Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Lessons We Learn

Rate this book
Glitter-covered third-grade teacher Jenna Waters was just starting her new life in the small town of Cranson Creek. Stuck in a perpetual cycle of work, eat, sleep, she yearned to be left alone—wrapped in her favorite fluffy cardigan and filling her rare moments of solitude with trashy reality TV.

Conned into attending a party at the Hell Chasers Motorcycle Clubhouse, she meets an infuriatingly handsome biker who sends her simple, predictable life crashing down around her.

Now, she works tirelessly to avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about, even as fate keeps pulling them together. Crazy, narcissistic ex-boyfriend, scare tactics from a rival club trying to dismantle the Chasers, and a string of wrong-place, wrong-time moments make staying away impossible.

As enforcer for the Hell Chasers, Axel is built like a tank and can break bones with the best of them. When Jenna becomes entangled in his world and is used as a bargaining chip by a rival club, Axel is forced to start a war to protect her—ready to kill anyone in his path. Meanwhile, Jenna fights with everything she has to get back to him.

Will they make it out unscathed? And will the love they share be enough to overcome just how different their worlds are?

271 pages, ebook

Published February 6, 2026

7 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Chandler Bean

1 book12 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (59%)
4 stars
15 (30%)
3 stars
5 (10%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
18 reviews
December 9, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read a true 5 star book.
Forced proximity is my favorite trope for books and goodness this one was a good one. A woman that is not shy about her want for the mmc. Despite knowing he’s not good for her, she still goes to him.
Chandler must be friends with RY because that ending?! Are you kidding me?! I need book 2 ASAP girl.
While reading this book I could see the author’s personality in every chapter.
I will 100% be recommending this book to my friends and work book club when it’s released.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️; not the whole plot of the book and roughly 4 chapters have spicy scenes(which I LOVE).
Profile Image for Bailey Kost.
189 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy
February 3, 2026
thank you so much for the arc 🫶🏼

I’ve never read a motorcycle club romance so I didn’t know what to expect but this was ADDICTING! I truly couldn’t put this down and was mad when I had to put it down 😂

I am not one for insta love but the chemistry between the two MCs was so palpable and intense it just worked for me! I loved the found family, steamy shower scenes, and the ending….I need book two right now! The balance of romance and plot was so perfectly executed.

I can’t believe this was a debut novel, I am craving more and can feel a book slump coming on after this bc it was that addictive!!!
Profile Image for Sierra ❤︎.
5 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
Wow. All I can say is wow. This is my second read of 2026 and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book! It's only January 6th but I must say this may be one of my favorite reads of the whole year. A sparkling 5 stars!! Thank you so much to Chandler Bean for selecting me to advance read her new book!

I absolutely ate this book up, I finished it in a day and a half! I would have finished it much sooner had I not had to work, and let me tell you I heavily sighed and was annoyed to put it down even to go to work. I cannot describe to you how amazing this book truly is, Chandler Bean nailed this story and I'm already chomping at the bit for book 2!!

This love story is truly to die for. I'm not usually a fan of instant attraction/instant love but this was the perfect balance for me. I couldn't help but feel like I was living inside the story as Jenna waiting for my hunky biker of a man to come swoop me away! And the spice in this story? Woowee! Is it hot in here or is it just me? Make sure you open a window when reading this!

The story unfolds using a change in narratives which I feel suits this story perfectly and gives you everything that you need. The pacing, plot twists, and whiplashing events that take place in this story are immaculate. I swear it could not have been written better, I'm already sad that the story is over and I'm ready to dive back into the Hell Chaser's world to be with all of these characters again.

Speaking of the characters, they were beautifully written with just enough back story and character development to leave you falling deeply connected to each one of them in this story. I promise you will fall in love with (almost) every character featured in this book. From ungodly good looks, witty-ness, strength, determination, and so much more. There is not a single way you finish this book without feeling it in your soul.

I will say this book leaves us on a cliffhanger that will have you on your knees clawing for book 2 (I know I am!). If you haven't already pre-ordered The Lessons We Learn.. what are you even doing? GO GET IT NOW! I know I need to get my hands on a physical copy of this book as soon as possible!
Profile Image for Deanna Bakken.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 7, 2026
I was selected to be an ARC reader and am so glad this was my first motorcycle club romance.
The story begins quietly, the way all dangerous choices do. One teacher. Glitter. Cardigans. Small town. One party she got talked into attending (we’ve all been there). And suddenly, two very different worlds collide, routine meets rebellion, lesson plans meet leather, and I, too, found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” repeatedly…and irresponsibly. No regrets.
As a first-time MC romance reader, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but The Lessons We Learn struck a balance between romance and plot, that kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot is thoughtful and layered, the pacing tight, and the tension, never overshadows the story itself. The spice is present (and appreciated), but it never replaces substance. Instead, it enhances it, woven naturally into a narrative that actually has stakes.
The characters are what truly sold me. Jenna and Axel don’t just orbit each other, they collide. Their chemistry feels inevitable, but not lazy. Each chapter deepens their connection, adds pressure, raises the cost of walking away. I wasn’t just rooting for them; I was invested. Concerned. Mildly stressed. But fully committed.
And the writing? It hooks. The kind of writing that makes putting the book down feel like a personal betrayal. Start this book early, because you will miss your bedtime in order to keep reading. The kind that ends chapters in a way that feels illegal – cliffhangers!? I need to know what happens next!
As an ARC reader, I can confidently say this story was well thought out, engaging, and dangerously readable. It pulled me into a genre I didn’t know I’d enjoy and left me staring at the final page wondering how I was supposed to function until the next book exists.

Never underestimate glitter and a fluffy cardigan.
Never say no to curiosity.
You never know where you'll end up.
30 reviews
December 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was invited to be an ARC reader for The Lessons We Learn, and I couldn’t be more grateful because this book was exactly my kind of romance—intense, magnetic, and wrapped in the gritty world of a motorcycle club.

From the very beginning, the connection between Axel and Jenna is undeniable. They’re drawn to each other instantly, and the chemistry leaps off the page. Chandler Bean crafted them into the perfect pair—Jenna with her strength and vulnerability, and Axel… well, Axel is everyone’s dream man. Protective, loyal, dangerous in all the right ways, and the kind of character you can’t help but fall for. Their dynamic kept me hooked from start to finish.

The pacing is smooth, the tension is delicious, and the MC backdrop adds the perfect dose of adrenaline and edge. And then that cliffhanger—WOW. I closed the book both satisfied and immediately wanting more. I truly hope this becomes a long, expansive series, because I’m nowhere near done with these characters.

A full 5/5 stars from me. If you love motorcycle club romances with instant chemistry, unforgettable characters, and a storyline that grabs you by the heart, this one needs to be at the top of your list.
Profile Image for Larissa Heller.
511 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
Final rating: 3.5/5

Thank you to Chandler for for an ARC of this book!

The Lessons We Learn follows the Hell Chaser's Motorcycle Club, and specifically, Axel. As the enforcer for the club, Axel's number one priority is keeping the club safe, especially with another local MC pushing into their territory.

Jenna is a local teacher and has no idea what a motorcycle club is unless her roommate brings her to a party to meet her boyfriend who (ding ding ding) is also a member of the club. When Axel and Jenna lock eyes from across the club, both of them know that something has changed.

With the threat from the Reapers looming, will Axel be able to keep Jenna safe from the world that he is so entrenched in?

While the book is about 300 pages, a majority of the plot happens between the main characters in a relatively short amount of time. Both Jenna and Axel fall fast for one another, and while they both know what they feel for one another, Jenna is scared of how fast things are progressing, especially when her safety is threatened.

This book will be fun for anyone who likes a fast moving plot, an instant attraction between the main characters, and a side of betrayal and danger.

The Lessons We Learn releases February 6 2026.
Profile Image for Amanda Gerish.
87 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

💜 Hell Chaser's Motorcycle Club
🤍 School Teacher/MC Enforcer
💜 Forced Proximity
🤍 Insta-love
💜 Touch her and ☠️
🤍 Rival MC Drama

I am a sucker for a good MC romance and I really enjoyed this one! I loved the connection between Jenna and Axel - even though it was insta-love, I felt the chemistry between the characters. I also enjoyed the dynamic of the club and the family aspect (one of my favorite parts of most MC romances).

I really enjoyed that while Jenna was a soft, sweet teacher she also had some pretty badass moments. I also felt the ending/"final battle" if you will was done really well.

The only thing that I struggled with was the timing - the first chapter starts four months ago and it's about a week or so before the end of the school year, which would put us around late May/early June. But then when we get up to present day it's already the middle of winter and an "arctic tundra" - but it would only be September, maybe mid October at the latest. I'm not quite sure that timing fully tracks, but I guess anything is possible. It just took me out of the story for a bit while I flipped back and tried to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

Overall, I really love this world and am excited to keep going. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Kanati Adebayo.
44 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
This was my first motorcycle club book but I am a huge fan of SOA tv show!

This book definitely gives those vibes and I loved it! In the beginning I was a little taken aback by how quickly the FMC and MMC fall for each other but I mean if you know, you know.

This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions. The suspense was phenomenal, like having to constantly look over your shoulder because you know something’s going to happen but have no clue when. The details of the biker club were done well and stayed true to how they really are (from what I know at least lol).

I LOVED how protective Axel was of Jenna. Willing to do anything he could to save her. But Jenna also wasn’t helpless, she was a fighter and held her own too. I tried to guess what was going to happen and boy was I wrong. AND THAT FUCKING END OMG!!!

I will be anxiously waiting for book 2 to see what happens next. I really hope the author expands to the other members of the club so we can get an insight to their background or more of their stories.

Recommend for people how love fast paced, suspense, and motorcycle clubs.
Profile Image for Justine.
37 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
I devoured this in less than a day so you know it’s good! It’s fast-paced, brutal, and unapologetically violent. The violence is intense (but it’s a motorcycle club series so that was expected) however what really worked for me about it was how real Jenna’s reactions felt in the middle of all that chaos. Nothing felt glossed over or romanticized in a way that didn’t make sense. The human reaction to the violence felt real and raw and I loved that honesty.

Axel is firmly in morally dark gray territory and absolutely yummy for it. The plot had some solid twists but nothing wildly unpredictable. It was still entertaining and well-paced enough to keep me hooked the whole story. This is definitely more of a smut-forward read than a plot-heavy one, but the motorcycle club vibe added a gritty edge that I really enjoyed.
Overall, a fun, spicy ride with enough substance to keep me interested, and I’d absolutely pick up the next installment.

I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dary Pamias.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

I was grateful to receive an ARC of The Lessons We Learned, and it delivered exactly what I love in a motorcycle club romance.

Axel and Jenna take center stage in this teacher x MC enforcer romance, where an instant connection clashes with the danger of his world. He sees her as his Angel and wants to protect her, even as walking away proves impossible.

The pacing is smooth, the tension addictive, and the MC backdrop perfectly balanced with emotional moments and plenty of spice. The ending lands with a strong cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. The Lessons We Learned releases February 2026.

Tropes:
• Motorcycle Club Romance
• Teacher x Enforcer
• Protector / Touch-Her-and-Die
• Instant Connection
• Spicy Romance
• Cliffhanger
Profile Image for DaNae Singleton.
10 reviews
February 2, 2026
Thank you so much for selecting me to be an ARC reader for The Lessons We Learn.

This was my first MC read and I'm so glad I chose to read this book. I ate this book up from start to finish. I finished the book in 2 days but would have easily finished this in one sitting if I didn't have other responsibilities. I cannot wait for book 2!

Though this is a shorter story, around 300 pages, the character development and plot was written well.

The pacing is spot-on. The chapters were short, making it easy to say “just one more.” Every ending pulls you forward, and the momentum never slows.

The spice is perfectly balanced: enough heat to make your heart race, but always serving the story and character development rather than overshadowing it. It enhances the chemistry and adds intensity without feeling forced.

The cliffhanger at the end left me speechless and I cant wait for the second book. I recommend this to anyone looking for a MC Romance, fast paced and emotional read.

Profile Image for Beth.
61 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was a fast paced, sex and violence filled book.

The FMC, Jenna, is a school teacher living an innocent life. The MMC, Axel, is the enforcer for a local motorcycle club.
They meet when Jenna's friend takes her to a party at Axel's motorcycle club. It is Insta-Lust and after a rival club threatens Jenna, they two become inseparable. As the gang war ramps up Jenna becomes the focus of the rival and Axel will do anything to keep her safe.

Overall, I think this debut novel from Chandler Bean is a great book, it is a quick read but the plot was a little lacking for me.

I was not a fan of the ending. I wouldn't say it was a major cliffhanger, mostly because I didn't feel like the affected character played a huge role in the book, but it does set up a good start for book 2 if it follows this character.
15 reviews
February 6, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect with my first biker romance, but The Lessons We Learn was a pleasant surprise. Chandler Bean has crafted a story with multiple layers and a gripping sense of momentum as events spiral out of control.

I particularly liked that the conflict was tied to Jenna’s past rather than just the biker subculture. It made the stakes feel personal and grounded. While the romance between 'Teach' and Axel moved a bit too fast for me in the beginning—a sentiment the characters actually seemed to share!—their connection was strong.

The intimate scenes are exceedingly well-written, though they were a bit more frequent than I usually prefer and felt slightly repetitive toward the end. However, the twisty storyline and the excellent hook for the sequel have definitely made me a fan. A great read for those who enjoy gritty, character-driven romantic suspense!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
I am so grateful to Chandler Bean for letting me be one of her ARC readers for her debut novel!

I was waiting for this to be my first read of 2026 and I'm so happy I waited because it is officially my first 5 star read of 2026!

Everything in the novel - from the characters, action, spice and everything in between is literally perfect. The book has great character development and growth and I was rooting for Dane/Axel and Jenna the entire time. I love the sunshine meets the dangerous man trope and this just reiterated it. The Lessons we Learn was a perfect mix of spice and romance mixed with drama.

Cannot wait for future books in the series and am so excited for the world to read this book especially after that cliffhanger!!
Profile Image for Erin Ayon.
1 review
December 18, 2025

What a read!! I devoured this book, and can’t get it out of my head! This has been my first intro to MC dark romance and it did not disappoint. I loved the instant attraction, dual pov, and quality spice scenes🔥 Axel is everything you want a MMC to be, protective, possessive and the chemistry with Jenna is off the charts! And that ending, I’ve been hanging on at the end of my seat waiting for more!
I seriously cannot overstate how impressed I am that this is Chandlers debut novel. I am now adding any and all books by her to my tbr at this time. I’m ready for book two of the Hell Chasers Motorcycle Club Series now pleaaaase!
Profile Image for Symone .
375 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 21, 2025
*ARC REVIEW* This was actually my first motorcycle club romance, and it did NOT disappoint. The further I read, the more hooked I became. It follows a teacher who crosses paths with the Enforcer of a motorcycle club, and the connection is instant. She’s his Angel, and even though he doesn’t want his world to corrupt her, he can’t imagine letting her go.🥹 There’s rivalry and action but it's balanced perfectly with sweet moments and heavy spice. I loved how the club felt like one big family, always protecting their own, and I grew so attached to the characters. And that cliffhanger?! I’m currently staring at the wall, contemplating my life 😭. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Emily Caruso.
9 reviews
January 29, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC and am so appreciative for the opportunity! Chandler Bean is such a presence on TikTok- I love all her videos!

I was absolutely giddy at the start of this book. It’s my first MC book and I don’t know why because it totally gave Sons of Anarchy vibes which I loved.
We get a “fuck it” before the first kiss and it comes from the FMC?!? I was obsessed.
Continuing on, I think it was a little too fast paced for me and I would’ve appreciated more depth to the scenes. But as far as a super quick, fun, spicy read?! This was IT! I never felt bored at all and the cliffhanger at the end definitely makes me want to grab the second one!!
28 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 5, 2026
It's been a while since I read a MC romance and this was honestly such a great book to get back into the universe with. It was fast paced and filled with the camaraderie and violence you would expect in an MC novel.

The main characters, Jenna and Axel fell for each other instantly, but there was so much chemistry between their characters, it was no doubt they were going to end up together. I loved the sprinkles of humor the side characters added and I desperately want to read more about some of the brothers and their love stories. I'm very excited for the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC.
Profile Image for Marisol.
20 reviews
February 9, 2026
This was such a gripping read. Jenna’s life flips upside down after one night out leads her into Axel’s dangerous world. Axel is morally gray, fiercely protective, and completely captivated by Jenna from the start even though commitment was never part of his plan.
The chemistry between them was intense and immediate, and I loved how the story balanced romance with real stakes. Jenna’s struggle to reconcile her safe, ordinary life with Axel’s violent reality made the relationship feel emotional and real.
Fast-paced, dramatic, and swoony with an edge his book kept me hooked from start to finish.
Profile Image for Sarah.
77 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
I am very appreciative of Chandler Bean and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of The Lessons We Learn!

I enjoyed this how fast paced and action packed this book was! I really liked getting to learn more about the MC along with Jenna, I haven’t read many books with MCs!

I loved seeing Jenna and Axel’s relationship develop as they learned to trust and rely on each other. The found family aspect of the story—both within the MC and the friendships Jenna formed—was so fun to read about!
Profile Image for TeachElise.
83 reviews
February 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I couldn’t put this book down, it felt like a great season on Sons of Anarchy. Jenna and Axel had such a strong connection and I think they were meant to be. A bit of a cliffhanger ending, can’t wait for the next one!

Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Motorcycle Club
Small Town

Remarks:
Jenna did not expect to meet Axel when she thought she was having an innocent night out with her roommate Marley.
Jenna and Axel have an immediate strong connection that neither can deny.
Axel will always protect Jenna, but she can also protect herself.
Profile Image for Kassie.
61 reviews
December 9, 2025
So excited to receive an arc of this book!!
5 stars all around for this amazing read!

MC books just do it for me and I was ecstatic to start this!
I loved how fast paced this book was but it didn’t take away from the plot or story at all. The spice was 😘 and Axel just a bad ass MMC who loved Jenna with all he’s got.

I am anxiously awaiting the second book because holy crap that ending!!

Thank you Chandler Bean for the ARC!
Profile Image for caffe.and.books (Aimee).
579 reviews61 followers
December 9, 2025
Wow, wow, wow!! I am so blown away by the fact that this is a debut novel!

The plot, the characters, the writing all of it is just pure perfection. I adored Jenna- she is a very relatable FMC. And who doesn’t love a man who falls HARD! Axel is the squishiest for his girl and *swoon*. The spice was perfect and the story kept me fully engaged and eager to flip the pages. I can’t wait for book two. If you’re an MC romance reader add this to your tbr now!
Profile Image for TheNorksWife .
324 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
One of the best MC romances I’ve read in a while. It had the perfect balance of romance and drama, never feeling too over the top. Jenna was the perfect amount of bad a** and soft FMC. Axel was the perfect balance between lethal enforcer and soft just for Jenna.

Bean has easily made it into my auto-by list for sure, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
35 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
The dark motorcycle Romance is captivating. Jenna is just a teacher who goes to a party with her vest friend. She sees a hot guy and has a hot make out session. Thinking that's all but the pull she feels for him and him to her is magnetic. She becomes the attraction for the rival motorcycle gang. Axel will do everything in his power to keep her safe and so will the motorcycle gang. I'm left needing to know what's in book 2!!!!
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
Characters- This is actually my first Motorcycle romance! I really enjoyed seeing the inner-workings of the club. The drama between rivals was top-notch.
Romance- If this was a romantasy, Jenna and Axel would be fated mates. I loved them together!
Story- The story kept moving well and was an easy read. It wasn’t as dark as I had thought it would be, which was good. I was not expecting the twist in the end, and can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Norma.
25 reviews
February 1, 2026
Wow! All I can say is wow! I’m honored to have been given the chance to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. I can’t wait for book 2.

This is my first biker book series and I’m in love with it!! Axle and Jenna’s chemistry was absolutely insane and I loved every minute of it. This book had me at the edge of my seat and I read it in a few hours. I couldn’t put it down.

The way the book ended had me with my jaw on the floor. Loved this book! Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!!
183 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
5⭐ 3 🌶️
The Lessons We Learn is a captivating, suspenseful, sweet and spicy MC romance! I love Jenna and Axel's story! I love the instant connection, protectiveness, found family, and fun banter! This story hooked me from beginning to end and had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I could not put this book down! I love it so much! Can't wait for the next book! Thank you Chandler for including me as an ARC reader!
Profile Image for Amanda Chrissomalis.
36 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
Ok, so this is not my typical go out of my way to read book, BUT I'm so glad I read it! the characters and growth are captivating! the plot and spice are both equally amazing! Chandler did an amazing job opening up this new world to me! I was so invested in finding out what happened i finished the book in less then a day!
Profile Image for Holly Gunn.
1 review
December 10, 2025
I devoured this book!

A tall, heavily tattooed MMC that is a total golden retriever for his woman, yes please! I loved the development of Jenna’s character throughout the book, the use of multiple POVs, the found family aspect, and the hair washing micro trope, obsessed!

With that ending I cannot wait for book two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.