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Study Abroad #4

Lessons In Losing It

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I swore I'd keep things friendly with the studly German soccer player I met in Madrid...until we ended up naked together on his living room floor #Screwed #PunIntended

FREDRIK
Just friends…


That’s all I want to be with Rachel Collins, the sexy American student I meet at a party in my adopted hometown of Madrid. I’m looking for the real deal—someone who’ll stick around Spain for more than a semester—so I resolve to keep her at arm’s length. Even if she is gorgeous as hell. Smart. And as crazy about sports as I am.

But friends don’t kiss. They don’t do sleepovers. And they definitely don’t get rug burn from having the best sex ever on the living room carpet.

RACHEL
Our connection is instant. Intense. Fredrik has become the best friend I’ve ever had. The fact that he loves to cook breakfast for me is a plus. Especially when he cooks wearing nothing but his glasses.

But I’ve got my dream internship waiting for me back in the states. And Fredrik is lining up a contract worth millions to stay in Madrid. We’re playing with fire to keep seeing each other like this. But how can we resist when the sex is so great—really, really freaking great—and the fun we have together is even better?

LESSONS IN LOSING IT is a STANDALONE romance in the STUDY ABROAD series. The books in this series are complete standalones with interconnected characters, and can be read in any order.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2017

168 people are currently reading
616 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Peterson

36 books5,249 followers
Jessica 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Beatrice.
1,254 reviews1,728 followers
June 5, 2017
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

The 4th installment of the Study Abroad series is about Rhys's soccer teammate, Fred Ohr  and American Sports Medicine student, Rachel Collins

Fred is a nice and down to earth guy. Though his family is against him for being an athlete, that didn't stop him in pursuing to become a Soccer player. Now he's at the peak of his career, he remains simple and practical. As for women, he doesn't hook up because he's into long-term relationships and he's raised to be respectful around women. These qualities are the reason why I like Fred aside from being a Harry Potter fan. When he meets Rachel on a party, they enjoyed each other's company talking about Harry Potter, sports and other nerd stuff. Rachel is a genuine, bubbly and passionate lady. As much as he wanted her to be his girlfriend, they stayed as friends because she's leaving Spain and continue her studies and internship back in US. Their undeniably attracted with each other and feelings started to develop, making it impossible to hold back. 

With the family drama and pressure Rachel is experiencing as her mother insists her to become a surgeon like her, she's afraid of disappointing her and almost gave up Sports Medicine which is her dream career. I really like Fred encouragement to chase her dreams instead of choosing a path she didn't want. However, it became an ultimatum of staying in Spain so she can be with Fred or pursue her dream career back in US.. also leaving Fred. Maybe when the time comes..... she can have both. ;) Gosh, those last chapters are quite emotional. I want to give these two a big hug and I'm glad they worked things out in the end. 

Lessons in Losing It  is a simple, sweet and greatly progressed story. I really like the direction it took despite of its ups and downs and the choices Fred and Rachel made. I really enjoy the trips around Spain and also their sexy moments. Overall, it's a wonderful series wrap up. If you need a New Adult series to read, I recommend Study Abroad series. :)
Profile Image for Ari .
933 reviews299 followers
June 7, 2017
Original review: The Daydreaming Bookworm

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*


Lessons in Losing It is the final installment in the Study Abroad series and follows our couple, Fred and Rachel. Fred Ohr is an up-and-coming soccer player who is on his way to making it big. Rachel Collins is an American transfer student who wants to study sports medicine. The two meet one night at a party and sparks instantly fly. However, Fred’s not looking for a short-time fling. He wants the real deal so that means keeping things platonic between him and Rachel. As the two spend more time together, the spark turns into a flame and Fred and Rachel struggle with denying their feelings for one another. No longer willing to hold back, they finally give into their desires and Fred believes that he’s finally found the one. But time is not on their side and when circumstances threaten to pull them apart, will Fred and Rachel decide to part ways for good or will they fight for a chance at a happily-ever-after?

In this friends-to-lovers sports romance, Jessica Peterson takes us back the the beautiful city of Madrid for one final adventure filled with sexy times and a dash of nerdy love. Lessons in Losing It is all about going after your dreams, while finding love along the way. Rachel is a smart and driven young woman who, despite her mother’s wishes, aspires have a career in sports medicine. She struggles throughout this book as she tries to please her mother who wants Rachel to follow in her footsteps, but Rachel is determined to have a life outside of her career unlike her mother whose career is her life. I had an immediate connection with Rachel because I too work in the sports medicine field and while my opinion may be biased, I’m really happy that she pushed to pursue her passion even though it caused tension between her and her mother. Right by her side supporting her decisions was Fred, one of the most sweetest virgin heroes I’ve ever met! Yes, Fred is a virgin who is saving himself for that special woman he can give his heart to, and that woman just might be Rachel. Despite all his fame and fortune, he’s really a down-to-earth who just wants the best Rachel, even if that means having to let her go for her to be happy.

I honestly was not expecting this romance to be so sweet, but Rachel and Fred are a pair of nerds and I love the fact that Harry Potter was what brought them together! While this romance may be very sweet, it also has its sexy moments! The angst was driving me insane as I waited for these two to just give into their feelings for one another. Maddie and Javier are still my favorite couple, but Fred and Rachel are a close second and I completely adore these two together.

One thing I liked about this book was the fact that the dramatics were kept to a minimum, which was an issue I had with the previous book. The conflict wasn’t over the top and I liked how things worked themselves out. One thing I did want more of was to be able to see the couples from the previous books and catch up with them to see how all their relationships were going. We did get to see them at the end, but I just wanted more moments where the whole group was together.

Lessons in Losing It was the perfect ending to a fun and adventurous series and I’m sure going to miss all these characters so much. If you’re in the mood for some sweet and sexy sports romances that take place in the heart of Spain, then I totally recommend you pick the Study Abroad series! I can’t wait to see what new adventures Jessica Peterson has in store for us and hopefully her next series will be as entertaining as her Study Abroad series.
Profile Image for Meg (booksandwinewithmeg.blog).
549 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2017
I was given this book for an honest review.

The book was okay, it wasn't super exciting, and I found myself skipping through pages just to get to the "good parts". Cough ...cough the naughty parts. Yes, yes I am a little tramp but whatever.

What really made me mad was the synopsis. "I swore I'd keep things platonic with the studly soccer player I met in Madrid...until we ended up naked together on his living room floor #Screwed #PunIntended "

description

By the time it did, I was like meh. Boring, Boring, LOL, Boring, Blah Blah Blah Beer Footbal SPORTS. Overall not a bad book just not my fave.
Profile Image for Quinn's Quippy Quotes.
1,462 reviews144 followers
May 28, 2017
We're back in Madrid bitches and oh how I've missed it! I can't believe I'm here, at the end of the journey with my fellow Madrilena's. I've grown to love each one of these girls, and after finishing Lessons In Letting Go(FYI, my absolute FAV out of the series), I couldn't wait to uncover Rachel and Fred's story!

Rachel is nearing the end of her semester abroad. She has 3 more weeks before she heads back to the States and back to her overbearing mother. Rachel has her sights set on going into Sports Medicine. She's worked her butt off to get a prestigious internship back at Merytan University, an internship that her mother knows nothing about. Her mother thinks that Sport Medicine is a dead end, and not nearly as lucrative as plastic surgery or anesthetics. Yeah, no pressure right? But Rachel want's more out of her life. She want balance.

This--finding this kind of life--this is what I want. My own version of this kind of contentment. Of balance.

Now, for my favorite character. Fred. **import swoony sounds here** I think Fred is officially my favorite hero by Peterson, and that's a tough battle to win! He is, in a word, perfectly endearing. Wait, that was two. Fuck it.

As the only son to a single mother, he's grown up with an extraordinary amount of respect towards women. So much so he decided to wait for true love before giving up his virginity. Yep, that's right. 22 years old, crazy hot and sexy football player, lover of Bavarian beer and Harry Potter is straight up holding his V-card still.

I want to fall in love before I have sex; fall for someone who will stick around for the long haul. I want to respect the woman I have sex with, and I want her to respect me too. At this point, I 've waited a long time to lose my virginity. Why not lose it to someone special? Someone who really means something to me? I think sex is sacred. It's important I get it right.

See why he's my favorite?

Fred just wants to find his person in life. But between playing football and being a major introvert, he hasn't got out much. Umm, did I mention that he loves Harry Potter too??

And here I am, a virgin who loves wizards and cheap beer.

I mean, who wouldn't pick this guy!??!

So here we have a guy looking for his soulmate while hiding out in his lonely flat, and a American student that's leaving to return home in 3 weeks. How is this going to work? By chance. Rachel happens to met Fred at a party that she was invited to by Laura and Rhys(see Lessons in Letting Go AKA My favorite in the series). Fred usually tries to ditch out shortly after the party starts, but he starts chatting to Rachel and can't believe how much they have in common. After years of loneliness, he can't believe his luck.

Jesus Christ, Rhys really must be punking me. Not only does Rachel like football and Quidditch- she likes beer, too? I mean, seriously what the hell is going on tonight? I feel like I'm in the twilight zone.

But things appear too good to be true as Fred realizes that Rachel isn't looking for anything long term. So they decide to be friends. Desperate to spend more time with Fred, Rachel keeps pushing Fred outside his comfort zone and shows him around the parts of Spain that she has fallen in love with. Their time together only increases their attraction to each other.

Something that I thoroughly enjoyed with LiLI was Fred and Rachel's chemistry. It was incredibly sexy. Peterson definitely knows how to write lusty scenes!

A flare of heat shoots through me, landing between my legs. His lips move over mine, kissing me, kissing me hard and deep. I feel trapped. Surrounded. Adored. Keep kissing me, I silently beg. Please don't ever stop kissing me like this.

They both want what they can't have. But is it worth taking a chance for?

I love the undertone in this book about following your dreams. Most of us identify our futures based on our careers and accomplishments. This is very much the case with Fred and Rachel. But what happens when you've accomplished everything that you've ever dreamed, but have no one to share it with? Are our dreams only tangible?

I want to be with Rachel. For good. This happening fast, I get it. But a girl like Rachel doesn't come around that often. A connection like ours is rare. I would know; I've been looking for it for years.

No joke, I teared up a bite in this one. The heartache that these two face just touched my heart. But as Walt Disney says, "All dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Damn you Walt! You're going to make me cry again!

You guys! I can't believe that this it for our Madrilena's! If you haven't read the first three books, be sure to check out my reviews! You will not be disappointed!

www.tbbsisterhood.com
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,041 reviews595 followers
May 25, 2017
Lessons In Losing It is the fourth and final book in the Study Abroad series. I’m so sad that the series is over, but I’m glad to say I’ve enjoyed every step of the journey, with this final book being the perfect way to bring the series to an end.

Considering how Lessons In Losing It started as a novella, it turned into one hell of a story. I was super excited at the novella news, my excitement multiplying tenfold when I found out it was becoming a full-length novel, and what I was given was all I had hoped it would be. It gives us all that we have come to love about the series, ending things with a bang.

Whilst Lessons In Letting Go will always be my favourite in the series (that one hit me so hard, the emotional connection I had with the female lead threatening to break me apart), I can safely say the Lessons In Losing It couple are my favourite. I’ve enjoyed all the couples, but the friendship and love between these two is a winner for me. The banter between the two, the ease at which they connect, and the way they deal with life left me head over heels with them both. Honestly, it’s the kind of relationship we should all strive for: a relationship where our lover is also our best friend, a relationship where the fun and games turns into steamy moments with a single look.

I’ll be honest by saying this isn’t quite the friends-to-lovers romance I’d been anticipating. When I think of friends-to-lovers romances, I think of long-term friendship and the sudden realisation that an attractive exists. With this one, we have the initial attraction and the desire to keep things platonic between the two. I’m sure there are books out there that have done such a thing, yet I haven’t read a friends-to-lovers romance of this ilk before, which resulted in me really enjoy this storyline. Although I wasn’t quite sure about it at first (I really did love their friendship and wanted to spend more time watching it bloom), I came to really enjoy the way things developed in this manner. It was quick, yet it was beautiful.

What I enjoyed the most is how Jessica Peterson took something common to so many romance novels and twisted in a very small way, resulting in a very different type of romantic experience. So many romance stories paint the female as the virgin looking for a connection before sex… What about when the super-hot male is the one holding out for someone special? I can honestly say, I have never read a romance story where this was the case before now, and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I need to read more stories like this. It really was so refreshing.

As is always the case with the Study Abroad books, there’s also a much deeper message behind all the romance. Whilst Lessons In Letting Go resonated with me so deeply with the learning to love yourself message, the message in Lessons In Letting Go is just as important. It’s a battle between love and your dreams, of finding the right mix between the two. As ever, Jessica Peterson does a wonderful job of weaving a deeper message into a swoon worthy read.

As for the ending – well damn. It was so nice to get a glimpse of everyone from the series, getting a look at where people are. Although it is not necessary to have read the prior books in the series, as each works as an individual story, it is nice to be able to see the development that has taken place throughout the series.

Honestly, I really am heartbroken that this series has come to an end. I attribute this book as one of the main reasons why I opened myself up to contemporary romance. I wasn’t all that big on it, yet since I read started this series, I found I was looking for more and more.

Nevertheless, I’m positive whatever Jessica Peterson writes next, it will be amazing. I cannot wait to see what story she brings us next, but I know for sure that I will be jumping into it as soon as I get the chance.
Profile Image for Monique V.
572 reviews67 followers
January 12, 2018
This has been my favorite of the series so far!

4.5 stars. Rachel and Fred are so cute!. They are both nerdy and awkward and I just can't with all the adorableness! I Highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
May 27, 2017
Fred is just so darn sweet, the man likes to take care of his woman, “you’re starving.” He bends his neck and plants a quick kiss on my throat. “Let’s make breakfast, and then we can—you know. Take care of my pants situation. But how about some stuffed French toast first?” I really loved Fre, he was sexy, supportive, man knew how to cook and spoil his girl, he's like perfect boyfriend material.
Profile Image for Bibliojunkies.
579 reviews9 followers
June 6, 2017
I'm normally a stickler about reading books in order if they're part of a series but because the premise and the locale of Madrid were so tempting, I ignored that. Armed with my phone to look up the gorgeous and romantic backdrops I dove right in.

What hit me instantly is that Fred is unlike any athlete I've read. He's not about soaking up glory or adulation. Instead he'd prefer to find solace and joy in books. He just hasn't yet found the woman who rocks his world. Along comes Rachel whose semester in Spain is drawing to a close in three weeks. They hit it off superbly: their mutual love of all things Harry Potter and Quidditch makes him a goner for her. Add that to her smarts and humour and it's just bloody unfair that they'd meet now. Fred's always believed that when he falls in love it'll be long-term so he's adamant that it's complete folly to get involved when Rachel won't be around much longer. She sort of feels the same way though she wouldn't mind having a little fun before she leaves. Since this is happening at an inopportune time they agree on being friends, ruling out anything further any time their minds wander in any sexy direction. Unfortunately, they just click so well and there's that darn attraction thing messing things up, too. It's funny how in this Peterson has flipped their roles where he's the weary one not wanting to get his heart broken while Rachel's open to whatever. In fact, she is the one who does the persuing to an extent while still doing her best to respect his wishes.

While a good chunk of the time is spent mulling over the pros and cons of starting a relationship there are other considerations besides the time constraint adding to the complication. In Rachel's case, it's the inevitable clash with her mother over her career choice. She knows in her heart of hearts what she wants to do but can't bring herself to say it yet. That Fred is able to offer her some valuable insight thanks in part to his own similar experience with his family is what made me like them so much as a couple. Establishing that friendship first brings substance that only makes their chemistry stronger. Fred is the sweet, thoughtful guy but he is something else when things get going ...and so is Rachel!

Lessons In Losing It was the mental escape that I needed and it reminded me why of I like reading NA so much. At this stage in life, all the possibilities are exciting, scary and overwhelming. As an adult, I can look back and both relive some things and also see things with better perspective. As a reader, yeah I had my secret hopes for how I wanted things to pan out for them. I believe I got my HFN. Or maybe it's a HEA depending on the reader ;-) I'll definitely be going back to check out the rest of the books in the Study Abroad series!

~ Bel
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,700 reviews55 followers
June 2, 2017
Original review: A Novel Glimpse

Note: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

Lessons in Losing It is the fourth and final book in Jessica Peterson's Study Abroad series. I'm really sad to see this series ending. It's been a fun semester in Madrid filled with so many great times. What I've loved most about this series is that each book, while connected through friendships and setting, was a standalone novel. They each had a different feel, which was perfect because each tone and relationship was different.

In Lessons in Losing It, Fred and Rachel meet at a party. Their attraction and connection is instant. Both find something in the other that comforts them and makes them feel less alone. They could possibly be the perfect match for each other, but with Rachel returning home to the states in a few weeks there's no reason to start something they can't finish. Fred and Rachel will just have to be friends.

Being friends is easier said than done with the attraction simmering between them. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep things platonic. When they finally act on their physical attraction to each other, Fred and Rachel can't deny they have something special. They'll just have to decide if what they have is worth more than the plans they had before they met.

Rachel was a cool girl. I loved how smart and self-confident she was --especially when she was following her heart. Fred was a gem. I adored everything about that big lug! His views on how to treat a woman were a little redundant at times, but I loved what his mother had instilled in him. Fred was just so dang caring! It was sweet. I couldn't get enough of him.

Fred and Rachel were such a fun couple. They had so many amazing things in common. Every time they were together, I found myself smiling. I love when a couple just get each other. It reminds me of my relationship with my husband. I didn't even mind their drama because I knew only good things could happen for a couple like Fred and Rachel.

Lessons in Losing It was a great way to end the Study Abroad series. I loved every minute of Fred and Rachel's story. Even though I'm sad this book ends the series, I can't wait to see what Jessica Peterson has in store for us next in the new adult genre!
Profile Image for s.shadereads .
426 reviews78 followers
July 28, 2017
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Lessons in Losing It is the fourth installment in the Study Abroad series that follows couple Fred Ohr, famous footballer (soccer player) and Rachel Collins, an american transfer student studying sports medicine. This couple meets at a party where they hit it off over Harry Potter fandom, tasty beer, and koozies.

These two characters are really very genuine. Fred is unlike any athlete I have ever read about. He is not looking to fool around or have a plethora of girls at his beckon call, he is looking for the real deal, the ONE. He works so hard to have a happy life. He has given up his home and the security of friends and family to chase his dreams. He is driven and sincere at everything he does.

Rachel is downright adorable. She is also very driven and has worked her butt off to be where she is. Going behind her mothers back she applied for an internship at Merytan University back in the states, which is a major step for her career in sports medicine. Her mother is a bit pushy and thinks Rachel should follow in her footsteps to become a surgeon like her. It's not until she meets Fred that she has the courage to stand up to her mother and truly follow her dreams.

Fred and Rachel's relationship starts out as a friendship. As said above Fred is not looking for a fling and says as much. However, the chemistry between the two is off the charts and one thing leads to another having these two fighting for the real deal. After about a month of having a blissful relationship reality steps in sending these two in a flurry of questions with no answers. Their relationship is questioned and neither are willing to give up on their dreams. They however find out that sometimes dreams can be altered and the things we thought brought us happiness mean nothing without the one you love beside you to share it with.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews176 followers
June 6, 2017
Amount of sex 4 / 5
How explicit 4 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5 / 5)

Lessons in Losing It is the fourth and final book in the Study Abroad Series by Jessica Peterson. It is a complete standalone and each book in the series focuses on a different couple. I was introduced to Fred and Rachel in the third book, Lessons in Letting Go, and I couldn’t wait to read their story!

In this book, Rachel is studying in Madrid, Spain and becomes friends with Laura who is dating Rhys for the Madrid Football (soccer) team. Laura introduces Rachel to Rhys’s teammate Fred and they hit it off. Both have so much in common and they feel a pull towards each other. The problem is that Rachel is leaving to go back home to North Carolina for an internship in Sports Medicine. What will Rachel and Fred do when they cannot resist each other? Will they be able to continue a relationship?

Lessons in Losing it has a smoking story line and I was squirming all over the place, all hot and bothered by sexy Fred!

A definite add to your TBR list!

*Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy*
3,117 reviews34 followers
June 1, 2017
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.

I was excited to start this book and can honestly say it did not disappoint. Fred has to be my favourite hero of them all so far. Honest and endearing I loved how geeky and unsure of himself he was. Until he meets Rachel, who immediately puts him at ease by being just as geeky and lovable as he is.
They share an instant connection over their love of Harry Potter and craft beer. They laugh together and enjoy the evening. It is established early on that they both want different things at this stage in their life so agree that friends is the only option for them. It doesn't take long before they are breaking this rule and getting lost in the passion they feel for each other.
But it all comes crashing down around them when Rachel is forced to go home to the States, leaving Fred behind in Madrid.
While reading this bit I could feel my heart breaking for them. I could feel how hard it was for them to breath without the other. I could feel the misery they felt at having to be apart but knowing there wasn't any other way. I was miserable with them for the whole 9 months they spent apart.

I loved this book from start to finish. I felt like I connected more to these two characters than any other the previous ones and I loved that I could relate to their struggles - her helping him learn to live his life and him helping her to stand up for what she wants.
A great book and one I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Sasha Says.
811 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2017
Gah! Each installment of Jessica Peterson's Study Abroad series introduces me to yet another man I adore! And Fred is for sure my favorite- he's adorkable, endearing and such an all-around great guy who respects women and longs to find his perfect match to give himself to and settle down. Rachel only has a short time left in Madrid when they meet and I adored the friendship that developed between them before they stopped denying themselves each other- the moment when they gave in was so hot and their chemistry was just perfect.

This book was originally planned as a novella, and I was super excited when I heard it would be a full length novel. We were also treated to a fabulous epilogue that catches us up with all the girls and their guys. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous series.
**I voluntarily read an advance copy, for which I dropped everything else in my life to read :-) **
846 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2017
This is the fourth in the Study Abroad series. Fred and Rachel are a bit nerdy and sweet together, yet their attraction is red hot. Fred wants a forever girl but Rachel is returning to the United States in a few weeks, so they decide just to remain friends until they can no longer deny their attraction to each other. I loved Fred's internal dialogue as he worked through his angst at how he feels about Rachel and whether they could/should be more than friends. Jessica Peterson was able to make him sensitive, caring and respectful without seeming weak - on the contrary, he is completely swoonworthy! There were some truly heart-wrenching moments that had me holding back tears, which speaks to how well-written and realistic they were, and made the HEA all the more satisfying.
All the books in the series can be read as standalones, but I would highly advise starting at the beginning, with Spanish Lessons, and reading them through in order.
Profile Image for Amy Leibenguth.
780 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It is the first book by this author I have read. Fred is an unbelievably humble star football (soccer to us US people) player in Spain. He meets Rachel one night while hanging at a party he doesn't want to be at. They click immediately and find they have so much in common. Fred is amazed that Rachel doesn't see him as dollar signs. It doesn't take long before they realize they are falling in love and Rachel is headed back to the US to finish her last year of college and take a prestigious internship. I loved how in the end one of them compromises. Lovable characters and great storyline.
Profile Image for Ellie.
1,043 reviews34 followers
June 12, 2017
Final Score - 5 Stars!!!

This the fourth book in the Study Abroad series, and if this is the end - what a SWAN SONG! I’m so sad to see this series end, but I’m glad to say I’ve enjoyed reading at least half of this series (I will be getting to the 1st two books at a later date in time). Even without having read the 1st & 2nd books, I just know that this book was a perfect ending.

What I've enjoyed the most about reading this book is how Jessica Peterson took something so common and carved a real live passionate romance. I have never read a romance story where the heroine is not your average virgin but the Hero is - that is such a game changer!! There needs to be more stories like this and it is not only refreshing, but so different from everything else.

I’m positive that whatever else Ms. Peterson writes next, it will not only be amazing, but completely original and I cannot wait to read it. I'm literally jumping in my seat with anticipation!
Profile Image for Jenn.
339 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2017
I've read all of the Study Abroad series by Jessica Peterson, and I have to say, this one is probably my favorite. All of her characters are awesome, but I just felt a deeper connection to Fred and Rachel. Maybe because they are total nerds and love Harry Potter and crazy things like that, but I just fell in love with their journey. Plus Fred was adorable and I loved his POV parts of the book.

Fred is a star soccer (football) player in Madrid. The quiet and introspective one of the crew, liking to be alone and not engaging in the craziness of being a famous athelete. He wants a real relationship and is willing to wait for the right girl to come along. In walks Rachel and that's where their story begins.

One of the things I really loved about this one was all the nerdy references to Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones (well technically not game of thrones since I don't think she was allowed to use actual references, but you knew what it was referring to ;) The characters both connected through their love of the books and things like that and it's something I really loved. They started their relationship slow and built on their friendship first, which is nice considering how many books we see with insta-love.

All in all I absolutely loved this book and am sad to see that this is the last book of this series, BUT I am looking forward to seeing where Jessica goes from here :)

ARC provided by the author.
Profile Image for Christine Frieseke-Miller.
1,664 reviews4 followers
May 31, 2017
OH wow, how do I find a Fred? This book had be swooning from the beginning. There is something about a guy who is experiencing his first everything as an adult that really got to me. Fred and Rachel are perfect for each other. They are both quirky and with time running out on Rachel's stay in Spain, they finally have found their other half. Fred made me swoon with his beliefs and the way that he treated Rachel. I loved how they both needed to stay true to themselves, but in the end they need to figure out what that means so they can truly be happy.

I loved the writing of this book. It maybe that I was so in love with Fred, but I loved that the characters fell fast and hard for one another. Young love tends to lead with the heart, but both Fred and Rachel did look toward their futures and try to make decisions with their heads and not their hearts. I thought the author did a great job with the emotions in this book and what the characters were going through. I though Fred was the perfect book boyfriend and I definitely need to find one like him! I have read one other book in this series and I want to read them all. These friends have stolen my heart. Great read!
141 reviews
June 1, 2017
Lessons in Losing it is Fred and Rachel's love story. Enjoyed the storyline as it reflected life in that sometimes sacrifices need to be made in search of ones dream. I found parts of the storyline repetitive and some others a little bit cheesy but overall the drama, angst and the little bit of spice made this book an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Kate -  BookyGal.
344 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2025
My favorite book of the series. This was a wonderful way to close out the study abroad series. Fred and Rachel were simply magic. The heartache was palpable and beautifully written. It made their HEA all the more exciting.
Profile Image for Bel lvndrgms3.
683 reviews67 followers
July 2, 2017
Loved the escape to Madrid. I even looked up the various locales on my phone as I read. Fred is unlike any athlete I've read. It's almost like a role-reversal between him and Rachel. Loads of fun!
Profile Image for Shannon Davison.
1,386 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2017
OMG, I'm so in love with Fred. He has got to be the sweetest man alive. Rachel is lucky to have him. They have such wonderful chemistry. I'm so happy I got to read this book. Looking forward to reading more from Jessica in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy via Quirky Blind Date with a Book.
Profile Image for Rach.
171 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2017
"Lessons in Losing It" was my first Jessica Peterson book, and I will definitely be reading more! Her writing is very fluid, organic, and honest. The relationship between Fred and Rachel is so pure, and written as such. A bond in Harry Potter and sports is only the beginning of a blossoming friendship and fast love. Jessica truly captures the rollercoaster of emotions of young love as well as the inner battles of wanting to maintain such a relationship as well as fight for your long-term goals.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,501 reviews8 followers
June 2, 2017
Rachel is doing a semester abroad before going back to the US for the rest of her schooling. Fred is the hot soccer player who has given up everything in order to excel at soccer. The two introverted nerds bond and fall for each other.

Sweet story. A bit angsty for no reason. Very obvious solutions to the issues. Enjoyable read.
Profile Image for R.B..
Author 11 books68 followers
June 4, 2017
It took me a while to get into this one, but once the angst and love action got going, it was as enjoyable as the other Study Abroad books. A good way to end the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,450 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2018
Perfect.

This book was just so freaking perfect for me. I loved every single minute of it. I laughed, I cried...Holy hell I fanned myself.

And Fred. Sigh. I can't say enough about Fred. How freaking perfect? Omg. Sexy sweet respectful...sexy. Did I say sexy? And a virgin!
Profile Image for Cyndi.
115 reviews
June 1, 2017
It's a very sweet love story with a hot football player that is now my new book boyfriend! If you're looking for a steamy sweat romance this is it. I received this as an arc and don't recall reading one of her books before. But I totally enjoyed it. Once I started reading it i couldn't put it down.
370 reviews
June 1, 2017
This was my first book of Jessica Peterson's and after reading Lessons in losing it. It will not be the last. I loved this story from start to end. The love and chemistry between these two just pours from the book. It's such a lovely easy read and I think I'll go get the first book in the series NOW. Xx
Profile Image for Bin Blogs Books.
417 reviews22 followers
June 8, 2017
I received this book for an honest review.


I enjoyed this love story, set in Madrid, about two sports nerds who find each other in the midst of busy lives taking them in opposite directions. Studly, and nerdy, Fred is perfect book boyfriend material.
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