Learning to Run

The Education of the Heart #4

by M.A. Innes

“How do you know if you’re a hostage?”

Bates
His boys ask the most interesting questions, but Bates wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re fabulously curious and wonderfully unique, and they’re quickly becoming the center of his world even though they haven’t technically known each other very long. But there are definitely more important things than time when it comes to falling in love.

Gareth
It isn’t his fault that life is weird and he has a growing list of questions, but thankfully, he has the best boyfriends he could’ve ever dreamed up because his list just keeps getting longer and longer. But Gareth knows questions are good and the answers are always fun, especially when some end with tails and playtime.

Cashel
How Gareth’s questions led to his own switchy crisis, Cashel still can’t quite figure out, but it just seems to be what happens when he’s surrounded by crazy on all sides. And the insanity is contagious because Jude’s acting even stranger and now Brady is asking his own growing list of the weirdest questions ever.

When a nosy neighbor falls for two curious cuties, it will take some kinky exploration and a bit of hostage negotiations to bring this family together forever.



Author’s This is a continuation of the story for Gareth, Cashel, and Bates from Learning to Walk . This is not a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, M M M, Contemporary

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

M.A. Innes writes kinky and curious things like age play, puppy play, sweet guys in lingerie, cute boys in search of a Daddy and more.

When M.A. Innes wants to write a little more mainstream, she writes under the name: Shaw Montgomery

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Reviews

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning To Run

Gareth, Cashel, and Bates

I swear I don't think I'll ever tire of reading this author. Her characters are so much fun. They always make me smile and laugh out loud. My favorite scene was when they got together with Jude and Brady for a double date. Need more of these guys!

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to Run is the fourth book and the second book in the second duet in The Education of the Heart series by M.A. Innes. This is the story of Bates, Cashel and Gareth (if you read Save me Santa, the downstairs neighbor). I loved their story. I've wanted Cashel and Gareth's story since Save Me Santa and Bates was perfect for them. Their story was sweet and full of feels.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bates's boys ask the most interesting questions but he wouldn't have it any other way. They are curious, unique and the centre of his world. Gareth has a growing list of questions but has the best boyfriends who answer them which is always fun especially when some end with tails and playtime. Cashel feels that Gareth's questions have led to his own crisis as a switch but it is to be expected as he is surrounded by crazy people on all sides. Jude is acting strange and Brady is now asking a growing list of his own questions that are the weirdest ever. When a nosy neighbour falls for two curious cuties, it will take some kinky exploration and a bit of hostage negotiations to bring this family together forever.

I loved this story as the three men were able to get closer together and work out some of the practicalities of a future where they would live together. I loved that Cashel and Bates were the ones to handle all the practical aspects like cost, location and limitations like scholarship restrictions as Gareth was just their pup who was far too focused on tails and orgasms, It was nice to see that Brady was included as they had looked after him before Jude and so they were still able to care and play with him sometimes. Easy to read, feel and understand. his was an MMM story with mature content including a BSDM-like D/s and puppy play.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of Three

Ohhh ... All the feelings! Cash and Garrett and Bates are the best trio ever! I absolutely loved how they not only complimented each other and encouraged each other but how they truly put each other's needs first and worked as a team to see that the relationship progressed at a healthy pace. Well, maybe a little slow for Garrett but he eventually got everything he'd been looking forward to! Lol It was great seeing more of Brady and Jude, and getting a little peek into how they were doing together. I'm really hoping we see more of them in the future because I'm definitely not ready to say goodbye yet! M.A. Innes is one of my only guaranteed one-click authors and I feel like her characters are actually living, breathing people - they're that real! Love, love, love this series and it gets all the stars* Wonderful!

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was EPIC!!! Normally I write my review either right after or not long after I finish the book. But this one… oh man it was so good I wanted to just enjoy the euphoric book high for a while. For me the emotions make the story. The deeper I can get into it the better. That’s why I love how we get each mc’s point of view. I’m not being told how they feel. They each show it. Being that this is my favorite author I tend to go crazy over her work. This was way better than I expected and my expectations are high. Now I recommend all of their work, for this one though, it’s important to read Learning To Walk first. But once you start reading M. A. Innes you are going to want to read them all.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific continuation of the relationship between Bates, Gareth, and Cashel. I adore these men, and I like this book so much. We get to see Cashel become more confident, while Gareth is just completely comfortable with his new self-made family and determined to make sure all sides of the triangle are strong. Meanwhile, Bates is just over the moon happy with his boys. The three also spend quality time with Brady and Jude, which is really cute.
There are some really nice steamy scenes here, along with so much heart and laughter. I am definitely adding the book duo to my comfort story reread list!

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The second part of Bates, Cash, and Garett’s story was very sweet and adorable. I did find it odd how involved Jude and Brady were in their relationship. It felt like crossing several boundaries. I did like how the three slowly figured out what their relationship looked like and didn’t let others tell them how to live their lives. I really would have liked to have seen some sort of epilogue. Did they get an apartment together? What will their relationship look like in a few years when they are settled in their careers? Did they start family counseling? Just a lot of questions.

I received an ARC for my honest review

[Bailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that while I typically love MMM romances, this one was not my favorite. I love the way that the characters and relationship developed and that we got to see both Cash and Gareth come out of their shells throughout their story. However, something about this book and these characters just didn’t appeal to me as much as the characters in the first two books. That is not to say that I didn’t still enjoy this book and that there weren’t parts I loved because that absolutely happened but it took me longer to get through this book than I expected it to. With that being said I cannot wait to read the last two books in this series.

[Mrs B M White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, funny stories

I love the characters in these books, especially Gareth. He has a very unique way of looking at things and comes out with the funniest lines. The suggestion of using action figures (not for what you might think lol) had me giggling for ages. Maybe I have too vivid an imagination 😁
The three friends of Gareth, Cashel and Brady are wonderfully innocent and yet have their naughty sides. With Daddy Jude and Dom Bates their stories are ones I want to read over and over.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

3.5 Stars because I love, love *love* this author, as well as their work under Shaw Montgomery. The stories are all low-angst, easy reads. Bates was an adorable, giggly dom and Cash was so funny in his frustration. I love how easily they all worked as a triad.

BUT.. it felt like it was all dialogue and talking in circles. It didn't feel like there was really a story here and I found myself losing interest.

[Jonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a memorable book. I just read it a few days ago and nothing memorable comes to mind. I had to go back to read parts of it just to write the review. Jude's relationship to the three main characters seemed over-reaching. I thought this story in particular needed an epilogue on where all the roommates ended up living. Since I didn't buy the book, I didn't lose anything by reading it. I was just hoping it be better than book 3. It wasn't.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a stand-alone. This is the second part to Learning to Walk. I absolutely loved this story. These three are so fascinating and hilarious. I just loved seeing how their minds work and I really enjoyed getting to see Brady and Jude again. I devoured this story and I did not want to put it down. There was so much laughter and love that I will definitely be rereading this one a lot.

[Denise Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect second half to Learning To Walk.
Watching Bates relationship with Gareth and Cash grow.
Gareth being the excitable sub/ pup, wanting to try all new things . Cash slowly getting over his nervousness and becoming the perfect handler/Dom to Gareth. And enjoying being a sub to Bates.
And Bates just loving his quirky boys.
Brilliant, fun read. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning is the most important thing about experience in love.

The love triangle of the Drama Queen, the Playful Puppy, and the Dom becomes more perfect and secure as they plan for the future. A chance to experience Brady playing with the Puppy brings new connections with Jude and Brady's Mom.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuation of Bates, Gareth and Cashels story we gets to see their bond strength as the explore new dynamics between them and discover new tastes.
With the addition of previous characters, we get an engaging and entertaining read that is full of humour, kink and passion.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this follow up to Learning to Walk. I especially liked how the author integrated Jude and Brady into the relationship and built a family you know will last beyond their college years

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fantastic

This is the last book in Bates, Cashel, and Gareth's story, and it's so fun, funny, hot, and sweet. I can not recommend these books enough. I laughed so hard I woke up the cat.
I recommend this book, but you gotta read Save Me Santa and Learning to Walk first.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much less confusing than learning to walk . Enjoyable read
Thought we would see some of the other Littles living in the building

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story makes my heart so happy, I hope to find my strong triangle 🫶🏼😭

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too cute

This definitely has some of the most fun characters , both secondary and main. Definitely recommend reading the other books the author mentions at the end.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite trio from this author. I love how each of them see the other two, and how they each encourage their partners. I'm so glad she found just the right nosy Dom for these boys!

[Mello · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ It was a good ending for this story, but I hope to see more of them in future books ❤️

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way that these three men just fit together. I also like h ow Brady and Jude are becoming part of their family. I can’t image how crazy the next holiday meal will be at Brady’s mom.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation

I absolutely loving seeing Gareth, Cash and Bates' triangle strengthen. Brady's mom is the best and so loving accepting and a great lesson giver.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ pup play, little time with the neighbor, spanking, one Dom one switch one sub, dirty talk

Such a sweet triad, I could use another book of them!! Or another with Brady/Jude + the three.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read: September 18, 2023
Second read: February 7, 2025