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Lessons in Love: A Professor/Student, Lovers in a Past Life Romance
A contemporary romance based on a retelling of Tristan and Iseult, the legendary chivalric romance from which all others followed.
Two souls in an endless search, a love that transcends professor/student boundaries, and the power of the stars to reunite them.
Love shouldn’t look like this, a tangled mess of hurt, distrust, and apathy, but that’s exactly what my relationship with my former coach, Harrison Tait looks like.
He was my first. I thought he was my everything.
Walking away is too hard, but I know other types of love exist, ones forged from the romantic ideals of medieval, noble courts.
As inspiration to my traumatized, greedy heart, my doctorate leads me to Professor Kit Chevalier. He’s charismatic, quietly complex, and far too handsome for my heart.
His intellect is a turn-on, his behaviors dangerously seductive. He embodies the chivalric ideals of knights of old, calling to my fractured soul in ways beyond my comprehension.
And yet this man—the depth of connection we have—feels so familiar.
Dreams and memories hound me. I’ve lived this courtly life, lived a love this bright and broad and devouring.
And it wrecked my heart more than anything that came before, or since.
This is a 400+ page book featuring adult themes. If you have triggers around abuse - emotional and physical - this story may not be for you. More details are in the front pages which you can see from the Look Inside feature.
No AI has been used in the creation of this book.
Two souls in an endless search, a love that transcends professor/student boundaries, and the power of the stars to reunite them.
Love shouldn’t look like this, a tangled mess of hurt, distrust, and apathy, but that’s exactly what my relationship with my former coach, Harrison Tait looks like.
He was my first. I thought he was my everything.
Walking away is too hard, but I know other types of love exist, ones forged from the romantic ideals of medieval, noble courts.
As inspiration to my traumatized, greedy heart, my doctorate leads me to Professor Kit Chevalier. He’s charismatic, quietly complex, and far too handsome for my heart.
His intellect is a turn-on, his behaviors dangerously seductive. He embodies the chivalric ideals of knights of old, calling to my fractured soul in ways beyond my comprehension.
And yet this man—the depth of connection we have—feels so familiar.
Dreams and memories hound me. I’ve lived this courtly life, lived a love this bright and broad and devouring.
And it wrecked my heart more than anything that came before, or since.
This is a 400+ page book featuring adult themes. If you have triggers around abuse - emotional and physical - this story may not be for you. More details are in the front pages which you can see from the Look Inside feature.
No AI has been used in the creation of this book.
- GenresRomance
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
7 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 21, 2025
This book was beautiful. I spent many moments in tears reading this. I checked out Tristan and Iseult and their story has me in tears as well. It was such a beautiful retelling. It was so well done.
The cover is really nice. It's so colourful. I like that it wasn't real people. The drawings were good and tasteful. It was very well designed.
The book flows nicely and is brilliantly written. The descriptiveness and attention to detail is wonderful. Everything just helped make this such a stunning read.
I really enjoyed the characters and they all fitted well within the story. Kit and Maddie are our stars and their story and how they interact and evolve is so special. They compliment each other perfectly.
The book is written in first person. It's dual POV - Kit and Maddie's. I love dual.POV in romance. It was like it was made for the genre and Penny did such an amazing job.
I recommend this book. It has heartbreak and passion to the nth degree! Also check out the story of Tristan and Iseult along side the novel.
The cover is really nice. It's so colourful. I like that it wasn't real people. The drawings were good and tasteful. It was very well designed.
The book flows nicely and is brilliantly written. The descriptiveness and attention to detail is wonderful. Everything just helped make this such a stunning read.
I really enjoyed the characters and they all fitted well within the story. Kit and Maddie are our stars and their story and how they interact and evolve is so special. They compliment each other perfectly.
The book is written in first person. It's dual POV - Kit and Maddie's. I love dual.POV in romance. It was like it was made for the genre and Penny did such an amazing job.
I recommend this book. It has heartbreak and passion to the nth degree! Also check out the story of Tristan and Iseult along side the novel.
May 20, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good romance, and this did not disappoint. Instantly, I was invested in Maddie and Kit’s story and what a journey! All of the characters were written so well, and Harrison, I despised. When you read this book, you’ll know exactly why… 🙄
I didn’t know anything about Tristan and Iseult prior to reading this, but it didn’t impact my reading experience, if anything it made me curious so I’ve since done some online research. I must say, the medieval chivalric romance made it even more intense, and let me tell you… the tension built up in this book was something else!
I also loved how every chapter had a song dedicated to it, such a fun and thoughtful idea 🥹
A definite must read for all your romantics out there 🩷
I didn’t know anything about Tristan and Iseult prior to reading this, but it didn’t impact my reading experience, if anything it made me curious so I’ve since done some online research. I must say, the medieval chivalric romance made it even more intense, and let me tell you… the tension built up in this book was something else!
I also loved how every chapter had a song dedicated to it, such a fun and thoughtful idea 🥹
A definite must read for all your romantics out there 🩷
May 17, 2025
This book has took me by surprise. I really was thinking it was going to be a bog standard cozy romance read (yes I judged a book by its cover, don’t come at me) but what I got was so much more! Kits and Maddies story is like a Romeo and Juliet kind of love that has lasted lifetimes and they have traveled through time and found one another but throw in the fact that he is her professor and there’s a secret club for swordsmen and a NDA that needs signed along with a good bit of spice, secret marriages, a hidden family history that goes back hundreds of years and a tennis coach that deserves a punch in the face. There’s so much to this story and never a dull moment, it’s a story that proves that real love knows no bounds and can last lifetimes. I was impressed with the way things were put together, though I’d love for it to have been more in depth in some parts. And the spice is spicy!! All in all such a great read and not what I was expecting at all!
June 17, 2025
Lessons in Love by Penny Asher-Darke.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. The cover is gorgeous. I loved everything about this book. The writing, the plot, even the characters. Emotional. Kit and Maddie were so good together. I read this in two sittings. I loved the song titles at the start of each chapter. Some great song choices. I did love the ending. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye on her for new books. I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. The cover is gorgeous. I loved everything about this book. The writing, the plot, even the characters. Emotional. Kit and Maddie were so good together. I read this in two sittings. I loved the song titles at the start of each chapter. Some great song choices. I did love the ending. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye on her for new books. I definitely recommend this book.
June 15, 2025
This is such a beautifully written love story between maddie and kit.
It is written in dual PoV which is perfect for this book
Maddie is a doctorate and kit is her professor.
If you love romance then this is perfect for you. So beautifully written and such a good storyline.
It is written in dual PoV which is perfect for this book
Maddie is a doctorate and kit is her professor.
If you love romance then this is perfect for you. So beautifully written and such a good storyline.
May 20, 2025
I adored this book. The dual POV was fantastic. Kit and maddie are just perfect for each other. The tension through both their eyes was so well written. I loved the academic style and setting, it was very fitting and expertly written. I loved maddie and how she navigated several complex issue, she is a very strong well written character who was also very funny.
kit? oh my god. Everyone needs a kit. The way he protects maddie is everything. The historic flashbacks throughout the book were excellent I was rooting for them from the very beginning! . The secrets weaved throughout the book had be on the edge of my seat. The plot was just fabulous. The spice was amazing, again Kit is just, okay he is perfect. Lessons in love is going in my favourite of all time category. I could not put this book down.
kit? oh my god. Everyone needs a kit. The way he protects maddie is everything. The historic flashbacks throughout the book were excellent I was rooting for them from the very beginning! . The secrets weaved throughout the book had be on the edge of my seat. The plot was just fabulous. The spice was amazing, again Kit is just, okay he is perfect. Lessons in love is going in my favourite of all time category. I could not put this book down.
May 29, 2025
I love everything Penny writes, so I ran to sign up when I saw the tour for this beauty in my inbox! And it didn’t disappoint!
Lessons in Love is a professor/student, age gap, modern day Tristan and Iseult retelling. When Madrigal Devereaux (Maddie) is turned down from her first choice school, she reluctantly joins Jacquard University to begin her doctorate on a tennis scholarship. She has mixed feelings about Jacquard as her toxic ex is her tennis Coach Harrison, and as a tennis scholarship student, she’s thrust back into his orbit. To complicate matters, Maddie is inexplicably drawn to her professor Kit Chevalier to whom she feels an instant and soul deep connection. Kit is everything that Harrison isn’t and soon Maddie’s jaded heart begins to open up to him …
Lessons in Love is so much more than a contemporary romance. It layers sweeping romance, hidden identities, secret societies and sizzling spice, all wrapped up in the most beautifully written package. It’s thought provoking, intelligent, cleverly twisty, and at times emotional and it completely consumed me!
Penny creates the most amazing characters that are relatable, loveable and flawed. I loved Maddie. She was clever, independent and talented and I was rooting for her as she took back control of her life, standing up to Harrison and learning to trust her heart. Kit was the swoon worthy Knight that Maddie needed to mend her heart and make her feel cherished and worthy. Their slow burn chemistry gave me butterflies and the spice was top drawer! I enjoyed their witty banter and debate about chivalric love (a topic I knew nothing about!) and the fantasy element added real depth to Maddie and Kit’s relationship. The secondary characters are fabulous and I loved the solid friendships Maddie and Kit had with Perrie and Josh, but Kit’s sweet grandad stole the show!
Lessons in Love is an epic story about empowerment, friendship and love that transcends the years.
Lessons in Love is a professor/student, age gap, modern day Tristan and Iseult retelling. When Madrigal Devereaux (Maddie) is turned down from her first choice school, she reluctantly joins Jacquard University to begin her doctorate on a tennis scholarship. She has mixed feelings about Jacquard as her toxic ex is her tennis Coach Harrison, and as a tennis scholarship student, she’s thrust back into his orbit. To complicate matters, Maddie is inexplicably drawn to her professor Kit Chevalier to whom she feels an instant and soul deep connection. Kit is everything that Harrison isn’t and soon Maddie’s jaded heart begins to open up to him …
Lessons in Love is so much more than a contemporary romance. It layers sweeping romance, hidden identities, secret societies and sizzling spice, all wrapped up in the most beautifully written package. It’s thought provoking, intelligent, cleverly twisty, and at times emotional and it completely consumed me!
Penny creates the most amazing characters that are relatable, loveable and flawed. I loved Maddie. She was clever, independent and talented and I was rooting for her as she took back control of her life, standing up to Harrison and learning to trust her heart. Kit was the swoon worthy Knight that Maddie needed to mend her heart and make her feel cherished and worthy. Their slow burn chemistry gave me butterflies and the spice was top drawer! I enjoyed their witty banter and debate about chivalric love (a topic I knew nothing about!) and the fantasy element added real depth to Maddie and Kit’s relationship. The secondary characters are fabulous and I loved the solid friendships Maddie and Kit had with Perrie and Josh, but Kit’s sweet grandad stole the show!
Lessons in Love is an epic story about empowerment, friendship and love that transcends the years.
December 31, 2025
5 stars – Can a taste of the forbidden lead to forever?
As someone who is allergic to romance in RL, it may come as a surprise to some (yeah, right!) that I eat up all THE romantic goodness in my reads and even go back for seconds (or thirds!).
So, you can imagine I was all over a contemporary Tristan and Iseult retelling where the doomed lovers get a second chance at a HEA. *sigh* Some love stories are too great, where even time can’t get in the way. (Psst, can you hear my heart fluttering? *sap alert*)
Maddie and Kit consumed me from the beginning. (Side note: I can’t repeat what I called Kit in the first chapter *smirks*. What can I say!? He definitely made an impression… the arrogant *bleep*.) I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance (Professor x Student), and the way the author pulled you in with the yearning, volleyed barbs, and the feeling of inevitability was sheer perfection. The pheromones: they were a flying!
The Tristan and Iseult lore was woven effortlessly (imho) throughout the story (yet) with a modern twist which lent well to the academic setting, medieval literature, and chivalric romance. Honestly, it was inspired!
You all know I love a good trope and LiL had them in abundance:
Forbidden love (Professor x Student)
Past lives
Age-gap (obvs)
Strong FMC (Maddie’s taking back her power)
Enemies-to-lovers-ish
Family rivalry (although one of the MC’s is clueless!)
Hidden identity
Secret society
It’s always been you
There are so many other things I could word vomit over about this story but fear I would be heading dangerously towards spoiler territory. Just know my inbox is always open to anyone that wants to have a debrief and chat about certain scenes. *whispers* I think the author may have unknowingly unlocked a new k!nk *raises eyebrows*.
Penny Asher-Darke is a new-to-me author, and if LiL is anything to go by, this certainly won’t be my last read of hers.
As someone who is allergic to romance in RL, it may come as a surprise to some (yeah, right!) that I eat up all THE romantic goodness in my reads and even go back for seconds (or thirds!).
So, you can imagine I was all over a contemporary Tristan and Iseult retelling where the doomed lovers get a second chance at a HEA. *sigh* Some love stories are too great, where even time can’t get in the way. (Psst, can you hear my heart fluttering? *sap alert*)
Maddie and Kit consumed me from the beginning. (Side note: I can’t repeat what I called Kit in the first chapter *smirks*. What can I say!? He definitely made an impression… the arrogant *bleep*.) I’m a sucker for a forbidden romance (Professor x Student), and the way the author pulled you in with the yearning, volleyed barbs, and the feeling of inevitability was sheer perfection. The pheromones: they were a flying!
The Tristan and Iseult lore was woven effortlessly (imho) throughout the story (yet) with a modern twist which lent well to the academic setting, medieval literature, and chivalric romance. Honestly, it was inspired!
You all know I love a good trope and LiL had them in abundance:
Forbidden love (Professor x Student)
Past lives
Age-gap (obvs)
Strong FMC (Maddie’s taking back her power)
Enemies-to-lovers-ish
Family rivalry (although one of the MC’s is clueless!)
Hidden identity
Secret society
It’s always been you
There are so many other things I could word vomit over about this story but fear I would be heading dangerously towards spoiler territory. Just know my inbox is always open to anyone that wants to have a debrief and chat about certain scenes. *whispers* I think the author may have unknowingly unlocked a new k!nk *raises eyebrows*.
Penny Asher-Darke is a new-to-me author, and if LiL is anything to go by, this certainly won’t be my last read of hers.
May 25, 2025
I didn’t have any expectations going into this book, mainly because I hadn’t read anything by the author before. And at over 400 pages, it felt a little long for a romance. But oh my goodness, this turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year. It took less than 100 pages for me to realize I was completely hooked. Whether it’s the author’s writing or the incredible characters (probably both), I know I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Maddie and Kit are both academics at the same college, Maddie is just starting her doctorate, and Kit is her professor. They have an instant connection, but Maddie’s in a complicated place emotionally after ending a relationship with her tennis coach.
There are so many layers to this story. While romance is the central plot, the book also weaves in a fantastical element: past life memories, secret societies, destined love, knights, duels, and more. It adds such a unique and captivating twist.
I’m obsessed with Maddie and Kit. The author made them absolutely perfect for each other, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how things ended. Maddie is fierce and strong, and Kit is the ultimate swoon-worthy male lead. The spice? It takes a bit to arrive, but when it does, it really delivers.
This was emotional, deep, and an unforgettable romance. I genuinely don’t have a bad word to say about it.
Thank you to Lovebookstours for sending me a copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
Trigger warnings for an abusive relationship.
Maddie and Kit are both academics at the same college, Maddie is just starting her doctorate, and Kit is her professor. They have an instant connection, but Maddie’s in a complicated place emotionally after ending a relationship with her tennis coach.
There are so many layers to this story. While romance is the central plot, the book also weaves in a fantastical element: past life memories, secret societies, destined love, knights, duels, and more. It adds such a unique and captivating twist.
I’m obsessed with Maddie and Kit. The author made them absolutely perfect for each other, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how things ended. Maddie is fierce and strong, and Kit is the ultimate swoon-worthy male lead. The spice? It takes a bit to arrive, but when it does, it really delivers.
This was emotional, deep, and an unforgettable romance. I genuinely don’t have a bad word to say about it.
Thank you to Lovebookstours for sending me a copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
Trigger warnings for an abusive relationship.
May 31, 2025
So our main characters are Maddie Devereaux who is about to receive confirmation of her post doctorate degree when we first meet her, she has had a tough life when it comes to love, all at the hands of her tennis coach, Harrison Tate, who was her first love. Then we have kit Chevrolet who is a professor of European mediaeval literature and soon to be Maddie‘s professor. This is a Tristan and Iseult retelling. And whilst above all else it is a love story, we have past lives, family feud, we have a love triangle of sorts, there is a nice bit of spice, there is an age gap. I think Maddie is 22 and kit, maybe 30 I can’t remember his exact age, Then postgrad/professor consenting relationship. We also have some topics that may be triggering such as emotional/physical abuse, and whilst it’s not specifically mentioned I think there is behaviour that I personally with classes grooming, and not I must stress between kit and Maddie.
I love this book, I really enjoyed Penny‘s writing style, it’s got great pace, it’s got some nice twists and turns. I really like Maddie‘s character. She is strong definitely stronger than she thinks she is, she but she is also vulnerable, in fact all of the characters are well developed with floors and all, some with many many more Than others (Harrison). Penny has put a nice little spin on this contemporary romance so that it stands out from the crowd. This is a strong. Read for me and I would definitely recommend, and I look forward to reading more from Penny in the future.
I love this book, I really enjoyed Penny‘s writing style, it’s got great pace, it’s got some nice twists and turns. I really like Maddie‘s character. She is strong definitely stronger than she thinks she is, she but she is also vulnerable, in fact all of the characters are well developed with floors and all, some with many many more Than others (Harrison). Penny has put a nice little spin on this contemporary romance so that it stands out from the crowd. This is a strong. Read for me and I would definitely recommend, and I look forward to reading more from Penny in the future.
May 25, 2025
Having read a number of books by this author now, I don't bother reading the blurb because I know I will love it. I saw the cover and thought ooh cute and a bit magical. Well, as it turns out, there wasn't the magic I was expecting, but the tale was pretty magic!
I knew nothing about Tristan and Iseult, and so learning about them in this way was super interesting, and also quite heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed all of the characters and their relationships. Strong friendships featuring is a feature I really enjoy, and here both Maddie and Kit got to experience that.
There's some dark topics explored regarding Maddies previous relationship, I definitely hadn't been expecting that so something to be mindful of. The romance featured is an age-gap, teacher-student (both adults), so again something to be mindful of if you need it. Personally I don't mind these things and thought they had a beautiful relationship.
There were some emotional scenes, some humorous scenes, some heartwarming scenes and many spicy scenes. I knew to expect those from this author and she did not disappoint. Phew 🔥 is not strong enough for some of those scenes. Loved it!
There were many, many things I loved about this book and I'd definitely recommend it!
I knew nothing about Tristan and Iseult, and so learning about them in this way was super interesting, and also quite heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed all of the characters and their relationships. Strong friendships featuring is a feature I really enjoy, and here both Maddie and Kit got to experience that.
There's some dark topics explored regarding Maddies previous relationship, I definitely hadn't been expecting that so something to be mindful of. The romance featured is an age-gap, teacher-student (both adults), so again something to be mindful of if you need it. Personally I don't mind these things and thought they had a beautiful relationship.
There were some emotional scenes, some humorous scenes, some heartwarming scenes and many spicy scenes. I knew to expect those from this author and she did not disappoint. Phew 🔥 is not strong enough for some of those scenes. Loved it!
There were many, many things I loved about this book and I'd definitely recommend it!
May 26, 2025
Lessons in Love by Penny Asher-Darke
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Paranormal Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maddie is just starting her doctorate and has just ended a toxic and controlling relationship with her tennis coach Harrison.
When she meets her charismatic and handsome professor Kit there’s an instant connection, a connection that feels familiar to Maddie. A deep connection that transcends both time and past lives.
Maddies dreams lead her to discover that they have been in love before!
Lessons in Love is a modern day retelling of Tristan and Iseult’s medieval story of forbidden love, loyalty, duty, honour and the inevitability of fate.
The author has written this book well, with its developed
character backstories and dual POVs.
Although this is primarily a romance book there were elements of fantasy woven throughout the story.
Knights, duels, secret societies, chivalry and memories of past medieval times, all blended together to bring a unique and interesting twist to this beautifully crafted romance.
If you're looking for a romance with a blend of mystery, chemistry, swoon worthy chivalry and some spice, then this is the book for you!
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Paranormal Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maddie is just starting her doctorate and has just ended a toxic and controlling relationship with her tennis coach Harrison.
When she meets her charismatic and handsome professor Kit there’s an instant connection, a connection that feels familiar to Maddie. A deep connection that transcends both time and past lives.
Maddies dreams lead her to discover that they have been in love before!
Lessons in Love is a modern day retelling of Tristan and Iseult’s medieval story of forbidden love, loyalty, duty, honour and the inevitability of fate.
The author has written this book well, with its developed
character backstories and dual POVs.
Although this is primarily a romance book there were elements of fantasy woven throughout the story.
Knights, duels, secret societies, chivalry and memories of past medieval times, all blended together to bring a unique and interesting twist to this beautifully crafted romance.
If you're looking for a romance with a blend of mystery, chemistry, swoon worthy chivalry and some spice, then this is the book for you!
May 19, 2025
Maddie and Kit are quite a cute couple. Their bond over historical romantic literature is something to envy - both of them are quite passionate and competitive; the two traits you need for being in Academia ( also their very long posh names which I tried to remember but failed miserably). I might have 2 underrated relationships which I loved: Kit & his grandpa - it really shows his depth as a more mature character in the book, and Josh and Maddie's bestie. The story line sometimes didn't make sense to me at some stages unfortunately, especially the whole dreams of the past and how Maddie knew they were in love in the medieval times and Kit was the one then and now ( the fact that she confirms this when she sees a painting from the place in her dreams in his apartment was a bit much and unrealistic for me). However, it did have a HEA which I loved and I really enjoyed the book while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
This was a fascinating blend of romance and fantasy with the elements of remembering a past life, destined love, and the secret society world of knights, duels and honour.
I loved the aspects of the medieval tournament and the secrecy behind the knights competing for Maddie. It was empowering for her to gain the confidence and freedom she needed, and the devotion she deserves. I liked that this combined with the dedication from Kit helped her to heal from her ex's damage and toxicity.
The tension and intrigue was well balanced too with the flirting, chemistry and spice, and it worked well with their student professor dynamics.
This was an entertaining story and the destined love angle added a refreshing depth alongside the mystery of their family legacies, Maddie's past live dreams, and Kit's instant love.
If you're looking for a romance with a blend of history, chivalry, mystery and empowerment, this is for you.
I loved the aspects of the medieval tournament and the secrecy behind the knights competing for Maddie. It was empowering for her to gain the confidence and freedom she needed, and the devotion she deserves. I liked that this combined with the dedication from Kit helped her to heal from her ex's damage and toxicity.
The tension and intrigue was well balanced too with the flirting, chemistry and spice, and it worked well with their student professor dynamics.
This was an entertaining story and the destined love angle added a refreshing depth alongside the mystery of their family legacies, Maddie's past live dreams, and Kit's instant love.
If you're looking for a romance with a blend of history, chivalry, mystery and empowerment, this is for you.
May 26, 2025
It was the blurb that drew me to this one, as i haven't really heard of the Tristan and Iseult medieval romance before.
You know the book is good when Maddies tennis coach and former lover Harrison really makes your skin crawl. I felt like I needed to drag Maddie away from his clutches....
The Club VX was a twist I was not expecting, i did wonder how long it would take Maddie to realise just who Kit was in relation to the Knights and how she would react when the secret came out
I enjoyed the aspects of them both having loved each other in a previous life and how Maddies dreams of Iseult and Tristan evolved through the book. Especially as family history and folk lore came together to reveal the story!
Penny has crafted a beautifully written romance encompassing fated lovers, courtly romance and medieval knighs.
I loved both Maddie and Kit (flaws and all ... ) and discovering their love stories 💕
✨️✨️✨️✨️
You know the book is good when Maddies tennis coach and former lover Harrison really makes your skin crawl. I felt like I needed to drag Maddie away from his clutches....
The Club VX was a twist I was not expecting, i did wonder how long it would take Maddie to realise just who Kit was in relation to the Knights and how she would react when the secret came out
I enjoyed the aspects of them both having loved each other in a previous life and how Maddies dreams of Iseult and Tristan evolved through the book. Especially as family history and folk lore came together to reveal the story!
Penny has crafted a beautifully written romance encompassing fated lovers, courtly romance and medieval knighs.
I loved both Maddie and Kit (flaws and all ... ) and discovering their love stories 💕
✨️✨️✨️✨️
May 18, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book in 24 hours. it was such a good story. Kit and Maddie had such an amazing connection from the very beginning and as the story progresses we find out why and that their love has transcended the ages.
I loved that we got a real glimps into Maddies studies. Kit is such an amazing MMC he is definitely the chivalrous Knight Maddie has been waiting for.
Maddie is a great character she is strong and sensible and I liked that even though she was younger that Kit she didn't always jump to conclusions when things happened.
I am always for a strong friendship in books and the relationship Maddie and Perrie had was great to read and also Kit and Josh relationship was a true bromance! and I would love to read more books from the characters were meet in the book.
This was the first book I've read from this author but it definitely wont be my last.
I loved that we got a real glimps into Maddies studies. Kit is such an amazing MMC he is definitely the chivalrous Knight Maddie has been waiting for.
Maddie is a great character she is strong and sensible and I liked that even though she was younger that Kit she didn't always jump to conclusions when things happened.
I am always for a strong friendship in books and the relationship Maddie and Perrie had was great to read and also Kit and Josh relationship was a true bromance! and I would love to read more books from the characters were meet in the book.
This was the first book I've read from this author but it definitely wont be my last.
May 28, 2025
3.5⭐
One line review – This was a really enjoyable easy read.
The emotional intensity, the tangled relationships, and the beautiful writing completely pulled me in. The story explores love in its most complex, raw forms, especially with the characters that feel broken but so real.
That said, I was hoping the fantasy thread had been more developed. There were glimmers of a deeper, magical connection beneath the surface, but it didn’t quite come to life the way I expected.
However, Lessons in Love was a great contemporary romance that was beautifully written that I devoured it in 2 days.
➼ contemporary romance
➼ college romance
➼ professor/student
➼ dual POV
➼ retelling of Tristan and Iseult
➼ slow burn
One line review – This was a really enjoyable easy read.
The emotional intensity, the tangled relationships, and the beautiful writing completely pulled me in. The story explores love in its most complex, raw forms, especially with the characters that feel broken but so real.
That said, I was hoping the fantasy thread had been more developed. There were glimmers of a deeper, magical connection beneath the surface, but it didn’t quite come to life the way I expected.
However, Lessons in Love was a great contemporary romance that was beautifully written that I devoured it in 2 days.
➼ contemporary romance
➼ college romance
➼ professor/student
➼ dual POV
➼ retelling of Tristan and Iseult
➼ slow burn
May 31, 2025
First of all, let's just appreciate this front cover!
This really grabbed my attention and drew me in as soon as I spotted it!
But, what I was expecting, was more a cute romcom maybe? - however, having read a couple of this authors books before, I knew to maybe expect something more!....
Well this definitely had more!
This is apparently a modern day retelling of Tristan and Iseult which I haven't read or heard of, but on further investigation, this is another name for Tristan and Isolde, which I had heard of (via the opera)...but again, never seen!
Now, I have to say that I read this blind and only investigated the original medieval romance afterwards - and this definitely didn't spoil the experience one bit!
Following this modern retelling over dual pov meant that Kit and Maddie's love story unfolded gradually and in doing so, lots of the original tale emerged too.
I loved our characters who, quite honestly, were made for each other and were not about to let any social boundaries keep them apart!
Maddie was so strong and emotionally mature and I really liked the way she navigated the issues that were encountered.
Kit was just adorable and I he perfect guy - always putting Maddie first and being so protective.
The modern academic setting brought this story right up to date - but including the historic flashbacks meant that the original was always close by woven within perfectly.
This is (as expected) a spicy read but these scenes were well balanced within the storyline so only added to rather than detracted from the story as a whole.
I loved this so much ....I definitely need to investigate the original a bit more now and am looking forward to my next read by this author soon!
This really grabbed my attention and drew me in as soon as I spotted it!
But, what I was expecting, was more a cute romcom maybe? - however, having read a couple of this authors books before, I knew to maybe expect something more!....
Well this definitely had more!
This is apparently a modern day retelling of Tristan and Iseult which I haven't read or heard of, but on further investigation, this is another name for Tristan and Isolde, which I had heard of (via the opera)...but again, never seen!
Now, I have to say that I read this blind and only investigated the original medieval romance afterwards - and this definitely didn't spoil the experience one bit!
Following this modern retelling over dual pov meant that Kit and Maddie's love story unfolded gradually and in doing so, lots of the original tale emerged too.
I loved our characters who, quite honestly, were made for each other and were not about to let any social boundaries keep them apart!
Maddie was so strong and emotionally mature and I really liked the way she navigated the issues that were encountered.
Kit was just adorable and I he perfect guy - always putting Maddie first and being so protective.
The modern academic setting brought this story right up to date - but including the historic flashbacks meant that the original was always close by woven within perfectly.
This is (as expected) a spicy read but these scenes were well balanced within the storyline so only added to rather than detracted from the story as a whole.
I loved this so much ....I definitely need to investigate the original a bit more now and am looking forward to my next read by this author soon!
May 22, 2025
This book was a great read. I found it quite emotional. It had me feeling happy at parts and sad at other parts.
It's told as POVs of Maddie & Kit so I found it easy to read and keep up with what was happening throughout.
Maddie's character was great and relatable. Kit was also great to read about and you just wanted everything to work out. Harrison's character was something else. I took an instant dislike to him.
The writing's on point throughout. It's also very descriptive and drew me in too.
The storyline is a modern day take on Tristan and Iseult which I was unfamiliar with. I Googled it and yes this does sound very much like that story.
It's told as POVs of Maddie & Kit so I found it easy to read and keep up with what was happening throughout.
Maddie's character was great and relatable. Kit was also great to read about and you just wanted everything to work out. Harrison's character was something else. I took an instant dislike to him.
The writing's on point throughout. It's also very descriptive and drew me in too.
The storyline is a modern day take on Tristan and Iseult which I was unfamiliar with. I Googled it and yes this does sound very much like that story.
May 24, 2025
Thanks LoveBooksTours for the ARC opportunity. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.
Honestly, this book is actually so much more than I expected. I thought it'd be a nice romance with tiny fantasy elements, maybe a bit of heaviness to it. But I was definitely surprised in the best way possible. I was a little bit worried of the Tristan and Iseult aspect because no happy ending??? But then I'm a fan of the trope regardless so I put on my big girl pants and read it. I'm so happy I did because I loved the characters, the love story was beautiful.
I really enjoyed this and recommend it with full heart.
Honestly, this book is actually so much more than I expected. I thought it'd be a nice romance with tiny fantasy elements, maybe a bit of heaviness to it. But I was definitely surprised in the best way possible. I was a little bit worried of the Tristan and Iseult aspect because no happy ending??? But then I'm a fan of the trope regardless so I put on my big girl pants and read it. I'm so happy I did because I loved the characters, the love story was beautiful.
I really enjoyed this and recommend it with full heart.
May 19, 2025
I do enjoy a good romance from time to time. This one was brilliant! I loved getting lost in Maddie and Kit’s love story, reading it in one go. Their story was enhanced even more with its links to Tristan and Iseult, knights, chivalry and all the romance of mediaeval times that drew them together. Theirs was truly a love for all time. The book is excellently written, evoking so many emotions in me as a reader. I love the characters, Maddie and Kit. They were highly developed and absolutely wonderful. Their story just made my heart melt.
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This is my first book by Penny, and I will be reading more. I went into this blind (only reading the blurb and not knowing who Tristian and Iseult were).
I adore a dual POV, I feel you get to know each character so much better. It's safe to say Maddie and Kit as literally made for each other. I must say Harrison gave me the creeps.
The whole book was well written, very descriptive, and an overall nice romance.
Recommend if you love the following tropes;
- fated lovers
- retelling
- slow burn
- contemporary romance
- dual POV
I adore a dual POV, I feel you get to know each character so much better. It's safe to say Maddie and Kit as literally made for each other. I must say Harrison gave me the creeps.
The whole book was well written, very descriptive, and an overall nice romance.
Recommend if you love the following tropes;
- fated lovers
- retelling
- slow burn
- contemporary romance
- dual POV
May 23, 2025
Maddie and Kit are past life lovers, I didn't know about the Tristan and Iseult story (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristan...), but that back story makes Maddie and Kits story even more intense!
Maddies dreams lead us to a historic find, and their journey and story follows this. I love a book where there is a start, a middle and a definite end, and this has all those, their whole love story is told to us!
This is a romance, with quite a bit of spice!
Maddies dreams lead us to a historic find, and their journey and story follows this. I love a book where there is a start, a middle and a definite end, and this has all those, their whole love story is told to us!
This is a romance, with quite a bit of spice!
May 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it was so well written and has such an incredibly good storyline.
I really loved the connection between Kit and Maddie and it really shone through from the beginning of the story and strongly progressed the more you read.
This book is a retelling of Tristan and Iseult story, Which I know and love. The author has definitely done the retelling of the story justice and is so well done.
I highly recommended read to anyone who enjoys reading romance novels.
I really loved the connection between Kit and Maddie and it really shone through from the beginning of the story and strongly progressed the more you read.
This book is a retelling of Tristan and Iseult story, Which I know and love. The author has definitely done the retelling of the story justice and is so well done.
I highly recommended read to anyone who enjoys reading romance novels.
May 31, 2025
How could I not pick this one up? For a start, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and so eye catching.
On top of that, the book combines so many things I love - it's contemporary, with past life romance, characters that love literature, a legendary retelling and it's spicy!
There is so much going on in this book. Maddie and Kit have a forbidden romance going on in both their current student/professor situation as well as their past lives. There's hidden family secrets and other people trying to get in the way of their path together. There was never a boring moment.
Plus, there are a few rather spicy scenes. It was a well told story with an ending which was resolved in a satisfying way.
On top of that, the book combines so many things I love - it's contemporary, with past life romance, characters that love literature, a legendary retelling and it's spicy!
There is so much going on in this book. Maddie and Kit have a forbidden romance going on in both their current student/professor situation as well as their past lives. There's hidden family secrets and other people trying to get in the way of their path together. There was never a boring moment.
Plus, there are a few rather spicy scenes. It was a well told story with an ending which was resolved in a satisfying way.
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