Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B08G11MCKC
Leon’s always been on the outside looking in, and most of the time, he prefers it that way.
Leon’s never seen romance and attraction the same way everyone else has, and he doesn’t really mind that. When life is filled with everything from college classes to a best friend who’s a trouble magnet, who has time for romance anyway? At least that’s what he thinks until he meets his new roommate.
Morgan’s always been on the outside looking in, and college hasn’t helped the situation any.
When a difficult roommate situation goes from bad to worse, Morgan is happy to move into the privacy of an apartment. But when his toy-filled peace is interrupted by the stern but well-meaning Leon, he isn’t sure what to think. Just because Leon is sweet, take charge, and a has a thing for healthy eating doesn’t mean he’s a Daddy, does it?
Oh I love Leon. What an interesting character. Wonderful story, with introspective charters and unexpected twists and turns. And that final scene... smoking! Can't wait to start the next one.
I don’t think I can really rate this until I’ve read part 2. I’ll admit I liked this much more than the three books in the last series by this author. Fingers crossed for part 2 🤞🏾
I have loved many books by M.A. Innes, but this wasn’t one of them. And I feel very sad about this, because I love their writing style and the overall sweetness of their books. But this was such a miss for me.
Now I’m all for open communication, but this was just too much. These guys had to talk about every single thing.
Do you like cuddles? How often would you like to cuddle? Is it okay if I am affectionate with you? How do you feel about our daddy/boy relationship? Does it bother you when I take control (even though they just discussed their daddy/boy dynamics)? Perhaps we should talk about our dynamics some more. How do you feel about our relationship so far? Perhaps we should slow down and talk about things from the start all over again.
This is kind of how things went. Not much happened and these guys constantly had to talk everything to death. And just when I thought things would move forward, they hit pause again so they could talk about things once again.
I do love open communication in my books, and I totally get that in a daddy/boy/whatever other type of BDSM relationship you might have it is important to talk about things before you act. But I don’t think talking extensively about if someone likes to be cuddled and how they would add cuddle time to their relationship is all that necessary.
Because everything was spelled out, it turned from cute and sweet to boring and clinical. I wanted to DNF at 70%, but I didn’t know what else to read so I continued anyway in the hopes that they would finally stop talking and start actually doing stuff. But nope, we got more talking.
And color me surprised when it’s stated at the end there will be another book about these two. I bet they weren’t done with all the talking. ;)
You totally know what is going to happen in these stories and that is just perfect for me. Sometimes you just need a comfort read and MA Innes always writes basically the same characters but I almost always love them. I actually started this book before Destin's story but had to backtrack to have it make sense. I'm glad I did cause it made this book even better.
I hated the way the three in the other book treated Leon, cause I loved him. I have a weakness for babydoms and boy was he one.
Leon and Morgan end up rooming together after previous disasters in with other room mates.
Leon was great at encouraging Morgan to open up without scaring him and to be comfortable with his little side whilst in their apartment.
Leon made a great Daddy, even when he didn't realise that's what he was.
Devin is still as crazy and fun as ever. It was great to see him and his men again.
I really loved how Leon's brain worked.. And Morgan is adorable. Together their story is super sweet and romantic. Leon does his best to be the best daddy/Dom/boyfriend and it was a joy to watch their relationship evolve.
Ok. I’m going to be honest (not that you’d know if I wasn’t honest). I loved this series enough that it would take really awful narration for me to not have enjoyed this. Please take my five star review with a grain brick of salt. 🥰🤣
I like that Leon was shown as searching for what he needed to do, and that he was making his own discoveries about himself. The need for communication is shown really well with Leon and Morgan.
There have been plenty of questionable roommates at this college, but I wasn't expecting that to happen in the first chapter! It's certainly a good thing Leon was on the phone with Destin at the time... I've been saving this for when Leon and Morgan's second book arrived, and I'm so glad I did. The end of this one was fine, but I'm delighted to dive into the second half of their story right away. I loved the chance to be inside Leon's head finally, instead of only seeing him as an overprotective worry-wort from Destin's perspective. Morgan is an absolute sweetheart, and he deserves every second of Leon's attention. I love how Morgan calls Leon "Ostrich Daddy" while Leon can't see what he's doing as Daddy things. Can't wait to see how their relationship develops -- so glad I don't have to!
I didn't realize this was just the beginning of Morgan and Leon's story or I probably would have waited until they were all out and rated them together. This as a sole story was just okay. A lot of weird Leon technical, emotionless talk and figuring things out. Hopefully he'll loosen up a bit and get down and dirty in the next book.
First read: November 25, 2020 Second read: April 1, 2023 Third read: December 14, 2023 Fourth read: February 5-6, 2025
This first book of The Education of the Heart series was well written with great characters. Like a lot of M.A. Innes' books, this one took place in the same fictional town, connected to the same fictional university, and had some different cameo appearances by some of the characters from his other books. This interconnectedness is truly one of my favorite things about Innes' writing, as it's always entertaining to see old faces again in a fresh story. Anyway, I enjoyed this novel and its sequel.
Daddy Dom/ sub-boy-little dynamic, not Daddy kink. So well done!
No angst Roommates to lovers Daddy Dom/boy (dynamic not kink) Age Play (very light) College Aged MCs Slow Burn Demi/Pan/undefined MC Dual first person POV
In a nutshell:
I've just found my favorite Daddy Dom/ boy book. I've read a few books from this author but this story completely caught me off guard and swept me off my feet. Finally, a story that felt like a true Daddy Dom/ sub dynamic.
Leon and Morgan become roommates due to unexpected circumstances and start their relationship as strangers becoming friends. Morgan already recognizes that piece of himself that likes to be little and understands he is a submissive. Leon, however, has no idea he is a Daddy Dom. He naturally starts taking care of Morgan BECAUSE THAT'S JUST WHO HE IS. Oh my goodness 😍
A slow burn romance between two sweet young men with a nice amount of steam at the end. The entire relationship - from strangers to friends to lovers - felt organic, realistic, and just so well done. I honestly enjoyed every moment of this story and can't wait to continue the series.
A bit more info:
Platonic Daddy is officially my new favorite type of Daddy.
Leon was his beautiful Daddy Dom self from the very beginning and seeing him care for those around him made me love him immediately. Having Leon's dominance as part of his 24/7 personality was my favorite part- because let's be honest here, that's what an actual Daddy Dom looks like but it's not what romance readers usually see in their stories. It's made even better because caregiving is his natural love language and he uses it for his friends not just potential love interests. Leon starts taking care of Morgan when they're still strangers and he's not getting anything out of the relationship other than the relief of knowing Morgan is thriving -- and ohmygod I loved it. Checking on Morgan to make sure Morgan's schoolwork is done, planning meals to make sure Morgan is healthy, paying attention to Morgan's behavior to make sure Morgan isn't stressed... Leon is such an amazing Daddy Dom without realizing it.
I also adored that Leon is not certain of his sexuality. He's dated women but never quite enjoyed it other than the girlfriend he had in high school. He's also not against dating men, he just hasn't done so. Exploring Leon's sexuality with him was lovely and I liked seeing how open he was to a platonic D/s relationship with Morgan before he realized he was even attracted to the sub. It was also a treat to see a D/s relationship that focused on building trust so thoroughly before any sex occurred.
Morgan was super sweet, even when hoping for a punishment. He is a little but that's honestly not a big part of the story. Obviously I enjoy age play but I found I really enjoyed this story more because the little behaviors were just part of Morgan's regular day rather than a space he slipped into when he had a Daddy around. It's also not a space he slipped into in order for the D/s dynamic to work. Allowing Leon to take control (unknowingly) allowed Morgan to be submissive all the time right from the beginning, and moving into his little space was something he did naturally and not something he did to escape when his world felt too big. The Daddy/ boy-little-sub dynamic felt very healthy and never forced.
I'm usually a little wary of the 24/7 D/s dynamic because books don't usually get it right, but the balance between these two was spot on. The give and take was perfect and Leon educating himself to be certain he was doing his best at giving his sub what he needed was beautiful to me. Leon earned Morgan's trust by being his sweet, caring self.
Everything in this story made me ridiculously happy.
Sweet story and I loved seeing Leon learn to be a dom and a daddy, he was so nervous to get it right but his delivery was cool and confident, fun to see both his internal insecurities and how they never come across to Morgan.
Not sure I need to listen to the second book with Leon and Morgan but it’s not off the table. My only gripe with this book is that it reads like a sequel to The Only Way to Dream, which is Destin’s story. The characters from that book are not only mentioned in passing, but are heavily involved throughout this book. Further, there are plot points, including Morgan’s backstory, that occurred in Destin’s book that are not mentioned/summarized in this book which made it very confusing to me. While Morgan does eventually say what happened, briefly, it was in the very last bit of the book so I spent much of this feeling like I was missing something. Frankly, it’s the only thing holding this back from being 5 stars.
At first, it felt like I was jumping in mid-book, there were so many details and characters I felt like I was supposed to know - not what you would expect from book one of a series. While the author included a note on cameos at the end, I think it would have been more helpful at the start, or even for there to be a mention in the description that it follows after the events in Destin’s book.
In general, Innes’ books tend to air more towards dialogue and action rather than inner monologue and backstory, which, don’t get me wrong, is nice, and a change of pace from most romance novels; but it did leave me wondering in spots exactly what happened and how these characters came to be.
All that aside, I really enjoyed this story. It’s like a daddy dom-awakening in the best way. ♥️
P. S. I think I found my line with age play books - much prefer them without ABDL (that makes me feel physically ill at times) - this one was just right
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow- Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or 'Liberty' from Seth King), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times a year (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time- reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Leon has never seen romance and attraction the same way as everyone else had he doesn't mind. His life is full of college classes and a best friend who is a trouble magnet so he has no time for romance but then meets his new roommate. Margan has always been on the outside looking in and college hasn't helped that. A difficult roommate situation goes from bad to worse and so he is happy to move into the privacy of an apartment. But when his peace of playing with his toys is interrupted by a stern but well-meaning Leon he isn't sure what to think. Just because Leon is sweet, takes charge and has a thing for healthy eating doesn't mean he is a Daddy does it?
I enjoyed this story with Leon who seemed to be emotionally isolated possibly thanks to his upbringing and Morgan who was a Little who had been attacked by his previous roommate and was using his toys to try and stay calm and cope with real life. I loved the way that Leon was definitely acting like Morgan's Daddy even though he had no idea what that meant and that it took a friend to get him to realise that. This couple has great potential and I really hope that everything works out for them in the next book. Easy to read, feel and understand. The MM story contained some BSDM-like age-play DDLB content and a sweet couple with so much more to discover about each other.
I have to admit I was a little hesitant about diving into this world and this author, but I’m so glad that is did! I loved this book! It took me a couple chapters to get into this book but I’m glad that Leon and Morgan decided to take things slow and ease into their relationship. I think that it added to the foundation and love that they share for each other! I love how Leon researches everything and worries about how Morgan will react and if he’s truly taking care of him! I love the dynamic that they have that they both want to take care of each other even if there is a very clear dominant in the relationship! I love Leon’s hesitancy and the way that he struggles to figure himself out, but continues to talk through his boundaries and worries with Morgan throughout so that he’s not pressuring him like Morgan had with his old roommate! And I love the way that even with his past Morgan is so trusting of Leon and doesn’t want to pressure him because he knows that Leon and Stan are very different. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to see their relationship develop even further in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Morgan is one of those ultra sweet and adorably, yet naughty littles - and with the help of his new little friend, he becomes even more cheeky.
Leon has got to be one of the most oblivious Doms I’ve ever read about. Ever. His best friend (Destin) is a chaotic and energetic little and so Leon’s researching prowess helped him to help his friend. This led to both Morgan and Destin laughing over Leon’s obliviousness about his Dom/Daddy tendencies. Or, as Morgan calls it, Ostrich Daddy.
So freaking cute.
Leon and Morgan are opposites, where Morgan is all about junk food and playtime, Leon is all about healthy eating and order/control, so of course they work especially well together.
I loved how MA Innes didn’t throw them together, especially because of Leon’s unknown sexuality.
Destin - Leon’s best friend/self-proclaimed little brother - is so amusing and fun. He’s originally from his own duet with his Daddy and his Dom (MMM).
All together this is just such a sweet and low angst read that will fill your heart with joy.
Trust is so hard to achieve after an abusive relationship destroys hope.
After having a dangerous self centered roommate almost destroy his life and everything he knew, even counseling and therapy could not remove the memories of dorm disasters.
But life must go on and Destin had trained Leon well in the needs of a Little as Leon learned more about how to be a Daddy even if he had not recognized himself in the interesting relationship situations of a college student trapped in dorm life on campus.
When he begins to understand the dynamics of his new roommate are similar to those with Destin, he begins to research the subjects of BDSM and Little life as awareness of his Daddy role leads to the discovery of an amazing Little partner in the journey through love and life.
Through careful trust and amazing journeys together as understanding of needs and desires become more interesting in action than they were in the imagination, the adventures make sharing perfect for both.
This is a me issue. Let me preface by saying poly is NOT my jam. i do not read it. i obviously do not mean to disrespect anyone who likes it. From the blurb i gathered this was supposed to be Leon & Morgan's story. But 2 chapters in and i'm thinking they might be side characters to their own book. This being a story about Destin and his polycule.
i learnt more about those three ‘side characters’ than i learnt about the actual mcs. So might as well just read Destin's book if i'm so inclined, since it seems it's all a one big continuation anyways. 🙄
Despite this story probably being MM pair only, but the constant talk about Destin and his boyfriends, what they do for a living, how they manage their lives etc threw me off. Yet i have no idea what Leon is in college for and absolutely nothing about Morgan. im still not sure whose story this is supposed to be. Not happening.
i've been looking for a daddy/boy roommates story for a hot minute and so, am very disappointed that i'll miss out on a story cuz of this. If there even is one.
Learning to Trust is a delightful age play romance by MA Innes.
Morgan and Leon are college roommates who slowly develop into a Daddy/little relationship.
It's great that Leon naturally falls into the Daddy roll. He's used to being a caretaker, having spent time helping his best friend Dustin with his little time. The ease in which he starts helping Morgan is fantastic.
And then there's Morgan, who desperately needs a Daddy in his life. A college student, he needs someone to help him balance his work with his play time. And Leon does just that.
I love it all. It's fun and flirty, making me smile throughout. There's binkies, toy trains, and more. There's also plenty of Devon time to make you happy.
If you enjoy age play romances, Learning to Trust is a must read. Everything about this sweet MA Innes gem works for me!
I am really glad that Leon got his own book because I did not like him very much from Destin's story. He came across as rude and judgmental. He is a little bit odd, he's unsure of himself and doesn't people very well sometimes. He has a huge heart and is sweet as can be once he opens up. I am really glad I got to know him better. All he needed was his boy. Morgan is perfect for him. He is a sweet boy/sub but he can be just a little bit naughty at times. I love that he keeps pushing Leon to open up and tell him how he feels.
The flow of the story was a little bit odd. In the beginning Morgan being little was a huge part of things but as the story went on it seemed like some of that got pushed to the background. It was still very interesting, just in a different way.
This is my ultimate favorite author though there are a few nipping at her heels lol. I have read all of her books and up until this one Curious Beginings was my favorite. Leon has thoroughly won my heart. I want to adopt him. Morgan is such a cute adorable ray of sunshine. I have enjoyed watching them grow together and heal as well. Just thinking about how good the first part of there story is makes me even more excited for the next. If you love beautiful characters and well thought out stories plus enjoy the kinky side of things the Shaw Montgomery is the perfect author to read. After each book you’ll see why I’m hooked and such a huge fan.
This is a very sweet and sexy age play romance. Leon and Morgan move in together after bad experiences with previous roommates. Turns out, they are meant to be together. I love watching Leon slowly begin to accept that his bossiness and need to care for others actually makes him a perfect daddy. And the patience Morgan shows as his "ostrich daddy" comes to grips with their burgeoning relationship is priceless. This is a fantastic romance, and it provides moments with other characters from this author who I already love. I am excited to know there will be another book dedicated to this couple, but I am perfectly happy with the happy for now ending provided here. Such a great story!
It's a difficult book to review because there's so much unfinished that will come together in book two. Though so far I'm liking Leon's book, I like how he takes time to get to know himself when he is made aware of how things are. And how open he is about every change, no matter how nervous it makes him.
At times it's hard to believe he and Morgan are the same age, but at the same time it fits his character to seem so much older and at the same time inexperienced with life.
Destin is back and at times I do find him an annoying character when he is outside of his triad, but I also believe it's completely to character, so it's difficult to like him and not at the same time.
It's a known fact that I love Daddies and Littles. Something I find extremely hard to connect with is asexuality. I know it exists but I don't get it. At all. So I was pretty worried if I could like this story as much as the others. Because Nora wrote one and it fell completely flat for me. I am glad I stuck with this one though because even though Leon doesn't know what exactly he's into, other than being in control, he was a really good Daddy to Morgan. I enjoyed this so much and am eagerly anticipating the sequel.
I absolutely love Leon's story. I vaguely remembered him from Destin's book. I was so happy to hear he was going to get an HEA, even if it does come in two parts! Lol. Morgan is an adorable little. I could clearly picture some of their interactions, with Morgan's pouting and Leon's natural daddy habits. I also love how respectful Morgan is of Leon while he figures some things out. I would definitely classify it as a slow burn since Leon is still learning about himself and his sexuality. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!!!
This book! Whew! Let me tell you, this book was everything I was hoping for and then so much more! I adored Leon in Destin's book and I was so happy to see he got his own book. And Morgan! He's perfect! I love it when littles aren't afraid to be who they are and take what they need (especially from their ostrich daddy). I cannot wait for book two, however even if there was no second book, I would be happy with how this ended, but I just KNOW their second book is going to be off the charts SEXY and HOT!
Really enjoyed how Leon was dragged into a new life he wasn’t expecting and coming to the conclusion this is something he is needing but didn’t know it was. Love how he discovers that he a daddy but just didn’t realize it and how he enjoying the discovery. Morgan is the perfect sub/boy for him. Love him for being so trusting with Leon. Great story so far.