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Bennet Family #1
Learning Curve
My subconscious wanted him even when logic said I shouldn't.
Rejected, abused, and abandoned, all I’ve ever wanted was to be accepted, loved even. I thought going to college on a scholarship would be my ticket out of hell, but nothing good ever comes without a price.
Desperation fuels me and a rash decision changes the course of my life. Everything I’ve ever wanted is within reach. Like a moth to a flame, my soul screams for him, but the horrors of my past hold me hostage.
Can I trust my mangled heart in his perfect life when my past repeats itself or will he destroy what is left of me?
*If you have triggers, please proceed with caution.*
Rejected, abused, and abandoned, all I’ve ever wanted was to be accepted, loved even. I thought going to college on a scholarship would be my ticket out of hell, but nothing good ever comes without a price.
Desperation fuels me and a rash decision changes the course of my life. Everything I’ve ever wanted is within reach. Like a moth to a flame, my soul screams for him, but the horrors of my past hold me hostage.
Can I trust my mangled heart in his perfect life when my past repeats itself or will he destroy what is left of me?
*If you have triggers, please proceed with caution.*
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2019
236 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Andi Jaxon
31 books2,330 followersFrom Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one is more surprised to find me here, than I am. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.
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What to know more about me? Follow me on social media or subscribe to my mailing list to receive the latest information on new releases, sales, and more!
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Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 14, 2019
I really loved this book. I felt so bad for Ben and loved him so much. Same with Ali, I think he was perfect for Ben. I really hope to see another book about Alex and Kristen!😉😁 My only observation was that the guys did not take much time for prep for a virgin and a man who hadn't bottomed in years.
September 9, 2021
(ar: 2.4)
"Rescue Me" by Andi Jaxon isn't necessarily a bad book. the well-informed message was clear throughout the entire novel. but this shit was exhausting.
I didn't like how Ben always had something shitty happen to him in every other chapter. like, can he get a break? and I didn't like how most aspects of the book felt very predictable. the smut scenes were fine, but there wasn't much to write home about.
honestly, I believe that Jaxon had very good intentions while writing and publishing this novel. but the end result felt empty for me, so I couldn't truly enjoy the characters and story. but hey, maybe that's just my experience with this book. hopefully I'm the only one that feels this way about it.
"Rescue Me" by Andi Jaxon isn't necessarily a bad book. the well-informed message was clear throughout the entire novel. but this shit was exhausting.
I didn't like how Ben always had something shitty happen to him in every other chapter. like, can he get a break? and I didn't like how most aspects of the book felt very predictable. the smut scenes were fine, but there wasn't much to write home about.
honestly, I believe that Jaxon had very good intentions while writing and publishing this novel. but the end result felt empty for me, so I couldn't truly enjoy the characters and story. but hey, maybe that's just my experience with this book. hopefully I'm the only one that feels this way about it.
April 22, 2019
Absolutely amazing! One of the best books of my reading year thus far. This book has all the feels and some of those emotions were killing me. This was my first book by this author and I am excited to read more.
Being a blogger, I see many author's names. I read many blurbs, and add many books to my TBR. This was partially what happened with this book. Except, the blurb hit me hard! There was something about it that said, "Hey, you can't just add this book to be lost among the hundreds on your TBR. You are going to read it now!" And that is exactly what I did. Unfortunately it was late at night when I started and couldn't keep my eyes open. But you can bet as soon as my morning coffee was in hand, I grabbed my Kindle and read on. And Oh. My God! Could this book be any more intense, emotional and tragic. I knew after the first few pages I was going on the best of literary rides. That said, what an impression to have from a new to me author. Oh, I have to read more of her books.
Alister and Sam.....
Both of these men are complex, well developed characters. I had no questions regarding their lives by the end of the book. Learning Curve was tied up nicely in a perfect happily-ever-after. One that was beyond deserved. Especially for Ben. Secondary characters added more depth and a bit of humor (from Ali's brother Alex) which was added to lighten the mood here and there. Trust me, I needed that. Alister is a math professor and is in his late thirties. He is successful, gorgeous, loyal, loves his family and will do anything to protect those he loves. Ali isn't looking for love because right now in his life, he feels content. So when 23 year Ben Wallace shows up at his office on the first day of classes, he is absolutely blindsided. For some reason, all of Ali's protective instants are on full alert. There is something intensely sad and tragic behind Ben's eyes. I don't want to spoil any of the development of these two amazing characters so I won't say much more.
I will tell you to be ready for an an incredible read. Have a box a tissues ready. And be prepared, because your own protective instincts will come out. If there was a way to jump through the pages and keep Ben forever safe, I would have happily done it.
This book is a must read. To all of my friends that know me, I would not recommend a book if I didn't believe it to be amazing. So happy to have found another great author and can't wait to read more from her!
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Being a blogger, I see many author's names. I read many blurbs, and add many books to my TBR. This was partially what happened with this book. Except, the blurb hit me hard! There was something about it that said, "Hey, you can't just add this book to be lost among the hundreds on your TBR. You are going to read it now!" And that is exactly what I did. Unfortunately it was late at night when I started and couldn't keep my eyes open. But you can bet as soon as my morning coffee was in hand, I grabbed my Kindle and read on. And Oh. My God! Could this book be any more intense, emotional and tragic. I knew after the first few pages I was going on the best of literary rides. That said, what an impression to have from a new to me author. Oh, I have to read more of her books.
Alister and Sam.....
Both of these men are complex, well developed characters. I had no questions regarding their lives by the end of the book. Learning Curve was tied up nicely in a perfect happily-ever-after. One that was beyond deserved. Especially for Ben. Secondary characters added more depth and a bit of humor (from Ali's brother Alex) which was added to lighten the mood here and there. Trust me, I needed that. Alister is a math professor and is in his late thirties. He is successful, gorgeous, loyal, loves his family and will do anything to protect those he loves. Ali isn't looking for love because right now in his life, he feels content. So when 23 year Ben Wallace shows up at his office on the first day of classes, he is absolutely blindsided. For some reason, all of Ali's protective instants are on full alert. There is something intensely sad and tragic behind Ben's eyes. I don't want to spoil any of the development of these two amazing characters so I won't say much more.
I will tell you to be ready for an an incredible read. Have a box a tissues ready. And be prepared, because your own protective instincts will come out. If there was a way to jump through the pages and keep Ben forever safe, I would have happily done it.
This book is a must read. To all of my friends that know me, I would not recommend a book if I didn't believe it to be amazing. So happy to have found another great author and can't wait to read more from her!
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
October 5, 2020
I usually write a review right after I finish a book. I read this last week and don't even rememember all the details now! :(
I deleted it from my Kindle so that means I didn't want to re-read it when I finished it.
I do remember liking certain hurt/comfort aspects in this, but that I couldn't quite get over how unrealistic some situations were.
Like, if you are going to have one of the guys hurt so that the other one can come to the rescue, I need to at least have a believable villain. Not Ben encountering some guys from past out on the streets, without any introduction, then have them beat him up only for his former stepfather kidnapping him from the hospital to torture him.
I wasn't sold on this entire thing. I could understand Ben coming across some old nemesis on the streets, but here it felt way too fabricated.
The same with the stepfather. Ben has just been severely beaten, yet he gets discharged from the hospital, while he couldn't even walk on his own, and having his evil stepfather supporting him, even though Ben was telling people he didn't want to go with him. I had a hard time believing that would ever happen like that. If a patient is too out of it to make sense, you don't just stand by while someone drags the patient out of the hospital....
So while I don't remember a lot about the romance or the rest of the story, I kept thinking that the writing wasn't the best and that it pulled me out of the story several times.
I deleted it from my Kindle so that means I didn't want to re-read it when I finished it.
I do remember liking certain hurt/comfort aspects in this, but that I couldn't quite get over how unrealistic some situations were.
Like, if you are going to have one of the guys hurt so that the other one can come to the rescue, I need to at least have a believable villain. Not Ben encountering some guys from past out on the streets, without any introduction, then have them beat him up only for his former stepfather kidnapping him from the hospital to torture him.
I wasn't sold on this entire thing. I could understand Ben coming across some old nemesis on the streets, but here it felt way too fabricated.
The same with the stepfather. Ben has just been severely beaten, yet he gets discharged from the hospital, while he couldn't even walk on his own, and having his evil stepfather supporting him, even though Ben was telling people he didn't want to go with him. I had a hard time believing that would ever happen like that. If a patient is too out of it to make sense, you don't just stand by while someone drags the patient out of the hospital....
So while I don't remember a lot about the romance or the rest of the story, I kept thinking that the writing wasn't the best and that it pulled me out of the story several times.
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April 16, 2019*Update* Learning Curve is live! Smarturl.it/LearningCurve
Bloggers, Readers, Bookstagrammers!
The sign up for Learning Curve is here! I would appreciate any and all help to spread the word about my upcoming release. Learning Curve is an MM student/teacher romance. Not into MM? That’s okay! Maybe you know someone who is. Feel free to share!
Bloggers, Readers, Bookstagrammers!
The sign up for Learning Curve is here! I would appreciate any and all help to spread the word about my upcoming release. Learning Curve is an MM student/teacher romance. Not into MM? That’s okay! Maybe you know someone who is. Feel free to share!
November 24, 2021
Wow. The first part was pretty meh but the second part😮. I loved it. Skipped a bit of the violent parts because I literally couldn't stomach it but I loved Ben for making it out alright.
The synopsis did not give any indication of this being a teacher-student forbidden relationship but that didn't seem to be the main theme, although I'd liked to have known it beforehand.
The synopsis did not give any indication of this being a teacher-student forbidden relationship but that didn't seem to be the main theme, although I'd liked to have known it beforehand.
![Profile Image for Megan [Semi-Hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 20, 2021
MM Romance
Student/Teacher, Hurt/Comfort
2.5 stars
I have a love hate relationship with this author. I seem to like her short stories that are in anthologies like her most recent one in the Scouts Anthology was great but this is the second full book of hers I’ve liked in the beginning and then lost interest.
Alister is a math professor at a Christian college and Ben is one of his new students. Ben has had a rough life and is just trying to graduate but he’s bad at math and needs help. The second these two meet, they are drawn to one another. Alister has never had this type of reaction to anyone before and their relationship progresses really naturally. It’s unlike any teacher/student I’ve ever read because Ben being Ali’s student isn’t an issue. The issue is Ben and everything in his way making him feel worthless and unwanted.
I liked this at first. I liked their chemistry and how naturally they came together but then I became rather annoyed because so much bad shit happens to Ben. It was almost unreal how much pain and agony he goes through in this book. And while its mentioned he is going to therapy near the end, I felt like he never got to a good place where I believed he’d be okay and be an equal partner with Alister. And then the epilogue PFFFTTTTT really???? Way too soon with so much shit happening. Unreal and random. I’m disappointed.
Student/Teacher, Hurt/Comfort
2.5 stars
I have a love hate relationship with this author. I seem to like her short stories that are in anthologies like her most recent one in the Scouts Anthology was great but this is the second full book of hers I’ve liked in the beginning and then lost interest.
Alister is a math professor at a Christian college and Ben is one of his new students. Ben has had a rough life and is just trying to graduate but he’s bad at math and needs help. The second these two meet, they are drawn to one another. Alister has never had this type of reaction to anyone before and their relationship progresses really naturally. It’s unlike any teacher/student I’ve ever read because Ben being Ali’s student isn’t an issue. The issue is Ben and everything in his way making him feel worthless and unwanted.
I liked this at first. I liked their chemistry and how naturally they came together but then I became rather annoyed because so much bad shit happens to Ben. It was almost unreal how much pain and agony he goes through in this book. And while its mentioned he is going to therapy near the end, I felt like he never got to a good place where I believed he’d be okay and be an equal partner with Alister. And then the epilogue PFFFTTTTT really???? Way too soon with so much shit happening. Unreal and random. I’m disappointed.
Want to read
September 27, 2020Formerly titled Learning Curve
April 12, 2019
POV ~> Alternating first-person
Calculus professor, Alister, was drawn to student, Ben, from day one when Ben came to his office in a panic about failing even before the semester started. Ali sensed how broken and afraid Ben was and was determined to be the one to keep him safe and make him feel loved.
Ben was a victim of childhood neglect and abuse by the hands of his foster father and lives, even now as a 23-year-old college student, looking over his shoulder, hoping not to be found be the sadistic bastard that continued to torture him and get away with it. If not for his best friend, Kirsten, he was not sure he’d have ever live to see 18.
The story is told well and the relationship grows naturally. I did take some issue with the sex scenes and their lack of prep, precautions, and care. I also was told (by a friend a while back) that shampoo does NOT make a good lubricant. LOL
There’s an element of suspense in here that made my heart hurt for Ben and Alister. Secondary cast mostly consisted of Alister mom, dad, and twin brother (cop, Alex) and Ben’s BFF, Kristen. Minor cast members were present as well, all lending a supportive role to the plot.
Conflicts were resolved in time-appropriate and realistic manners. Predictability was on par for the blurb given. The conclusion is solid and satisfying.
Overall, I did like the story and the characters thus would recommend it to others.
.
Rating: [R+] ~ Score: 4.325 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from @Give Me Books and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
Calculus professor, Alister, was drawn to student, Ben, from day one when Ben came to his office in a panic about failing even before the semester started. Ali sensed how broken and afraid Ben was and was determined to be the one to keep him safe and make him feel loved.
Ben was a victim of childhood neglect and abuse by the hands of his foster father and lives, even now as a 23-year-old college student, looking over his shoulder, hoping not to be found be the sadistic bastard that continued to torture him and get away with it. If not for his best friend, Kirsten, he was not sure he’d have ever live to see 18.
The story is told well and the relationship grows naturally. I did take some issue with the sex scenes and their lack of prep, precautions, and care. I also was told (by a friend a while back) that shampoo does NOT make a good lubricant. LOL
There’s an element of suspense in here that made my heart hurt for Ben and Alister. Secondary cast mostly consisted of Alister mom, dad, and twin brother (cop, Alex) and Ben’s BFF, Kristen. Minor cast members were present as well, all lending a supportive role to the plot.
Conflicts were resolved in time-appropriate and realistic manners. Predictability was on par for the blurb given. The conclusion is solid and satisfying.
Overall, I did like the story and the characters thus would recommend it to others.
.
Rating: [R+] ~ Score: 4.325 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from @Give Me Books and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
April 17, 2019
Learning Curve by Andi Jaxon is the story of Benjamin 'Ben' Wallace and Alister 'Ali' Bennet.
Alister is a Calculus professor who never been drawn to a student the way he is to Ben. Alister feels that very caring toward Ben. Ben grew up in a foster home where he was abused at the hands of the 'father' and never knew if he would live to be free of him. Although he still looks over his shoulder he is now 23 and a college student. But you never get over your past but there is something about the Professor Alister that makes him wish for more.
This was a taboo student / teacher romance along with being two males as the main character. Overall a good read.
Alister is a Calculus professor who never been drawn to a student the way he is to Ben. Alister feels that very caring toward Ben. Ben grew up in a foster home where he was abused at the hands of the 'father' and never knew if he would live to be free of him. Although he still looks over his shoulder he is now 23 and a college student. But you never get over your past but there is something about the Professor Alister that makes him wish for more.
This was a taboo student / teacher romance along with being two males as the main character. Overall a good read.
April 29, 2019
A forbidden M/M romance that made my heart burst for love, for the main characters, Ben & Alister.
And my god some of the scenes made my kindle sizzle. They were scorching hot! They were expertly placed, so that they didn’t overcrowd the actual storyline.
Whilst this was a student/teacher story, I really enjoyed the fact that Ben’s past and his lack of life skills in handling compassion and care shown to him was in the foreground of the story. It was a refreshing change than the normal ‘will they get caught/ we shouldn’t be doing this?’ element overshadowing everything.
First book that I’ve read by this author and I will certainly be checking more books out.
And my god some of the scenes made my kindle sizzle. They were scorching hot! They were expertly placed, so that they didn’t overcrowd the actual storyline.
Whilst this was a student/teacher story, I really enjoyed the fact that Ben’s past and his lack of life skills in handling compassion and care shown to him was in the foreground of the story. It was a refreshing change than the normal ‘will they get caught/ we shouldn’t be doing this?’ element overshadowing everything.
First book that I’ve read by this author and I will certainly be checking more books out.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 22, 2019DNF 9%
I could not handle the writing style.
Comma splices and run-on sentences abound in this book. Commas are used as if the author was paid per comma.
There’s also the simplistic style and instant “I have got to have him or I’ll die” mentality that was pushed to the limit.
Damn—I was so looking forward to this story.
I could not handle the writing style.
Comma splices and run-on sentences abound in this book. Commas are used as if the author was paid per comma.
There’s also the simplistic style and instant “I have got to have him or I’ll die” mentality that was pushed to the limit.
Damn—I was so looking forward to this story.
April 4, 2019
I loved the premise of this book; we’ve got Alister Bennet, college professor, from a loving family and exactly where he wants to be in life and then we have Ben Wallace; running from an abusive foster father, a student struggling to make his grades, alone, and living in a run down part of town with barely enough money to stay warm and eat most days. What could these two possibly have in common? But the spark of lust and attraction they have when they meet for the first time is undeniable. We see them embark on journey together with Alister finding out how bad Ben’s situation really is as he’s tries to protect and care for him while navigating this deep attraction between them. This is no easy ride for them and there’s trouble along the way. These two men are really likeable, I could see why Ben was anxious and frustrated—who wouldn’t be, coming from that background and living in near poverty—and I adored Alister and how selfless and caring he was while trying to gain Ben’s trust. Worth noting are Ben’s parents; they were just so accepting and downright amazing and Ben’s best friend, Kristen and Alister’s twin brother, Alex, both really great, fun characters and who I was hoping would eventually get together? It missed the mark slightly in some parts, purely from an editing perspective, but on the whole a nice, enjoyable read.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
April 17, 2019
Ben and Alister were totally amazing. I totally loved them. Even when things were hard it was amazing to see how sweet Alister was and his dedication to Ben. Ben’s past broke my heart. I hated to see him struggle but it was also amazing to see him overcome things. It was an emotional read from start to finish but was totally amazing
I do feel like the major drama of the story was abrupt. There was no real closure to it. The secondary characters were amazing and I would love to see Alex get a book with a very special best friend. Fingers crossed for that. If you love MM romance novels with some emotional challenges, then this will be perfect for you. 4 stars #2OCCJD
I do feel like the major drama of the story was abrupt. There was no real closure to it. The secondary characters were amazing and I would love to see Alex get a book with a very special best friend. Fingers crossed for that. If you love MM romance novels with some emotional challenges, then this will be perfect for you. 4 stars #2OCCJD
April 9, 2019
HOLY FUCKN COW!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 3, 2019
Alister is a math professor. He becomes intrigued by one of his students, even though he knows it will probably lead to disaster.
Ben just want to finish his last term and get his degree. No money, living in a hovel, and starving, he knows he won’t be able to pass the calculus class and asks the professor for help. What he actually receives will change the course of his life.
I liked Ben. Against crushing odds, he was determined to graduate and make something of himself. The abuse in his past still following him. His determination was admirable. Alister on the other hand was hard to like. Took me almost half the book to warm up to him.
Some on page abuse. Teacher/student relationship though both were adults. Kristen was the kind of friend everyone wished they had. Alister’s twin brother was a pain in the butt. Nice story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Ben just want to finish his last term and get his degree. No money, living in a hovel, and starving, he knows he won’t be able to pass the calculus class and asks the professor for help. What he actually receives will change the course of his life.
I liked Ben. Against crushing odds, he was determined to graduate and make something of himself. The abuse in his past still following him. His determination was admirable. Alister on the other hand was hard to like. Took me almost half the book to warm up to him.
Some on page abuse. Teacher/student relationship though both were adults. Kristen was the kind of friend everyone wished they had. Alister’s twin brother was a pain in the butt. Nice story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
April 29, 2019
Alister & Ben they are both such wonderful men that have each come from such different lives.
Alister is a professor that has grown up in a loving supportive family. Ben has survived the foster system and the abuse of a "father figure". They have now crossed paths and find themselves in a mutual attraction. They now each have a task. Alister must be patient, supportive and show Ben the way to a real relationship. Ben will have to learn to trust, feel safe and learn the ways of a real loving realtionship. This was such a journey for each of them. Great story !!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Alister is a professor that has grown up in a loving supportive family. Ben has survived the foster system and the abuse of a "father figure". They have now crossed paths and find themselves in a mutual attraction. They now each have a task. Alister must be patient, supportive and show Ben the way to a real relationship. Ben will have to learn to trust, feel safe and learn the ways of a real loving realtionship. This was such a journey for each of them. Great story !!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
October 27, 2019
I was unsure how I would feel about this book to be quite honest. I had never read anything like this before, but I quickly fell in love with the characters. Andi Jaxon has a special skill to be able to piece together such tragic pasts and turn them into romances.
June 30, 2020
I was choked up throughout the entire story. I need a follow book or novella. I loved the relationship between these two. Sigh.
April 16, 2019
This book has me divided. On one hand, it's a lovely story about overcoming a horrific past and finding love, acceptance, and family. On the other hand, it's too... easy I guess is the closest word I can find. This is the story of Ben, 23 year old college senior in his last semester, and Alister, 36 year old calculus professor. Ben grew up in foster care until he aged out, and the last several years lived with an abusive man who would beat, starve, and freeze him. His only support was his best friend Kristen. Now in college, Ben is determined to make it on his own but is stuck living in a dilapidated apartment building with not even enough money to eat. Alister is captivated by Ben but doesn't want to get involved with a student, although of course that happens or we wouldn't have a book. His life was the exact opposite of Ben - twin brother, supportive parents, financially stable, out and proud with no ramifications. Even though they are on a college campus in the Pacific Northwest, Ben is still bullied relentlessly by unnamed thugs who stalk him and beat him. And for some reason his old foster father is still searching for him to lock him up and torture him some more (he would have aged out of the system 5 years previously and no explanation is given so I really don't know why).
The ending is what seems too easy to me. I'll try not to spoil so I can't be as specific as I'd like, or that would make sense I suppose, but Alister's solution to a potentially big conflict that would enrich the story was all handled "off camera" and we just got his narrative to Ben about how it was all handled. But when did he do all this? There is literally no mention of the career crisis at the college, no job interviews, nothing. Just "this came up at work but I handled it by telling them this and oh by the way I've been hired at another college although two weeks ago I wasn't even looking." More details, and having all of these things worked into the book, would have made it so much better. Showing the conflict resolution is easier to read instead of 'bad thing bad thing bad thing happy ending'. Also how does Ben recover from that experience so quickly, emotionally? It happened right before finals week, so how has he progressed so much by graduation even with seeing a therapist?
But like I said before, the overall story is a lovely story of two people finding love and the one who needs it finding acceptance and healing.
The ending is what seems too easy to me. I'll try not to spoil so I can't be as specific as I'd like, or that would make sense I suppose, but Alister's solution to a potentially big conflict that would enrich the story was all handled "off camera" and we just got his narrative to Ben about how it was all handled. But when did he do all this? There is literally no mention of the career crisis at the college, no job interviews, nothing. Just "this came up at work but I handled it by telling them this and oh by the way I've been hired at another college although two weeks ago I wasn't even looking." More details, and having all of these things worked into the book, would have made it so much better. Showing the conflict resolution is easier to read instead of 'bad thing bad thing bad thing happy ending'. Also how does Ben recover from that experience so quickly, emotionally? It happened right before finals week, so how has he progressed so much by graduation even with seeing a therapist?
But like I said before, the overall story is a lovely story of two people finding love and the one who needs it finding acceptance and healing.
October 9, 2019
I loved this book. Ben broke my heart, but I loved how Alister was with him. I definitely can't wait for Alex and Kristen's book!
August 18, 2020
I enjoyed Learning Curve by Andi Jaxon. It's a student/teacher trope. Where complete opposites attract....
A hot established, college math professor, Alister Bennett and a broke, down his luck student, Ben Wallace. Within their first meeting Alister is overly taken by Ben. He sees the despair in Ben's eyes and wants to do whatever he can to help him. Although, there is a mutual attraction, Ben is a bit more apprehensive and skiddish. He escaped an abusive home and is now living on his own, just barely surviving. He's not used to people caring about him. Right from the start, Alister was too sure too soon.... I would have like more build up between the two. More of a burn and anticipation. Things progressed with them rather quickly. I did admire Alister's compassion and patience with Ben. It was a push/ pull relationship... Ben was understandably untrusting and very insecure with Alister. I did like both guys very much. Poor Ben I just wanted to hug him! There were a few characters I liked and a couple I did not.
Alister and Ben's road was littered with obstacles, but in the end was worth it.
A hot established, college math professor, Alister Bennett and a broke, down his luck student, Ben Wallace. Within their first meeting Alister is overly taken by Ben. He sees the despair in Ben's eyes and wants to do whatever he can to help him. Although, there is a mutual attraction, Ben is a bit more apprehensive and skiddish. He escaped an abusive home and is now living on his own, just barely surviving. He's not used to people caring about him. Right from the start, Alister was too sure too soon.... I would have like more build up between the two. More of a burn and anticipation. Things progressed with them rather quickly. I did admire Alister's compassion and patience with Ben. It was a push/ pull relationship... Ben was understandably untrusting and very insecure with Alister. I did like both guys very much. Poor Ben I just wanted to hug him! There were a few characters I liked and a couple I did not.
Alister and Ben's road was littered with obstacles, but in the end was worth it.
April 27, 2019
This for me was a case where the blurb for the book was better than the actual book itself. The blurb was descriptive and darkly romantic, while I though the book was actually quite basic and contained nothing new.
30-something gorgeous and successful math professor (with an equally gorgeous policeman identical twin - wow!) falls for quiet, shy and emotionally injured early 20-something scholarship student (whose best friend is a beautiful rich girl who acted as his beard all through high school to fool his abusive foster father - wow!)... and despite their age, emotional and pecuniary differences grow to realize they can't live without each other - wow!
Been there, done that. It was entertaining enough that I finished it, but I can't see myself reaching for it to read it a second time.
30-something gorgeous and successful math professor (with an equally gorgeous policeman identical twin - wow!) falls for quiet, shy and emotionally injured early 20-something scholarship student (whose best friend is a beautiful rich girl who acted as his beard all through high school to fool his abusive foster father - wow!)... and despite their age, emotional and pecuniary differences grow to realize they can't live without each other - wow!
Been there, done that. It was entertaining enough that I finished it, but I can't see myself reaching for it to read it a second time.
July 11, 2019
Nicely done
This was an emotional story. Allocated a math professor meets a student and is immediately drawn to and is intrigued by him. Ben was a Ward of state and experienced severe abuse and neglect. He is struggling to make through his final year of college. His only support is his BFF. The story was nicely developed from each MC point of view. It was nicely paced not rushed or hurried. I would have liked to see more at the and for example what happened to the villian. Things ended on a good note.
This was an emotional story. Allocated a math professor meets a student and is immediately drawn to and is intrigued by him. Ben was a Ward of state and experienced severe abuse and neglect. He is struggling to make through his final year of college. His only support is his BFF. The story was nicely developed from each MC point of view. It was nicely paced not rushed or hurried. I would have liked to see more at the and for example what happened to the villian. Things ended on a good note.
April 20, 2019
omg Alister and Ben are so sweet together!!!
I love how Alister was protective of Ben from the start... and that he didn't let Ben run from him... Ben deserved to be loved and happy for once in his life!
loved loved loved it
I love how Alister was protective of Ben from the start... and that he didn't let Ben run from him... Ben deserved to be loved and happy for once in his life!
loved loved loved it
June 30, 2022
I love them so much it hurts and I have read it for a while now and I'm still thinking about them. I wanna cry just thinking about what Ben had to go through 😭🤧This book needs more fame.
November 21, 2021
I fell hard for these guys! Book 1 of 2 in duet. 🌈🏳️🌈
November 1, 2023
Not one to remember....
May 25, 2019
Book: Learning Curve
Author: Andi Jaxon
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Who knew that a book about a teacher who falls in love with his student could make you feel so many strong emotions. It is a trope that a lot of people would associate with being a bit sleazy or taboo and so they avoid it. That can also be said for gay male relationships or age gap romances. This book contains all three genres and I can honestly say that despite having reservations before I started it is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. I started reading with low expectations and it managed to blow my mind and had me addicted right from the start.
Alistair appears to have the perfect life. He has a mum and dad that love and support him unconditionally. He has a twin brother who is also his best friend and they share a unique bond, a fantastic amount of banter and a lot of love. His family have weekly dinners so that they can return back to the home the twins grew up in and catch up, so that they can all remain close. He also has his dream job teaching maths at the local Christian college. His students love him and he is well known on campus for being the hottest teacher as well as being a bit of an enigma as nobody has ever seen him in a relationship. This is the only area in Alistair’s life where he knows that he is missing out as he really wants to find love but it is not easy given that he is gay. Alistair doesn’t have an issue with his sexuality and he has been out to his family for years but the college that he works for would not approve of his sexual orientation. But they would hate it even more when Alistair becomes deeply attracted to someone for the first time and it just so happens to be one of his students.
Ben has had a horrible existence so far. He was placed in foster care as a child and his foster father severely abused him for years before Ben finally ran away into hiding. He is 23, living in a run-down flat in a dangerous neighbourhood. Ben is determined to graduate and make it on his own, but to graduate he needs to pass one more class that he is currently failing. He needs to ask his gorgeous maths teacher to tutor him but every time he tries to ask him Ben gets distracted by how attracted to Alistair he is. Feeling worthless and undeserving of love has always made Ben shy and withdrawn until his feelings for Alistair come out and he makes his feeling clear. This leads Alistair to take the leap and kiss Ben, which is the start of one hell of a relationship.
The relationship that Ben and Alistair share is so beautiful to witness for lots of reasons and it is something new for both of them. Alistair has never had a serious relationship but he has been with men before and he has fantastic role models to base his relationships on. Whereas Ben has never been with a man, after he was shamed growing up for his feelings. So Alistair has to tread carefully to ensure that Ben is well cared for and does not freak out. Watching Ben heal and grow in confidence when he is surrounded by love was breathtakingly beautiful to see. But watching him have everything torn from him and seeing him being forced to relive his trauma was truly heart-breaking. Never have I been more pleased that a character has found someone in the way that Ben found Alistair. He cares for him, treats him with respect and shows him that his feelings are normal, which all helps him grow as a person. Every time Alistair tells Ben to take what he wants, it made me smile because Alistair had to give up a little control for Ben to be able to grow but because of his love he did not hesitate to do it for him. You cannot help but love this couple and the chemistry between them is off the charts. The sex scenes are steamy but they are also beautiful at times as they are used to show how love helps Ben to heal.
I loved the secondary characters that we are introduced to in this book. Sexy, dirty, bad boy cop Alex ticks so many boxes for me and I sincerely hope that he gets his own book. But if he does I am sure it will feature Ben’s feisty best friend Kristen. Their banter ad chemistry just as additional characters was extremely hot, so I can’t wait to see what would happen if they do get their own book.
Overall, I loved this book. I went into the book with low expectations and I am ashamed to say that because this book definitely does not deserve that. It is beautiful, heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. There is a great level of banter and sarcasm between the characters to keep things light in between dealing with the very heavy subject matter. For some people abuse, gay relationships and discrimination may be triggers, so please bear that in mind before you start reading. But I loved this book so much and I am happy to shout it from the rooftops and recommend it to everyone!
Author: Andi Jaxon
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Who knew that a book about a teacher who falls in love with his student could make you feel so many strong emotions. It is a trope that a lot of people would associate with being a bit sleazy or taboo and so they avoid it. That can also be said for gay male relationships or age gap romances. This book contains all three genres and I can honestly say that despite having reservations before I started it is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. I started reading with low expectations and it managed to blow my mind and had me addicted right from the start.
Alistair appears to have the perfect life. He has a mum and dad that love and support him unconditionally. He has a twin brother who is also his best friend and they share a unique bond, a fantastic amount of banter and a lot of love. His family have weekly dinners so that they can return back to the home the twins grew up in and catch up, so that they can all remain close. He also has his dream job teaching maths at the local Christian college. His students love him and he is well known on campus for being the hottest teacher as well as being a bit of an enigma as nobody has ever seen him in a relationship. This is the only area in Alistair’s life where he knows that he is missing out as he really wants to find love but it is not easy given that he is gay. Alistair doesn’t have an issue with his sexuality and he has been out to his family for years but the college that he works for would not approve of his sexual orientation. But they would hate it even more when Alistair becomes deeply attracted to someone for the first time and it just so happens to be one of his students.
Ben has had a horrible existence so far. He was placed in foster care as a child and his foster father severely abused him for years before Ben finally ran away into hiding. He is 23, living in a run-down flat in a dangerous neighbourhood. Ben is determined to graduate and make it on his own, but to graduate he needs to pass one more class that he is currently failing. He needs to ask his gorgeous maths teacher to tutor him but every time he tries to ask him Ben gets distracted by how attracted to Alistair he is. Feeling worthless and undeserving of love has always made Ben shy and withdrawn until his feelings for Alistair come out and he makes his feeling clear. This leads Alistair to take the leap and kiss Ben, which is the start of one hell of a relationship.
The relationship that Ben and Alistair share is so beautiful to witness for lots of reasons and it is something new for both of them. Alistair has never had a serious relationship but he has been with men before and he has fantastic role models to base his relationships on. Whereas Ben has never been with a man, after he was shamed growing up for his feelings. So Alistair has to tread carefully to ensure that Ben is well cared for and does not freak out. Watching Ben heal and grow in confidence when he is surrounded by love was breathtakingly beautiful to see. But watching him have everything torn from him and seeing him being forced to relive his trauma was truly heart-breaking. Never have I been more pleased that a character has found someone in the way that Ben found Alistair. He cares for him, treats him with respect and shows him that his feelings are normal, which all helps him grow as a person. Every time Alistair tells Ben to take what he wants, it made me smile because Alistair had to give up a little control for Ben to be able to grow but because of his love he did not hesitate to do it for him. You cannot help but love this couple and the chemistry between them is off the charts. The sex scenes are steamy but they are also beautiful at times as they are used to show how love helps Ben to heal.
I loved the secondary characters that we are introduced to in this book. Sexy, dirty, bad boy cop Alex ticks so many boxes for me and I sincerely hope that he gets his own book. But if he does I am sure it will feature Ben’s feisty best friend Kristen. Their banter ad chemistry just as additional characters was extremely hot, so I can’t wait to see what would happen if they do get their own book.
Overall, I loved this book. I went into the book with low expectations and I am ashamed to say that because this book definitely does not deserve that. It is beautiful, heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. There is a great level of banter and sarcasm between the characters to keep things light in between dealing with the very heavy subject matter. For some people abuse, gay relationships and discrimination may be triggers, so please bear that in mind before you start reading. But I loved this book so much and I am happy to shout it from the rooftops and recommend it to everyone!
April 5, 2019
Have you ever been touched by a story so deeply, the feelings it draws out of you linger for weeks, months or even years after finishing it? Learning Curve was that kind of book for me. Alister and Ben’s story was its own sort of learning curve for me. I’ve never read a m/m romance before. Ever. I think I downloaded a sample of one before, but never had the nerve to read it. I’m not against same sex love, so please do not misunderstand me. But it seemed weird to read about the laundry between two guys. Don’t ask me why. I have zero explanation for it. However, what I CAN explain? How I will never ever judge another book by the genders of those falling in love.
Story Line: Alister is a hot as sin professor. Ben is a 23 year old senior getting ready to graduate. One of the final classes he has to take is none other than Professor Alister Bennet’s Calculus class. This is a forbidden romance – a student/teacher gay romance. Double wammy taboo love. When I read the synopsis of this one, I knew my m/m cherry was about to pop. I had to know more. More about sweet, mildly alpha Alister. More about his incredible and supportive family. And definitely more about Ben and his troubled past. Okay, troubled may not be the best word. Tortured? Awful? Come here baby, let me hold you past? They all seem appropriate, but just not enough. When near perfection meets his soul’s counterpart, no amount of dirty past, struggling present or questionable future could keep them apart. Alister is the man we all crave in our lives. And honestly, Ben IS us. We all have some sort of hurt inside us that needs soothed. And their path to HEA? It’s jagged, but so beautiful.
Interaction: To say these two communicate in different ways is the understatement of the century. Ben is quiet, reserved and determined. Alister is calm, relaxed and focused. Two totally different personalities but they work. So seamlessly. Their interactions are flawless. The ying to his yang and vise versa. They calm each other’s storms and made me truly feel their passion and yearning for one another page after page. At one point, I stepped back from their story and scolded myself for never opening my eyes to romance other than hetero. Each love story has something beautifully powerful in it. Alister and Ben’s love is the best of them all.
Laundry: Here’s where I swore I would bulk. I swore I would not be able to read the laundry. However, I am proud to say I devoured these pages just as quickly as the rest. Picturing certain positions took a hot second, but my lack of experience with reading m/m did not take away from the sinfully naughty parts. If you’re like me and have never read m/m, I encourage you to start here. LC has laundry in it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not so overly “smutty” that you will be uncomfortable. I assure you, you’ll be just as hot and bothered as you would be with a m/f story.
Depth: LC is many things, but lacking in depth is not one of them. Yes, this is a student/teacher romance. But the back story to Ben is what really brings this book to the next level. Ben, Kristen, Alister, Alex, Dan… all of these characters bring so much dimension to the story line. Each has their own issues and involvement in the progression of Learning Curve. I won’t give anything away, but just know, you will love almost everyone you read about and once you finish? You’ll be begging Andi for book 2.
Learning Curve released on April 18th. Go add it to your TBR now!
Story Line: Alister is a hot as sin professor. Ben is a 23 year old senior getting ready to graduate. One of the final classes he has to take is none other than Professor Alister Bennet’s Calculus class. This is a forbidden romance – a student/teacher gay romance. Double wammy taboo love. When I read the synopsis of this one, I knew my m/m cherry was about to pop. I had to know more. More about sweet, mildly alpha Alister. More about his incredible and supportive family. And definitely more about Ben and his troubled past. Okay, troubled may not be the best word. Tortured? Awful? Come here baby, let me hold you past? They all seem appropriate, but just not enough. When near perfection meets his soul’s counterpart, no amount of dirty past, struggling present or questionable future could keep them apart. Alister is the man we all crave in our lives. And honestly, Ben IS us. We all have some sort of hurt inside us that needs soothed. And their path to HEA? It’s jagged, but so beautiful.
Interaction: To say these two communicate in different ways is the understatement of the century. Ben is quiet, reserved and determined. Alister is calm, relaxed and focused. Two totally different personalities but they work. So seamlessly. Their interactions are flawless. The ying to his yang and vise versa. They calm each other’s storms and made me truly feel their passion and yearning for one another page after page. At one point, I stepped back from their story and scolded myself for never opening my eyes to romance other than hetero. Each love story has something beautifully powerful in it. Alister and Ben’s love is the best of them all.
Laundry: Here’s where I swore I would bulk. I swore I would not be able to read the laundry. However, I am proud to say I devoured these pages just as quickly as the rest. Picturing certain positions took a hot second, but my lack of experience with reading m/m did not take away from the sinfully naughty parts. If you’re like me and have never read m/m, I encourage you to start here. LC has laundry in it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not so overly “smutty” that you will be uncomfortable. I assure you, you’ll be just as hot and bothered as you would be with a m/f story.
Depth: LC is many things, but lacking in depth is not one of them. Yes, this is a student/teacher romance. But the back story to Ben is what really brings this book to the next level. Ben, Kristen, Alister, Alex, Dan… all of these characters bring so much dimension to the story line. Each has their own issues and involvement in the progression of Learning Curve. I won’t give anything away, but just know, you will love almost everyone you read about and once you finish? You’ll be begging Andi for book 2.
Learning Curve released on April 18th. Go add it to your TBR now!
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