What do you think?
Rate this book
Lessons of the Heart
The first time we met, James Dumont knocked me off my feet.
He's sexy and smart, the classic good guy.... Exactly what I want, and everything I've ever dreamed of. The most perfect guy at Somerset High School.
He even makes sixth-period Geography interesting.
Everyone says high school is tough. Fighting my attraction to James? That's the hardest part, because this guy, my perfect match, the one who makes my heart overrule my head...
He's my teacher.
What if the greatest lesson you could learn in school couldn't be found in a book?
He's sexy and smart, the classic good guy.... Exactly what I want, and everything I've ever dreamed of. The most perfect guy at Somerset High School.
He even makes sixth-period Geography interesting.
Everyone says high school is tough. Fighting my attraction to James? That's the hardest part, because this guy, my perfect match, the one who makes my heart overrule my head...
He's my teacher.
What if the greatest lesson you could learn in school couldn't be found in a book?
353 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2016
112 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Jodie Larson
18 books303 followersReading is a passion of mine. My love for the written word was rekindled a few years ago, and it's been a blessing to discover everything that is out there. I love a good romantic book, one filled with swoon-worthy heroes and the women who drive them crazy. There aren't too many genres I won't read (sorry horror and scary stories, you still give me nightmares). As long as it drags me into the world to live alongside the characters, I want it!
I've been married since December 2000 to my best friend. Yes we were young, yes people thought I was crazy, but when you know, you know. We had one of those insta-love relationships where we fell hard and never looked back. We have 4 beautiful daughters who drive us a little batty but we still love them!
Ever since I was little, I dabbled in writing, starting with Fanfic of Sweet Valley High (Yes, Jessica and Elizabeth needed some new adventures). In Seventh Grade my teacher submitted a poem I wrote to a national contest and was published in an anthology. I was afraid to turn it in because I never thought I had a chance and yet, it was picked. Writing stories had always been an escape of mine, something to lose myself into or rewrite a bad experience I had to give it a better outcome. There's a little bit of me put into my books so I'm always emotionally attached to them.
I've been married since December 2000 to my best friend. Yes we were young, yes people thought I was crazy, but when you know, you know. We had one of those insta-love relationships where we fell hard and never looked back. We have 4 beautiful daughters who drive us a little batty but we still love them!
Ever since I was little, I dabbled in writing, starting with Fanfic of Sweet Valley High (Yes, Jessica and Elizabeth needed some new adventures). In Seventh Grade my teacher submitted a poem I wrote to a national contest and was published in an anthology. I was afraid to turn it in because I never thought I had a chance and yet, it was picked. Writing stories had always been an escape of mine, something to lose myself into or rewrite a bad experience I had to give it a better outcome. There's a little bit of me put into my books so I'm always emotionally attached to them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 28, 2017
If you're the type of person that likes simple sweet soft romance books, were they lose themselves in the depths of each others eyes and can romanticise a cabbage - then this book is for you.
But for me - it was like bathing in a vat of goats cheese while smearing myself with Stilton and nibbling a block of Gorgonzola.
It was fine for a while - I liked the tension, the restraint, the passion - and then it started to give me toothache, that soon developed into me needing root canal treatment because all my teeth were rotten from an over abundance of sweetness.
Now I like a love story, and I can tolerate a certain level of chessiness, but this was just too much for me. It was all too nice, too neat, too perfect. They make love and gaze at each other while declaring their undying love and .... vomit.
But then it did start to improve with the injection of some drama and more intense sex. The last 20% put this back up to a 3 star.
But for me - it was like bathing in a vat of goats cheese while smearing myself with Stilton and nibbling a block of Gorgonzola.
It was fine for a while - I liked the tension, the restraint, the passion - and then it started to give me toothache, that soon developed into me needing root canal treatment because all my teeth were rotten from an over abundance of sweetness.
Now I like a love story, and I can tolerate a certain level of chessiness, but this was just too much for me. It was all too nice, too neat, too perfect. They make love and gaze at each other while declaring their undying love and .... vomit.
But then it did start to improve with the injection of some drama and more intense sex. The last 20% put this back up to a 3 star.
March 16, 2016
Lessons of The Heart by Jodie Larson ~ 4.5 “Promise” STARS
“The first time we met, James Dumont knocked me off my feet.
He's sexy and smart, the classic good guy.... Exactly what I want, and everything I've ever dreamed of. The most perfect guy at Somerset High School.
He even makes sixth-period Geography interesting.
Everyone says high school is tough. Fighting my attraction to James? That's the hardest part, because this guy, my perfect match, the one who makes my heart overrule my head...
He's my teacher.
What if the greatest lesson you could learn in school couldn't be found in a book?”
WHOA! I love this forbidden romance book. James is a young new teacher. He is sexy, smart, a little possessive, but a perfectly good guy. When James ran into a student Britta in the hallway, her beautiful eyes immediately captured his heart - It was love at first sight. James thought she was a fellow teacher. Britta is a senior, smart, sweet, a home-coming queen. Like James, Britta was quick to fall for her sexy new teacher. Their attraction was instant but no one wants to make the first move. Britta is almost done with high school; James has a reputation to keep. They both tried to fight the attraction and temptation toward each other. Can they keep each other at arm length until Britta graduates? Or will their forbidden teacher-student relationship ruin both of their future plans?
I usually avoid reading teacher/student forbidden romance (especially young male student and female teacher – it’s not my favorite. But this story is unique. Even though Britta is still in high school she is 18 years old and seems beyond her years. James is a very young teacher, only 4 years older than Britta. He is also a graduate student. Somehow, I was able to ignore that little technical detail of teacher/student taboo … so this book doesn’t seem so forbidden LOL …
I really like the plot, the push and pull, the angst of a budding relationship. The characters are well developed, likable except for a couple douche bags. The author gave equal attention to all the characters Britta, James, Liam and Penny which works well for me because I love Liam and Penny just as much as the main characters. Liam seems hot, easy going, protective brother. His heart is completely taken by Penny – I hope Liam will have his own story. I enjoyed the banters between all the characters especially Liam - he is quite funny.
“So Pen, how’s it going”
“IT’s going well, Liam. How’s it hanging in your world?”
“Long and strong, baby. Long and strong.”
I can tell Jodie Larson has a great sense of humor. The dialogues written are quirky, comical and flow well with the narrative of the book. The chemistry between the main two characters was blissful and passionate. Their love is intense, forbidden with secret rendezvous and stolen kisses… YUM!!! Let’s not forget the love-making scene – SUPER HOT!!!! At time though, the story has a feel of a college student/teacher relationship probably because of the partying and drinking but who are we kidding – I don’t know of any seniors that haven’t sneak in a party here and there. There was also a little drama, blackmail, and suspense at the end which add excitement to the storyline.
This book is written in Britta’s point of view so there wasn’t much mention of James’ family, where he came from, or what they think about his relationship. The epilogue was beautiful and I am very much content with the HEA for Britta and James. The author however, left Liam and Penny’s relationship open for interpretation so I do hope Liam and Penny has their own story, perhaps a novella
Over all, Lessons of the Heart is a such light-hearted, sweet love story with a message - when you love someone you fight for that person despite all obstacles. This is the first book I read of Jodie Larson and I will not be my last.
“I love you with all my heart. You are my life, my beloved, my promise that I will keep”
“The first time we met, James Dumont knocked me off my feet.
He's sexy and smart, the classic good guy.... Exactly what I want, and everything I've ever dreamed of. The most perfect guy at Somerset High School.
He even makes sixth-period Geography interesting.
Everyone says high school is tough. Fighting my attraction to James? That's the hardest part, because this guy, my perfect match, the one who makes my heart overrule my head...
He's my teacher.
What if the greatest lesson you could learn in school couldn't be found in a book?”
WHOA! I love this forbidden romance book. James is a young new teacher. He is sexy, smart, a little possessive, but a perfectly good guy. When James ran into a student Britta in the hallway, her beautiful eyes immediately captured his heart - It was love at first sight. James thought she was a fellow teacher. Britta is a senior, smart, sweet, a home-coming queen. Like James, Britta was quick to fall for her sexy new teacher. Their attraction was instant but no one wants to make the first move. Britta is almost done with high school; James has a reputation to keep. They both tried to fight the attraction and temptation toward each other. Can they keep each other at arm length until Britta graduates? Or will their forbidden teacher-student relationship ruin both of their future plans?
I usually avoid reading teacher/student forbidden romance (especially young male student and female teacher – it’s not my favorite. But this story is unique. Even though Britta is still in high school she is 18 years old and seems beyond her years. James is a very young teacher, only 4 years older than Britta. He is also a graduate student. Somehow, I was able to ignore that little technical detail of teacher/student taboo … so this book doesn’t seem so forbidden LOL …
I really like the plot, the push and pull, the angst of a budding relationship. The characters are well developed, likable except for a couple douche bags. The author gave equal attention to all the characters Britta, James, Liam and Penny which works well for me because I love Liam and Penny just as much as the main characters. Liam seems hot, easy going, protective brother. His heart is completely taken by Penny – I hope Liam will have his own story. I enjoyed the banters between all the characters especially Liam - he is quite funny.
“So Pen, how’s it going”
“IT’s going well, Liam. How’s it hanging in your world?”
“Long and strong, baby. Long and strong.”
I can tell Jodie Larson has a great sense of humor. The dialogues written are quirky, comical and flow well with the narrative of the book. The chemistry between the main two characters was blissful and passionate. Their love is intense, forbidden with secret rendezvous and stolen kisses… YUM!!! Let’s not forget the love-making scene – SUPER HOT!!!! At time though, the story has a feel of a college student/teacher relationship probably because of the partying and drinking but who are we kidding – I don’t know of any seniors that haven’t sneak in a party here and there. There was also a little drama, blackmail, and suspense at the end which add excitement to the storyline.
This book is written in Britta’s point of view so there wasn’t much mention of James’ family, where he came from, or what they think about his relationship. The epilogue was beautiful and I am very much content with the HEA for Britta and James. The author however, left Liam and Penny’s relationship open for interpretation so I do hope Liam and Penny has their own story, perhaps a novella
Over all, Lessons of the Heart is a such light-hearted, sweet love story with a message - when you love someone you fight for that person despite all obstacles. This is the first book I read of Jodie Larson and I will not be my last.
“I love you with all my heart. You are my life, my beloved, my promise that I will keep”
February 8, 2022
5 Promise Stars
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I LOVE Mr. Dumont.
I will write a review after I finish fangirling over how freaking good this beauty of a book was!!!!!!!!!!!!
*fangirling hard*
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I LOVE Mr. Dumont.
I will write a review after I finish fangirling over how freaking good this beauty of a book was!!!!!!!!!!!!
*fangirling hard*
March 15, 2016
3.5- 4 stars
I liked it a lot. I would have preferred if the Chase thing didn't have to happen towards the end. I felt the book was going exceptionally well. Then Britta playing martyr messed it up a bit. I hate when the MC's do that.
I loved how devoted they were to each other right from the first meeting which was the first chapter. There wasn't even any talk of OW/OM which was a miracle now in books, everyone always has a manwhore or slutty past. It was refreshing to just read about a budding forbidden relationship.
We didn't get too much background on James, nothing in depth anyway. Would have liked something maybe with his friends or his family. Anything really. He just seemed alone. I liked Penny and Liam too. They brought character to the book a little side romance, 2 for 1. Wish there was and update about them in the epilogue.
Perfect length to the book. Good story line, kept me interested. Finished in one night. It didn't feel rushed and I felt like I got a full book that was worth the read.
I liked it a lot. I would have preferred if the Chase thing didn't have to happen towards the end. I felt the book was going exceptionally well. Then Britta playing martyr messed it up a bit. I hate when the MC's do that.
I loved how devoted they were to each other right from the first meeting which was the first chapter. There wasn't even any talk of OW/OM which was a miracle now in books, everyone always has a manwhore or slutty past. It was refreshing to just read about a budding forbidden relationship.
We didn't get too much background on James, nothing in depth anyway. Would have liked something maybe with his friends or his family. Anything really. He just seemed alone. I liked Penny and Liam too. They brought character to the book a little side romance, 2 for 1. Wish there was and update about them in the epilogue.
Perfect length to the book. Good story line, kept me interested. Finished in one night. It didn't feel rushed and I felt like I got a full book that was worth the read.
March 19, 2016
I'm a huge fan of student/teacher books! So when I saw that Jodie Larson's new book was just that, I HAD TO read it! I absolutely loved it!
Britta is a great heroine. You just can't help but love her. Seeing her relationship with her brother, Liam, made me think of my older brother! I loved how much they love each other.
And James! Eeekk. I want to go back to high school! Only if my social studies teacher was Mr. Dumont! Great book!
Britta is a great heroine. You just can't help but love her. Seeing her relationship with her brother, Liam, made me think of my older brother! I loved how much they love each other.
And James! Eeekk. I want to go back to high school! Only if my social studies teacher was Mr. Dumont! Great book!
March 13, 2016
Lessons of the Heart is a standalone novel by Author Jodie Larson. It is a taboo, student-teacher romance.
"...he's my addiction, my craving, and I constantly need my next fix of him to function."
Britta is in her last year of high school, ready to move on with her life, and take advantage of the next step in her young adult journey. But, before then, she must finish her senior year. She is a bright young woman, so the task of finishing strong seems like a piece of cake, until she bumps into him. James has just found an open door for shaping the minds of young people. Meeting Britta, he believes it is his lucky day. He has no idea what fate has thrown his way or the turns it will take him on in his new path.
"It was innocent and I'm blowing this completely out of proportion."
Lessons of the Heart was an enjoyable student-teacher romance. I liked that there was a good degree of backstory introduced and not just an immediate student-teacher insta-love. The characters were sweet and you could tell that their love was true. There were times when the story seemed a bit unnatural in context and flow, but it didn't stop me from reading in its entirety. I am happy to have had the opportunity to read.
"...he's my addiction, my craving, and I constantly need my next fix of him to function."
Britta is in her last year of high school, ready to move on with her life, and take advantage of the next step in her young adult journey. But, before then, she must finish her senior year. She is a bright young woman, so the task of finishing strong seems like a piece of cake, until she bumps into him. James has just found an open door for shaping the minds of young people. Meeting Britta, he believes it is his lucky day. He has no idea what fate has thrown his way or the turns it will take him on in his new path.
"It was innocent and I'm blowing this completely out of proportion."
Lessons of the Heart was an enjoyable student-teacher romance. I liked that there was a good degree of backstory introduced and not just an immediate student-teacher insta-love. The characters were sweet and you could tell that their love was true. There were times when the story seemed a bit unnatural in context and flow, but it didn't stop me from reading in its entirety. I am happy to have had the opportunity to read.
July 19, 2016
This was an amazing book! I love student/teacher romances! This is one of the great ones that I will come to and re-read. The characters were awesome and well-developed. Brittany was a sweet, smart, pre-med bound eightteen year old, who would rather study than party. James is definitely boyfriend material, he is sweet, adorable, and just HOT! The secondary character were amazing as well.
The ending was perfect. Glad they got their HEA! Loved Liam, Britta's older brother, he was hilarious and I loved how he protected his little sister. Definitely my favourite secondary character, although, Penny was a close second. I hated Chase. He was manipulative and totally stupid. I mean if the girl you like doesn't like you, take a hint. Overall, a fantastic read.
The ending was perfect. Glad they got their HEA! Loved Liam, Britta's older brother, he was hilarious and I loved how he protected his little sister. Definitely my favourite secondary character, although, Penny was a close second. I hated Chase. He was manipulative and totally stupid. I mean if the girl you like doesn't like you, take a hint. Overall, a fantastic read.
May 27, 2016
For more reviews click HERE
When I read the blurb for this book on NetGalley I was so excited to read it. I love forbidden romances and one of my favorite books has a student/teacher relationship that I loved. Not only that but I also used to love Pretty Little Liars and I was a big Ezria shipper. I loved Ezria with all my heart.
I had so many problems with this book that I don’t even know where to start. I’m not even kidding about all the problems I had with this book. While reading this I had a notebook next to me (something that doesn’t happen that often) and from everything I wrote I’m pretty sure that only one was a good thing. Because I have a few things to rant about this review will have a lot spoilers. Also, I’m sorry if this review is a little bit all over the place. I just have a lot of thoughts about that and I don’t know how I’ll be able to express my feelings in a coherent way.
[Spoiler Alert gif]
Britta is supposed to be a mature 18 year-old. She’s intelligent, popular, her life is on track and she’s very responsible. James is a 22 year-old teacher who is also supposed to be very responsible. I didn’t connect with them at all. Britta was really immature (even if was supposed to be extremely mature) and spent a lot of time crying and James was kind of weird. What kind of guy follows his 18-year-old student to another city and gets a hotel room right in front of her room?? For me that is stalking and a little bit creepy. I just didn’t like them and everything that did or said ended up making me like them even less.
But to be honest there was only a character in this book that I actually liked and it was Britta’s older brother Liam. To be truthful, Liam was the only thing I did like in this book.
With them being mature and responsible like this you would think they would try to control themselves when they realized they were attracted to each other, right?? Well, nope. That’s completely wrong. These two had no self-control at all. If they saw each other and they thought they were alone they would be making out no matter out. I can’t even count how many times they kissed in the school grounds. With everything they did I’m actually pretty surprised that they weren’t caught earlier because they weren’t careful with where they would kiss. Wouldn’t it be easier if they actually spent time on his house where no one could see them?? Just like it happened in PLL? Also, they were both the jealous type and they couldn’t even try to not show how jealous they were.
Also, can we talk how Britta got really mad when James when he called her “teenage girl”. I’m sorry sweetheart but you are a teenage girl so there’s no reason to be mad at him.
Also their relationship was pretty unrealistic. First of all it was instalove. I don’t like instalove and I said it before. Secondly, their lines were so cheesy. The whole book was cheesy. Almost from the beginning they would say how that was forever, how they were meant to be, that they loved each other and that they were soulmates. But wait, they didn’t say any of these things once. No, they said almost every single time they were together and it became pretty repetitive after a few chapters. Even the epilogue was pretty cheesy and even included they moving in together and getting engaged after a really lame speech. And just so you know for me to say something is cheesy it really has to be because I love everything that is romance and I couldn’t deal with the romance and all the romantic lines in this book.
Another thing I really hated was the double standards in this book. Right in the beginning it is known that a teacher was fired (the one James is going to replace) and there are rumours that he was sleeping with a student (which it wasn’t true). When that happened Britta and her closest friends were really judgmental about it and even slut-shamed the student they thought was sleeping with the teacher. However when they found out that Britta and dating (and having sex) with a teacher they were all really happy about it and wanted to know everything about it. How can they be okay with that when in the beginning of the year they were saying how wrong it was?
Then we have the main conflict in this book. First of all let me talk about Chase, Britta’s so-called friend. So Chase was Britta’s childhood friend however when they start growing up he started to hit on her even if she said a lot of times she wasn’t interested and she wanted to be only friends. However he didn’t accept a no as an answer and he did try to get her drunk and even touch her in different times. What does she do?? She forgives him… WTH??? I’m sorry but if someone did the same to me I would never forgive him. I would cut him off from my life the first time he tried to do something like that. Britta ends up stop talking to him but then she puts herself in a position where he’s able to blackmail her. That’s what happens when you’re not careful and kiss your boyfriend/teacher in the school parking lot. It’s never a good idea. But you know, Britta being the smart girl she is gets a plan so she can’t get away from Chase’s blackmail (and a really twisted plan).
This book could have 2 stars pretty easily but then they had to do something that was one of the stupidest and terrible things I have ever read about and that made me lower this book rating to 1 star. I just couldn’t understand why they would do it. Okay, Chase was blackmailing her and she needed a way out of it but tricking him and a teacher to had sex with each other it’s not okay. What she and her friends did was beyond wrong and I’m pretty sure she could have think about something else to get revenge from Chase without include a teacher having sex with a student without knowing (basically both Chase and the teacher were tricked into thinking they were having sex in a dark closet with another person because both of them were seduced by different people and not the ones that were in the closet). Can you see how wrong and twisted that is?
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment. There were a lot of things that happened and I wasn’t okay with most of them. I talked about most of the things that were problematic to me but there were more situations that I could rant about. I wouldn’t recommend it but to be honest this book has amazing reviews on Goodreads so you could like it even if I didn’t.
When I read the blurb for this book on NetGalley I was so excited to read it. I love forbidden romances and one of my favorite books has a student/teacher relationship that I loved. Not only that but I also used to love Pretty Little Liars and I was a big Ezria shipper. I loved Ezria with all my heart.
I had so many problems with this book that I don’t even know where to start. I’m not even kidding about all the problems I had with this book. While reading this I had a notebook next to me (something that doesn’t happen that often) and from everything I wrote I’m pretty sure that only one was a good thing. Because I have a few things to rant about this review will have a lot spoilers. Also, I’m sorry if this review is a little bit all over the place. I just have a lot of thoughts about that and I don’t know how I’ll be able to express my feelings in a coherent way.
[Spoiler Alert gif]
Britta is supposed to be a mature 18 year-old. She’s intelligent, popular, her life is on track and she’s very responsible. James is a 22 year-old teacher who is also supposed to be very responsible. I didn’t connect with them at all. Britta was really immature (even if was supposed to be extremely mature) and spent a lot of time crying and James was kind of weird. What kind of guy follows his 18-year-old student to another city and gets a hotel room right in front of her room?? For me that is stalking and a little bit creepy. I just didn’t like them and everything that did or said ended up making me like them even less.
But to be honest there was only a character in this book that I actually liked and it was Britta’s older brother Liam. To be truthful, Liam was the only thing I did like in this book.
With them being mature and responsible like this you would think they would try to control themselves when they realized they were attracted to each other, right?? Well, nope. That’s completely wrong. These two had no self-control at all. If they saw each other and they thought they were alone they would be making out no matter out. I can’t even count how many times they kissed in the school grounds. With everything they did I’m actually pretty surprised that they weren’t caught earlier because they weren’t careful with where they would kiss. Wouldn’t it be easier if they actually spent time on his house where no one could see them?? Just like it happened in PLL? Also, they were both the jealous type and they couldn’t even try to not show how jealous they were.
Also, can we talk how Britta got really mad when James when he called her “teenage girl”. I’m sorry sweetheart but you are a teenage girl so there’s no reason to be mad at him.
Also their relationship was pretty unrealistic. First of all it was instalove. I don’t like instalove and I said it before. Secondly, their lines were so cheesy. The whole book was cheesy. Almost from the beginning they would say how that was forever, how they were meant to be, that they loved each other and that they were soulmates. But wait, they didn’t say any of these things once. No, they said almost every single time they were together and it became pretty repetitive after a few chapters. Even the epilogue was pretty cheesy and even included they moving in together and getting engaged after a really lame speech. And just so you know for me to say something is cheesy it really has to be because I love everything that is romance and I couldn’t deal with the romance and all the romantic lines in this book.
Another thing I really hated was the double standards in this book. Right in the beginning it is known that a teacher was fired (the one James is going to replace) and there are rumours that he was sleeping with a student (which it wasn’t true). When that happened Britta and her closest friends were really judgmental about it and even slut-shamed the student they thought was sleeping with the teacher. However when they found out that Britta and dating (and having sex) with a teacher they were all really happy about it and wanted to know everything about it. How can they be okay with that when in the beginning of the year they were saying how wrong it was?
Then we have the main conflict in this book. First of all let me talk about Chase, Britta’s so-called friend. So Chase was Britta’s childhood friend however when they start growing up he started to hit on her even if she said a lot of times she wasn’t interested and she wanted to be only friends. However he didn’t accept a no as an answer and he did try to get her drunk and even touch her in different times. What does she do?? She forgives him… WTH??? I’m sorry but if someone did the same to me I would never forgive him. I would cut him off from my life the first time he tried to do something like that. Britta ends up stop talking to him but then she puts herself in a position where he’s able to blackmail her. That’s what happens when you’re not careful and kiss your boyfriend/teacher in the school parking lot. It’s never a good idea. But you know, Britta being the smart girl she is gets a plan so she can’t get away from Chase’s blackmail (and a really twisted plan).
This book could have 2 stars pretty easily but then they had to do something that was one of the stupidest and terrible things I have ever read about and that made me lower this book rating to 1 star. I just couldn’t understand why they would do it. Okay, Chase was blackmailing her and she needed a way out of it but tricking him and a teacher to had sex with each other it’s not okay. What she and her friends did was beyond wrong and I’m pretty sure she could have think about something else to get revenge from Chase without include a teacher having sex with a student without knowing (basically both Chase and the teacher were tricked into thinking they were having sex in a dark closet with another person because both of them were seduced by different people and not the ones that were in the closet). Can you see how wrong and twisted that is?
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment. There were a lot of things that happened and I wasn’t okay with most of them. I talked about most of the things that were problematic to me but there were more situations that I could rant about. I wouldn’t recommend it but to be honest this book has amazing reviews on Goodreads so you could like it even if I didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
Loved it!
Lesson of the Heart is a simply sweet book about love.
yes it lacked drama and only had one 'drama's plot. But it worked for me.
I found its different from other ST books because the characters are very Mature and the books not focused on sex, but actual love.
I hope there's a book about Penny!
Lesson of the Heart is a simply sweet book about love.
yes it lacked drama and only had one 'drama's plot. But it worked for me.
I found its different from other ST books because the characters are very Mature and the books not focused on sex, but actual love.
I hope there's a book about Penny!
March 27, 2016
**ARC provided by Author, in exchange for an honest review**
Lessons of the heart is a sweet sexy forbidden romance, that sucked me in right from the beginning. Yes Mr. Dumont and Britta’s story was very sweet and it could give some readers a toothache, but not me. This story totally worked for me, I enjoyed all the stares, the sexy heat, the confessions of undying love…everything. I enjoyed every bit of the book.
Mr. Dumont was so hot, so sexy and so sweet. He is the kind man that any woman would dream of meeting one day, a real prince charming. Who wouldn’t want that? Let’s not forget, he is a teacher, someone a student shouldn’t even touch. But when Mr Dumont and Britta ran into each other for the first time, the spark between them was electric. The first time they saw each other in class, would have been a sight to see..as i could feel their heart breaking for the person that could have been for them, that they can’t have. Everytime Mr Dumont and Britta were together was pure joy for me, they were full of love and never treated each other any less.
Can I just say that I also fell in love with Britta’s brother Liam, who is a brother anyone would be lucky to have. Liam was such a great brother and he was always there for Britta and he would do anything for her. Liam was the savior of this story and I hope that Author Jodie Larson will also write Liam and Penny’s story. Those two are the best.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Lessons of the heart is a sweet sexy forbidden romance, that sucked me in right from the beginning. Yes Mr. Dumont and Britta’s story was very sweet and it could give some readers a toothache, but not me. This story totally worked for me, I enjoyed all the stares, the sexy heat, the confessions of undying love…everything. I enjoyed every bit of the book.
Mr. Dumont was so hot, so sexy and so sweet. He is the kind man that any woman would dream of meeting one day, a real prince charming. Who wouldn’t want that? Let’s not forget, he is a teacher, someone a student shouldn’t even touch. But when Mr Dumont and Britta ran into each other for the first time, the spark between them was electric. The first time they saw each other in class, would have been a sight to see..as i could feel their heart breaking for the person that could have been for them, that they can’t have. Everytime Mr Dumont and Britta were together was pure joy for me, they were full of love and never treated each other any less.
Can I just say that I also fell in love with Britta’s brother Liam, who is a brother anyone would be lucky to have. Liam was such a great brother and he was always there for Britta and he would do anything for her. Liam was the savior of this story and I hope that Author Jodie Larson will also write Liam and Penny’s story. Those two are the best.
:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
May 8, 2016
3.5 - 4 Very Promising Stars
This is my first book by Jodie Larson and I quite enjoyed it. The whole forbidden student/teacher romance drew me in right away. I am the biggest fan of this genre but haven't read anything quite like this where the storyline takes place in high school.
I was drawn to Britta right away because she reminds me a lot of my young high school self, solely focused on her grades, reading, and just trying her best to get into all the best colleges. And then their is James. He is wondeful, sexy, intelligent, sweet, and the most genuine guy. I can't blame Britta for falling for him the way she does.
I love the way Britta and James met and at first they are unaware that one is a teacher and the other a student. It makes it harder to find their love something to frown upon. Their is a strong undeniable attraction between them from the start and they both try to ignore it until they just can't anymore. Their relationship goes way beyond just some sexual tension, which makes for a more natural realistic storyline. Larson even adds in a few great side characters, like Liam and Penny, Britta's brother and best friend who have more going on between them then we get to see. Along the way their are obstacles and people that they have to overcome and sacrifices that they both must make.
While I quite enjoyed this book, some of the speech used was quite redundant. The characters seemed to use the same phrases over and over again. And a lot of what they said to other was somewhat cheesy at times and made me roll my eyes. Overall though I really enjoyed Britta and James' story. I really hope we get a book about Liam and Penny next!
This is my first book by Jodie Larson and I quite enjoyed it. The whole forbidden student/teacher romance drew me in right away. I am the biggest fan of this genre but haven't read anything quite like this where the storyline takes place in high school.
I was drawn to Britta right away because she reminds me a lot of my young high school self, solely focused on her grades, reading, and just trying her best to get into all the best colleges. And then their is James. He is wondeful, sexy, intelligent, sweet, and the most genuine guy. I can't blame Britta for falling for him the way she does.
I love the way Britta and James met and at first they are unaware that one is a teacher and the other a student. It makes it harder to find their love something to frown upon. Their is a strong undeniable attraction between them from the start and they both try to ignore it until they just can't anymore. Their relationship goes way beyond just some sexual tension, which makes for a more natural realistic storyline. Larson even adds in a few great side characters, like Liam and Penny, Britta's brother and best friend who have more going on between them then we get to see. Along the way their are obstacles and people that they have to overcome and sacrifices that they both must make.
While I quite enjoyed this book, some of the speech used was quite redundant. The characters seemed to use the same phrases over and over again. And a lot of what they said to other was somewhat cheesy at times and made me roll my eyes. Overall though I really enjoyed Britta and James' story. I really hope we get a book about Liam and Penny next!
March 18, 2016
The story takes place in Connecticut, it is about an 18 year old high school senior named, Britta Fosse. She is very smart and devoted to her studies in high school. She is a teacher’s aide as well. Britta’s best friend is Penny and they have been best friends most all of their lives. They share everything. Britta has a brother named Liam who is always flirting with Penny because he likes her. Liam is older than Britta and has graduated high school but still lives at home while he attends college.
Britta was working as a teacher’s aide when she ran into the most handsome man she had ever seen. She literally ran in to him and was knocked down to the floor. James Dumont was the handsome man she ran into and he helped her from the floor to her feet. Britta had no idea that James Dumont was going to be her new Geography teacher and he had no idea that she was a student and not a teacher. Things got interesting when they found out who each of them actually were on Monday. It was hard for Britta to sit in his class and not just swoon over him. Mr. Dumont had a hard time with other boys showing her attention as well.
Liam helps Britta a lot, he is a caring brother and is always there for her. I loved the cat and mouse game that Liam and Penny always had going on in the story it made it fun to read.
The story is a teacher/student relationship story which was fun to read and make you wonder if and when they would get caught. I truly loved reading this story it was a nice love story. I encourage you to read this…
Britta was working as a teacher’s aide when she ran into the most handsome man she had ever seen. She literally ran in to him and was knocked down to the floor. James Dumont was the handsome man she ran into and he helped her from the floor to her feet. Britta had no idea that James Dumont was going to be her new Geography teacher and he had no idea that she was a student and not a teacher. Things got interesting when they found out who each of them actually were on Monday. It was hard for Britta to sit in his class and not just swoon over him. Mr. Dumont had a hard time with other boys showing her attention as well.
Liam helps Britta a lot, he is a caring brother and is always there for her. I loved the cat and mouse game that Liam and Penny always had going on in the story it made it fun to read.
The story is a teacher/student relationship story which was fun to read and make you wonder if and when they would get caught. I truly loved reading this story it was a nice love story. I encourage you to read this…
March 14, 2016
This was such a great student/teacher romance. You’re gripped from the start.
Britta is the top of her class, smart, beautiful, and has a good head on her shoulders until James knocks her on the butt in more ways than one.
After both assuming the other is in the same category as them (student/teacher), they seem to have made a strong connection in only a few chance meetings but are shocked when Britta turns up for class and James is the new teacher.
Their bond is one that cannot be broken; watching them grow as a couple was beautiful. Their story is full of ups and downs, twists and turns but what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!!
I also fell in love with Penny (Britta’s best friend) and Liam (Britta’s brother). Every step of the way they supported Britta. Their bond as a group of friends was equally as captivating as James and Britta’s.
I would love to read more about Penny and James… hint hint!!
If you like a good S/T romance, this book is for you. Its an easy read, lessons can be learnt and you’ll just wish you had a James when you went to school!!
**ARC provided for an honest review**
Britta is the top of her class, smart, beautiful, and has a good head on her shoulders until James knocks her on the butt in more ways than one.
After both assuming the other is in the same category as them (student/teacher), they seem to have made a strong connection in only a few chance meetings but are shocked when Britta turns up for class and James is the new teacher.
Their bond is one that cannot be broken; watching them grow as a couple was beautiful. Their story is full of ups and downs, twists and turns but what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger!!
I also fell in love with Penny (Britta’s best friend) and Liam (Britta’s brother). Every step of the way they supported Britta. Their bond as a group of friends was equally as captivating as James and Britta’s.
I would love to read more about Penny and James… hint hint!!
If you like a good S/T romance, this book is for you. Its an easy read, lessons can be learnt and you’ll just wish you had a James when you went to school!!
**ARC provided for an honest review**
March 13, 2016
4.5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!!!
I just love forbidden romances! They're a guilty pleasure of mine. Lately, though, I haven't had much luck with feeding my guilty pleasure. The storylines just seemed to be played out. Not the case with Lessons of the Heart. The storyline was a fresh take on the whole student/teacher romance right down to the drama of it all. I loved all the characters. Well, all except Chase. I wanted to throat punch him right from the start. There was something about his character that just irked me to no end and I was not wrong in my suspicions of his character.
I so wish I had an older brother like Liam and a best friend like Penny. I'd love to get more of their story.
James and Britta were my faves. Their attraction to each kept me swiping pages to see how their story played out. So much so, that I stayed up until 4:30 am to finish their story. (I had to be up at 6 am but it was so worth the 1.5 hrs sleep I got).
This was my first read by Jodie Larson but will not be my last. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I just love forbidden romances! They're a guilty pleasure of mine. Lately, though, I haven't had much luck with feeding my guilty pleasure. The storylines just seemed to be played out. Not the case with Lessons of the Heart. The storyline was a fresh take on the whole student/teacher romance right down to the drama of it all. I loved all the characters. Well, all except Chase. I wanted to throat punch him right from the start. There was something about his character that just irked me to no end and I was not wrong in my suspicions of his character.
I so wish I had an older brother like Liam and a best friend like Penny. I'd love to get more of their story.
James and Britta were my faves. Their attraction to each kept me swiping pages to see how their story played out. So much so, that I stayed up until 4:30 am to finish their story. (I had to be up at 6 am but it was so worth the 1.5 hrs sleep I got).
This was my first read by Jodie Larson but will not be my last. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
March 15, 2016
3.5/5
James is the new teacher, Britta is the popular straight A student. There is an instant attraction between them and when they find out that a relationship won't work between them things become a little strained. I was really amazed by how light the read was. Even though it was on a topic that is very taboo because this is high school not college, the author was able to put a light spin on it. The entire time I was reading I was for some reason rooting for them. James is so sweet and such a good person, and Britta isn't one of those girls who goes out with every guy in school because she's popular or get attention.
I definitely enjoyed reading this story and once I started I had to keep going because I had to find out how it would end. If your'e looking for a student-teacher read, but also want to keep it on the lighter side, then check this one out. I never felt like I would burst out in tears because of their situation, I was confident all would be well.
James is the new teacher, Britta is the popular straight A student. There is an instant attraction between them and when they find out that a relationship won't work between them things become a little strained. I was really amazed by how light the read was. Even though it was on a topic that is very taboo because this is high school not college, the author was able to put a light spin on it. The entire time I was reading I was for some reason rooting for them. James is so sweet and such a good person, and Britta isn't one of those girls who goes out with every guy in school because she's popular or get attention.
I definitely enjoyed reading this story and once I started I had to keep going because I had to find out how it would end. If your'e looking for a student-teacher read, but also want to keep it on the lighter side, then check this one out. I never felt like I would burst out in tears because of their situation, I was confident all would be well.
July 14, 2016
I was very lucky to read an advanced copy of this story.
There were lovely moments in this story between the main characters and even the supporting characters. The attraction between James & Britta was pretty intense! Sometimes you just had to hold your breath for them!
There were a couple of characters in this that I didn't take to at all, in fact I couldn't stand them (You'll have to read it and see if you agree)!
I don't want to give away any of the story line, I think it's important that you make up your own mind about this one.
There were lovely moments in this story between the main characters and even the supporting characters. The attraction between James & Britta was pretty intense! Sometimes you just had to hold your breath for them!
There were a couple of characters in this that I didn't take to at all, in fact I couldn't stand them (You'll have to read it and see if you agree)!
I don't want to give away any of the story line, I think it's important that you make up your own mind about this one.
April 27, 2016
Jodie delivers a tale of the sweetest romance with Lessons of the Heart. The whole time you are reading, you are rooting for James and Britta and for everything to work out in their favor. If you are a fan of student teacher romances, look no further.
Read
January 20, 2020Loved this awesome new student/teacher romance!! Britta and James had so much chemistry. I couldn't wait to see how their story would end. I hope this isn't the last we'll see of these characters! I'd especially love a story about Penny *coughcoughhinthint*
February 27, 2018
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars!
May 27, 2016
Read full review HERE
Well, you can assume by my rating and the comment above that I didn’t like this book. Not one freaking bit. I guess I’ll start by saying that I have absolutely no problem with forbidden romances, or with student/teachers romances… if they are well done! Unfortunately, this one wasn’t.
The writing was just a bit too much for me, I found it repetitive and striving too much to be sweet and romantic, while in reality it just didn’t work. At least for me. Also, it was beyond cheesy at times … =/
Then there were the characters. I think that if you’re dealing with a forbidden romance situation, you need to have likable characters. And in this case, both characters should be mature enough to not remind me at every turn of the page that I’m dealing with a teen girl and a full grown man. Again, let me clear, their age difference is NOT the issue. At all. They have 5 years of difference, which is nothing. However, I didn’t find Britta likable, at all. I think she was supposed to be a mature 18 y.o. girl, but that didn’t come across. Another thing that kind of bothered me was how she had it all: she was a great student, she was gorgeous, she was super popular, homecoming queen, all her teachers loved her, she had a great family, she was shy and liked to read… I mean… I don’t know… I also had a huge problem with James. He could almost be good, if it wasn’t for the fact that he was possessive and I got a huge stalkerish vibe from him.
To be 100% honest, there was only one character that I liked, and that was Britta’s older brother Liam. He was an awesome brother and great to the girl he was in love with, willing to give her the space and time she needed to be ready for him. Points to him!
I didn’t like the romance, it started way too much as instalove, and what really bothered me was that there was NO ATTEMPT from their part to stay away from each other or to have a professional relationship, even while he was her teacher. Though, they said they tried… they didn’t. Which led to each time they were alone on school grounds, lines would be crossed… EVERY DAMN TIME.
While I have to appreciate the low drama, I would also say that they deserved a lot more drama, because they were so careless throughout all of their relationship. Also, it kind of bothered me how understanding and nice the people who found out were, and I think that they ultimately had a super easy way out. Her friends at school were also judgmental and had huge double standards. I also didn’t like that we never get to see her parents reactions to her relationship, and that her parent’s story kind of gave them an out too.
So, now I’m gonna talk about a few points in the book that bothered me a lot. As in, “my phone will be flying somewhere if I don’t put it down right this instant” kind of bothered. So, heads up, the next section will have SPOILERS.
As I mentioned, this is a case of instalove. And while I do understand their connection, the execution was bad. Their first kiss really bothered me, mostly because given the situation I wanted the kiss to happen naturally and be even. Instead what happens is that James shows up at the restaurant Britta is in, follows her to the bathroom, and kisses her against the wall in the hall. I mean, I could be ok with it, if she wasn’t pinned against the wall. No matter how much she wanted it, it bothered me a lot that he initiated the kiss in the way he did.
The second thing that I thought was awful, was James following Britta to Boston, renting a room across from hers in the same hotel. True, he never pushes her, and they do not have sex, and he even mentions that he wants to do it right and take it slow. But fuck! He follows his 18 y.o. student to another city, without her knowing it, so that they can spend time together? His all behaviour grated me the very wrong way.
From that point on, they aren’t careful at all in school and outside it. They kiss in his office, with the door open, they touch all the time, he does little jealousy scenes, and so does she. They kiss on school hallways, and under the stairs. They kiss on parking lots, and go out on dates. I mean… guys… NO! I mean, at least not while at school! There was no need for it, because she could spend time at his house without much trouble.
Another thing that I didn’t understand Britta and her behaviour towards Chase. Chase is her friend, but on two separate occasions he tries to get her drunk and/or tries to touch her against her will. And yet, she forgives him. Obviously this leads him to find out about her relationship with James, and blackmail her, because obviously he would do that, and she goes along with it. But then, to get out of the blackmail, she decides to get something on him, and what she does is cruel and I can’t wrap my head around it. She sets him up with a female teacher – who thinks she’s meeting a 20 yo guy, and not her 18 yo student – and they’re caught having sex…the teacher thought she was having it with said 20 yo, and he thought she was Britta. I don’t actually feel sorry for the guy, but that teacher? I mean, WHAT THE HELL IS EVEN THAT?! I don’t get it! I really don’t.
Another moment that made me flip was a certain sexy moment between Britta and James. One thing has to be said: the sex was mostly hot and those scenes were kind of nice. And then, there’s a moment, where they are talking in bed, and James starts to move within without a condom. I have no problem with sex without protection when it’s discussed by both parties, or when the situation is not planned, but they TALK about it. What I’m not ok with, is James doing it without consulting her first, when it was clearly planned – even if the planning happened 2 minutes before. That was not ok. Because dude, tell her you “want to feel all of her” BEFORE you are actually inside… she would have said yes – even though there’s no indication that she was on birthcontrol!!!
Another thing that really didn’t work for me was how fast things moved. The “I love you”‘s came rather quickly, and the “you’re my soulmate”, “we’re forever” and that stuff. I also wasn’t a fan of the fact that she wanted to move in with him right after highschool, and that she was even willing at some point to put her ambitions on hold. I was glad that at least he said no to that, and that he wanted her to have her freshman experiences. They do end up living together and getting engaged. And sure, when you know, you know, but I don’t know…
Well, I’m wrapping this up now. Read Cátia’s review, because she’s sure to make out some more points on this book. I really wish I had liked it, because forbidden romances can be so good, but honestly none of this worked for me, and it isn’t a book I can recommend at all… =(
Well, you can assume by my rating and the comment above that I didn’t like this book. Not one freaking bit. I guess I’ll start by saying that I have absolutely no problem with forbidden romances, or with student/teachers romances… if they are well done! Unfortunately, this one wasn’t.
The writing was just a bit too much for me, I found it repetitive and striving too much to be sweet and romantic, while in reality it just didn’t work. At least for me. Also, it was beyond cheesy at times … =/
Then there were the characters. I think that if you’re dealing with a forbidden romance situation, you need to have likable characters. And in this case, both characters should be mature enough to not remind me at every turn of the page that I’m dealing with a teen girl and a full grown man. Again, let me clear, their age difference is NOT the issue. At all. They have 5 years of difference, which is nothing. However, I didn’t find Britta likable, at all. I think she was supposed to be a mature 18 y.o. girl, but that didn’t come across. Another thing that kind of bothered me was how she had it all: she was a great student, she was gorgeous, she was super popular, homecoming queen, all her teachers loved her, she had a great family, she was shy and liked to read… I mean… I don’t know… I also had a huge problem with James. He could almost be good, if it wasn’t for the fact that he was possessive and I got a huge stalkerish vibe from him.
To be 100% honest, there was only one character that I liked, and that was Britta’s older brother Liam. He was an awesome brother and great to the girl he was in love with, willing to give her the space and time she needed to be ready for him. Points to him!
I didn’t like the romance, it started way too much as instalove, and what really bothered me was that there was NO ATTEMPT from their part to stay away from each other or to have a professional relationship, even while he was her teacher. Though, they said they tried… they didn’t. Which led to each time they were alone on school grounds, lines would be crossed… EVERY DAMN TIME.
While I have to appreciate the low drama, I would also say that they deserved a lot more drama, because they were so careless throughout all of their relationship. Also, it kind of bothered me how understanding and nice the people who found out were, and I think that they ultimately had a super easy way out. Her friends at school were also judgmental and had huge double standards. I also didn’t like that we never get to see her parents reactions to her relationship, and that her parent’s story kind of gave them an out too.
So, now I’m gonna talk about a few points in the book that bothered me a lot. As in, “my phone will be flying somewhere if I don’t put it down right this instant” kind of bothered. So, heads up, the next section will have SPOILERS.
As I mentioned, this is a case of instalove. And while I do understand their connection, the execution was bad. Their first kiss really bothered me, mostly because given the situation I wanted the kiss to happen naturally and be even. Instead what happens is that James shows up at the restaurant Britta is in, follows her to the bathroom, and kisses her against the wall in the hall. I mean, I could be ok with it, if she wasn’t pinned against the wall. No matter how much she wanted it, it bothered me a lot that he initiated the kiss in the way he did.
The second thing that I thought was awful, was James following Britta to Boston, renting a room across from hers in the same hotel. True, he never pushes her, and they do not have sex, and he even mentions that he wants to do it right and take it slow. But fuck! He follows his 18 y.o. student to another city, without her knowing it, so that they can spend time together? His all behaviour grated me the very wrong way.
From that point on, they aren’t careful at all in school and outside it. They kiss in his office, with the door open, they touch all the time, he does little jealousy scenes, and so does she. They kiss on school hallways, and under the stairs. They kiss on parking lots, and go out on dates. I mean… guys… NO! I mean, at least not while at school! There was no need for it, because she could spend time at his house without much trouble.
Another thing that I didn’t understand Britta and her behaviour towards Chase. Chase is her friend, but on two separate occasions he tries to get her drunk and/or tries to touch her against her will. And yet, she forgives him. Obviously this leads him to find out about her relationship with James, and blackmail her, because obviously he would do that, and she goes along with it. But then, to get out of the blackmail, she decides to get something on him, and what she does is cruel and I can’t wrap my head around it. She sets him up with a female teacher – who thinks she’s meeting a 20 yo guy, and not her 18 yo student – and they’re caught having sex…the teacher thought she was having it with said 20 yo, and he thought she was Britta. I don’t actually feel sorry for the guy, but that teacher? I mean, WHAT THE HELL IS EVEN THAT?! I don’t get it! I really don’t.
Another moment that made me flip was a certain sexy moment between Britta and James. One thing has to be said: the sex was mostly hot and those scenes were kind of nice. And then, there’s a moment, where they are talking in bed, and James starts to move within without a condom. I have no problem with sex without protection when it’s discussed by both parties, or when the situation is not planned, but they TALK about it. What I’m not ok with, is James doing it without consulting her first, when it was clearly planned – even if the planning happened 2 minutes before. That was not ok. Because dude, tell her you “want to feel all of her” BEFORE you are actually inside… she would have said yes – even though there’s no indication that she was on birthcontrol!!!
Another thing that really didn’t work for me was how fast things moved. The “I love you”‘s came rather quickly, and the “you’re my soulmate”, “we’re forever” and that stuff. I also wasn’t a fan of the fact that she wanted to move in with him right after highschool, and that she was even willing at some point to put her ambitions on hold. I was glad that at least he said no to that, and that he wanted her to have her freshman experiences. They do end up living together and getting engaged. And sure, when you know, you know, but I don’t know…
Well, I’m wrapping this up now. Read Cátia’s review, because she’s sure to make out some more points on this book. I really wish I had liked it, because forbidden romances can be so good, but honestly none of this worked for me, and it isn’t a book I can recommend at all… =(
June 5, 2016
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.
*I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book... I don't know. I thought I was going to love this but unfortunately it turned out to be very different.
Britta and James are immediately attracted to one another when they meet for the first time at the teacher's common room in their high school. Britta thinks he's a new student and James the opposite. Later when they both learn about the truth, they know anything between them is impossible but they can both fight off the attraction or will they risk losing their reputation?
My first reason for picking this up was because of the forbidden romance which I absolutely love if well executed but in this case, it unfortunately wasn't. I enjoy the angst the most in a forbidden romance story and in this book, it was somehow missing due to which I felt the lack of chemistry between the two main characters. Their romance was sweet, but too sweet at times and the dialogues were definitely too cheesy which were too much for my taste. Things were a bit too fairy tail-ish rather than realistic.
Both Britta and James were okay character but they were definitely not mature for their age. Though James was her teacher, the age difference didn't matter much, it was only a mere 5 years difference but they didn't have any urge to control. I mean if they really felt and cared so much for each other, they could have tried waiting for a bit because the wait wouldn't have been for too long because Britta was graduating soon. When one of them was trying, the other one was seducing and this process kind of became repetitive after a bit. They really didn't think much of the consequence and that's why the Chase thing happened. Though I did like the ending.
Overall, Lessons of the Heart was an okay read. I didn't like the plot much nor did I care much for the characters. The romance was too cheesy for my taste. The writing was okay and easy to read though the dialogues were a bit too much. The pace was even throughout the book. Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book much as I thought I would.
Recommend it?
No.
*I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book... I don't know. I thought I was going to love this but unfortunately it turned out to be very different.
Britta and James are immediately attracted to one another when they meet for the first time at the teacher's common room in their high school. Britta thinks he's a new student and James the opposite. Later when they both learn about the truth, they know anything between them is impossible but they can both fight off the attraction or will they risk losing their reputation?
My first reason for picking this up was because of the forbidden romance which I absolutely love if well executed but in this case, it unfortunately wasn't. I enjoy the angst the most in a forbidden romance story and in this book, it was somehow missing due to which I felt the lack of chemistry between the two main characters. Their romance was sweet, but too sweet at times and the dialogues were definitely too cheesy which were too much for my taste. Things were a bit too fairy tail-ish rather than realistic.
Both Britta and James were okay character but they were definitely not mature for their age. Though James was her teacher, the age difference didn't matter much, it was only a mere 5 years difference but they didn't have any urge to control. I mean if they really felt and cared so much for each other, they could have tried waiting for a bit because the wait wouldn't have been for too long because Britta was graduating soon. When one of them was trying, the other one was seducing and this process kind of became repetitive after a bit. They really didn't think much of the consequence and that's why the Chase thing happened. Though I did like the ending.
Overall, Lessons of the Heart was an okay read. I didn't like the plot much nor did I care much for the characters. The romance was too cheesy for my taste. The writing was okay and easy to read though the dialogues were a bit too much. The pace was even throughout the book. Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book much as I thought I would.
Recommend it?
No.
May 3, 2016
So most of you might not know that I am a major fan of forbidden Student/Teacher romance... And we'll there is it.. Now you know!
I was graciously given an ARC of Lessons of the Heart by the fabulous Jodie Larson (she really is fabulous and we have so much in common!). Here I am, after staying up WAAAAY past my bedtime to finish reading, getting ready to rave about this book!
So if you haven't already figured out this is a beautifully crafted Student/Teacher romance that does not follow the typical plot line that so many others have before it. Britta and James are brought together by a chance meeting but their romance comes to an abrupt halt when they realize that Britta is actually his student not his peer. They try and fight their feelings but it seems to be a lost cause.
After many trials and tribulations they end up… Seriously did you think I was going to give the book away?? What fun would that be?? Then you would have no reason to read it!! And you all should read it.
This is not only a exquisite story but it is full of love, lust, deceit, blackmail,
wanton need, stolen kisses, secret meetings and gestures, and some really steamy (but tastefully beautiful) sex scenes! I had all the feels while reading this book… every emotion you could imagine came bubbling up at one point or another.
Jodie has a way with words that makes it impossible to put the book down. There were parts that I felt I couldn’t read fast enough because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen then parts that I lingered on, never wanting them to end. She made me fall in love with not only one of the male characters but TWO! (Seriously who does that???)
I hope you run to get this book! Read it! Love it! Revel in it awesomeness! Fall in love with James and Britta (and Penny and Liam) the way I did!
Congratulations Jodie on writing a superb book!
5 gold stars for Lessons of the Heart!
I was graciously given an ARC of Lessons of the Heart by the fabulous Jodie Larson (she really is fabulous and we have so much in common!). Here I am, after staying up WAAAAY past my bedtime to finish reading, getting ready to rave about this book!
So if you haven't already figured out this is a beautifully crafted Student/Teacher romance that does not follow the typical plot line that so many others have before it. Britta and James are brought together by a chance meeting but their romance comes to an abrupt halt when they realize that Britta is actually his student not his peer. They try and fight their feelings but it seems to be a lost cause.
After many trials and tribulations they end up… Seriously did you think I was going to give the book away?? What fun would that be?? Then you would have no reason to read it!! And you all should read it.
This is not only a exquisite story but it is full of love, lust, deceit, blackmail,
wanton need, stolen kisses, secret meetings and gestures, and some really steamy (but tastefully beautiful) sex scenes! I had all the feels while reading this book… every emotion you could imagine came bubbling up at one point or another.
Jodie has a way with words that makes it impossible to put the book down. There were parts that I felt I couldn’t read fast enough because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen then parts that I lingered on, never wanting them to end. She made me fall in love with not only one of the male characters but TWO! (Seriously who does that???)
I hope you run to get this book! Read it! Love it! Revel in it awesomeness! Fall in love with James and Britta (and Penny and Liam) the way I did!
Congratulations Jodie on writing a superb book!
5 gold stars for Lessons of the Heart!
August 2, 2016
I've got to admit that I'm a sucker for romantic books, and especially teacher-student-relationships. But shit, man, this book killed me, and it wasn't in a good way.
I did love the plot. I was totally up for it. But all the cheesy romance? It was like ruining a perfectly fine pancake by adding tons of sugar and sweets to it. It was just too much and too cringy. I don't know how many times I have laughed because of their over-the-top declarations of love to each other. Don't get me wrong here, I did enjoy the book, otherwise it would've taken me a lot longer to finish it - or i wouldn't have finished it at all - but all the cheesy romance was too much for me.
”You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, even when you were sprawled out on your ass. But I knew right then and there that I needed to find out who you were and get to know you. I needed you in my life and I didn’t exactly know the reason why other than I just did.”
“And here we are now.”
He kisses the back of my hand and squeezes it before placing it back onto his thigh. “Here we are, happier than we’ve ever been and so completely in love with each other, even though we tried to fight it.”
That extract made me laugh way too hard and way too much. It's supposed to be cute and romantic and make the reader say "aaawww", and the only thing I could do was laughing my ass off. Believe me, I'm always down for a romantic book with a charming, handsome guy. But this was just batshit crazy.
I did enjoy the ending tho, it wasn't as much lovey-dovey as I had feared.
I did love the plot. I was totally up for it. But all the cheesy romance? It was like ruining a perfectly fine pancake by adding tons of sugar and sweets to it. It was just too much and too cringy. I don't know how many times I have laughed because of their over-the-top declarations of love to each other. Don't get me wrong here, I did enjoy the book, otherwise it would've taken me a lot longer to finish it - or i wouldn't have finished it at all - but all the cheesy romance was too much for me.
”You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, even when you were sprawled out on your ass. But I knew right then and there that I needed to find out who you were and get to know you. I needed you in my life and I didn’t exactly know the reason why other than I just did.”
“And here we are now.”
He kisses the back of my hand and squeezes it before placing it back onto his thigh. “Here we are, happier than we’ve ever been and so completely in love with each other, even though we tried to fight it.”
That extract made me laugh way too hard and way too much. It's supposed to be cute and romantic and make the reader say "aaawww", and the only thing I could do was laughing my ass off. Believe me, I'm always down for a romantic book with a charming, handsome guy. But this was just batshit crazy.
I did enjoy the ending tho, it wasn't as much lovey-dovey as I had feared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2016
4.5 stars!!!
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm SO glad I read it!! I knew I had to read it because I'm a sucker for forbidden/taboo romances. Teacher student ones are a favorite. This book even brought me out of a book funk that lasted for SIX days!
While I read the book it just kept getting better and better for me. I could feel Britta and James's pain of wanting to be together, but society wouldn't let them. So I was a blubbering mess at some parts. Their love was a special one-of-a-kind of love that I couldn't help but smile and swoon when they were together. I even loved Britta's best friend and brother. They were great supporters to them and had their own little side story going on as well. I REALLY wish I found out what happened with Britta's brother and best friend's relationship. I was about as much invested in theirs as much as Britta and James's relationship.
I need to hunt down the other books this author has written now. I'll be on the lookout for all future works of hers as well from now on.
This book was written in first person through the heroine's POV.
This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm SO glad I read it!! I knew I had to read it because I'm a sucker for forbidden/taboo romances. Teacher student ones are a favorite. This book even brought me out of a book funk that lasted for SIX days!
While I read the book it just kept getting better and better for me. I could feel Britta and James's pain of wanting to be together, but society wouldn't let them. So I was a blubbering mess at some parts. Their love was a special one-of-a-kind of love that I couldn't help but smile and swoon when they were together. I even loved Britta's best friend and brother. They were great supporters to them and had their own little side story going on as well. I REALLY wish I found out what happened with Britta's brother and best friend's relationship. I was about as much invested in theirs as much as Britta and James's relationship.
I need to hunt down the other books this author has written now. I'll be on the lookout for all future works of hers as well from now on.
This book was written in first person through the heroine's POV.
Read
March 12, 2016Lessons of The Heart by Jodie Larson is not your typical high school love story. This is a story about a chance meeting that ignites a fire within the characters; until they both realize the startling truth, they cannot be together because he is her teacher! I enjoy a good student/teacher romance and this book had just that so I would recommend it to others. Lessons of the Heart was a 3.5 star read for me and reminded me that age, job or status cannot stop the heart from what it really wants or who it was meant to be with.
Lessons of the Heart pulls the reader in with the apparent chemistry between James and Britta. But when that chemistry becomes forbidden due to the student/teacher aspect of their relationship, the reader becomes even more intrigued with what will happen with these two. Will they have a secret affair? Will they fight the feelings they have for one another? Will they wait the few months until Britta graduates? There are so many questions that the reader wants answer to that it spurns you to turn each page to find out. Throw in the unrequited love of a childhood friend and a secret that no one can ever discover and this book will grip you until the very last page.
Lessons of the Heart pulls the reader in with the apparent chemistry between James and Britta. But when that chemistry becomes forbidden due to the student/teacher aspect of their relationship, the reader becomes even more intrigued with what will happen with these two. Will they have a secret affair? Will they fight the feelings they have for one another? Will they wait the few months until Britta graduates? There are so many questions that the reader wants answer to that it spurns you to turn each page to find out. Throw in the unrequited love of a childhood friend and a secret that no one can ever discover and this book will grip you until the very last page.
March 13, 2016
I'm a fan of taboo romances and this one sounded interesting. This is my first Jodie Larson book and I am really glad I read it. Britta and James meet and have an instant chemistry. They both assume the other is someone they aren't. Once they figure out he's a teacher and she a student they try and fight their attraction to each other but just cant. During the story they have to deal with a bunch of obstacles. But when it's true love you fight for it. There are so many sweet moments along the way that you just keep cheering for them to succeed (like the weekend in Boston and when she gets her acceptance letters for college to name two of my favs) I have to say I loved her relationship with her brother Liam and best friend Penny. They are both great secondary characters. There was only a few negatives. I sometimes forgot Britta was in high school. Some of her dialogue and actions make it feel more like college but overall a quick read.
review by Cathy
review by Cathy
March 6, 2016
Wow, this is my first Jodie Larson book and it definitely won't be my last!
The connection between Brittany and James had me hooked from the beginning. The chemistry they had from the word go was off the charts.
The obstacles in their way, the threats thrown at them didn't deter their love for each other and proves that love DOES conquer all.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Liam and Penny! I wish I had a big brother like Liam and a best friend like Penny lol.
This book is a nice, chilled relaxing read that will keep you turning the pages to see if they will succeed in finding their happily ever after.
The only thing, the dialogue. Sometimes I felt that James seemed older that he was and same for Brittany, but other than that I would recommend this to others!
well done Jodie, I look forward to reading more of your work.
**Book given from the Author for an honest review, on behalf of my co-run blog, United by Books**
The connection between Brittany and James had me hooked from the beginning. The chemistry they had from the word go was off the charts.
The obstacles in their way, the threats thrown at them didn't deter their love for each other and proves that love DOES conquer all.
I loved the secondary characters, especially Liam and Penny! I wish I had a big brother like Liam and a best friend like Penny lol.
This book is a nice, chilled relaxing read that will keep you turning the pages to see if they will succeed in finding their happily ever after.
The only thing, the dialogue. Sometimes I felt that James seemed older that he was and same for Brittany, but other than that I would recommend this to others!
well done Jodie, I look forward to reading more of your work.
**Book given from the Author for an honest review, on behalf of my co-run blog, United by Books**
March 14, 2016
This book had my heart racing and my nerves twisting. I know students and teachers shouldn't be intimate, but when they're so close in age, and both are hot, something was bound to happen. And this book showed exactly what CAN happen. Plus it had an added edge that made me so nervous, but, in the end, had me cheering.
I'm actually kinda jealous that I didn't have any hot teachers when I was in school. It definitely would've made hs more enjoyable.
I haven't read a teacher/student romance in quite some time, so this was a very nice change of pace. To be honest, I've read two VERY good t/s series and I wasn't even sure if I'd LIKE to read any more. I mean none can compare to those. But that being said, I was totally sucked into this and I liked every moment.
Very well done!!
I'm actually kinda jealous that I didn't have any hot teachers when I was in school. It definitely would've made hs more enjoyable.
I haven't read a teacher/student romance in quite some time, so this was a very nice change of pace. To be honest, I've read two VERY good t/s series and I wasn't even sure if I'd LIKE to read any more. I mean none can compare to those. But that being said, I was totally sucked into this and I liked every moment.
Very well done!!
March 14, 2016
Forbidden, Taboo and so dam hot this, James and Brittany have a chemistry that will set the pages of your kindle a blaze.
Brittany has found the perfect guy, he is smart, can hold a conversation about things other than sports. Her dream guy...
James has found that one person that gets him. The one woman that he can hold meaningful conversations with the one woman that he looks forward to seeing in the morning for a cup of coffee.
His dream...girl.
When you are looking for a book that has drama that will have you chewing your nails, a couple that are perfect despite not being perfect and romance that will steam you up. This is that book. Jodie hit it out of the park giving us a couple to root for.
Brittany has found the perfect guy, he is smart, can hold a conversation about things other than sports. Her dream guy...
James has found that one person that gets him. The one woman that he can hold meaningful conversations with the one woman that he looks forward to seeing in the morning for a cup of coffee.
His dream...girl.
When you are looking for a book that has drama that will have you chewing your nails, a couple that are perfect despite not being perfect and romance that will steam you up. This is that book. Jodie hit it out of the park giving us a couple to root for.
May 7, 2016
I've read a lot of Student/Teacher romances and this one must be the least angst ridden of them all. It's just very sweet. Also, there is very little age difference. Britta is 18 and James the teacher is 22. At their first few meetings, Britta assumes James is a student and he assumes she is a teacher because she is a Teacher's Aide, so is in the school office.
Once they realise who each other is, it doesn't stop them starting a romance. I found some aspects a bit unrealistic such as James following Britta to a music concert which she is attending with another student and even stays in the same hotel. They take some risks, but it all works out in the end.
It was an OK read but unoriginal.
ARC provided by Netgalley
Once they realise who each other is, it doesn't stop them starting a romance. I found some aspects a bit unrealistic such as James following Britta to a music concert which she is attending with another student and even stays in the same hotel. They take some risks, but it all works out in the end.
It was an OK read but unoriginal.
ARC provided by Netgalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews