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Study Abroad #2
Lessons in Gravity
A Steamy STANDALONE Rockstar Romance!
Sexy. Spanish. Rockstar. Trouble.
While studying in Spain for her semester abroad, Maddie hopes to escape the drama surrounding her parents’ divorce—a divorce she may or may not have caused—while researching Spanish architecture for her thesis. And if she hooks up with hot Madrileños along the way? All the better.
Guitarist Javier is ready to set aside his rock star ways and settle down for good with his gorgeous ex-girlfriend. But after a one night stand with sexy, passionate Maddie blossoms into genuine friendship, he begins to wonder if Maddie might be the forever girl he’s been looking for.
Too bad Maddie believes forever is more fiction than fairy tale. Can Javier prove to her that fairy tales exist? Or is Maddie right to think she doesn’t deserve happily ever after?
The books in the STUDY ABROAD series are STANDALONE stories and can be read in any order!
Sexy. Spanish. Rockstar. Trouble.
While studying in Spain for her semester abroad, Maddie hopes to escape the drama surrounding her parents’ divorce—a divorce she may or may not have caused—while researching Spanish architecture for her thesis. And if she hooks up with hot Madrileños along the way? All the better.
Guitarist Javier is ready to set aside his rock star ways and settle down for good with his gorgeous ex-girlfriend. But after a one night stand with sexy, passionate Maddie blossoms into genuine friendship, he begins to wonder if Maddie might be the forever girl he’s been looking for.
Too bad Maddie believes forever is more fiction than fairy tale. Can Javier prove to her that fairy tales exist? Or is Maddie right to think she doesn’t deserve happily ever after?
The books in the STUDY ABROAD series are STANDALONE stories and can be read in any order!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
220 people are currently reading
923 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Peterson
34 books4,670 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 5, 2016
3.5 stars!
Lessons in Gravity is the second standalone story in the Study Abroad series, but this is the first one I've read thanks to the New Adult Book Club on Goodreads. I didn't encounter much confusion when I read this one, so I think it's safe to say you can read it without reading the first.
After watching her picturesque family shatter into a million pieces, twenty-year old Maddie Lucas finds temporary relief and distraction in the form of one night stands while in Madrid for her university's study abroad program. On one night out with her best friend Vivian and her boyfriend Rafa, Maddie meets Javier Montoya, Rafa's hot uncle. No, he's no George Clooney. He's only twenty-four.
As soon as she sees Javier, she knows she'll have him in bed for a night. Javier, however, is done with all things casual. Recently returning to Madrid from touring as a guitarist for a famous singer, Javier wants to settle down and find his el amor, hopefully his beautiful ex-girlfriend. A casual romp in the sheets is not in his agenda, and Maddie certainly isn't.
But they just can't resist each other, and so the night ends in one (or more) magical hook-up. Maddie has no interest in a follow-up. One night stands are one night stands for a reason. Javier didn't agree.
First of all, I loved that the story is set in Madrid. It's one of the places I've always wanted to visit, and this book just made me want to go even more! I could almost picture the cathedrals and the sights and the food and the people!
Their chemistry is just wow. Obviously they're attracted to each other, and they've proven time and time again how compatible they are in bed, but Maddie and Javier get along outside the bedroom too. They have similar tastes and appreciation of life, and they just get along and actually enjoy each other's company. Maddie likes him for himself—not as the guitarist for Juan Ramos, but as Javier. Just Javier.
Javier is unreal. If I ever meet anyone like him, I will never let him go! He is hot, funny, sweet, can cook, can drive, can FLY A PLANE, and he can play the guitar. He understands Maddie, and is as passionate as she is when it comes to their loves—Maddie with architecture, Javier with music and Madrid. I love it when the two talk, and you know they just jive well. That's what I'm looking for. I want that.
And Maddie is so relatable. She's confident most of the time, but she has her bouts of insecurities. I think she was an accurate depiction of what most twenty-year old people could be like; adult but not quite adult just yet. She hasn't fully figured out what she's going to do with her life, but she knows her passion for architecture will be a big factor.
It had a few nods to Jane Austen here and there. Names and such—Meryton University (Meryton is a fictional town in Pride and Prejudice), Maddie's last name is Lucas (a family in P&P), and Vivian's last name is Bingley (another family in P&P). Plot-wise though, I don't Ms. Peterson based this story on any Austen novel.
The book was a fairly enjoyable read, although I wasn't that of a fan of Maddie's hot and cold attitude. I get that she's hurting and going through a lot, but I didn't think it was fair of her to push Javier away, only to pull him back a second later. She rejects him, but goes to his house the next day.
They had a few problems due to miscommunications/lack of communication, too. Things would've gone more smoothly if only they had talked to each other, instead of jumping into conclusions.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book and liked it.
I'm definitely reading the first novel in this series, and would watch out for the following books in Study Abroad.
*Book given in exchange for an honest review
Lessons in Gravity is the second standalone story in the Study Abroad series, but this is the first one I've read thanks to the New Adult Book Club on Goodreads. I didn't encounter much confusion when I read this one, so I think it's safe to say you can read it without reading the first.
After watching her picturesque family shatter into a million pieces, twenty-year old Maddie Lucas finds temporary relief and distraction in the form of one night stands while in Madrid for her university's study abroad program. On one night out with her best friend Vivian and her boyfriend Rafa, Maddie meets Javier Montoya, Rafa's hot uncle. No, he's no George Clooney. He's only twenty-four.
As soon as she sees Javier, she knows she'll have him in bed for a night. Javier, however, is done with all things casual. Recently returning to Madrid from touring as a guitarist for a famous singer, Javier wants to settle down and find his el amor, hopefully his beautiful ex-girlfriend. A casual romp in the sheets is not in his agenda, and Maddie certainly isn't.
But they just can't resist each other, and so the night ends in one (or more) magical hook-up. Maddie has no interest in a follow-up. One night stands are one night stands for a reason. Javier didn't agree.
First of all, I loved that the story is set in Madrid. It's one of the places I've always wanted to visit, and this book just made me want to go even more! I could almost picture the cathedrals and the sights and the food and the people!
Their chemistry is just wow. Obviously they're attracted to each other, and they've proven time and time again how compatible they are in bed, but Maddie and Javier get along outside the bedroom too. They have similar tastes and appreciation of life, and they just get along and actually enjoy each other's company. Maddie likes him for himself—not as the guitarist for Juan Ramos, but as Javier. Just Javier.
Javier is unreal. If I ever meet anyone like him, I will never let him go! He is hot, funny, sweet, can cook, can drive, can FLY A PLANE, and he can play the guitar. He understands Maddie, and is as passionate as she is when it comes to their loves—Maddie with architecture, Javier with music and Madrid. I love it when the two talk, and you know they just jive well. That's what I'm looking for. I want that.
And Maddie is so relatable. She's confident most of the time, but she has her bouts of insecurities. I think she was an accurate depiction of what most twenty-year old people could be like; adult but not quite adult just yet. She hasn't fully figured out what she's going to do with her life, but she knows her passion for architecture will be a big factor.
I've always thought your twenties were all about finding yourself. But at almost twenty-one, I feel more lost than ever."
It had a few nods to Jane Austen here and there. Names and such—Meryton University (Meryton is a fictional town in Pride and Prejudice), Maddie's last name is Lucas (a family in P&P), and Vivian's last name is Bingley (another family in P&P). Plot-wise though, I don't Ms. Peterson based this story on any Austen novel.
The book was a fairly enjoyable read, although I wasn't that of a fan of Maddie's hot and cold attitude. I get that she's hurting and going through a lot, but I didn't think it was fair of her to push Javier away, only to pull him back a second later. She rejects him, but goes to his house the next day.
They had a few problems due to miscommunications/lack of communication, too. Things would've gone more smoothly if only they had talked to each other, instead of jumping into conclusions.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book and liked it.
I'm definitely reading the first novel in this series, and would watch out for the following books in Study Abroad.
*Book given in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2016
I receive an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Ms. Peterson!
Final rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
The second book in the Study Abroad series is about Maddie Lucas-- Viv's roommate best friend, an aspiring architect and Javier Montoya-- rock star, pilot, and Rafa's not-so-old- and-hot Uncle [He's 24 years old by the way]. I find their story better because it's more complicated and has more depth than the first one.
I may not be a huge fan of Maddie because of the things happened in the previous book. However, I want to see her story and give her a second chance. Dealing with her parents' divorce affected her too much, so she dedicated herself on her thesis and hooking up with guys for fun as a distraction. Being attached with someone scares her. Afraid that she'll get hurt and won't be able to endure the pain. Then, she met Javier who is a rock star returning in his home country to pursue his ex-girlfriend. These two hit off and had a one night stand. These two are attracted with each other but Maddie distance herself to him. Javier finds her irresistible and he isn't going to give up easily.
I WANT A RAFA MONTOYA I'm so sorry Rafa but your Uncle Javi dethroned you on the hotness scale. Javier is SCORCHING HOT. He's a gentleman and really patient with Maddie. He respects her space and lets her to open up with him. His love for her is genuine and believes she can see him beyond his fame. In fairness to Maddie, I love how she's remained positive and sassy despite of the dramas in her life. She tries hard to conquer her fears and I think she deserves her own happy ever after. I'm happy how their relationship developed into something more despite of the insta-attraction. These two have an intense, sexy chemistry and I love it!
The setting in this book made the ambiance more romantic. It's intricate and well written. It makes me want to travel in Spain. Hopefully someday. Overall, I love it and I'm looking forward on the next book. I recommend this New Adult series if you're looking for a quick, romantic and guilty pleasure read. I'm definitely looking forward on the upcoming books. I'm curious on Laura's story though I don't know much about her.
Final rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
The second book in the Study Abroad series is about Maddie Lucas-- Viv's roommate best friend, an aspiring architect and Javier Montoya-- rock star, pilot, and Rafa's not-so-old- and-hot Uncle [He's 24 years old by the way]. I find their story better because it's more complicated and has more depth than the first one.
I may not be a huge fan of Maddie because of the things happened in the previous book. However, I want to see her story and give her a second chance. Dealing with her parents' divorce affected her too much, so she dedicated herself on her thesis and hooking up with guys for fun as a distraction. Being attached with someone scares her. Afraid that she'll get hurt and won't be able to endure the pain. Then, she met Javier who is a rock star returning in his home country to pursue his ex-girlfriend. These two hit off and had a one night stand. These two are attracted with each other but Maddie distance herself to him. Javier finds her irresistible and he isn't going to give up easily.
The setting in this book made the ambiance more romantic. It's intricate and well written. It makes me want to travel in Spain. Hopefully someday. Overall, I love it and I'm looking forward on the next book. I recommend this New Adult series if you're looking for a quick, romantic and guilty pleasure read. I'm definitely looking forward on the upcoming books. I'm curious on Laura's story though I don't know much about her.
March 15, 2016
Original review: The Daydreaming Bookworm
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*4.5 stars!*
The second installment in the Study Abroad series follows the story of Maddie Lucas and Javier Montoya. This slow-burning romance was full of angst and fun and I really enjoyed seeing these two get together. But seriously Spain, where are you hiding these swoon-worthy men?
After having to deal with the backlash from her parents’ divorce, Maddie Lucas hopes that her semester in Madrid will help her forget her troubles at home so she can focus on her thesis and having some fun. Fun so happens to come in the form of Javier Montoya, a famous rock star who has returned home to Madrid after being on tour. Javier is looking to settle down, while Maddie is just looking for a one night stand. But after one night of fun, Javier thinks Maddie may be the girl he’s looking for. But Maddie doesn’t believe in happily ever afters and if Javier is going to sweep her off her feet, he’s going to have to put it all on the line.
When I first realized that this book was told from dual POVs, I SQUEALED!
I absolutely love New Adult novels written from dual POVs as it tends to add more depth to a story and male POVs are my favorites to read. The dual POVs was a smart move for this book since both our in characters are dealing with their own separate issues that they needed to work on before they could actually get together.
I didn’t really care too much for Maddie in Spanish Lessons, but in this sequel, I was so drawn to her character and found her to be so relatable. Maddie comes off as being so confident and self-assured, but in reality she’s scared of being hurt. She blames herself for destroying her parents’ happily ever after, therefore she does not believe she deserves one. Javier shows her that she worth so much more than what she gives herself credit for and that she is deserving of love. When it came to Javier, he was looking for someone who cared enough to get to know the ‘real’ Javi and not just the badass rock star and Maddie was that someone.
I also loved how detailed the writing was. With Maddie studying Spanish architecture, I hoped that I would be able to visualize all the amazing structures and luckily I was.
The romance was ON FIRE for this book. Although things were a bit hot and heavy in the beginning, they quickly simmered down and the ANGST set in. Oh, the ANGST! What I liked most about Javier and Maddie’s relationship is how it developed throughout this story. These two took their time and they got to know each other and this helped to deepen their connection. Just like Rafa from the previous novel, Javier too has quite a lot of patience when it came to Maddie. He never pushed her and allowed her to come to him when she was ready. The wait was well worth it because there were FIREWORKS when these two got together!
I definitely recommend checking out Peterson’s Study Abroad series. Full of romance and adventure, these books are both entertaining and steamy and I’m excited for the third installment in this series. We don’t know too much about Rhys and Laura’s relationship, but I’m a little nervous to see where this relationship is headed. It’s looking like trouble in paradise and I’m crossing my fingers that these two work out their issues!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
*4.5 stars!*
The second installment in the Study Abroad series follows the story of Maddie Lucas and Javier Montoya. This slow-burning romance was full of angst and fun and I really enjoyed seeing these two get together. But seriously Spain, where are you hiding these swoon-worthy men?
After having to deal with the backlash from her parents’ divorce, Maddie Lucas hopes that her semester in Madrid will help her forget her troubles at home so she can focus on her thesis and having some fun. Fun so happens to come in the form of Javier Montoya, a famous rock star who has returned home to Madrid after being on tour. Javier is looking to settle down, while Maddie is just looking for a one night stand. But after one night of fun, Javier thinks Maddie may be the girl he’s looking for. But Maddie doesn’t believe in happily ever afters and if Javier is going to sweep her off her feet, he’s going to have to put it all on the line.
When I first realized that this book was told from dual POVs, I SQUEALED!
I absolutely love New Adult novels written from dual POVs as it tends to add more depth to a story and male POVs are my favorites to read. The dual POVs was a smart move for this book since both our in characters are dealing with their own separate issues that they needed to work on before they could actually get together.
I didn’t really care too much for Maddie in Spanish Lessons, but in this sequel, I was so drawn to her character and found her to be so relatable. Maddie comes off as being so confident and self-assured, but in reality she’s scared of being hurt. She blames herself for destroying her parents’ happily ever after, therefore she does not believe she deserves one. Javier shows her that she worth so much more than what she gives herself credit for and that she is deserving of love. When it came to Javier, he was looking for someone who cared enough to get to know the ‘real’ Javi and not just the badass rock star and Maddie was that someone.
I also loved how detailed the writing was. With Maddie studying Spanish architecture, I hoped that I would be able to visualize all the amazing structures and luckily I was.
The romance was ON FIRE for this book. Although things were a bit hot and heavy in the beginning, they quickly simmered down and the ANGST set in. Oh, the ANGST! What I liked most about Javier and Maddie’s relationship is how it developed throughout this story. These two took their time and they got to know each other and this helped to deepen their connection. Just like Rafa from the previous novel, Javier too has quite a lot of patience when it came to Maddie. He never pushed her and allowed her to come to him when she was ready. The wait was well worth it because there were FIREWORKS when these two got together!
I definitely recommend checking out Peterson’s Study Abroad series. Full of romance and adventure, these books are both entertaining and steamy and I’m excited for the third installment in this series. We don’t know too much about Rhys and Laura’s relationship, but I’m a little nervous to see where this relationship is headed. It’s looking like trouble in paradise and I’m crossing my fingers that these two work out their issues!
May 23, 2016
If there were any doubts as to whether Jessica Peterson has secured me as a fan through her Spanish Lessons, we can now extinguish all worries. Lessons in Gravity, book two in the Study Abroad series, is just as fun as the first and I’m more than happy to continue (a fact I will be coming back to at the end of this review).
I received Spanish Lessons in exchange for an honest review, and I was blown away by what I was given. I’m not the biggest of romance fans, but over the last few months things have been changing. Since the start of the year, I believe I have read more romance novels than I have across the rest of my life. I’m just as shocked as anyone who knows my reading habits. I enjoy romance as an underlying story – I’m the kind of person to ship characters like nobody’s business – but I never really enjoyed it as the main story. Such has changed, and Spanish Lessons is partially to thank for that.
Thus, when Jessica Peterson dropped me an email asking if I was willing to read and review book two, I jumped at the chance. In fact, ‘jumped at the chance’ is probably putting it lightly. It was more so a case of trying not to look insanely excited as I agreed to give it a read. Somehow, I managed to avoid coming across as a complete lunatic (I still looked like a partial lunatic, unfortunately), and I soon found Lessons in Gravity sitting in my inbox. Then came some busy days and a longing to read the book. Forget the fact that I currently have many books in progress – I needed to see what happened next.
As soon as I started, I was pulled in. I would have completed it in one sitting, had I not been so busy. Still, it was a book I made sure I finished in as few sittings as possible.
In book one we’re introduced to Viv and her friends. Spanish Lessons told Viv’s story of love, and in Lessons in Gravity we are given the love story of one of her friends. In fact, her best friend, Maddie. In Spanish Lessons I never really enjoyed Maddie all that much as a character. She was a hot mess, she had terrible things happening in her life, but I still couldn’t bring myself to love her in the way I loved Viv. Once I started reading Lessons in Gravity, reading from Maddie’s perspective, things changed. I came to enjoy Maddie even more than I enjoyed Viv.
Oh, did I mention – we have multiple points of view in this book?
Yes, you heard me. We watch the story unfold from both sides of the love. We see the world through Maddie’s eyes and we see the world through Javier’s eyes. It’s such a great way of telling the story, especially with how Maddie’s story is more complex than Viv’s story was.
I’m getting ahead of myself, though. Back to what I love about Maddie.
In the first book she was simply there, for me. Oh, she had some good lines, but she wasn’t real enough for me. She was the necessary best friend. In this book, I came to see I share a lot more in common with Maddie than I ever imagined. I may not be brave enough to go out hooking up with all the attractive males of the world, but I share in her philosophy. Happily ever after, love, and all that other romantic stuff is a literary device. I don’t believe in it, much like Maddie. Of course in a romance novel her view would be changed, but she stuck to her guns for much longer than most heroines do. She was more than happy to share her view with other people.
Javier, her love interest, is the complete opposite. He is ready to settle down. He is the true gentleman. He’s about as fictional as they come, but you love him anyway. Reading things from his point of view allowed you to see the world in the flip of how Maddie saw it, and watching them come together was beautiful. Throughout you’re left questioning whether a happily ever after will happen. Every time something seems to go their way a new obstacle appears. Honestly, in the end, I enjoyed this one more than Spanish Lessons. I cannot thank the author enough for allowing me to read this.
Also, we have news of book three. We are getting Laura’s story! I cannot wait to get that girl’s story. I enjoyed her in the first book, even if she was just a background character, yet in this one I enjoyed her even more. There is still a lot of mystery surrounding her relationship with her footballer boyfriend (I’m sorry, soccer boyfriend as the girls in the book would say), and I cannot wait to find out more.
This is where I avoid all the subtle nudges and winks I had at the end of my review of Spanish Lessons. I’m straight out asking this time. So, Jessica Peterson, by any chance do you have an advance read team? I searched your website to see, but I could not find anything. Honestly, I cannot begin to explain how desperate I am to sign up. I need to know what comes next. I cannot wait to find out. I promise fangirl reviews.
Seriously, I cannot wait to see what else is in store for this series.
I received Spanish Lessons in exchange for an honest review, and I was blown away by what I was given. I’m not the biggest of romance fans, but over the last few months things have been changing. Since the start of the year, I believe I have read more romance novels than I have across the rest of my life. I’m just as shocked as anyone who knows my reading habits. I enjoy romance as an underlying story – I’m the kind of person to ship characters like nobody’s business – but I never really enjoyed it as the main story. Such has changed, and Spanish Lessons is partially to thank for that.
Thus, when Jessica Peterson dropped me an email asking if I was willing to read and review book two, I jumped at the chance. In fact, ‘jumped at the chance’ is probably putting it lightly. It was more so a case of trying not to look insanely excited as I agreed to give it a read. Somehow, I managed to avoid coming across as a complete lunatic (I still looked like a partial lunatic, unfortunately), and I soon found Lessons in Gravity sitting in my inbox. Then came some busy days and a longing to read the book. Forget the fact that I currently have many books in progress – I needed to see what happened next.
As soon as I started, I was pulled in. I would have completed it in one sitting, had I not been so busy. Still, it was a book I made sure I finished in as few sittings as possible.
In book one we’re introduced to Viv and her friends. Spanish Lessons told Viv’s story of love, and in Lessons in Gravity we are given the love story of one of her friends. In fact, her best friend, Maddie. In Spanish Lessons I never really enjoyed Maddie all that much as a character. She was a hot mess, she had terrible things happening in her life, but I still couldn’t bring myself to love her in the way I loved Viv. Once I started reading Lessons in Gravity, reading from Maddie’s perspective, things changed. I came to enjoy Maddie even more than I enjoyed Viv.
Oh, did I mention – we have multiple points of view in this book?
Yes, you heard me. We watch the story unfold from both sides of the love. We see the world through Maddie’s eyes and we see the world through Javier’s eyes. It’s such a great way of telling the story, especially with how Maddie’s story is more complex than Viv’s story was.
I’m getting ahead of myself, though. Back to what I love about Maddie.
In the first book she was simply there, for me. Oh, she had some good lines, but she wasn’t real enough for me. She was the necessary best friend. In this book, I came to see I share a lot more in common with Maddie than I ever imagined. I may not be brave enough to go out hooking up with all the attractive males of the world, but I share in her philosophy. Happily ever after, love, and all that other romantic stuff is a literary device. I don’t believe in it, much like Maddie. Of course in a romance novel her view would be changed, but she stuck to her guns for much longer than most heroines do. She was more than happy to share her view with other people.
Javier, her love interest, is the complete opposite. He is ready to settle down. He is the true gentleman. He’s about as fictional as they come, but you love him anyway. Reading things from his point of view allowed you to see the world in the flip of how Maddie saw it, and watching them come together was beautiful. Throughout you’re left questioning whether a happily ever after will happen. Every time something seems to go their way a new obstacle appears. Honestly, in the end, I enjoyed this one more than Spanish Lessons. I cannot thank the author enough for allowing me to read this.
Also, we have news of book three. We are getting Laura’s story! I cannot wait to get that girl’s story. I enjoyed her in the first book, even if she was just a background character, yet in this one I enjoyed her even more. There is still a lot of mystery surrounding her relationship with her footballer boyfriend (I’m sorry, soccer boyfriend as the girls in the book would say), and I cannot wait to find out more.
This is where I avoid all the subtle nudges and winks I had at the end of my review of Spanish Lessons. I’m straight out asking this time. So, Jessica Peterson, by any chance do you have an advance read team? I searched your website to see, but I could not find anything. Honestly, I cannot begin to explain how desperate I am to sign up. I need to know what comes next. I cannot wait to find out. I promise fangirl reviews.
Seriously, I cannot wait to see what else is in store for this series.
March 17, 2016
Read full review HERE
I while back I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Spanish Lessons, and although I enjoyed it, I had some problems with it. But I was still very curious about the second book in this series, so when Jessica Peterson asked me if I was willing to read and review Lessons in Gravity, I jumped at the chance. And oh my, I’m so glad I did! Lessons in Gravity is such a step up from Spanish Lessons!
I found the writing much smoother in this book, funnier, sexier, all around better. Then there’s the fact that this book has dual POV!!!! I’m a sucker for dual POV. It was something that was seriously missing in the first book, but it kind of made sense that it wasn’t present, because Rafa’s english was not that good, and he didn’t really have a problem. But here, oh my, here we get both Maddie and Javier’s POVs and it’s seriously epic.
The characters are also much more complex this time around. Maddie is struggling with her parents’ divorce, and now we finally learn why: her father has made her feel guilty for it, and I can’t even begin to understand how devastating that is. So she thinks she’s not worthy of being loved, and that she’s a mess (which she kind of is), so she keeps having meaningless one night stands, which don’t help her feel any better. Javier is tired of women pursuing his star-self, and he wants to settle down with someone that likes him for him.
I had some problems with Maddie in Spanish Lessons, but not here. If you don’t count the fact that I wanted to push her towards Javier, because come on girl, how could you stay away? Javier on the other hand was perfect! Well, he did mess up, and he lost his temper, but who wouldn’t, right? He was still very excellent and very handsome-hot.
The romance was swoon-worthy really, and much slower than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed to read about how their relationship developed and how everything progressed :D. The dual POV gives us quite different perspectives of their feelings and how they both deal with them and it added so much to the story.
By the way, the sexy scenes in this one are super super steamy!!!!
I have to talk about Leo, because Leo is a riot :D. His very fragmented and very very bad english made me laugh each time he opened his mouth.
This instalment left me completely satisfied and I really loved these 2 characters and their love story. Now I’m curious for next book, I’m so excited to read about Laura and Rhys :D.
P.S.: Can we talk for a minute about how gorgeous these covers are? I mean, the first was was beautiful, but this one? WOW!!!
P.S.2: How funny is it that the main characters keep having surnames right out of Pride and Prejudice? First Bingley, now Lucas…
I while back I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Spanish Lessons, and although I enjoyed it, I had some problems with it. But I was still very curious about the second book in this series, so when Jessica Peterson asked me if I was willing to read and review Lessons in Gravity, I jumped at the chance. And oh my, I’m so glad I did! Lessons in Gravity is such a step up from Spanish Lessons!
I found the writing much smoother in this book, funnier, sexier, all around better. Then there’s the fact that this book has dual POV!!!! I’m a sucker for dual POV. It was something that was seriously missing in the first book, but it kind of made sense that it wasn’t present, because Rafa’s english was not that good, and he didn’t really have a problem. But here, oh my, here we get both Maddie and Javier’s POVs and it’s seriously epic.
The characters are also much more complex this time around. Maddie is struggling with her parents’ divorce, and now we finally learn why: her father has made her feel guilty for it, and I can’t even begin to understand how devastating that is. So she thinks she’s not worthy of being loved, and that she’s a mess (which she kind of is), so she keeps having meaningless one night stands, which don’t help her feel any better. Javier is tired of women pursuing his star-self, and he wants to settle down with someone that likes him for him.
I had some problems with Maddie in Spanish Lessons, but not here. If you don’t count the fact that I wanted to push her towards Javier, because come on girl, how could you stay away? Javier on the other hand was perfect! Well, he did mess up, and he lost his temper, but who wouldn’t, right? He was still very excellent and very handsome-hot.
The romance was swoon-worthy really, and much slower than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed to read about how their relationship developed and how everything progressed :D. The dual POV gives us quite different perspectives of their feelings and how they both deal with them and it added so much to the story.
By the way, the sexy scenes in this one are super super steamy!!!!
I have to talk about Leo, because Leo is a riot :D. His very fragmented and very very bad english made me laugh each time he opened his mouth.
This instalment left me completely satisfied and I really loved these 2 characters and their love story. Now I’m curious for next book, I’m so excited to read about Laura and Rhys :D.
P.S.: Can we talk for a minute about how gorgeous these covers are? I mean, the first was was beautiful, but this one? WOW!!!
P.S.2: How funny is it that the main characters keep having surnames right out of Pride and Prejudice? First Bingley, now Lucas…
October 1, 2016
Once again I’ve started a series out of order. Lucky for me, it did not cause any confusion, nor did it impact my enjoyment of this story or these characters. Maddie and Javier’s story feels like a bit of a twist on books I’ve read before. Normally, it’s the male lead who wants no part of a permanent relationship, who needs to be figuratively “hit over the head” with what they’re missing to come to terms with the fact that the person in front of them is a perfect fit. Here, we have Javier, a sexy musician, who’s ready to settle down and Maddie, a girl struggling with family issues, who’s looking for one-night stands.
From the beginning Maddie and Javier’s chemistry is hot! He comes into her life as a surprise…and what a wonderful surprise he is. Javier is sexy, smart, and flies his own plane (I kid you not!). Add to that the fact that he’s looking for a girl to share the rest of his life with, and that he’s a charming Spaniard who intersperses Spanish words in his English conversations and, really, what else could you want?!? I must admit that it took me a little bit to warm up to Maddie. At first I thought she didn’t show enough confidence in herself but as the story progressed I began to see her grow and become stronger. As she deals with the splintering of her family due to a divorce her father blames her for, she becomes more fierce and, with Javier’s help, more certain of what she wants. Although the heat begins quickly in the book, this really is a bit of a slow burn…it takes time for these two to get on the same page. And, as far as I’m concerned, that’s what made the story fun to read.
I really enjoyed that this book was set in Spain and that the author really made it an important part of the story. It moved Madrid up on my list of places to visit! I really like when an author can paint a picture, not just of the characters but of the setting of the story, and Ms. Peterson definitely did that here. Overall, this story had depth and was unique enough to hold my interest. The characters were well developed, the writing was great, and the romance was both sweet and hot. And, it sounds like there might be a third book in this series…I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next.
From the beginning Maddie and Javier’s chemistry is hot! He comes into her life as a surprise…and what a wonderful surprise he is. Javier is sexy, smart, and flies his own plane (I kid you not!). Add to that the fact that he’s looking for a girl to share the rest of his life with, and that he’s a charming Spaniard who intersperses Spanish words in his English conversations and, really, what else could you want?!? I must admit that it took me a little bit to warm up to Maddie. At first I thought she didn’t show enough confidence in herself but as the story progressed I began to see her grow and become stronger. As she deals with the splintering of her family due to a divorce her father blames her for, she becomes more fierce and, with Javier’s help, more certain of what she wants. Although the heat begins quickly in the book, this really is a bit of a slow burn…it takes time for these two to get on the same page. And, as far as I’m concerned, that’s what made the story fun to read.
I really enjoyed that this book was set in Spain and that the author really made it an important part of the story. It moved Madrid up on my list of places to visit! I really like when an author can paint a picture, not just of the characters but of the setting of the story, and Ms. Peterson definitely did that here. Overall, this story had depth and was unique enough to hold my interest. The characters were well developed, the writing was great, and the romance was both sweet and hot. And, it sounds like there might be a third book in this series…I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next.
April 5, 2017
I have officially become obsessed with this series!!! It is completely adorable. Why the hell isn't more people reading this!?!?
I love it when authors preview the next couple of the series in the previous book. It gets me all excited anticipating it. I was fortunate enough to go straight from Spanish Lessons into Lessons in Gravity. Unfortunately now I'm going to have to wait for the next one, and I cannot wait for Laura's story!!! I love these Madrilenas and cannot wait to hear the rest of their happily ever afters!
I love it when authors preview the next couple of the series in the previous book. It gets me all excited anticipating it. I was fortunate enough to go straight from Spanish Lessons into Lessons in Gravity. Unfortunately now I'm going to have to wait for the next one, and I cannot wait for Laura's story!!! I love these Madrilenas and cannot wait to hear the rest of their happily ever afters!
January 8, 2018
So I am going to be honest. I was not enjoying this book at all in the beginning. I found the main characters annoying. But weirdly as the story progressed I grew to like them. Let me just say that this author knows how to write sex. The scenes are intimate but weirdly not uncomfortable. Anyways back on topic. There was a point in the story that I started getting all the feels. I love the slow romance and how the ending wasn't perfect but still very true to the characters. I think I am going to pick up the last book in the series after reading this one. I recommend this book if you like HOT, sexy and complicated relationships.
August 17, 2016
We are back in the beautiful Spain, but this time it is our very own Maddie whose turn it is to find love. Maddie is only looking for a one night stand after the awful divorce her parents are going through. She doesn't want anything to do with love or relationships or forever....that might just all change though when Rafa's sexy and charming 'uncle,' Javier, comes to town. Will Maddie let her defences down? And will Javier realise that maybe Maddie is the right woman for him along?
"I know in the space of a single heartbeat that I am going to f**k this delectable Madrileño tonight. I am shameless in my pursuit. When I want a guy, I have him."
Back to the beautiful Spain and back with the gang; Rafa, Vivian and our tough and determined Maddie. Now I have to admit I didn't massively like Maddie in the first book, I didn't gel with her personality, but I grew to love her in this one. She shows her vulnerable side a lot more and you discover that under that quite hard demeanour is a kind, funny, loving but still strong, young woman.
"She cares enough to fight back instead of just hanging up; she cares deeply enough to be hurt by whatever is going on with her father. Maybe she cares too much. This girl is vulnerable in a way the Maddie I spent last night with wasn’t."
Javier or Rafa, Javier or Rafa...ahh I couldn't decide. Javier pretty much stole my heart right from the beginning. He was so thoughtful and kind but also sexy with a very ditty mouth- perfect combo! He frustrates me at times, I wanted to yell at him to try harder to show Maddie that he really did care for her and to realise that she was perfect for him!
“But she’s awesome. She’s smart, and she’s got this lovely sense of humor, and her passion—Leo, you’ve never met anyone as passionate as Maddie. It’s exciting, being around her."
This love story was no easy ride! We had the fact that Maddie never wants to settle down and not really believing in love, and Javier believing that a different woman is meant for him, Maddie's awful father bringing her down....so many obstacles both within the characters themselves and in the outside world, means that this was a romance we had to work for, and I enjoyed that. I believed it more, because love isn't easy and quick and simple- it's tough, demanding and hard work sometimes but it's all worth it in the end. Question is for you readers....will Maddie and Javier see that all the drama is worth it as well? They will certainly keep you guessing!
"I walk away because it’s clear Javier doesn’t love me, and I deserve that now. I’m done running because I know I deserve to love and be loved in return."
Another great read in this series, in fact I enjoyed it more than Spanish Lessons I have to admit and now I can't wait for the next in the series!
~Bethany
"I know in the space of a single heartbeat that I am going to f**k this delectable Madrileño tonight. I am shameless in my pursuit. When I want a guy, I have him."
Back to the beautiful Spain and back with the gang; Rafa, Vivian and our tough and determined Maddie. Now I have to admit I didn't massively like Maddie in the first book, I didn't gel with her personality, but I grew to love her in this one. She shows her vulnerable side a lot more and you discover that under that quite hard demeanour is a kind, funny, loving but still strong, young woman.
"She cares enough to fight back instead of just hanging up; she cares deeply enough to be hurt by whatever is going on with her father. Maybe she cares too much. This girl is vulnerable in a way the Maddie I spent last night with wasn’t."
Javier or Rafa, Javier or Rafa...ahh I couldn't decide. Javier pretty much stole my heart right from the beginning. He was so thoughtful and kind but also sexy with a very ditty mouth- perfect combo! He frustrates me at times, I wanted to yell at him to try harder to show Maddie that he really did care for her and to realise that she was perfect for him!
“But she’s awesome. She’s smart, and she’s got this lovely sense of humor, and her passion—Leo, you’ve never met anyone as passionate as Maddie. It’s exciting, being around her."
This love story was no easy ride! We had the fact that Maddie never wants to settle down and not really believing in love, and Javier believing that a different woman is meant for him, Maddie's awful father bringing her down....so many obstacles both within the characters themselves and in the outside world, means that this was a romance we had to work for, and I enjoyed that. I believed it more, because love isn't easy and quick and simple- it's tough, demanding and hard work sometimes but it's all worth it in the end. Question is for you readers....will Maddie and Javier see that all the drama is worth it as well? They will certainly keep you guessing!
"I walk away because it’s clear Javier doesn’t love me, and I deserve that now. I’m done running because I know I deserve to love and be loved in return."
Another great read in this series, in fact I enjoyed it more than Spanish Lessons I have to admit and now I can't wait for the next in the series!
~Bethany
October 1, 2016
Once again I’ve started a series out of order. Lucky for me, it did not cause any confusion, nor did it impact my enjoyment of this story or these characters. Maddie and Javier’s story feels like a bit of a twist on books I’ve read before. Normally, it’s the male lead who wants no part of a permanent relationship, who needs to be figuratively “hit over the head” with what they’re missing to come to terms with the fact that the person in front of them is a perfect fit. Here, we have Javier, a sexy musician, who’s ready to settle down and Maddie, a girl struggling with family issues, who’s looking for one-night stands.
From the beginning Maddie and Javier’s chemistry is hot! He comes into her life as a surprise…and what a wonderful surprise he is. Javier is sexy, smart, and flies his own plane (I kid you not!). Add to that the fact that he’s looking for a girl to share the rest of his life with, and that he’s a charming Spaniard who intersperses Spanish words in his English conversations and, really, what else could you want?!? I must admit that it took me a little bit to warm up to Maddie. At first I thought she didn’t show enough confidence in herself but as the story progressed I began to see her grow and become stronger. As she deals with the splintering of her family due to a divorce her father blames her for, she becomes more fierce and, with Javier’s help, more certain of what she wants. Although the heat begins quickly in the book, this really is a bit of a slow burn…it takes time for these two to get on the same page. And, as far as I’m concerned, that’s what made the story fun to read.
I really enjoyed that this book was set in Spain and that the author really made it an important part of the story. It moved Madrid up on my list of places to visit! I really like when an author can paint a picture, not just of the characters but of the setting of the story, and Ms. Peterson definitely did that here. Overall, this story had depth and was unique enough to hold my interest. The characters were well developed, the writing was great, and the romance was both sweet and hot. And, it sounds like there might be a third book in this series…I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next.
From the beginning Maddie and Javier’s chemistry is hot! He comes into her life as a surprise…and what a wonderful surprise he is. Javier is sexy, smart, and flies his own plane (I kid you not!). Add to that the fact that he’s looking for a girl to share the rest of his life with, and that he’s a charming Spaniard who intersperses Spanish words in his English conversations and, really, what else could you want?!? I must admit that it took me a little bit to warm up to Maddie. At first I thought she didn’t show enough confidence in herself but as the story progressed I began to see her grow and become stronger. As she deals with the splintering of her family due to a divorce her father blames her for, she becomes more fierce and, with Javier’s help, more certain of what she wants. Although the heat begins quickly in the book, this really is a bit of a slow burn…it takes time for these two to get on the same page. And, as far as I’m concerned, that’s what made the story fun to read.
I really enjoyed that this book was set in Spain and that the author really made it an important part of the story. It moved Madrid up on my list of places to visit! I really like when an author can paint a picture, not just of the characters but of the setting of the story, and Ms. Peterson definitely did that here. Overall, this story had depth and was unique enough to hold my interest. The characters were well developed, the writing was great, and the romance was both sweet and hot. And, it sounds like there might be a third book in this series…I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next.
May 18, 2016
Original review posted at Books, Stars, and the Pages in Between
**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
This is an absolutely amazing follow-up to the last book!
Maddie Lucas is fortunate enough to spend an entire semester in Madrid, Spain, and she's determined to use the time there to both work on her thesis, and to forget about the terrible divorce she may or may not have caused between her parents. She's got a firm rule about one-night stands, until her meeting with Javier changes everything. Suddenly, she's forced to confront everything she's been running away from, and decide whether or not to stick to her one-night stand rules or let Javier into her life...
If you're read Spanish Lessons, you'll know that Maddie already went through some heartbreak beforehand. In the first book, she wasn't a very sympathetic character, and though I had nothing against her, I didn't have any strong emotions for her either. But in this novel, we finally get to see Maddie's side to it, and how she's just doing whatever she can to cope with her horrible situation.
Maddie's character was significantly stronger and more outspoken than Vivian's. Her personality really outshone Vivian's, and her journey was more emotional, filled with pain and aspects of self-forgiving. Maddie began the novel off in a really distraught place, harbouring devastation, guilt, and shame. Her immediate background wasn't a happy one; rather, everything went downhill in a very short amount of time prior to her time in Madrid. But as the story progressed, Maddie was able to come to terms with her situation, and come to terms with her actions. It's no secret that it's easy to lose or forget yourself and everything by living a very risqué lifestyle, but as Maddie learned, that isn't a substitute for healing. The constant sense of self-doubt on Maddie's mind made it very realistic, as these things, if unattended, can and will eat up your life. Similarly, her transition to healing was very emotional, and there are tons of times I just wanted to reach out and give her a hug.
"I'm done running because I deserve to love and be loved in return."
Javier. My god, Javier. He was absolutely perfect. He took both Maddie and me away by storm and fire. The number of times I just swooned...I fell hook, line, and sinker for him. A musician who's kind and is the perfect gentleman? Yes please! Javier couldn't have been more different than Maddie at the beginning of the book: he just returned to Madrid, was trying to be a newer, better version of himself, and wanted to settle down with someone. That someone happened to be with his ex, Maria Carmen. But his meeting with Maddie changed everything, and we got to see how conflicted he was over the two. It was entertaining to watch as he tried to justify why he should go back to Carman, yet always found his thoughts going back to Maddie. Javier's emotions jumps from certainty to uncertainty and back again as he continued meeting with Maddie, and it really captured how conflicted and messy relationships can be. But he always had a clear head, and the things he did to prove himself to Maddie was absolutely amazing in ways I can't explain!
I was a little concerned about Maria Carmen when I read the synopsis. Even before we met her, Javier's description left me feeling she would be a big threat to the budding romance between Javier and Maddie. However, the opposite turned out to be true, and I was extremely grateful for it. There are too many stories about the rival of the love interest being vicious, jealous, petty, or extremely possessive. Carmen was a complete breath of fresh air in the rival department. Yes, she had her own personal past and issues she was dealing with, trying to live up to expectations and such. But her sophistication extended beyond her looks, and she was very kind in the aftermath of Javier and Maddie's situation. None of her actions were done in spite; they were all general and sincere, and not once did she show any signs of harbouring ill will or revenge towards Maddie, or anyone for that matter. I definitely would like to see more side characters like her!
The main difference between the first and second book was the dual perspective, and I absolutely loved it. It really enhanced the story, adding new layers of depth and emotion to each situation. Maddie and Javier's narration complemented each other, and you could really see just how different or similar the other's thoughts were about situations. Not once did I ever get confused over the perspectives; they both had very distinct and unique voices, and you really got the sense of their own individual lives and directions they were coming from or going towards. The author does such an absolutely amazing job blending the two narrative together!
I definitely enjoyed this second instalment more than the first one. There's so much more going on behind the scenes, and we get to see Madrid from completely different perspectives. My favourite part had to be the emotional journey both Maddie and Javier go through, and how we get to see their two differing opinions. The angst between the definitely makes these two my favourite, just because of all the obstacles they both overcome to be together. Aerial views of Madrid, emotional turmoil, beautiful monasteries, music, steamy moments, swoon-worthy acts of kindness--what else could make this book more perfect?
"The losing gravity thing--oh my God, I loved it."
I definitely cannot wait for the next novel, and I can only guess at what the author has in store for the new set of protagonists, Laura and Rhys!
**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
This is an absolutely amazing follow-up to the last book!
Maddie Lucas is fortunate enough to spend an entire semester in Madrid, Spain, and she's determined to use the time there to both work on her thesis, and to forget about the terrible divorce she may or may not have caused between her parents. She's got a firm rule about one-night stands, until her meeting with Javier changes everything. Suddenly, she's forced to confront everything she's been running away from, and decide whether or not to stick to her one-night stand rules or let Javier into her life...
If you're read Spanish Lessons, you'll know that Maddie already went through some heartbreak beforehand. In the first book, she wasn't a very sympathetic character, and though I had nothing against her, I didn't have any strong emotions for her either. But in this novel, we finally get to see Maddie's side to it, and how she's just doing whatever she can to cope with her horrible situation.
Maddie's character was significantly stronger and more outspoken than Vivian's. Her personality really outshone Vivian's, and her journey was more emotional, filled with pain and aspects of self-forgiving. Maddie began the novel off in a really distraught place, harbouring devastation, guilt, and shame. Her immediate background wasn't a happy one; rather, everything went downhill in a very short amount of time prior to her time in Madrid. But as the story progressed, Maddie was able to come to terms with her situation, and come to terms with her actions. It's no secret that it's easy to lose or forget yourself and everything by living a very risqué lifestyle, but as Maddie learned, that isn't a substitute for healing. The constant sense of self-doubt on Maddie's mind made it very realistic, as these things, if unattended, can and will eat up your life. Similarly, her transition to healing was very emotional, and there are tons of times I just wanted to reach out and give her a hug.
"I'm done running because I deserve to love and be loved in return."
Javier. My god, Javier. He was absolutely perfect. He took both Maddie and me away by storm and fire. The number of times I just swooned...I fell hook, line, and sinker for him. A musician who's kind and is the perfect gentleman? Yes please! Javier couldn't have been more different than Maddie at the beginning of the book: he just returned to Madrid, was trying to be a newer, better version of himself, and wanted to settle down with someone. That someone happened to be with his ex, Maria Carmen. But his meeting with Maddie changed everything, and we got to see how conflicted he was over the two. It was entertaining to watch as he tried to justify why he should go back to Carman, yet always found his thoughts going back to Maddie. Javier's emotions jumps from certainty to uncertainty and back again as he continued meeting with Maddie, and it really captured how conflicted and messy relationships can be. But he always had a clear head, and the things he did to prove himself to Maddie was absolutely amazing in ways I can't explain!
I was a little concerned about Maria Carmen when I read the synopsis. Even before we met her, Javier's description left me feeling she would be a big threat to the budding romance between Javier and Maddie. However, the opposite turned out to be true, and I was extremely grateful for it. There are too many stories about the rival of the love interest being vicious, jealous, petty, or extremely possessive. Carmen was a complete breath of fresh air in the rival department. Yes, she had her own personal past and issues she was dealing with, trying to live up to expectations and such. But her sophistication extended beyond her looks, and she was very kind in the aftermath of Javier and Maddie's situation. None of her actions were done in spite; they were all general and sincere, and not once did she show any signs of harbouring ill will or revenge towards Maddie, or anyone for that matter. I definitely would like to see more side characters like her!
The main difference between the first and second book was the dual perspective, and I absolutely loved it. It really enhanced the story, adding new layers of depth and emotion to each situation. Maddie and Javier's narration complemented each other, and you could really see just how different or similar the other's thoughts were about situations. Not once did I ever get confused over the perspectives; they both had very distinct and unique voices, and you really got the sense of their own individual lives and directions they were coming from or going towards. The author does such an absolutely amazing job blending the two narrative together!
I definitely enjoyed this second instalment more than the first one. There's so much more going on behind the scenes, and we get to see Madrid from completely different perspectives. My favourite part had to be the emotional journey both Maddie and Javier go through, and how we get to see their two differing opinions. The angst between the definitely makes these two my favourite, just because of all the obstacles they both overcome to be together. Aerial views of Madrid, emotional turmoil, beautiful monasteries, music, steamy moments, swoon-worthy acts of kindness--what else could make this book more perfect?
"The losing gravity thing--oh my God, I loved it."
I definitely cannot wait for the next novel, and I can only guess at what the author has in store for the new set of protagonists, Laura and Rhys!
April 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I liked reading this book, but after reading the masterpiece that was the first one, it just wasn’t the same. Also, I got kind of annoyed at the whole miscommunication thing. I understand where the issue was coming from, but it got to a point where I was like ok, let’s move on. Still, I really enjoyed the book overall.
I liked reading this book, but after reading the masterpiece that was the first one, it just wasn’t the same. Also, I got kind of annoyed at the whole miscommunication thing. I understand where the issue was coming from, but it got to a point where I was like ok, let’s move on. Still, I really enjoyed the book overall.
March 19, 2016
4 Stars | Hot Steam
Having floated for days after reading Vivian and Rafa’s vibrant and wonderfully steamy affair in SPANISH LESSONS, I burst with joy the moment LESSONS IN GRAVITY appeared on my e-reader. Impatient and excited to reunite with my favorite trio of adventurous Americanas in sparkling and sizzling Madrid, I dove right in. And, holy inferno of hotness did Jessica Peterson turn up the heat this time around! *Still Fanning Self* Scorchingly sexy from the start, Maddie and Javier’s addictive, angsty, emotional, and wildly romantic story had my ardent attention and amorous pulse racing from its utterly gorgeous cover until its blissfully happy conclusion.
First introduced in SPANISH LESSONS, Vivian’s roommate and long-time bestie, Maddie, made a lasting impression. In that book we got to know her as a kind, compassionate, and supportive confidant and friend who, sadly, was deep in despair over her parents recent divorce. Sweet, endearing, and wounded, I wanted to reach in and hug her, and I couldn’t wait for her turn at happiness. In LESSONS IN GRAVITY, despite her ongoing struggles and personal misgivings, that beautiful mess of a girl simply dazzles. Inspiringly assertive, resilient, smart, strong-willed, funny, and brazenly sensual, her delightfully complicated character enchanted me. On the prowl and ready to play, we find our Maddie on a self-soothing mission of no-strings, no-seconds orgasmic distractions with as many Madrileño hotties that she can get her wanton hands on. She’s an irresistible siren who pulls them in, takes control, takes her pleasure, and then pushes them away until one insanely perfect Spanish man changes everything. Javier.
Oh, Javier. Sinfully handsome, intelligent, charming, thoughtful, humble and insanely talented—on stage, on the dance floor, in the sky, in the bedroom… Mercy! He is pure unadulterated heaven—the forever kind of heaven. The kind of man that you would do anything and everything to be with. Like Rafa, he’s every bit the gentleman. He opens doors, places his coat on Maddie’s shivering shoulders, and has her walk on the inside on the street to keep her safe. He listens to her, appreciates her, respects her, and, when she allows him, he slowly and fervently worships every single inch of her. I treasured his capacity to love and his desire to cherish and connect with the woman he adored. His unyielding need for intimacy left me breathless.
What a rush! I enjoyed this romance so much! I couldn’t have wished for a better man or euphoric HEA for Maddie. Jessica Peterson has swiftly become my go-to author for ultimate escapes, strong heroines, top-shelf heroes, and unforgettable sex scenes! I can hardly wait for Laura and Rhys’s story to release! A sexy soccer player? Yes, please! And those sublime Simini Blocker covers? Love, love, love! I’d hang them on my wall if given the chance!
Bottom Line: Don’t miss this must-read New Adult gem!
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Having floated for days after reading Vivian and Rafa’s vibrant and wonderfully steamy affair in SPANISH LESSONS, I burst with joy the moment LESSONS IN GRAVITY appeared on my e-reader. Impatient and excited to reunite with my favorite trio of adventurous Americanas in sparkling and sizzling Madrid, I dove right in. And, holy inferno of hotness did Jessica Peterson turn up the heat this time around! *Still Fanning Self* Scorchingly sexy from the start, Maddie and Javier’s addictive, angsty, emotional, and wildly romantic story had my ardent attention and amorous pulse racing from its utterly gorgeous cover until its blissfully happy conclusion.
First introduced in SPANISH LESSONS, Vivian’s roommate and long-time bestie, Maddie, made a lasting impression. In that book we got to know her as a kind, compassionate, and supportive confidant and friend who, sadly, was deep in despair over her parents recent divorce. Sweet, endearing, and wounded, I wanted to reach in and hug her, and I couldn’t wait for her turn at happiness. In LESSONS IN GRAVITY, despite her ongoing struggles and personal misgivings, that beautiful mess of a girl simply dazzles. Inspiringly assertive, resilient, smart, strong-willed, funny, and brazenly sensual, her delightfully complicated character enchanted me. On the prowl and ready to play, we find our Maddie on a self-soothing mission of no-strings, no-seconds orgasmic distractions with as many Madrileño hotties that she can get her wanton hands on. She’s an irresistible siren who pulls them in, takes control, takes her pleasure, and then pushes them away until one insanely perfect Spanish man changes everything. Javier.
Oh, Javier. Sinfully handsome, intelligent, charming, thoughtful, humble and insanely talented—on stage, on the dance floor, in the sky, in the bedroom… Mercy! He is pure unadulterated heaven—the forever kind of heaven. The kind of man that you would do anything and everything to be with. Like Rafa, he’s every bit the gentleman. He opens doors, places his coat on Maddie’s shivering shoulders, and has her walk on the inside on the street to keep her safe. He listens to her, appreciates her, respects her, and, when she allows him, he slowly and fervently worships every single inch of her. I treasured his capacity to love and his desire to cherish and connect with the woman he adored. His unyielding need for intimacy left me breathless.
What a rush! I enjoyed this romance so much! I couldn’t have wished for a better man or euphoric HEA for Maddie. Jessica Peterson has swiftly become my go-to author for ultimate escapes, strong heroines, top-shelf heroes, and unforgettable sex scenes! I can hardly wait for Laura and Rhys’s story to release! A sexy soccer player? Yes, please! And those sublime Simini Blocker covers? Love, love, love! I’d hang them on my wall if given the chance!
Bottom Line: Don’t miss this must-read New Adult gem!
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
Lessons in Gravity, (Study Abroad Book 2), Jessica Peterson
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
Jessica asked me if I’d like to read/review this, and as book one was on KU and sounded fun too I decided to start with that.
It was a great fun read, steamy romance and drama all set in sunny Spain. We met Vivian in that book, along with best friend Maddie from this one.
I really didn’t like Maddie there, she came over as flighty, shallow and sex obsessed. I love it when authors do that though, introduce a character one way and then in the next book we see Why they’re like that, and I felt for Maddie and understood just why she was that way.
She’s determined to enjoy her time in Spain, trying to find a subject for her final year so she can spend not just a term there but a full year. Along the way she’s going to indulge in some Spanish sex, some Madrileños meetings, holiday hook-ups. Its going to be all light, flirty and fun, nothing serious, no second encounters. then she meets Javier – on her first night out.
He’s Vivian's boyfriend Rafa's uncle, and when Rafa says he’s meeting them the girls expect some silver haired older gentleman, but in fact Rafa and Javier are very similar in age. Maddie gets her torrid tryst, and wow – the steam between those two. It scares her though and she jumps out quickly. He’s not so easily forgotten though, that was more than just steamy sex, and its got to her, confusing her and scaring her.
Javier has come home hoping to get back with an old girlfriend, she’s engaged but rumours are its not going well, and while he won’t interfere he wants to be in the right place if they do split. He’s just testing the water so to speak, letting her know he’s home. Then that night with Maddie plays on him, she’s not what he wants, not his long held love, but somehow he can’t seem to get her out of his head.
They agree to be friends...and of course when two people are as attracted to each other as all that its not simple, Javier begins to think maybe Maddie is what he wants, Maddie is falling for him and scared and then there’s his past. which he’d told Maddie about, told her he wanted to make that his future.
Its a tangled web, and a great fun story.
Its a really enjoyable romance, some erotic encounters but backed up with a real story, rock star Javier who wants to settle down, his childhood girl, Maddie’s issues from her family, her need to find a study subject strong enough to get funding to come back. Rafa and Vivian from book one are here and its a well rounded, solid and fun romance. A book to escape with, imagine you’re there in sunny Spain eating Tapas, drinking wine and chatting with friends.
You don’t need to read book one, they are both stand alone romances but it does make this one more fun when you know more of Maddie’s backstory and about Rafa and Vivian getting together.
Stars: Five, a fun summer read
ARC supplied by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance,
Jessica asked me if I’d like to read/review this, and as book one was on KU and sounded fun too I decided to start with that.
It was a great fun read, steamy romance and drama all set in sunny Spain. We met Vivian in that book, along with best friend Maddie from this one.
I really didn’t like Maddie there, she came over as flighty, shallow and sex obsessed. I love it when authors do that though, introduce a character one way and then in the next book we see Why they’re like that, and I felt for Maddie and understood just why she was that way.
She’s determined to enjoy her time in Spain, trying to find a subject for her final year so she can spend not just a term there but a full year. Along the way she’s going to indulge in some Spanish sex, some Madrileños meetings, holiday hook-ups. Its going to be all light, flirty and fun, nothing serious, no second encounters. then she meets Javier – on her first night out.
He’s Vivian's boyfriend Rafa's uncle, and when Rafa says he’s meeting them the girls expect some silver haired older gentleman, but in fact Rafa and Javier are very similar in age. Maddie gets her torrid tryst, and wow – the steam between those two. It scares her though and she jumps out quickly. He’s not so easily forgotten though, that was more than just steamy sex, and its got to her, confusing her and scaring her.
Javier has come home hoping to get back with an old girlfriend, she’s engaged but rumours are its not going well, and while he won’t interfere he wants to be in the right place if they do split. He’s just testing the water so to speak, letting her know he’s home. Then that night with Maddie plays on him, she’s not what he wants, not his long held love, but somehow he can’t seem to get her out of his head.
They agree to be friends...and of course when two people are as attracted to each other as all that its not simple, Javier begins to think maybe Maddie is what he wants, Maddie is falling for him and scared and then there’s his past. which he’d told Maddie about, told her he wanted to make that his future.
Its a tangled web, and a great fun story.
Its a really enjoyable romance, some erotic encounters but backed up with a real story, rock star Javier who wants to settle down, his childhood girl, Maddie’s issues from her family, her need to find a study subject strong enough to get funding to come back. Rafa and Vivian from book one are here and its a well rounded, solid and fun romance. A book to escape with, imagine you’re there in sunny Spain eating Tapas, drinking wine and chatting with friends.
You don’t need to read book one, they are both stand alone romances but it does make this one more fun when you know more of Maddie’s backstory and about Rafa and Vivian getting together.
Stars: Five, a fun summer read
ARC supplied by author
July 19, 2016
Where to begin…. let’s start with Spanish Lessons, book one in the Study Abroad series by Jessica Peterson. Read my review!! I wish this was my life several years ago. My college was not nearly as much fun. At all.
I wonder if times have changed, or maybe I chose my college poorly.
Lessons in Gravity picks up where Spanish Lessons left off. But, it’s definitely a stand alone story. I recommend you read the first one, but you’ll love the second one either way. Promise.
Maddie, the h, is studying in Madrid. She’s living with her best friend from college and escaping a bad, depressing situation at home. Her parents, long thought to be the perfect couple, are divorcing. It’s an ugly thing as a result of her dad cheating on her mom. Oh, and Maddie was the one that walked in on the cheating. Eeeepppp.... She told her mom, her dad doesn't forgive her, her mom loves her but is devastated. Maddie needs something good in her life.
Enter Javier.
Javier is the uncle of her best friend’s boyfriend. And he’s no curmudgeon. We should all have an Uncle Javier in our life. Not as a real uncle, but a friend of the family who is available to date. Because Javier is perfect. He flies planes. He wants a real relationship. He’s dreamy. He's ambitious and has a nice place to live. He’s smart. Compassionate. And….he’s a bonafide rockstar God.
Maddie and Javier hit it off. Big time. Like fireworks in the alley style.
But, he’s really back in Madrid to try and rekindle romance with an old flame. He’s into Maddie but hasn’t given up on his dream of marrying and settling down with his ex-girlfriend...an all around model perfect woman. Maddie isn’t into relationships. She wants to do well in college, not get tied down, likes to sleep with a lot of guys, have fun and that's it. She’s burned by her parents’ divorce, and doesn’t believe in HEAs. I do, however, believe in HEAs. So, I knew this was going to GREAT.
I really LOOOOVEEEE this college romance series. I hope there’s more. I think there will be because there are more girlfriends in the group studying abroad. I feel like they can easily meet hot Spanish guys, fall in love, experience some angst and I can and should read about it. I believed in Maddie and Javier. I may have liked them better than the first couple in the series. I’m a sucker for rockstars. What can I say? Plus, they both shared a love for Madrid, a city I also love. And, their friendship grew based on such sweet moments. They were playful and real with each other. So perfect. Also perfect was the moment when the title of the book made complete sense I sighed with utter understanding and appreciation.
I wonder if times have changed, or maybe I chose my college poorly.
Lessons in Gravity picks up where Spanish Lessons left off. But, it’s definitely a stand alone story. I recommend you read the first one, but you’ll love the second one either way. Promise.
Maddie, the h, is studying in Madrid. She’s living with her best friend from college and escaping a bad, depressing situation at home. Her parents, long thought to be the perfect couple, are divorcing. It’s an ugly thing as a result of her dad cheating on her mom. Oh, and Maddie was the one that walked in on the cheating. Eeeepppp.... She told her mom, her dad doesn't forgive her, her mom loves her but is devastated. Maddie needs something good in her life.
Enter Javier.
Javier is the uncle of her best friend’s boyfriend. And he’s no curmudgeon. We should all have an Uncle Javier in our life. Not as a real uncle, but a friend of the family who is available to date. Because Javier is perfect. He flies planes. He wants a real relationship. He’s dreamy. He's ambitious and has a nice place to live. He’s smart. Compassionate. And….he’s a bonafide rockstar God.
Maddie and Javier hit it off. Big time. Like fireworks in the alley style.
But, he’s really back in Madrid to try and rekindle romance with an old flame. He’s into Maddie but hasn’t given up on his dream of marrying and settling down with his ex-girlfriend...an all around model perfect woman. Maddie isn’t into relationships. She wants to do well in college, not get tied down, likes to sleep with a lot of guys, have fun and that's it. She’s burned by her parents’ divorce, and doesn’t believe in HEAs. I do, however, believe in HEAs. So, I knew this was going to GREAT.
I really LOOOOVEEEE this college romance series. I hope there’s more. I think there will be because there are more girlfriends in the group studying abroad. I feel like they can easily meet hot Spanish guys, fall in love, experience some angst and I can and should read about it. I believed in Maddie and Javier. I may have liked them better than the first couple in the series. I’m a sucker for rockstars. What can I say? Plus, they both shared a love for Madrid, a city I also love. And, their friendship grew based on such sweet moments. They were playful and real with each other. So perfect. Also perfect was the moment when the title of the book made complete sense I sighed with utter understanding and appreciation.
April 6, 2017
Jessica Peterson did it again! Just like the first book in the series, Lessons in Gravity is hot hot hot! We met Maddie in Spanish Lessons- she was Viv's best friend and had a crush on Rafa. And at the end of the book Maddie meets Rafa's uncle Javier, who isn't quite as old as the girls imagined he would be.
Javier is pretty much another dream guy, just like Rafa. Swoon! Although Maddie has the perfect guy in front of her (gorgeous, kind, funny, and a musician!), she's at a point in her life where she doesn't believe a man can make her happy. Poor Javi tries to show Maddie he can, but misunderstandings and terrible timing cause some problems for them. A background story in the book is about Maddie's upcoming thesis for her architecture degree. Peterson weaves some beautiful descriptions of historical art locations in Madrid that made me feel as though I was seeing the beautiful spots in person.
It looks like Book 3 will be Viv and Maddie's friend Laura's story. I am so anxious to read about Laura's romance with athlete Rhys!
Javier is pretty much another dream guy, just like Rafa. Swoon! Although Maddie has the perfect guy in front of her (gorgeous, kind, funny, and a musician!), she's at a point in her life where she doesn't believe a man can make her happy. Poor Javi tries to show Maddie he can, but misunderstandings and terrible timing cause some problems for them. A background story in the book is about Maddie's upcoming thesis for her architecture degree. Peterson weaves some beautiful descriptions of historical art locations in Madrid that made me feel as though I was seeing the beautiful spots in person.
It looks like Book 3 will be Viv and Maddie's friend Laura's story. I am so anxious to read about Laura's romance with athlete Rhys!
July 24, 2016
Quirk it up!
¿Qué puedo decir? Hot, hot, hot!
Lessons in Gravity will totally make you lose gravity! Javier Montoya is the hottest uncle that made my inner-queen swoon with his smexy Espanyol! Oh, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, the ever-so daring and fierce girl has finally experienced how it is to be loved despite being broken.
Javier Montoya The young and hot uncle
Who wouldn't get tongue-tied with this hot Spaniard guitarist, who knows how to fly planes and lose gravity!? Seriously, people! Javier is my favorite character in this novel. I love his open-mindedness on how he acknowledged his feelings for Maddie despite knowing that she thinks that she's incapable of loving. My inner-queen definitely wants to be the girl listening to his flamenco pieces, flying with him around a beautiful cathedral and being the inspiration for all the songs he's been writing!
Maddie The fierce, but broken, art student
At first, my inner-queen thought Maddie to be so, so daring for her situation. There were some parts where I cannot connect that much. However, things turn its course when Maddie finally gained some deeper inner sense as she met Javier-- Maddie controls her feelings for him as she doesn't want to ruin his plans and she thinks she can no longer love anyone after her bitter past happened. But in time, Maddie finally realized how Javier loves her so much and fearlessly love him in return.
Losing Gravity
Oh, how fun it is to lose gravity high up above the sky! It might be like a hell of a roller-coaster ride. But I know, I can do better than explaining how "Losing Gravity" is such an adventurous thing to do. Losing Gravity is like falling in love. It's a thrill-filled, adrenaline-pumping and heart-thumping ride that requires your full bravery to take the risk of the possibility of finally have fallen, but getting broken. To be honest, this idea is my personal favorite! I love its depth and its possible metaphor.
My start in Lessons in Gravity might be quite a rocky ride for me, but as soon as the story gets to its peak, I finally came into harmony with its plot and characters. Definitely, this novel teaches us how to fly without being afraid of falling and losing gravity. For you might not know, the ride might be worth it and so is the fall.
¿Qué puedo decir? Hot, hot, hot!
Lessons in Gravity will totally make you lose gravity! Javier Montoya is the hottest uncle that made my inner-queen swoon with his smexy Espanyol! Oh, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, the ever-so daring and fierce girl has finally experienced how it is to be loved despite being broken.
Javier Montoya The young and hot uncle
Who wouldn't get tongue-tied with this hot Spaniard guitarist, who knows how to fly planes and lose gravity!? Seriously, people! Javier is my favorite character in this novel. I love his open-mindedness on how he acknowledged his feelings for Maddie despite knowing that she thinks that she's incapable of loving. My inner-queen definitely wants to be the girl listening to his flamenco pieces, flying with him around a beautiful cathedral and being the inspiration for all the songs he's been writing!
Maddie The fierce, but broken, art student
At first, my inner-queen thought Maddie to be so, so daring for her situation. There were some parts where I cannot connect that much. However, things turn its course when Maddie finally gained some deeper inner sense as she met Javier-- Maddie controls her feelings for him as she doesn't want to ruin his plans and she thinks she can no longer love anyone after her bitter past happened. But in time, Maddie finally realized how Javier loves her so much and fearlessly love him in return.
Losing Gravity
Oh, how fun it is to lose gravity high up above the sky! It might be like a hell of a roller-coaster ride. But I know, I can do better than explaining how "Losing Gravity" is such an adventurous thing to do. Losing Gravity is like falling in love. It's a thrill-filled, adrenaline-pumping and heart-thumping ride that requires your full bravery to take the risk of the possibility of finally have fallen, but getting broken. To be honest, this idea is my personal favorite! I love its depth and its possible metaphor.
My start in Lessons in Gravity might be quite a rocky ride for me, but as soon as the story gets to its peak, I finally came into harmony with its plot and characters. Definitely, this novel teaches us how to fly without being afraid of falling and losing gravity. For you might not know, the ride might be worth it and so is the fall.
September 17, 2016
Lessons in Gravity takes us back to Madrid and the characters we met in Spanish Lessons. The story picks up right where Spanish Lessons left off, but this time it's Maddie's turn to find love in the beautiful city of Madrid.
Maddie is happy to be spending the semester abroad avoiding her parents divorce. The only way she's been able to keep her mind off of the turmoil at home is to devote herself to school work and hooking up with gorgeous Madrileños. When Maddie meets Javier, she knows he'll be the perfect man to take her mind off things for the night. Javier reluctantly agrees to one night of passion with Maddie since he isn't looking for a one-night stand. He's returned to Madrid to win back his ex-girlfriend and settle down. But one night with Maddie has him rethinking his plans. Now, he just has to convince Maddie there's a happily ever after in store for them.
Lessons in Gravity was ¡Muy caliente! Jessica Peterson turned up the heat WAY up in this novel. It started with instant attraction and the passion increased exponentially throughout the entire story. It was a mixture of lust and love, and I loved it!
It was really nice to get Maddie's point of view this time around. She wasn't my favorite character in Spanish Lessons because of the way she handled the Mia-Rafa-Maddie love triangle, but she totally redeemed herself in this book. Her broken heart was easy to relate to. I could feel her pain throughout the book, and I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Javier was dreamy. Not only was he gorgeous and sexually talented, but he was sweet. The way he was able to console Maddie and be what she needed made me so happy. I loved how he didn't hold back, no matter how wishy-washy Maddie was. Their emotional connection made their sexual connection so much hotter.
Lessons in Gravity was a great addition to the Study Abroad series. It was beautifully written and had all the things I love in a great New Adult book. It can be read as part of this series or as a standalone novel. I would highly recommend it to readers looking for romances set in countries other than the U.S.
P.S. I can't leave out how perfect this new cover is for the book! I think it's one of the best representations of the story I've seen on a New Adult cover in a long time!
Maddie is happy to be spending the semester abroad avoiding her parents divorce. The only way she's been able to keep her mind off of the turmoil at home is to devote herself to school work and hooking up with gorgeous Madrileños. When Maddie meets Javier, she knows he'll be the perfect man to take her mind off things for the night. Javier reluctantly agrees to one night of passion with Maddie since he isn't looking for a one-night stand. He's returned to Madrid to win back his ex-girlfriend and settle down. But one night with Maddie has him rethinking his plans. Now, he just has to convince Maddie there's a happily ever after in store for them.
Lessons in Gravity was ¡Muy caliente! Jessica Peterson turned up the heat WAY up in this novel. It started with instant attraction and the passion increased exponentially throughout the entire story. It was a mixture of lust and love, and I loved it!
It was really nice to get Maddie's point of view this time around. She wasn't my favorite character in Spanish Lessons because of the way she handled the Mia-Rafa-Maddie love triangle, but she totally redeemed herself in this book. Her broken heart was easy to relate to. I could feel her pain throughout the book, and I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Javier was dreamy. Not only was he gorgeous and sexually talented, but he was sweet. The way he was able to console Maddie and be what she needed made me so happy. I loved how he didn't hold back, no matter how wishy-washy Maddie was. Their emotional connection made their sexual connection so much hotter.
Lessons in Gravity was a great addition to the Study Abroad series. It was beautifully written and had all the things I love in a great New Adult book. It can be read as part of this series or as a standalone novel. I would highly recommend it to readers looking for romances set in countries other than the U.S.
P.S. I can't leave out how perfect this new cover is for the book! I think it's one of the best representations of the story I've seen on a New Adult cover in a long time!
March 15, 2016
AMAZING!!
Lessons in Gravity is the sequel to Spanish Lessons in the Study Abroad series and (in my opinion) the two books could not be any more different. While Spanish Lessons slowly introduced the characters and the story and there was a nice gradual build up of love... Gravity had none of that. BAM! Chapter 1 (or possibly 2) and we're getting down and dirrrty in a night club! Yeah baby!! Now we're talking! :)
Jessica Peterson is an absolute chameleon when it comes to writing and she makes my head spin in the very best of ways. I was expecting sweet, subtle, charming, understated... even though she warned me this was "steamier" than the first book. Im not sure "steamier" is the right word. I would use words more along the lines of... let's see... naughty.
While Rafa handled Viv (book 1) with kid gloves, In this book Javier just straight up MAN HANDLED Maddie. He handled her all over the place. In the club, in the alley, in an airplane. (Excuse me, please.. I need a fan and a cold drink.) But all sexy joking aside - the story was really so much more than just hot times with a hunky Spaniard. It was about Maddie and her broken family, Javier's desire to come home and just be a normal man with a wife and a family of his own - not some famous rock star. It was about Maddie's feelings that she was unworthy of love and Javier's equally strong determination to prove to her that she WAS worthy of love and to make her see that it was him who loved her.
AHHH.. I loved this book. Really, really loved it. I could go on and on but I will stop there or I will ruin it for everyone.
I give Lessons in Gravity 5***** WickedGoodStars and will recommend it to readers who like.. well, to anyone who likes to read because there is something for everyone in this story.
Thank you Jessica Peterson for the opportunity to read/review your amazing books! ;)
Lessons in Gravity is the sequel to Spanish Lessons in the Study Abroad series and (in my opinion) the two books could not be any more different. While Spanish Lessons slowly introduced the characters and the story and there was a nice gradual build up of love... Gravity had none of that. BAM! Chapter 1 (or possibly 2) and we're getting down and dirrrty in a night club! Yeah baby!! Now we're talking! :)
Jessica Peterson is an absolute chameleon when it comes to writing and she makes my head spin in the very best of ways. I was expecting sweet, subtle, charming, understated... even though she warned me this was "steamier" than the first book. Im not sure "steamier" is the right word. I would use words more along the lines of... let's see... naughty.
While Rafa handled Viv (book 1) with kid gloves, In this book Javier just straight up MAN HANDLED Maddie. He handled her all over the place. In the club, in the alley, in an airplane. (Excuse me, please.. I need a fan and a cold drink.) But all sexy joking aside - the story was really so much more than just hot times with a hunky Spaniard. It was about Maddie and her broken family, Javier's desire to come home and just be a normal man with a wife and a family of his own - not some famous rock star. It was about Maddie's feelings that she was unworthy of love and Javier's equally strong determination to prove to her that she WAS worthy of love and to make her see that it was him who loved her.
AHHH.. I loved this book. Really, really loved it. I could go on and on but I will stop there or I will ruin it for everyone.
I give Lessons in Gravity 5***** WickedGoodStars and will recommend it to readers who like.. well, to anyone who likes to read because there is something for everyone in this story.
Thank you Jessica Peterson for the opportunity to read/review your amazing books! ;)
July 19, 2016
Thank you to Ms. Derna and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whew. Man, that was hot. *fans myself*
This book contains the usual elements I’d usually like in a New Adult story. Granted, the story is formulaic and a bit of a cliché, but I do like the characters especially when Maddie is that smart woman with flaws; then as for the beefcake, Javier is the shmexy Spanish stud with the guitar and his own plane –ehem– who doesn’t care how messed up she Maddie is, and is also searching for his ~forever girl~. Awww.
Aside from the characters, what I love the most is the setting. Maddie is in Spain for a short-term exchange program so she can work for a thesis proposal under her university’s architecture program where she met the delectable Tio Javier. I love how these two take us to the streets of Madrid, and show us more of what the city has to offer. Plus points on the vivid descriptions, especially at the monastery. And the ride wouldn’t be complete without Spanish lessons, of course!:)
Also, it’s dual POV! I totally dig stories with dual POVs.❤
The setback for me, though, is more of what the editor overlooked. There are inconsistent italicizations, a typographical error, and a name error. The biggest error that stuck with me is the one where Maddie is supposed to be talking to Vivian, but then her line goes, “Maddie, I know you….” Wait, what? So… Maddie’s talking to herself? It should be Vivian! I had to read the whole passage five times just to make sure. My copy is a digital copy for personal use, and I do hope that these editorial errors will be addressed for the printed copies.
Aside from these mishaps, this book is still a perfect summer read, so four out of five stars overall!:)
Whew. Man, that was hot. *fans myself*
This book contains the usual elements I’d usually like in a New Adult story. Granted, the story is formulaic and a bit of a cliché, but I do like the characters especially when Maddie is that smart woman with flaws; then as for the beefcake, Javier is the shmexy Spanish stud with the guitar and his own plane –ehem– who doesn’t care how messed up she Maddie is, and is also searching for his ~forever girl~. Awww.
Aside from the characters, what I love the most is the setting. Maddie is in Spain for a short-term exchange program so she can work for a thesis proposal under her university’s architecture program where she met the delectable Tio Javier. I love how these two take us to the streets of Madrid, and show us more of what the city has to offer. Plus points on the vivid descriptions, especially at the monastery. And the ride wouldn’t be complete without Spanish lessons, of course!:)
Also, it’s dual POV! I totally dig stories with dual POVs.❤
The setback for me, though, is more of what the editor overlooked. There are inconsistent italicizations, a typographical error, and a name error. The biggest error that stuck with me is the one where Maddie is supposed to be talking to Vivian, but then her line goes, “Maddie, I know you….” Wait, what? So… Maddie’s talking to herself? It should be Vivian! I had to read the whole passage five times just to make sure. My copy is a digital copy for personal use, and I do hope that these editorial errors will be addressed for the printed copies.
Aside from these mishaps, this book is still a perfect summer read, so four out of five stars overall!:)
August 2, 2016
This is the second book in the Study Abroad series following the story of Maddie and Javier.
Although I did not read the first book, I did not feel you lost anything reading this book; the story was good and easy to follow.
Maddie has to deal with the backlash from her parent’s divorce, a hard job to do at any time, which is why she desperate to go to Madrid and leave everything behind her and just get some peace and time to focus on what she needs to do in order to get her thesis finished. Although Maddie is concentrating on her school work she is also hoping to have some fun while in Spain.
I think Maddie did not think that her fun would turn out to be a smoking hot Rock Star, Javier Montoya who recently came home from being on tour and is looking to settle down.
On one side you have Maddie who does not believe in HEA and then you have Javier who is looking to settle and have his HEA. After being together for one night, can they be together for longer? Javier hopes so.
It was refreshing to read a book that had both POV’s, I love it when I read books like that as I feel you get a better idea of what everyone is thinking and feeling and a delight to read.
You cannot deny the romance that is evident in this book, at the beginning it is hot and heavy as you would expect but it quickly died down as the relationship between these two developed.
You can’t have a romance book without Angst and Drama and this one does have it, how they cope with it though is something you need to read to understand and find out.
I will say though that this book is a great read and well worth checking out. You have everything in there to keep you entertained and to fall in love with.
Although I did not read the first book, I did not feel you lost anything reading this book; the story was good and easy to follow.
Maddie has to deal with the backlash from her parent’s divorce, a hard job to do at any time, which is why she desperate to go to Madrid and leave everything behind her and just get some peace and time to focus on what she needs to do in order to get her thesis finished. Although Maddie is concentrating on her school work she is also hoping to have some fun while in Spain.
I think Maddie did not think that her fun would turn out to be a smoking hot Rock Star, Javier Montoya who recently came home from being on tour and is looking to settle down.
On one side you have Maddie who does not believe in HEA and then you have Javier who is looking to settle and have his HEA. After being together for one night, can they be together for longer? Javier hopes so.
It was refreshing to read a book that had both POV’s, I love it when I read books like that as I feel you get a better idea of what everyone is thinking and feeling and a delight to read.
You cannot deny the romance that is evident in this book, at the beginning it is hot and heavy as you would expect but it quickly died down as the relationship between these two developed.
You can’t have a romance book without Angst and Drama and this one does have it, how they cope with it though is something you need to read to understand and find out.
I will say though that this book is a great read and well worth checking out. You have everything in there to keep you entertained and to fall in love with.
July 23, 2016
Lesson In Gravity is the second installment of the Study Abroad series by Jessica Peterson and she’s also a brand-new author to me.
Maddie Lucas needs an escape from all the drama between her parents and may or may not have been her doing… As she heads to Madrid she hopes that she’ll be able to get some work done on her thesis and have some much needed fun.
She just didn’t expect him…
Guitarist Javier Montoya is ready to put his rock star ways behind him and start settling down with a family of his own. He thought his ex-girlfriend would be someone good to settle down with, but one night with sexy siren, Maddie and he’s not sure.
As these two get to one know one another, a strong friendship starts to bloom, but will Javier be able to convince Maddie that she’s his forever girl?
Lesson In Gravity is full of angst, fun and a whole lot of sweet romantic moments. I also enjoyed seeing dual point of views throughout the book. That gave me a lot more insight and honestly I loved knowing how Javier felt! Maddie believed that she didn’t deserve love because she may have been the reason her parents are getting a divorce, but Javier whoo’s not only Maddie, but the readers as he shows the that she’s worth everything and more. *sigh* Jessica Peterson did a marvelous job threading the POV’s together and keeping the story fresh throughout the book.
I look forwards to reading more of her work and I’m certainly going to be reading the first book! And, I highly recommend!
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
Maddie Lucas needs an escape from all the drama between her parents and may or may not have been her doing… As she heads to Madrid she hopes that she’ll be able to get some work done on her thesis and have some much needed fun.
She just didn’t expect him…
Guitarist Javier Montoya is ready to put his rock star ways behind him and start settling down with a family of his own. He thought his ex-girlfriend would be someone good to settle down with, but one night with sexy siren, Maddie and he’s not sure.
As these two get to one know one another, a strong friendship starts to bloom, but will Javier be able to convince Maddie that she’s his forever girl?
Lesson In Gravity is full of angst, fun and a whole lot of sweet romantic moments. I also enjoyed seeing dual point of views throughout the book. That gave me a lot more insight and honestly I loved knowing how Javier felt! Maddie believed that she didn’t deserve love because she may have been the reason her parents are getting a divorce, but Javier whoo’s not only Maddie, but the readers as he shows the that she’s worth everything and more. *sigh* Jessica Peterson did a marvelous job threading the POV’s together and keeping the story fresh throughout the book.
I look forwards to reading more of her work and I’m certainly going to be reading the first book! And, I highly recommend!
Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for Honest Review**
August 20, 2016
*This novel was kindly given to me by the author for an honest review*
Let me preface this by saying that I was BLOWN AWAY by Jessica's first book in this series so expected a hell of a lot from this book.
While I don't think it let me down per se, it just wasn't exactly what I expected. Maddie in the last book certainly wasn't my favourite character and I didn't see how I would form a close bond with her characterisation in this novel, but I did grow to like her and understand her. She was a bit idiotic at times, and I felt like if she talked to Viv or someone else a little more often that she'd be in a much better place a lot faster, but I did understand her hesitation to do so. Javi on the other hand was marvellous and didn't in the slightest seem like an Uncle. There were so many close moments where I found myself hating the timing of things. I knew they were coming, and yet the outcome wasn't always what I expected and I appreciated that immensely.
Javi and Maddie had great chemistry and you could see them struggle with themselves and eventually fall for one another - it wasn't insta love and that made reading it all the more enjoyable. The ending was really well done, except a little cringe worthy for me cause I hate attention - read it and you'll understand my meaning.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Rafa and Viv's story. 3.5 stars :)
P.s. Can't wait to read Laura's story!!!!!! :) :) :)
Let me preface this by saying that I was BLOWN AWAY by Jessica's first book in this series so expected a hell of a lot from this book.
While I don't think it let me down per se, it just wasn't exactly what I expected. Maddie in the last book certainly wasn't my favourite character and I didn't see how I would form a close bond with her characterisation in this novel, but I did grow to like her and understand her. She was a bit idiotic at times, and I felt like if she talked to Viv or someone else a little more often that she'd be in a much better place a lot faster, but I did understand her hesitation to do so. Javi on the other hand was marvellous and didn't in the slightest seem like an Uncle. There were so many close moments where I found myself hating the timing of things. I knew they were coming, and yet the outcome wasn't always what I expected and I appreciated that immensely.
Javi and Maddie had great chemistry and you could see them struggle with themselves and eventually fall for one another - it wasn't insta love and that made reading it all the more enjoyable. The ending was really well done, except a little cringe worthy for me cause I hate attention - read it and you'll understand my meaning.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Rafa and Viv's story. 3.5 stars :)
P.s. Can't wait to read Laura's story!!!!!! :) :) :)
July 27, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Jessica Peterson but it will not be the last. Maddie thought she had the perfect family. She thought her parents had the perfect marriage but one afternoon when she comes home from school early she discovers her father has been unfaithful to her mother. Her Father tries to blackmail her into keeping her mouth shut but Maddie cannot and this leads to her Mother and Father divorcing. This causes Maddie to blame herself and to also find herself so broken she refuses to let any man into her heart.
Enter Javier. Smoking hot Javier. He is a airplane pilot and unbeknownst to Maddie a famous rock star! But Javier is tired of the "life" and wants to find life long love and happiness. But when Maddie and Javier meet there are instant sparks and man do they spend one hot night together.
But Javier wants to try again with his ex and Maddie refuses to let him into her heart! But Javier does not give up and through a mutual love of music and architectural we get a beautiful if not sometimes frustrating love story.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from Ms. Peterson!!!
Enter Javier. Smoking hot Javier. He is a airplane pilot and unbeknownst to Maddie a famous rock star! But Javier is tired of the "life" and wants to find life long love and happiness. But when Maddie and Javier meet there are instant sparks and man do they spend one hot night together.
But Javier wants to try again with his ex and Maddie refuses to let him into her heart! But Javier does not give up and through a mutual love of music and architectural we get a beautiful if not sometimes frustrating love story.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from Ms. Peterson!!!
July 18, 2016
Javi - YUM! OMG, what is not to like about this one? How Spaniards, well Madrilenas specifically. I love how Maddie assumes the uncle coming to meet them for a drink is old. What a shock when the hot uncle sent from heaven arrives. I laughed a lot while reading this. I enjoyed the banter back and forth. The misunderstandings and taking off seemed to do more with Maddie's age and experience with her family than it did Javi. It bugged me she kept behaving that way, but she was young and had been hurt by those who are supposed to love you unconditionally. I loved the description of the monestary/ church/ theatre that Javi, Leo, and the band practice in. I totally loved when we found out what 'losing gravity' was all about. Shew, did it just get hot in here?! She may had thought she wanted a one night stand, but going back for seconds was one of her best decisions ever. Oh, his Spanish words and her calling him 'Uncle Pervy' were also two of my favorite parts.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
August 29, 2016
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. This is the first story from this author I have read but it will not be the last. The story has laughs and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Spanish Lessons (Study Abroad, #1)
This is Maddie and Javier’s story. Maddie is trying to escape the drama at home that she might have caused. A hot one-night stand just might work. But what if that is not what the man has in mind? Javier was all ready to go back to his ex-girlfriend and settle down but one night with Maddie changes everything with him. They are good together but Maddie does not believe in a happily ever after. Can Javier get her to believe or is she just out for a quick fling?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. This is the first story from this author I have read but it will not be the last. The story has laughs and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Spanish Lessons (Study Abroad, #1)
This is Maddie and Javier’s story. Maddie is trying to escape the drama at home that she might have caused. A hot one-night stand just might work. But what if that is not what the man has in mind? Javier was all ready to go back to his ex-girlfriend and settle down but one night with Maddie changes everything with him. They are good together but Maddie does not believe in a happily ever after. Can Javier get her to believe or is she just out for a quick fling?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
March 20, 2016
Reading the first few chapters, not only did Jessica start these characters off with a bang (LOL to some sexual innuendos, I think I’d get along with Maddie just fine!), but I had one word repeat over and over in my head: Charming. Not only the characters, but the writing, the setting. The dialogue is not purposefully funny but it makes you laugh. Everything about story this is intriguing and draws you in. Who’s ready for some Spanish fun?
Check out my full review here: http://tbbsisterhood.com/2016/03/18/r...
Check out my full review here: http://tbbsisterhood.com/2016/03/18/r...
August 21, 2016
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. So here it goes:
Original rating: 3.5 stars
This book opens to an explosive beginning. I had such high hopes for this book after reading the first few pages. The lead pair had such great chemistry and I just loved them both. Maddie's character was very real and I loved her spunk. Javier was hot and sweet at the same time. But half way through it turned into a routine love story. Not a bad read but definitely not great either.
Original rating: 3.5 stars
This book opens to an explosive beginning. I had such high hopes for this book after reading the first few pages. The lead pair had such great chemistry and I just loved them both. Maddie's character was very real and I loved her spunk. Javier was hot and sweet at the same time. But half way through it turned into a routine love story. Not a bad read but definitely not great either.
August 22, 2016
Is there anything better than a wonderful male lead and a relationship that melts you into a puddle of goo by the end. All I can say is that my heart is singing right now for Maddie and Javier. I love epic love stories that stay with for a long while. I think, no I know, these two will stay on my mind and make me very picky with my next read. This book is addictive and angsty, and anyone who reads it will fall in love with this couple and feel all that they feel not wanting to put it down. A must read!
August 8, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! It was amazing.
It took me a while to warm up to the heroine, not going to lie, but I soon fell in love with this sassy but incredibly vulnerable and sweet girl.
I especially loved the hero in this book. He was a little sweetie-pie. Looking to settle down.
Overall, this book is a must read guys. I'll definitely be going back to read the first one since I didn't read it prior to this book!
It took me a while to warm up to the heroine, not going to lie, but I soon fell in love with this sassy but incredibly vulnerable and sweet girl.
I especially loved the hero in this book. He was a little sweetie-pie. Looking to settle down.
Overall, this book is a must read guys. I'll definitely be going back to read the first one since I didn't read it prior to this book!
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