaking comes in all kinds of interesting packages. New questions might bring curious changes, but he knows he’s the Dom for the job. When three best friends sit down with questions and fruity drinks, it'll take more than second-guessing and alcohol to keep them from lending a helping hand and sharing their passion-filled hearts.
This was an interesting discussion followed by a fun change to their relationship as the roommates and friends explore what they really want in the future. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s and DDLB dynamics.
This was an interesting discussion followed by a fun change to their relationship as the roommates and friends explore what they really want in the future. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MMM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s and DDLB dynamics.
July 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I think I liked this book better than the last two. I love the characters and the dynamic that they have together and how each other has something that they bring to the relationship. I love the way that they all support each other but they each have different ways in which they do that! There were several scenes throughout this book that show that and that I absolutely loved! I love the way that dean has to think everything through and is the protector of the group! And I love that Tate is the one that pushes the boundaries and that Joel isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants. I absolutely love the scene where they are trying to pick out board games and dean realizes that he needs a minute and the way that the lady steps in to help them through the frustration! I think that this book was very well written and I love seeing this relationship develop. I cannot wait to read the next book and to hopefully see more of deans submissive side come out but also get to see more of his dominant side too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 5, 2025Name a character who likes to be called slut and cocksucker, enjoys spanking and being little, not against blindfolds and restraints and wears cock cage...and somehow it appears that 80% of them are. They have lists! of bdsm stuff and yet each couple doing the same things. Why? Sounding, fisting, hot wax and ice play, figging or feather tickling if not into pain... When i started reading Innes and Shaw books i was immediately hooked. As i described it to my friend "they've done so many things in bed and they didn't even have sex yet". But then i realized that most of the couples doing the same routine. The books are like one and the same porn video with different decorations. First time is awesome, 5th is still great, 10th? You just go and look for smth else. I can accept that there is not much plot in the books - let it be erotic reading. But what about diversity?
DNF at 30%. Too much 'slut' and nothing new. They don't even leave the flat. Maybe i just need a break from the author
DNF at 30%. Too much 'slut' and nothing new. They don't even leave the flat. Maybe i just need a break from the author
August 4, 2024
Thank you for the ARC, I voluntarily give it an honest review. I whole heartily agree with Dean on It's all the neighbors fault, but they have totally created a cute little monster with their own actions with Joel. I don't know which was more intriguing Tate and Joel finding their way through the ingredients list while drunk or the happy wiggles both just to funny.
Will it be daddy, master or the troublesome lil' cutie making life's every interesting. No should never been in the vocabulary, but it's a hard job someone has to do it. Only will it be a tossup between it being Dean or Tate, because it would be so hard to tell him no.
Will it be daddy, master or the troublesome lil' cutie making life's every interesting. No should never been in the vocabulary, but it's a hard job someone has to do it. Only will it be a tossup between it being Dean or Tate, because it would be so hard to tell him no.
August 6, 2024
I loved it!!! Friends to lovers a big favorite of mine. The emotions are so much deeper to me. Plus you have the build up of the relationship and the characters each having their own personal growth. We get that here. Tate, Dean, and Joel are learning what they want and changing from friends to lovers. They are finding out about each other and their own desires as well. Thankfully they live in the best place for that. This is book one of a duet and as good as this one was, I bet the second will be even better.
August 13, 2024
Fun read . Trying to keep up with Joel's mind is fascinating.
Dean, Joel and Tate live in a ' kink friendly ' apartment block. When window's are open sound travels.
The three have been friends for a long time, but Tate and Dean start helping Joel out with his fantasies.
Their friendship grows with Tate being the Dom, with fun ways to play with Joel.
Dean being a switch and always worrying/ thinking.
Joel being a sub who has so many things he want to try out.
Can't wait for the next to see how their relationship grows.
Fun busy read ,
Dean, Joel and Tate live in a ' kink friendly ' apartment block. When window's are open sound travels.
The three have been friends for a long time, but Tate and Dean start helping Joel out with his fantasies.
Their friendship grows with Tate being the Dom, with fun ways to play with Joel.
Dean being a switch and always worrying/ thinking.
Joel being a sub who has so many things he want to try out.
Can't wait for the next to see how their relationship grows.
Fun busy read ,
August 13, 2024
Intriguing neighbours and a night of drinking leads best friends and roommates, Dean, Joel and Tate on a path of kinky exploration.
What ensues is endless amounts of fun, sexy times and learning about each other as they communicate and explore a new dynamic between them.
This can be read as a stand-alone but I loved the cameos from previous characters. A fantastic read full of interesting characters, steamy scenes and a great storyline. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
What ensues is endless amounts of fun, sexy times and learning about each other as they communicate and explore a new dynamic between them.
This can be read as a stand-alone but I loved the cameos from previous characters. A fantastic read full of interesting characters, steamy scenes and a great storyline. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
October 10, 2024
Change your Learning, Change your Life!
BDSM is a lifestyle that has rules with rewards and punishments that increase the interest in the other participants. In this book, three roommates have moved into their interest in each other and are experimenting with the activities while learning from each other, the internet, and the neighbors.
Developing the rules for their play to avoid harming someone physically or mentally, while testing their limits and desires.
BDSM is a lifestyle that has rules with rewards and punishments that increase the interest in the other participants. In this book, three roommates have moved into their interest in each other and are experimenting with the activities while learning from each other, the internet, and the neighbors.
Developing the rules for their play to avoid harming someone physically or mentally, while testing their limits and desires.
August 7, 2024
This was such a good read! I enjoyed going along with Dean, Joel, and Tate as they began to explore BDSM - and each other. Their different personalities and levels of daring meshed well together. As is always the case with this author, there was tons of humor and heart mixed in with the steamy fun.
I loved these guys and their beginning, and I can't wait to see how their relationship grows.
I loved these guys and their beginning, and I can't wait to see how their relationship grows.
August 15, 2024
Enjoyable
I enjoyed Joel, Dean, and Tate’s story. Joel is hysterical and I loved his antics. I’m glad this isn’t the end of their story as Dean has much to discover about being both Joel’s Daddy and Tate’s sub. I’m hopeful that at some point there will be an apartment complex party to get all of the interesting people together
I enjoyed Joel, Dean, and Tate’s story. Joel is hysterical and I loved his antics. I’m glad this isn’t the end of their story as Dean has much to discover about being both Joel’s Daddy and Tate’s sub. I’m hopeful that at some point there will be an apartment complex party to get all of the interesting people together
September 28, 2024
Once again we see how unique the residents of the apartment building are. Dean, Tate, and Joel are figuring out how they fit together and what defines special. I enjoyed the whole story but there are some special moments that are just extra fun. Such as shopping at Target. I love that it is made clear that they really care for each other.
August 9, 2024
Dean, Joel, and Tate's book is so much silly fun! It's full of fun, funny, and steamy shenanigans. I love watching them work out how to navigate their relationship. This book is so full of naked fun and fluff that it's definitely one of my new fav books. You should totally read this book!
Want to read
August 12, 2024That was an insane, chaotic, drunken chapter to start on! I really should start this series soon! Especially excited for when next book in duet releases.
Want to read
August 24, 2024I think im going to go back and finish this book. but im a super mood reader and it just wasn't for me at the time
January 16, 2026
3.4 stars
August 30, 2024
Learning to Change is the first book in the duet about Dean, Joel and Tate. It's the 5th book in the Education of the Heart series by M.A. Innes.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written. Can't wait to read the next part of their story.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written. Can't wait to read the next part of their story.
January 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. This is the most fascinating apartment building ever. These three are so cute and watching them explore everything together is hilarious and sweet. I can’t wait to read more of their story.
February 9, 2025
First read: August 10, 2024
Second read: February 9, 2025
3.5 stars
Second read: February 9, 2025
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews