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Learning Curves
From the author of Stars Collide and Cover Story comes a steamy will-they-won’t-they romance about a bright young teacher reconnecting with the jaded professor she once pined for.
For Audrey Lind, working with clay still evokes memories of her favorite professor. The woman’s zeal for art history ignited Audrey’s own academic career—and her tweed blazers and British accent kindled her first female crush. After fate brings Audrey back to Northshire University to teach, she’s thrilled to be working alongside her former mentor, but the grumpy woman she encounters upon her return is nothing like the dynamo she remembers.
Divorce and a stalling career have turned Dr. Michelle Thompson bitter and guarded. When Audrey swoops in to teach the Women in Art class Michelle’s been pitching for years, she longs to hate her. But her young rival is too kind, too enthusiastic, too irresistible. And her passion for life slowly reawakens Michelle’s own.
Wary of age gaps and workplace politics, they suppress their smoldering attraction—until one wine-filled night at the pottery wheel puts their romantic truce to the test. Will they keep things on the tenure track or risk it all for love?
For Audrey Lind, working with clay still evokes memories of her favorite professor. The woman’s zeal for art history ignited Audrey’s own academic career—and her tweed blazers and British accent kindled her first female crush. After fate brings Audrey back to Northshire University to teach, she’s thrilled to be working alongside her former mentor, but the grumpy woman she encounters upon her return is nothing like the dynamo she remembers.
Divorce and a stalling career have turned Dr. Michelle Thompson bitter and guarded. When Audrey swoops in to teach the Women in Art class Michelle’s been pitching for years, she longs to hate her. But her young rival is too kind, too enthusiastic, too irresistible. And her passion for life slowly reawakens Michelle’s own.
Wary of age gaps and workplace politics, they suppress their smoldering attraction—until one wine-filled night at the pottery wheel puts their romantic truce to the test. Will they keep things on the tenure track or risk it all for love?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2025
1004 people are currently reading
16627 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lacey
38 books2,295 followersRachel Lacey is an award-winning contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in the mountains of Vermont with her family and a variety of rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 538 reviews
September 1, 2025
Ahhh, this was beautiful 🥹! Once again, Rachel Lacey has written a comforting, heartfelt, HOT sapphic romance. I’ll definitely need to reread this one sometime in the near future.
Audrey and Michelle were a wonderful pair. Audrey’s enthusiasm — regarding both pottery and women in art — was absolutely enchanting. Plus, I loved how confident and forward she was. Honestly, how can I become Audrey?? And Michelle…well, no one who reads my reviews will be surprised when I say I have a crush on Michelle. Prickly (at first) and competent, with an underlying sadness due to wanting more out of life…yep, she’s basically my dream woman. And god, I am SO here for the crushing-on-your-hot-British-former-professor vibes.
The romance was equal parts wholesome and sizzling. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that pottery scene, because WHEW! If I ever needed a reason to take a pottery class, now I have it. I loved how Audrey and Michelle encouraged each other to reach their full potential, and I adored how they were so clearly intellectual equals. Also, I found the discussions of women in art fascinating. I like when I end up learning fun facts from romance novels — it’s such an unexpected treat.
Thank you so much to Rachel Lacey and Montlake Press for the ARC! As always, I will be looking forward to Rachel Lacey’s next book!
Audrey and Michelle were a wonderful pair. Audrey’s enthusiasm — regarding both pottery and women in art — was absolutely enchanting. Plus, I loved how confident and forward she was. Honestly, how can I become Audrey?? And Michelle…well, no one who reads my reviews will be surprised when I say I have a crush on Michelle. Prickly (at first) and competent, with an underlying sadness due to wanting more out of life…yep, she’s basically my dream woman. And god, I am SO here for the crushing-on-your-hot-British-former-professor vibes.
The romance was equal parts wholesome and sizzling. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that pottery scene, because WHEW! If I ever needed a reason to take a pottery class, now I have it. I loved how Audrey and Michelle encouraged each other to reach their full potential, and I adored how they were so clearly intellectual equals. Also, I found the discussions of women in art fascinating. I like when I end up learning fun facts from romance novels — it’s such an unexpected treat.
Thank you so much to Rachel Lacey and Montlake Press for the ARC! As always, I will be looking forward to Rachel Lacey’s next book!
May 19, 2025
this wasn’t bad necessarily it just wasn’t good. nothing about the plot or characters stood out and the slow burn was so ridiculously slow that i found myself bored and then out of nowhere they hook up, like 🫠 i wanted to SWOON but i didn’t move a single muscle
thank you to netgalley and montlake for the arc
thank you to netgalley and montlake for the arc
April 28, 2025
Oh my goodness! My heart was so full and those tears from earlier? Happy tears. So many emotions while I read this, but most of all, I was happy. Michelle and Audrey were so freaking cute and smitten with each other. I could barely stand it! I’m a big fan of communication and these two excelled at it. Bravo! The spice was so overwhelmingly sexy that I could barely function while I read it. Did I blush? Maybe. Would I read it again? Yes! Anyway, I highly recommend this as a must-read and hope you love it as much as I did. Happy reading!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Montlake for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Montlake for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2025
A slow burn, but a good burn. Enjoyed the love story between these two MCs and that there wasn’t a second or third act break up. Also, that slight forbidden aspect added another layer and they should’ve acted it out in the end, just saying. The slow burn was a bit slow for me but once it got going with them, I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
A wonderful new romance by Rachel Lacey, set in the academic world of Northshire University. An age-gap, workplace romance, and that it is never too late to take a chance at love.
Audrey Lind, a former student at this university, has landed her dream job as an assistant professor at this very university. Here she can pass on and teach her passion for pottery, and she also has the opportunity to teach the subject “Women in Art.” What a perfect start. The icing on the cake is that her former professor, and her first crush, who also sparked her passion for an academic career, will now be her colleague. But the reunion is anything but what she had imagined. Where is the passionate and warm-hearted teacher from the past?
Michelle Thompson, jaded by her divorce and the constant struggle with the same issues at the university, is now the most unpopular professor and the ice queen of the university. Everyone is badmouthing her, and Michelle finds herself trapped in a situation she is struggling to break out of. And now, of all people, the new assistant professor is allowed to start her “Women in Art” class, which she has been fighting for for years. Who wouldn't be a little grumpy?
What I always like most about Rachel Lacey's stories are the people. With all their flaws, rough edges, and quirks, they are the pillars of her stories. Their experiences shape their personalities and make it understandable why they are the way they are. Warm, cheerful, full of zest for life, open and humorous, or grumpy, dissatisfied, sarcastic, and sometimes unfriendly—but never unsympathetic.
But she lets her characters develop and find new paths. It's nice to see how Audrey doesn't give up right away after her first unsatisfying encounter with her former mentor. She wants to know why Michelle is now so dismissive; she desperately wants to find the motivating and passionate teacher she once knew. And slowly, she begins to break down the walls and barbed wire around Michelle's heart. In the process, the still smoldering embers of her first love are rekindled. As Audrey slowly creeps into Michelle's heart, she cannot resist the younger woman's charm and lets her into her life. Together, slowly, they find ways to remove all obstacles and discover new possibilities and new happiness.
A wonderful, heartwarming story with great leading women whose connection and chemistry can be felt, and also many supporting actors who play small but nonetheless important roles in the story. And while reading, I drank several cups of tea together with Michelle and Audrey.
The absolute best, most sensual and hottest scene is at the pottery wheel 🔥🔥🔥 be prepared.
Thank you to Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for receiving an ARC.
A wonderful new romance by Rachel Lacey, set in the academic world of Northshire University. An age-gap, workplace romance, and that it is never too late to take a chance at love.
Audrey Lind, a former student at this university, has landed her dream job as an assistant professor at this very university. Here she can pass on and teach her passion for pottery, and she also has the opportunity to teach the subject “Women in Art.” What a perfect start. The icing on the cake is that her former professor, and her first crush, who also sparked her passion for an academic career, will now be her colleague. But the reunion is anything but what she had imagined. Where is the passionate and warm-hearted teacher from the past?
Michelle Thompson, jaded by her divorce and the constant struggle with the same issues at the university, is now the most unpopular professor and the ice queen of the university. Everyone is badmouthing her, and Michelle finds herself trapped in a situation she is struggling to break out of. And now, of all people, the new assistant professor is allowed to start her “Women in Art” class, which she has been fighting for for years. Who wouldn't be a little grumpy?
What I always like most about Rachel Lacey's stories are the people. With all their flaws, rough edges, and quirks, they are the pillars of her stories. Their experiences shape their personalities and make it understandable why they are the way they are. Warm, cheerful, full of zest for life, open and humorous, or grumpy, dissatisfied, sarcastic, and sometimes unfriendly—but never unsympathetic.
But she lets her characters develop and find new paths. It's nice to see how Audrey doesn't give up right away after her first unsatisfying encounter with her former mentor. She wants to know why Michelle is now so dismissive; she desperately wants to find the motivating and passionate teacher she once knew. And slowly, she begins to break down the walls and barbed wire around Michelle's heart. In the process, the still smoldering embers of her first love are rekindled. As Audrey slowly creeps into Michelle's heart, she cannot resist the younger woman's charm and lets her into her life. Together, slowly, they find ways to remove all obstacles and discover new possibilities and new happiness.
A wonderful, heartwarming story with great leading women whose connection and chemistry can be felt, and also many supporting actors who play small but nonetheless important roles in the story. And while reading, I drank several cups of tea together with Michelle and Audrey.
The absolute best, most sensual and hottest scene is at the pottery wheel 🔥🔥🔥 be prepared.
Thank you to Rachel Lacey and NetGalley for receiving an ARC.
August 24, 2025
I received this as an ARC and ALC, below is my own honest review.
I adore Rachel Lacey’s books and I adore Quinn Riley’s narration. Put those two together and what do you get? Another amazing book!!
Former student/University Professor! What a great combination. I really do enjoy Rachel’s writing, it’s such an easy, cosy vibe but also is packed full of plot and character development. She has such a gift for story telling and is 100% an auto-buy author for me, as much as Quinn is an auto-listen narrator. I just know I’ll never be let down by these two, they make you feel safe!
That goddam pottery scene!! Holy hell!! So much longing and yearning and lust!! I loved every second of it! Slow burns never feel like a slow burn with Rachel Lacey.
Also loved that Eden Sands and Natalie Keane got a shoutouts!
As this was also an ALC I wanted to take a moment for Quinn Riley, if you’ve listened to anything she’s narrated you know how amazing she is. She did a phenomenal job at being Rachel’s characters to life, the emotions she portrays in her performance are on point and done perfectly! She has such a beautiful way of fully submerging you into the story and making you feel all the feelings along side the characters. 👏🏻
Written in Third Person with 2x POV’s. Slow Burn, Age Gap (15 years), Grumpy x Sunshine, Former Crush, Workplace Romance, Starting Over. 4x Spicy Scenes (there is another two but it’s non descriptive/F2B).
I adore Rachel Lacey’s books and I adore Quinn Riley’s narration. Put those two together and what do you get? Another amazing book!!
Former student/University Professor! What a great combination. I really do enjoy Rachel’s writing, it’s such an easy, cosy vibe but also is packed full of plot and character development. She has such a gift for story telling and is 100% an auto-buy author for me, as much as Quinn is an auto-listen narrator. I just know I’ll never be let down by these two, they make you feel safe!
That goddam pottery scene!! Holy hell!! So much longing and yearning and lust!! I loved every second of it! Slow burns never feel like a slow burn with Rachel Lacey.
Also loved that Eden Sands and Natalie Keane got a shoutouts!
As this was also an ALC I wanted to take a moment for Quinn Riley, if you’ve listened to anything she’s narrated you know how amazing she is. She did a phenomenal job at being Rachel’s characters to life, the emotions she portrays in her performance are on point and done perfectly! She has such a beautiful way of fully submerging you into the story and making you feel all the feelings along side the characters. 👏🏻
Written in Third Person with 2x POV’s. Slow Burn, Age Gap (15 years), Grumpy x Sunshine, Former Crush, Workplace Romance, Starting Over. 4x Spicy Scenes (there is another two but it’s non descriptive/F2B).
September 10, 2025
I really, really wanted to love this, however, I was sorely disappointed. To me, this wasn’t grumpy/sunshine or opposites attract, it was clinically depressed + undiagnosed PTSD / in love with a memory combined with borderline delusional. I felt like the character of a Michelle got done dirty in this book. She had the potential to be more interesting than Audrey and none of that was explored.
I take that back…she liked to trauma dump during sex. Her ex-wife was clearly emotionally abusive and we get zero acknowledgement on the page from either character that they recognized that was the case. Yes, there were some “I’m sorry that happened to you” but just wasn’t enough to save this. Michelle went to therapy for a time because her best friend in the UK made her go? How? I never saw her do much to help herself and that made it very hard for me to root for her. Girl, go to the doctor!!
Don’t get me started on a tenured professor at a university not getting up from a 2 hour meeting to go to the bathroom. I get that the committee was a way to force proximity. But wouldn’t that have been better accomplished by having Michelle be Audrey’s mentor? Mercy was a shell of a character who definitely could have added much more depth to the story, had she been explored. Did she even need to exist to move the story forward?
Audrey was fine, but too perfect to be believable. She’s supposed to be 30 years old with a phd and she flipped between sounding like a teenager to sounding like a grandma. Her family, like Mercy, was completely flat and unexplored. The obsession with tweed was just ridiculous. I also feel like I was only told how she used to feel about Michelle, but I never was given a reason to believe that was anything other than a delusion of her youth. And she was shocked that her one year contract was going to get cut when her ceramics class had 11 people? That doesn’t sound like she has spent any time at any institute of higher learning. She would have seen that a zillion times when she was working on her masters or doctorate. And every single intro to art history class would have been dumped right on her. She would have had 8:00 am classes and 6:00 pm classes on the same days.
I did enjoy the little tidbits about women in art. The lesson on quilting as art was the best thing in the book. The writing isn’t terrible. I know Rachel Lacey can write and I usually enjoy the vibes she brings to her work. This just didn’t work for me.
I take that back…she liked to trauma dump during sex. Her ex-wife was clearly emotionally abusive and we get zero acknowledgement on the page from either character that they recognized that was the case. Yes, there were some “I’m sorry that happened to you” but just wasn’t enough to save this. Michelle went to therapy for a time because her best friend in the UK made her go? How? I never saw her do much to help herself and that made it very hard for me to root for her. Girl, go to the doctor!!
Don’t get me started on a tenured professor at a university not getting up from a 2 hour meeting to go to the bathroom. I get that the committee was a way to force proximity. But wouldn’t that have been better accomplished by having Michelle be Audrey’s mentor? Mercy was a shell of a character who definitely could have added much more depth to the story, had she been explored. Did she even need to exist to move the story forward?
Audrey was fine, but too perfect to be believable. She’s supposed to be 30 years old with a phd and she flipped between sounding like a teenager to sounding like a grandma. Her family, like Mercy, was completely flat and unexplored. The obsession with tweed was just ridiculous. I also feel like I was only told how she used to feel about Michelle, but I never was given a reason to believe that was anything other than a delusion of her youth. And she was shocked that her one year contract was going to get cut when her ceramics class had 11 people? That doesn’t sound like she has spent any time at any institute of higher learning. She would have seen that a zillion times when she was working on her masters or doctorate. And every single intro to art history class would have been dumped right on her. She would have had 8:00 am classes and 6:00 pm classes on the same days.
I did enjoy the little tidbits about women in art. The lesson on quilting as art was the best thing in the book. The writing isn’t terrible. I know Rachel Lacey can write and I usually enjoy the vibes she brings to her work. This just didn’t work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
➥ 4 stars ⋆˚࿔
Writing this 3 months after I first read Learning Curves and I definitely plan on rereading it!
I really enjoyed this book! This was my second Rachel Lacey novel and I definitely plan on reading everything else she’s ever written because I love her writing style. I loved so many things about this book; I read it in 3 days even though I was supposed to be studying for exams at the time 🫣
Michelle and Audrey were great together, but individually too. Lacey did an amazing job when it came to addressing the two women’s age difference and their past as teacher-student. They communicated a lot, which was really refreshing (too much miscommunication kills the vibe for me). The spice was VERY hot, no complaints about it. Overall I loved how quickly I felt “immersed” in the story, and how much we knew about the characters. And the “Ghost” reference was PERFECT. The book version was way better than the original. So so so hot, I was giggling, kicking my feet and blushing the whole time!
Overall I really recommend this book, especially if you’re into former student/professor dynamics, age gaps, HOT ENGLISH WOMEN (!!!!) and sweet love stories!
Review first posted on June 10, 2025
Thank you Rachel Lacey and Netgalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
Writing this 3 months after I first read Learning Curves and I definitely plan on rereading it!
I really enjoyed this book! This was my second Rachel Lacey novel and I definitely plan on reading everything else she’s ever written because I love her writing style. I loved so many things about this book; I read it in 3 days even though I was supposed to be studying for exams at the time 🫣
Michelle and Audrey were great together, but individually too. Lacey did an amazing job when it came to addressing the two women’s age difference and their past as teacher-student. They communicated a lot, which was really refreshing (too much miscommunication kills the vibe for me). The spice was VERY hot, no complaints about it. Overall I loved how quickly I felt “immersed” in the story, and how much we knew about the characters. And the “Ghost” reference was PERFECT. The book version was way better than the original. So so so hot, I was giggling, kicking my feet and blushing the whole time!
Overall I really recommend this book, especially if you’re into former student/professor dynamics, age gaps, HOT ENGLISH WOMEN (!!!!) and sweet love stories!
Review first posted on June 10, 2025
Thank you Rachel Lacey and Netgalley for the ARC! This review was left voluntarily.
May 11, 2025
I mean, crushing on your professor is almost like a rite of passage of queerness. Can you blame me for gravitating to this synopsis? I AM SO EXCITED. 😌🤭💫
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC of this book.
September 12, 2025
This was a lovely sapphic romance, but it was also the second Rachel Lacey book I’ve read where the MCs spend the first two-thirds of the book talking about why they can’t be together, but then they just “oh what the hell” jump into bed; then spend the final third of the book dealing with the consequences of their “forbidden” romance. In Learning Curves, the consequences were low-stakes with no 3AB, though the love declarations came rather quick. The characters acknowledge it was super-fast, so I give it a pass.
Lacey has a writing style that is… let’s say straight forward, almost like it was written at a high school level, which makes it a little jarring when she hits the admittedly wonderful steamy parts. Seriously, full mark for the sapphic spice and damn Lacey rocked the classic potter's wheel scene a la Ghost, however the plot is not particularly creative in getting the reader to the sex scenes which shouldn’t be the climax of the romance plot, in my opinion.
Including Clare Ashton’s Oxford Romance Series, I've read a few sapphic romances recently set in the world of academia, and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. I think I may have found my new favorite trope.
Lacey has a writing style that is… let’s say straight forward, almost like it was written at a high school level, which makes it a little jarring when she hits the admittedly wonderful steamy parts. Seriously, full mark for the sapphic spice and damn Lacey rocked the classic potter's wheel scene a la Ghost, however the plot is not particularly creative in getting the reader to the sex scenes which shouldn’t be the climax of the romance plot, in my opinion.
Including Clare Ashton’s Oxford Romance Series, I've read a few sapphic romances recently set in the world of academia, and I’ve really enjoyed all of them. I think I may have found my new favorite trope.
October 16, 2025
This was so incredibly refreshing! Two characters who are emotionally intelligent, mature and communicate?! What an absolute treat to read. Also that pottery scene will live rent free in my head. My goodness.
September 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐
"It was painted in her mind like a museum exhibit, one she planned to revisit—in her fantasies, at least—often”
I’ve always loved the professor/student trope (as I’ve mentioned in plenty of my past reviews), but this one came with a twist I couldn’t resist—an ex-student reconnecting with the professor she once secretly adored. I was so curious to see how that dynamic would unfold, and to my surprise, it completely pulled me in. Honestly, I didn’t expect it, especially since I wasn’t a fan of Rachel’s other novel Cover Story, but this story proved me wrong in the best way.
From the start, Audrey felt like the emotional anchor of the book—grounded, empathetic, and so easy to root for. Michelle was trickier for me. I understood her confidence had been shattered by her divorce and the mess with her ex-wife, but her pettiness toward Audrey in the early chapters made it hard for me to connect with her. Even when she realized she was being unfair and made an effort to change, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Michelle needed Audrey far more than Audrey needed her. , but that imbalance between them still lingered for me.
What truly worked for me, though, was the way their relationship grew—slow, steady, and intentional. There was a quiet beauty in how their connection deepened over time. Rachel absolutely nailed the tension and the yearning between them, and the spicy scenes? They were electric. I also loved how their shared love for women in art and other little passions made them click in such a personal way.
While there were a few aspects that didn’t fully resonate with me, this was still a romance that felt worth every page. By the end, I was glad I gave it a chance—and even gladder it surprised me.
"Actually, I think it was perfect because it wasn’t how I imagined it, either, but nothing with you has been what I imagined. It’s been better.”
"It was painted in her mind like a museum exhibit, one she planned to revisit—in her fantasies, at least—often”
I’ve always loved the professor/student trope (as I’ve mentioned in plenty of my past reviews), but this one came with a twist I couldn’t resist—an ex-student reconnecting with the professor she once secretly adored. I was so curious to see how that dynamic would unfold, and to my surprise, it completely pulled me in. Honestly, I didn’t expect it, especially since I wasn’t a fan of Rachel’s other novel Cover Story, but this story proved me wrong in the best way.
From the start, Audrey felt like the emotional anchor of the book—grounded, empathetic, and so easy to root for. Michelle was trickier for me. I understood her confidence had been shattered by her divorce and the mess with her ex-wife, but her pettiness toward Audrey in the early chapters made it hard for me to connect with her. Even when she realized she was being unfair and made an effort to change, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Michelle needed Audrey far more than Audrey needed her. , but that imbalance between them still lingered for me.
What truly worked for me, though, was the way their relationship grew—slow, steady, and intentional. There was a quiet beauty in how their connection deepened over time. Rachel absolutely nailed the tension and the yearning between them, and the spicy scenes? They were electric. I also loved how their shared love for women in art and other little passions made them click in such a personal way.
While there were a few aspects that didn’t fully resonate with me, this was still a romance that felt worth every page. By the end, I was glad I gave it a chance—and even gladder it surprised me.
"Actually, I think it was perfect because it wasn’t how I imagined it, either, but nothing with you has been what I imagined. It’s been better.”
September 17, 2025
I enjoyed this one! Rachel Lacey has become a really solid and reliable writer that I almost always enjoy at this point. I loved both MCs and I really liked their dynamic. The autumn, academia vibes was perfect for my current mood, and Quinn Riley narrated wonderfully. All around great time.
September 20, 2025
Update after audiobook listen by Quinn Riley:
I enjoyed this even more with Quinn’s performance of the work. She really brought home the emotion and personalities of each character. Michelle’s English accent and tone was delicious and Audrey’s warmth really shone through. I’m so happy Lacey continues to hire Riley to do her books and hope that relationship continues! (Also - the intimate scenes were even hotter in Riley’s breathy delivery! 🔥🔥🔥)
4.5 stars
A fun and sexy story about a once-favorite, inspiring professor turned ice queen after disappointments in academia and love, and a new temporary contract art instructor who comes back to her alma mater to teach.
Tenured Professor Michelle Thompson was once so passionate about her subject and inspired Audrey Lind to become an art professor herself, but now she is bitter and doesn’t welcome Audrey into the fold, even though she was one of her best students.
The themes felt honest and real - the loss of confidence after being with the wrong person, family challenges when you don’t meet their expectations, staying in a job you haven’t loved for years because it was easier to do than making a fresh start, and a new professor excited to teach and inspire others in the way she was inspired.
Lacey knows how to deliver on slow burns. The build was well done, the payoff strong. I also appreciated the healthy communication and lack of a third act break-up.
How many of us haven’t had a professor or teacher in our past that we fell a little bit in love with? This helps play out that fantasy as well. Oh my - narrator Quinn Riley will no doubt do a wonderful job with this one!
Another release that solidifies Lacey as a must-read sapphic author!
I enjoyed this even more with Quinn’s performance of the work. She really brought home the emotion and personalities of each character. Michelle’s English accent and tone was delicious and Audrey’s warmth really shone through. I’m so happy Lacey continues to hire Riley to do her books and hope that relationship continues! (Also - the intimate scenes were even hotter in Riley’s breathy delivery! 🔥🔥🔥)
4.5 stars
A fun and sexy story about a once-favorite, inspiring professor turned ice queen after disappointments in academia and love, and a new temporary contract art instructor who comes back to her alma mater to teach.
Tenured Professor Michelle Thompson was once so passionate about her subject and inspired Audrey Lind to become an art professor herself, but now she is bitter and doesn’t welcome Audrey into the fold, even though she was one of her best students.
The themes felt honest and real - the loss of confidence after being with the wrong person, family challenges when you don’t meet their expectations, staying in a job you haven’t loved for years because it was easier to do than making a fresh start, and a new professor excited to teach and inspire others in the way she was inspired.
Lacey knows how to deliver on slow burns. The build was well done, the payoff strong. I also appreciated the healthy communication and lack of a third act break-up.
How many of us haven’t had a professor or teacher in our past that we fell a little bit in love with? This helps play out that fantasy as well. Oh my - narrator Quinn Riley will no doubt do a wonderful job with this one!
Another release that solidifies Lacey as a must-read sapphic author!
April 27, 2025
this is for everyone who watches those pottery making videos and thinks ‘hot’
September 20, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK! You can't help but fall in love with Audrey Lind and Dr. Michelle Thompson. Twelve years ago Audrey had Michelle as her professor and academic advisor, and she had a crush on her. Now 12 years later Audrey has a contract at her alma mater and her office is across from Michelle's.
This is a gorgeous slow burn, age gap, academia, HOT and steamy love story! 5 stars!!
This is a gorgeous slow burn, age gap, academia, HOT and steamy love story! 5 stars!!
August 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with a copy of
Learning Curves!
As always, all opinions are my own and this review is being left voluntarily.
✨ Sapphic Adult Contemporary Romance
✨ Third Person, Dual POV
✨ 3/5 Spice Level
✨ Standalone
✨ Rep: bisexual MC, lesbian MC, extensive additional rep (adoptee, divorcee, Black SCs, trans SC, Deaf SC)
I recommend if you enjoy…
- academia romance
- ethical age gaps
- professor x former student/current assistant professor
- mature romance
- no third act break-up
- no miscommunication trope
Content warnings after review.
Initial Thoughts
Yeah… to say I was looking forward to this one is an understatement. The tropes drew me in, and I’ve read other books by Rachel Lacey before. I’d also seen a lot of positive reviews prior to digging in myself, so my expectations were a bit on the higher side.
Plot
I thought the plot (behind the romance) was a great compliment to the romance. Honestly, this book sparked some interest in me to learn more about women in art from a historical perspective. There are references to people and books throughout the story that give a great jumping off point if the reader feels so inclined. I really could feel the characters passion beyond the romance which made the characters feel more fleshed out and the story genuine. Perhaps my one complaint is that one of the main characters is adopted, and I thought the topic of adoption was kind of glossed over/portrayed as purely positive when there are some deep ethical conversations to be had around adoption.
Characters
I loved Audrey. I loved how bubbly and enthusiastic she is. She would be the kind of person I’d admire in real life. Michelle… I honestly wasn’t sure about at first, which felt intentional. It was really great to see her blossom through the story and come back into her own. It’s never too late to reinvent oneself and find something new to be passionate about, and I think Michelle’s character really embodied this. Within the side characters, there is a lot of diversity in a way that felt reminiscent of my own time in college.
Romance
The romance between Michelle and Audrey is a slow burn, which really fits their story. I loved that this book didn’t gloss over the potential ethical implications of their relationship. The conversations they had felt realistic and appropriate making this romance feel mature. That being said, despite being a slow burn once it sparks they are on fire… I really enjoyed the spice, and I liked how well they communicated. Once again, the scenes of them together felt so genuine and loving.
Final Thoughts
This romance had so many things that I often find missing from other romance books (particularly age gap). I’m around the same age as Audrey would be in the book, so I think the romance and characters really resonated well with me. My favorite Rachel Lacey book thus far. I highly recommend.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
discussions of s*xual harassment, s*xism, and racism in the workplace, past toxic relationship
✨ Sapphic Adult Contemporary Romance
✨ Third Person, Dual POV
✨ 3/5 Spice Level
✨ Standalone
✨ Rep: bisexual MC, lesbian MC, extensive additional rep (adoptee, divorcee, Black SCs, trans SC, Deaf SC)
I recommend if you enjoy…
- academia romance
- ethical age gaps
- professor x former student/current assistant professor
- mature romance
- no third act break-up
- no miscommunication trope
Content warnings after review.
Initial Thoughts
Yeah… to say I was looking forward to this one is an understatement. The tropes drew me in, and I’ve read other books by Rachel Lacey before. I’d also seen a lot of positive reviews prior to digging in myself, so my expectations were a bit on the higher side.
Plot
I thought the plot (behind the romance) was a great compliment to the romance. Honestly, this book sparked some interest in me to learn more about women in art from a historical perspective. There are references to people and books throughout the story that give a great jumping off point if the reader feels so inclined. I really could feel the characters passion beyond the romance which made the characters feel more fleshed out and the story genuine. Perhaps my one complaint is that one of the main characters is adopted, and I thought the topic of adoption was kind of glossed over/portrayed as purely positive when there are some deep ethical conversations to be had around adoption.
Characters
I loved Audrey. I loved how bubbly and enthusiastic she is. She would be the kind of person I’d admire in real life. Michelle… I honestly wasn’t sure about at first, which felt intentional. It was really great to see her blossom through the story and come back into her own. It’s never too late to reinvent oneself and find something new to be passionate about, and I think Michelle’s character really embodied this. Within the side characters, there is a lot of diversity in a way that felt reminiscent of my own time in college.
Romance
The romance between Michelle and Audrey is a slow burn, which really fits their story. I loved that this book didn’t gloss over the potential ethical implications of their relationship. The conversations they had felt realistic and appropriate making this romance feel mature. That being said, despite being a slow burn once it sparks they are on fire… I really enjoyed the spice, and I liked how well they communicated. Once again, the scenes of them together felt so genuine and loving.
Final Thoughts
This romance had so many things that I often find missing from other romance books (particularly age gap). I’m around the same age as Audrey would be in the book, so I think the romance and characters really resonated well with me. My favorite Rachel Lacey book thus far. I highly recommend.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
discussions of s*xual harassment, s*xism, and racism in the workplace, past toxic relationship
September 8, 2025
“Resisting you was the hard part. Being with you has been one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.”
3.5 stars. This was really cute! An age gap, sorta grumpy/sunshine, teacher/teacher romance. It actually has one of my favourite tropes, which is hero worship that turns into friendship, and into love. I'm so soft for that trope; I see it often in celebrity romances, but since celeb romances aren't my favourite, I much preferred this version of it. Audrey is a young art professor who gets the opportunity to teach at her alma mater. Michelle, the professor who inspired her and who she had the biggest crush on, is still teaching there. However, she's very much changed from the vibrant woman she used to be. She's taciturn, strict, and has a reputation as being bitter and mean. Over the next few months, Audrey does her best to get close to her, to get a glimpse at the woman she once knew. And of course, they start falling for each other.
I loved the discussion of art, and especially less common types of art. It was really cool seeing Audrey's lectures about pottery, different women artists, and less popular forms of art, like quilting. Audrey's a really sweet character, instantly likeable, and I adored seeing how her effervescent spirit and unquenchable friendliness translated into her being an enthusiastic and engaging teacher. I really liked Michelle as well. She's not a typical ice-queen; just an introvert with no social skills and few friends, who's been hurt a lot in the past. I loved seeing Audrey break down her walls, and it turns into the sweetest romance. I really adored their dynamic. Loved that we got an iconic pottery wheel moment, lol. Everything they did together made me feel like they were perfect matched, despite the age gap and the slightly taboo relationship. And I loved all the nature and atmosphere in the book.
I will admit, I was a bit disappointed with the trajectory of Michelle's storyline.
I will also admit, I had LOTS of little nitpicks with the writing and the way certain topics were broached. I won't get into it, because it's all very picky of me. Every exchange with Mercy sounded perfunctory and stilted. Well-meaning, but incredibly insincere. It sounded like it came straight out of a textbook. Also, I don't like Anglophilia, so... well, I'll just leave it at that. I don't like it.
But this was really, really sweet as a romance. As the relationship developed, I really fell in love with their intimacy. The later chapters were my favourites; sexy and swoony in equal parts. I especially loved seeing Michelle deal with her insecurities, and the way Audrey helped her through them.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Quinn Riley; sublime as always. She has SUCH a lovely voice, and she was perfect for these characters. This wasn't my favourite from this author, but it was a cute, fun time.
October 28, 2025
Such a joyful book! RTF ...
September 6, 2025
This is really a 4.5 for me, but I’m rounding up because it had 2 things I always like in books:
1. GOOD COMMUNICATION! I hate when characters suck at communicating with rach other, especially older characters. These characters sort of border an older demographic and they acted and sounded like their age.
2. A third act break up was not justified, so there was none! Such a breath of fresh air to read a book like this after so many romances with third act breakups that don’t feel deserved and/or resolved.
It’s not a perfect book but it’s a good one!
1. GOOD COMMUNICATION! I hate when characters suck at communicating with rach other, especially older characters. These characters sort of border an older demographic and they acted and sounded like their age.
2. A third act break up was not justified, so there was none! Such a breath of fresh air to read a book like this after so many romances with third act breakups that don’t feel deserved and/or resolved.
It’s not a perfect book but it’s a good one!
November 20, 2025
Learning Curves by Rachel Lacey is a sweet and spicy contemporary sapphic romance that features mature love interests in a cozy fall academia setting. I love the fall season in Vermont as the backdrop for this university workplace love story. In my opinion, fall/autumn is the most romantic season, and it worked so well for this.
The tea-drinking ice queen Brit, Dr. Michelle Thompson, was the subject of Audrey's undergraduate fantasies, but now that Audrey is a PhD and hired on at her alma mater, will those fantasies become a reality?
Dr. Thompson has had a long road to recovery from her toxic ex-wife (and toxic family) but has lost her zest for teaching. Resigned to going through the motions of her tenured career, she accepts she is better alone and gives everyone the cold shoulder.
These two are a perfect grumpy/sunshine pairing. I see them as a golden retriever/black cat dynamic, and Michelle even has a black cat. Audrey is a ray of sunshine.
Two mature leads with clear communication, safe-sex practices, consent, and supportive attitudes are a breath of fresh air, and the relationship is wholly satisfying.
The representation of career-minded women in art is an intriguing angle and is likely to prompt further research into the artists mentioned.
I am a fan of Rachel Lacey, and I am so glad I got my hands on this ARC.
#agegap #icequeen #grumpysunshine #goldenretrieverblackcat #workplaceromance #academia #fallseason #cozy #university #birep #womeninart #arthistory #ceramics #painting #professor #interracialrep #teacherformerstudent #fantasyfulfilled #Vermont #smalltown #officesex #tea #Britishprofessor #cat #HEA #epilogue #spicy
I received this ARC from the author through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
The tea-drinking ice queen Brit, Dr. Michelle Thompson, was the subject of Audrey's undergraduate fantasies, but now that Audrey is a PhD and hired on at her alma mater, will those fantasies become a reality?
Dr. Thompson has had a long road to recovery from her toxic ex-wife (and toxic family) but has lost her zest for teaching. Resigned to going through the motions of her tenured career, she accepts she is better alone and gives everyone the cold shoulder.
These two are a perfect grumpy/sunshine pairing. I see them as a golden retriever/black cat dynamic, and Michelle even has a black cat. Audrey is a ray of sunshine.
Two mature leads with clear communication, safe-sex practices, consent, and supportive attitudes are a breath of fresh air, and the relationship is wholly satisfying.
The representation of career-minded women in art is an intriguing angle and is likely to prompt further research into the artists mentioned.
I am a fan of Rachel Lacey, and I am so glad I got my hands on this ARC.
#agegap #icequeen #grumpysunshine #goldenretrieverblackcat #workplaceromance #academia #fallseason #cozy #university #birep #womeninart #arthistory #ceramics #painting #professor #interracialrep #teacherformerstudent #fantasyfulfilled #Vermont #smalltown #officesex #tea #Britishprofessor #cat #HEA #epilogue #spicy
I received this ARC from the author through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Learning Curves is a classic slow burn romance, and it really delivers on the tender moments. I especially loved the way the story wove in research on Women in Art and History, it added depth without ever feeling heavy. I always appreciated books that are well researched and where one can actually see this research hehe.
Michelle and Audrey were such a joy to read about. Their personalities balanced each other so well, and watching them navigate academia, tension, and eventually connection was rewarding.
I especially enjoyed the details about Audrey’s pottery and how art became a bridge between them, it felt so authentic.
One scene that will stick with me forever is when Audrey teaches Michelle how to work with clay. The intimacy of that moment had me holding my breath, and the chemistry between them throughout the book was undeniable.
The writing was solid, the pacing felt just right, and the book never overstayed its welcome. A lovely, heartfelt read that earns a very strong four stars from me.
Learning Curves is a classic slow burn romance, and it really delivers on the tender moments. I especially loved the way the story wove in research on Women in Art and History, it added depth without ever feeling heavy. I always appreciated books that are well researched and where one can actually see this research hehe.
Michelle and Audrey were such a joy to read about. Their personalities balanced each other so well, and watching them navigate academia, tension, and eventually connection was rewarding.
I especially enjoyed the details about Audrey’s pottery and how art became a bridge between them, it felt so authentic.
One scene that will stick with me forever is when Audrey teaches Michelle how to work with clay. The intimacy of that moment had me holding my breath, and the chemistry between them throughout the book was undeniable.
The writing was solid, the pacing felt just right, and the book never overstayed its welcome. A lovely, heartfelt read that earns a very strong four stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
Not my favorite, it lacked chemistry between the main characters.
September 27, 2025
It took me awhile to warm up to Michele. Her character was hard to like.
November 20, 2025
Before anything, the romance fell flat for me. I do like that they are adults, but the mention of the age gap was, to me, a little too much? Yes, they used to be professor and student, but it was also such a long time ago I don’t see it as relevant anymore. So that was a bit annoying. Other than that, although I loved the premise of the pottery lesson being the “starter” for the first spice scene (I stand by pottery being a very sapphic activity), it felt still a bit sudden? I don’t know, maybe I’m just being very judgemental, but as I already mentioned, the romance aspect wasn’t outstanding for me.
On another note, I LOVE all the mentions of women in art. It’s what really pushed me to keep reading, alongside the extra inspiration I got to become a teacher in the future. I absolutely did note down (hopefully) all of the women mentioned, and I will be looking them and their history up. Truthfully inspired me to further break the barriers of the male-centered history of the world, because women are just as impactful, if not, at times, even more!
Lastly, every time BMW was mentioned, an angel lost her wings💔
On another note, I LOVE all the mentions of women in art. It’s what really pushed me to keep reading, alongside the extra inspiration I got to become a teacher in the future. I absolutely did note down (hopefully) all of the women mentioned, and I will be looking them and their history up. Truthfully inspired me to further break the barriers of the male-centered history of the world, because women are just as impactful, if not, at times, even more!
Lastly, every time BMW was mentioned, an angel lost her wings💔
October 11, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)
Delightful! Adults with realistic problems (hating your job after 15 years because it has leeched all your passion and will to live. Big mood, girl) and not liking the cool new adjunct faculty member who took the subject you wanted to teach, but being deeply charmed by her anyway!
I loved the characters in this and how they behaved in realistic ways to struggles, communicated like adults, and are actually super romantic with each other in low-key ways that are underrated in romances. No big gestures here, no angst or manufactured third-act breakup nonsense. Just a really cute relationship, a grumpy 45-year-old finding her zest for life again, and a fair bit of fun spice! Highly recommended!
Delightful! Adults with realistic problems (hating your job after 15 years because it has leeched all your passion and will to live. Big mood, girl) and not liking the cool new adjunct faculty member who took the subject you wanted to teach, but being deeply charmed by her anyway!
I loved the characters in this and how they behaved in realistic ways to struggles, communicated like adults, and are actually super romantic with each other in low-key ways that are underrated in romances. No big gestures here, no angst or manufactured third-act breakup nonsense. Just a really cute relationship, a grumpy 45-year-old finding her zest for life again, and a fair bit of fun spice! Highly recommended!
September 4, 2025
Nice cosy read with spice. Predictable and a bit repetitive but I enjoyed the theme of women in art and the ‘crush on professor’ trope 🍁
*oh I forgot to add that I was a little put off at the start of this book just by a personal pet peeve. I cannot stand when anyone refers to an accent as ‘British’. Especially when what it usually means is English- and ‘RP’ English at that. Britain includes multiple countries with their own languages never mind dialects and accents. I understand that there are regional accents everywhere but just say English. A real annoyance of mine due to it being steeped in colonialism and classism*
*oh I forgot to add that I was a little put off at the start of this book just by a personal pet peeve. I cannot stand when anyone refers to an accent as ‘British’. Especially when what it usually means is English- and ‘RP’ English at that. Britain includes multiple countries with their own languages never mind dialects and accents. I understand that there are regional accents everywhere but just say English. A real annoyance of mine due to it being steeped in colonialism and classism*
July 6, 2025
Thank you Rachel for the ARC!
I loved the dynamic between Michelle and Audrey. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from the issue Michelle had with Audrey being a former student. I think it was important to see throughout the novel. I haven’t read many academia books before and I really enjoyed the dynamics and inside look at being a professor.
I expected a little more angst. Learning Curves is pretty low angst and there’s no third act break up(which I actually like when there’s not a break up). 15 years is the age gap and that’s usually the maximum gap where I am personally comfortable with, but again that is just me personally.
I love the continued Vermont and hiking themes that I’ve read about in other Rachel Lacey books. My favorite aspect of the novel had to be the inclusion of women artists that I didn’t know about before.
I loved the dynamic between Michelle and Audrey. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from the issue Michelle had with Audrey being a former student. I think it was important to see throughout the novel. I haven’t read many academia books before and I really enjoyed the dynamics and inside look at being a professor.
I expected a little more angst. Learning Curves is pretty low angst and there’s no third act break up(which I actually like when there’s not a break up). 15 years is the age gap and that’s usually the maximum gap where I am personally comfortable with, but again that is just me personally.
I love the continued Vermont and hiking themes that I’ve read about in other Rachel Lacey books. My favorite aspect of the novel had to be the inclusion of women artists that I didn’t know about before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
Really cute age gap, opposites attract trope. I enjoyed the story overall. It was fun and well written, but I feel like it was missing that extra something to make it amazing.
I liked the whole setup with Audrey getting hired at her alma mater and reconnecting with a former professor she used to idolize. Michelle had gone from inspiring to grumpy over the years, and Audrey ends up being like her little knight in shining armor, pulling her out of her lonely shell.
This was spicy 🌶️. The pacing was okay, but maybe a little rushed? I feel like there could have been more. There was a point where it was just getting good and I thought I was finally going to see them grow closer and really get to know each other… and then boom, time jump. Suddenly it’s months later and everything’s great. Like okay cool, love that for them, but I kinda wanted to see it happen!
One thing I really appreciated was how much research clearly went into the book. There were a lot of details about pottery, art history, and even how becoming a professor works. All of that felt super immersive and I felt like I was really in their world.
But still… the relationship just didn’t hit like I thought it would. I wanted more emotion, more depth, and less skipping over the good stuff. Still a solid, steamy, and enjoyable read! 3.5/5
I liked the whole setup with Audrey getting hired at her alma mater and reconnecting with a former professor she used to idolize. Michelle had gone from inspiring to grumpy over the years, and Audrey ends up being like her little knight in shining armor, pulling her out of her lonely shell.
This was spicy 🌶️. The pacing was okay, but maybe a little rushed? I feel like there could have been more. There was a point where it was just getting good and I thought I was finally going to see them grow closer and really get to know each other… and then boom, time jump. Suddenly it’s months later and everything’s great. Like okay cool, love that for them, but I kinda wanted to see it happen!
One thing I really appreciated was how much research clearly went into the book. There were a lot of details about pottery, art history, and even how becoming a professor works. All of that felt super immersive and I felt like I was really in their world.
But still… the relationship just didn’t hit like I thought it would. I wanted more emotion, more depth, and less skipping over the good stuff. Still a solid, steamy, and enjoyable read! 3.5/5
September 5, 2025
I admit to being a bit jaded with my reading at the moment and this one got me back on track. The background of academia and the two very different professors was really enjoyable. That they were all about art was an interesting bonus. Well written and therefore, well worth a read.
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