What do you think?
Pine Barrens University #2
Practice Makes Perfect
A steamy new college hockey romance featuring sizzling intimacy lessons, a hilarious female lead, and a guaranteed HEA.
HER WALLS
Em Dubois excels at everything, except dating, because physical intimacy sends her into panic mode. But for someone who approaches everything with a plan and color-coded precision, the solution is find someone experienced to show her the ropes.
A controlled experiment with clear parameters. It’s just science, right?
HIS PRESSURE
Linc Garcia has it NHL scouts salivating over him, and every girl on campus dripping for him. But beneath his confident exterior, he’s drowning in expectations. So the last thing he needs is another complication, like the hot French girl with big eyes and a dancer’s body.
But then she proposes a solution to both their problems.
THEIR ARRANGEMENT
It all sounds he gets to blow off steam with the hot freshman, she gets experience without expectations, and they both absolutely do not catch any feelings! But soon, lessons in his bed turn into late-night conversations and unexpected vulnerabilities.
And it turns out that the heart refuses to follow their syllabus.
Key
Teaching/lessons romance (with a detailed syllabus!)Agreement-to-lovers (no feelings rule? what could go wrong?)Healing past trauma (one touch at a time)Second in series (but read as standalone!)Steamy 'open door' spice levelGet it now!
HER WALLS
Em Dubois excels at everything, except dating, because physical intimacy sends her into panic mode. But for someone who approaches everything with a plan and color-coded precision, the solution is find someone experienced to show her the ropes.
A controlled experiment with clear parameters. It’s just science, right?
HIS PRESSURE
Linc Garcia has it NHL scouts salivating over him, and every girl on campus dripping for him. But beneath his confident exterior, he’s drowning in expectations. So the last thing he needs is another complication, like the hot French girl with big eyes and a dancer’s body.
But then she proposes a solution to both their problems.
THEIR ARRANGEMENT
It all sounds he gets to blow off steam with the hot freshman, she gets experience without expectations, and they both absolutely do not catch any feelings! But soon, lessons in his bed turn into late-night conversations and unexpected vulnerabilities.
And it turns out that the heart refuses to follow their syllabus.
Key
Teaching/lessons romance (with a detailed syllabus!)Agreement-to-lovers (no feelings rule? what could go wrong?)Healing past trauma (one touch at a time)Second in series (but read as standalone!)Steamy 'open door' spice levelGet it now!
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 31, 2026
4.5 stars
November 9, 2025
i had a couple problems with this book. it might be me being nitpicky, but i found myself getting annoyed for an unknown reason.
first, it was almost like they were already in love before their time together even started. i didn’t feel any sort of attachment to the characters, bc it didn’t seem like they got to grow together. there was no trial and error, it was just like they were already together before they were together, if that makes sense.
second, lincoln said he was into her when they had their first conversation, saying he’d “had the hots” for her since he saw her in class, and yet he never even mentioned her name until chapter three or four, i think. and then when they agreed to do their arrangement, he said no feelings could get caught, but FEELINGS WERE ALREADY CAUGHT?? i didn’t really understand the point of that.
third, it just felt like erotica with a romance label slapped on it, or like the author made up a mediocre and overdone plot just so she could write smut. don’t get me wrong, i thought ems past and trauma was very understandable as to why she would “need lessons” but it didn’t feel talked about enough. i feel like if she were to need lessons, there should’ve been more panic. the author did a lot of telling, not so much showing. she used a lot of words like “i would be panicking a couple weeks ago if it weren’t for him” or “i would get panic attacks at even the thought” but the instant she’s in the situation, she’s not panicking and she’s actually calm. it didn’t really feel like she needed lessons, which takes away the entire plot.
there were a couple of good things though, like lea. i liked her character, she was a really good friend and really patient with em.
i also liked the writing style. it was detailed and there were a lot of good words she used, and the author definitely has a talent. they just maybe misdirected their intentions into writing something shallow and overdone instead of something really beautiful and complex. it felt very predictable.
all in all, it wasn’t the book for me. but i could be convinced to read one of the authors books again.
first, it was almost like they were already in love before their time together even started. i didn’t feel any sort of attachment to the characters, bc it didn’t seem like they got to grow together. there was no trial and error, it was just like they were already together before they were together, if that makes sense.
second, lincoln said he was into her when they had their first conversation, saying he’d “had the hots” for her since he saw her in class, and yet he never even mentioned her name until chapter three or four, i think. and then when they agreed to do their arrangement, he said no feelings could get caught, but FEELINGS WERE ALREADY CAUGHT?? i didn’t really understand the point of that.
third, it just felt like erotica with a romance label slapped on it, or like the author made up a mediocre and overdone plot just so she could write smut. don’t get me wrong, i thought ems past and trauma was very understandable as to why she would “need lessons” but it didn’t feel talked about enough. i feel like if she were to need lessons, there should’ve been more panic. the author did a lot of telling, not so much showing. she used a lot of words like “i would be panicking a couple weeks ago if it weren’t for him” or “i would get panic attacks at even the thought” but the instant she’s in the situation, she’s not panicking and she’s actually calm. it didn’t really feel like she needed lessons, which takes away the entire plot.
there were a couple of good things though, like lea. i liked her character, she was a really good friend and really patient with em.
i also liked the writing style. it was detailed and there were a lot of good words she used, and the author definitely has a talent. they just maybe misdirected their intentions into writing something shallow and overdone instead of something really beautiful and complex. it felt very predictable.
all in all, it wasn’t the book for me. but i could be convinced to read one of the authors books again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
Even though I have this book 3.75 stars, I did enjoy it. I really enjoyed Linc and Em together. I loved both of their back stories, and I think they complimented each other very well. I liked watching them be patient with each other and grow in their relationship. My main critiques are that the beginning of their relationship felt a little forced. I feel like there could have been a more natural lead into their journey that felt more like them. I also struggled with the third act break up. Not just because it was a third act break up, I feel like sometimes those are good, but because it felt forced and not natural to the characters or storyline.
June 13, 2026
A fun, easy read, although it wasn't anything new.
The characters were likeable, and both going through a tough time. I think their problems overshadowed the romantic development that was a little cut and dry. While it's a HEA I can foresee in reality, Em and Linc would have a rocky start and who knows if they will even stay together?
That's how un-solid their relationship makes me feel after closing the final chapter.
The characters were likeable, and both going through a tough time. I think their problems overshadowed the romantic development that was a little cut and dry. While it's a HEA I can foresee in reality, Em and Linc would have a rocky start and who knows if they will even stay together?
That's how un-solid their relationship makes me feel after closing the final chapter.
September 20, 2026
idk if i should give it 3 or not bcs damn it was nice until the moment linc made a stupid move. i mean he well aware he might cannot handle it all but he still jump into it and surprise he really cant. while i understand his reasoning but i still kinda need em wont forgives him that easily but wells
August 26, 2025
This one was interesting. Like not quite the same ol' same ol'. Linc was awesome. Lots of feels. I've always liked the 'teach me' trope... this one was just the right hotness. I really enjoyed that part as well.
February 21, 2026
4.25
Really enjoyed this book! Reformed playboy trope & spicy lessons paired together was really fun. The fmc Em had ADHD and she was so endearing & i also really liked the MMC linc- wasn’t expecting the little plot twist at the end
Really enjoyed this book! Reformed playboy trope & spicy lessons paired together was really fun. The fmc Em had ADHD and she was so endearing & i also really liked the MMC linc- wasn’t expecting the little plot twist at the end
February 25, 2026
I loved Em in the first book and so I was excited about this one and it did not disappoint. I feel like the love came on quickly but it was really very sweet she also did a nice job of a quick reconciliation after the hockey game. I wish the epilogues were further into the future!
April 11, 2026
Adored this book!
I feel like this book broached subjects and feelings alot of young college female students experience and I absolutely loved it! It was a really well written storyline and Linc is literally everything 😍
I feel like this book broached subjects and feelings alot of young college female students experience and I absolutely loved it! It was a really well written storyline and Linc is literally everything 😍
October 27, 2025
loved Linc - he is one of the best written MMC!!!
December 1, 2025
the way the author paces these books always surprise me but in a good way. I do wish we got more scenes of them talking where one of them wasn’t running away lol
January 27, 2026
My kingdom for an editor.
March 30, 2026
Hooking up in the first few chapters is as realistic as college gets
April 6, 2026
ok
Loved the characters in this book and I can’t wait until Mikes book now! It was a solid story! X
Loved the characters in this book and I can’t wait until Mikes book now! It was a solid story! X
May 15, 2026
3/5
Good
Good
May 16, 2026
Honestly was really loving this until towards the end.
July 20, 2026
Great college hockey and art student romance
Great character development. I like the way the characters reappear throughout the series. Satisfying romance with lots of spice. Enjoy!
Great character development. I like the way the characters reappear throughout the series. Satisfying romance with lots of spice. Enjoy!
June 2, 2026
In this second book of the series, we follow Em Dubois, who asks Linc Garcia to help her with lessons in sex. What she wants from Linc is for them to build up to having sex because earlier in her life, she tried having sex with someone, and they laughed at her.
And inevitably, the lessons that were supposed to be easy and planned out, one of the main rules was that neither of them would develop feelings, but that doesn't happen, and they secretly fall for each other until something happens and they break off the agreement. Linc and Em need to decide whether they want to be with each other.
Because we met Em in the first book in the series, it was easy for me to love her as a character, and even though Linc didn't mean to fall in love with Em, the more time he spent with her, the more he loved her. And despite everything, they manage to get past their differences and get together.
I loved the Grandmother in the book, French-speaking, her mind and not giving a shit what other people think, and telling Em she should have fun with Linc even if it doesn't turn into a proper relationship. And I rated the book four stars.
And inevitably, the lessons that were supposed to be easy and planned out, one of the main rules was that neither of them would develop feelings, but that doesn't happen, and they secretly fall for each other until something happens and they break off the agreement. Linc and Em need to decide whether they want to be with each other.
Because we met Em in the first book in the series, it was easy for me to love her as a character, and even though Linc didn't mean to fall in love with Em, the more time he spent with her, the more he loved her. And despite everything, they manage to get past their differences and get together.
I loved the Grandmother in the book, French-speaking, her mind and not giving a shit what other people think, and telling Em she should have fun with Linc even if it doesn't turn into a proper relationship. And I rated the book four stars.
June 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed Em and Linc together, and they had some really sweet moments as a couple. Their chemistry was definitely there, which made the story an easy and entertaining read.
That being said, I don’t feel like either of them had a lot of individual character development outside of their relationship. Most of their growth seemed to revolve around each other rather than as people, and I found myself wanting a little more depth.
I also never really felt myself falling in love with them as they fell in love with each other. Instead, it felt like they had already liked each other from the very beginning, so I didn’t get to experience that gradual build-up of feelings that I usually enjoy in a romance.
I also wasn’t a fan of the breakup near the end. It didn’t completely work for me, and I think the story would have been stronger without it.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read. It kept me entertained, I liked Em and Linc together, and while it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still had a good time with it.
I enjoyed Em and Linc together, and they had some really sweet moments as a couple. Their chemistry was definitely there, which made the story an easy and entertaining read.
That being said, I don’t feel like either of them had a lot of individual character development outside of their relationship. Most of their growth seemed to revolve around each other rather than as people, and I found myself wanting a little more depth.
I also never really felt myself falling in love with them as they fell in love with each other. Instead, it felt like they had already liked each other from the very beginning, so I didn’t get to experience that gradual build-up of feelings that I usually enjoy in a romance.
I also wasn’t a fan of the breakup near the end. It didn’t completely work for me, and I think the story would have been stronger without it.
Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read. It kept me entertained, I liked Em and Linc together, and while it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I still had a good time with it.
March 2, 2026
Decent book for some reason I can’t get behind an inexperienced FMC asking the MMC for help.
January 4, 2026
same plot as the first just different type, still very good tho
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews