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Learning to Love #1

Mr. Marshall's Method

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Evan

Holly is no ordinary student.
She's wise, mature, confident,
And completely off-limits.

I know the rules, know the drill.
Yet, I can't stop thinking about her.

About wanting to know her,
Touch her,
Taste her.

And when I do,
It changes everything,
Ruins it all.

Holly

Evan Marshall is more than my teacher.

He's everything:
Smart, witty, insightful,
And incredibly sexy.

The more I see him,
The more he touches me,
The more I want.

But I know the boundaries,
And they're blurring by the second.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2019

467 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read

About the author

Jessa York

49 books996 followers

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204 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,942 reviews25.3k followers
September 23, 2019
Mr. Marshall’s Method is a brand new release for Jessa York. I’ve been following Jessa since her very first book and with every one, I’m more impressed with her talent as an author. This book pushes all her boundaries as she explores a new genre, forbidden love or student/teacher romance.

pretty diner waitress - Google Search

Holly Anderson is an eighteen year old senior student at Santa Lena’s Academy, a school for the families with deep pockets. Holly is there under scholarship. She lives in a small trailer with her very non-functional alcoholic mother. Holly has to keep her grades up for the scholarship but I believe she would anyway. She’s a very high achiever and wants to make sure that her future looked nothing like her mother’s. But she is also the only source of income for the two of them. So she works at a diner both before school and after school until late at night. How she handles all of this, I’ll never know.

Evan Marshall is twenty two years old and has a freshly minted education degree from college, much to his father’s chagrin, who had quite different aspirations for his son than being a lowly teacher. One of the teachers at Santa Lena is out due to a heart attack and Evan has been given the job as a long term substitute.

All of the girls noticed the new teacher and kept themselves busy vying for his attention except one, the only one that Evan noticed. He felt an immediate pull to her. She was so different than the other students, very serious, much more mature. He had to keep reminding himself, off limits. She’s his student. But he could only keep his distance for so long.

couple kissing in the ocean

Holly has never dated. She doesn’t have time. But the connection she feels with Mr. Marshall is something she can’t deny. She feels comfortable with him. He’s easy to talk to. And when he kissed her for the first time under the moonlight, she knew she wanted, no needed more, so much more.



Holly and Evan fall fast but their relationship has to be a secret. They both have so much to lose. But, this is easier said than done. Evan’s family is well known. And they take risks that they shouldn’t. But in both of their hearts, every risk is worth taking for the chance to be together.

dancing at masquerade ball

This was sweet, steamy and such an enjoyable read. Holly was so strong. She was a true heroine. For an eighteen year old, she was wise beyond her years, having to endure so much. I have to say that Evan seemed really mature for twenty two as well. To me, who might be in the old lady category, twenty two is still a child. Together, these two were perfect. But the timing wasn’t right. Would it ever be? Is the risk too high? Can Holly ever expect more than what she has right now?

There is more to this series to come. The next book will be about Evan’s best friend, Jake Richter and Holly’s friend, Paige in Mr. Richter’s Rules. I can’t wait.

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...

Profile Image for Isabella. R.
1,007 reviews2,130 followers
April 26, 2020
4 Richly Deserved Stars ⭐

Awww, sometimes you don't need perfection, you just need a read that engrosses you and keeps you happy. A teacher/student romance that is certainly forbidden but definitely forgivable in this instance.

I couldn't possibly have loved our heroine anymore than I did, because Holly Anderson was perfect. In her last year of high school, she's been dealt a shitty hand, yet remains kind and appreciative without bemoaning the world.

Evan Marshall instinctively knows he's in trouble. As a new teacher at Santa Lena's Academy, he anticipates that his English classes aren't going to set his students alight. But a beautiful and unassuming young student in his overall orbit who can quote Shakespeare; he's a goner.

What begins as coincidental interactions, quickly leads to a compulsion to be together. And Evan's constant acts of kindness and Holly's gentle demeanor just tugged at the heart strings.

"I am happy." More tears fell in contradiction to my words.

"Then why are you crying?" he asked.

"Because I can’t remember the last time I felt this way."

"Holly, you have no idea how wrong that is. Someone like you should feel like this every day."

My heart skipped a beat at his kind words. Sniffling, I answered back, "It’s just not in the cards for me."


Neither are looking for complications yet are simply happier being together. And although their situation is inappropriate (even though the age gap isn't huge), there will always be struggle.

Mr Marshall's Method was my first read by this author and I was sold. It was lovely and steamy and I already have the next book in my greedy little hands 💜
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,335 reviews887 followers
September 18, 2019
Holy heck! Talk about steamy taboo! Mr. Marshall is every high school girl’s fantasy and even those of us older women.


description


At Holly’s first interaction with Mr. Marshall, she finds herself on her knees in front of him helping him with (clears throat) a problem. From that moment the chemistry between her and Evan is off the charts. Even as he’s reminding himself that she’s his student, his body refuses to acknowledge such a thing is against the rules. For Holly, she’s got a life full of school, work, and just trying to get by. But when Evan seems to keep turning up just when she needs him, she opens herself up to what may be between them.


”This was hot, heavy, forbidden hunger – we both knew the consequences of our actions if anyone found out.”


description


This was definitely steamy in the steamiest sense of the word. With a small look at high school life and its wacky friendships interspersed, this is the story of two people who should never have looked at each other in any but a student/teacher sort of way. Holly is eighteen and Evan twenty-two so everything is perfectly legal here if not morally right. And oh my gosh! This couple were perfection together!


description


I loved that Holly was dedicated to her goals, even if her view of her future was a bit “blank”. She worked hard and took care of her business, was feisty yet sweet, but never found time just for the simple things in life. Evan was the type of hero that knew he should stay away but was unable to do so. The more he gets to know Holly the further he falls. And despite his heart being broken, in the end he does what he knows he must do to ensure a safe and fulfilled future for her. I loved everything about him.


”Year after year the plants struggle against their surroundings to survive. Only the toughest make it through and what’s left brings us the best quality, sweetest fruit possible.”
“Too bad they have to fight so hard.”
“You don’t get it, do you?” he said in a near whisper. “It’s the battle that makes them the best of the best…”



description


This is a fast read with a great rhythm to it that will have you finished before you realize it. The progression of this relationship was completely organic and never felt stilted or contrived. I absolutely loved the secondary characters, some so over the top you can’t help but laugh at their antics, and others that will have you wanting to smack them upside their heads. The fact that the next book is about two of these characters has me aching for their story ASAP as they have both already captured my heart.

Highly recommending this for those who love taboo student/teacher romances with enough angst to drive the story without overwhelming it.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,067 reviews792 followers
July 6, 2021
1.5 Stars

DNF

Boring, dull, and lacks chemistry. Also, when I read a student/teacher book, I fully expect the teacher to be at the very least late 20s, so him being only 22, wasn't taboo or forbidden enough for me to actually care to continue on, and does this trope a disservice imo😅

Safety up to 31%:

Safe

No ow/om drama although I saw in another review there is some later on

Virgin h, experienced H
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
948 reviews20 followers
October 15, 2019
Mr. Marshall's Method is a Student/Teacher Forbidden Romance. This book is a hot steamy read you won't be able to put down. I loved the dynamic between Holly and Mr. Marshall. You go on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout this book. I was hooked from the beginning. The bond that was instantly formed between these two just draws you in and doesn't let go. And the Chemistry, HOT!!! I can't wait for the next installment when we get Paige's story.
Profile Image for Nancy George.
360 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2019
Holy He** I want my own Mr. Marshall. The heartache that Holly has thrown at her would make alot of people crumble. Evan is the only bright thing in her life. Until theatre. But everything is thrown up into Chaos. But Holly handles it best. Alex is one of the funniest Characters I have seen in a long time. I can not wait for more.
Profile Image for Life on Readpeat.
1,421 reviews107 followers
April 13, 2020
* Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot *
description
Jessa York has been teasing her readers with this story for awhile now and I have been eagerly anticipating the chance to get my hands on this one ever since! Let's just say that the wait was well worth it and I absolutely adored every moment of Holly and Evan's emotionally captivating story.

Mr. Marshall's Method is a student/teacher forbidden romance that was certainly not lacking in the HEAT department. The chemistry between Holly Anderson and Evan Marshall set my heart on fire and that intense ache didn't ease up the entire time I was devouring their story. The author managed to perfectly tell their story, while making you feel everything. Their love was beautiful and the moment these two laid eyes on each other, it was all over. They were destined to be together, even if their situation was complicated...

Readers will be taken on a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns that will leave you second guessing everything. If you are a fan of forbidden romance, you won't regret picking up this story! Jessa York did a phenomenal job with her storytelling ability and character development with this one and I can't wait to see what the next book, Professor Richter's Rules, has to hold!
Profile Image for Elle.
18 reviews10 followers
Read
April 27, 2020
dnf at 42%

really disappointed about this - i went in, excited, and came out completely underwhelmed. i think maybe the teacher/student thing just isn’t for me anymore, definitely if it’s set in a high school, which i didn’t realise until i started reading (that’s on me and my poor reading comprehension).

i don’t mind predictability and cliches and tropes, but this just felt tired to me. the miscommunication, the teacher “ending” things, the heroine’s feelings being hurt, the inevitable kiss and make-up.. i just wasn’t in the mood to go through that in a book that wasn’t particularly well-written.

i think i’ll stick with professor/student romances from now on - it’ll feel less weird, and a little less exploitative.

that being said, there are some brilliant teacher/student romances i’ve read, like Unteachable, by Leah Raeder, and Misbehaved, by Charleigh Rose. their existence probably set this one up to fail for me, personally.
Profile Image for Laura John.
Author 29 books496 followers
September 20, 2019
Wow!!

Another great read from Jessa!

I LOVE a taboo/forbidden subject!

I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride! I felt all of the emotions! I was laughing and then my heart was breaking!

I wanted to throw my phone and scream at the characters!!! Which is good!

This book is NOT lacking in the sexy scenes! And man are they 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I can NOT wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,676 reviews108 followers
September 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. This story captivated me right from the beginning. I loved both Holly and Evan. They were such amazing characters. They were genuinely nice, humble, loving people that you couldn’t help but root for their relationship. Holly was the star of this book. She is mature beyond her years. She is loving and selfish and such a hard worker. Her life has been tough and she literally works for everything she has. Evan is instantly enchanted by Holly and struggles knowing that she is his student. Their attraction to each other is so strong that the two can’t stay away from each other. Evan is confident in his feelings for Holly and his feelings never waver. He is willing to fight any storm that comes their way. Holly has doubts and insecurities and doesn’t want any hurt to come to anyone because of their relationship.
I loved Holly’s bff Alex. He was a hoot and I wish there was more of him. Her friend Ivy was harder to like and I really don’t think I would ever forgive her for what she did. She was spoiled and beyond selfish.
The last quarter of the story made me cry. Holly was dealing with so much and her strength was admirable. Her ability to pick up herself up and make something for her future was beautiful. I absolutely loved her.
This story was so much. Sweet, sexy, sad at times but overall beautiful. I am very intrigued to read Paige’s story but I’m saddened knowing it doesn’t come out till March, lol!

Safety and Spoilers
Completely safe. No om drama, tiny ow drama where H lets another hang all over him to give the appearance to his friend that nothing is going on. h sees this and is hurt but H resolves the issue quickly. Not much mentioned about H’s sexual past and h is a virgin. h’s mom is a non functioning alcoholic and h has to work on top of going to school to support them. Her mother is emotionally abusive at times which is briefly shown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate Bailey.
Author 14 books282 followers
October 10, 2019
You have to read this book right now! If you like forbidden romance, you will love this book. Evan has been added to my book boyfriend list. And Holly was perfect for him. They were perfect together. Thus story was so well developed. It flowed perfectly throughout and left a very satisfying ending. I couldn't put it down. Jessa York is a master at her craft and I can't wait for more stories from this world.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,555 reviews17 followers
September 24, 2019
Amazing doesn’t even cover this story! I was so happy to be able to just sit and read about 86% before I had to take a break for work.

I loved everything about this couples relationship! How it began and how it ends! The middle is filled with lots of twists and turns! Some characters don’t surprise you and others do!

I found myself brought to tears and some laughter was also there. My heart was saddened and then made happy. It was a true rollercoaster of a story and I loved it!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎉💐
Profile Image for Maria.
620 reviews28 followers
September 21, 2019
Mr. Marshall is a very handsome and romantic teacher who lands a job at a private school and stumbles into a very hot girl who initially may seem one of his colleagues. Holly is just an ordinary girl on a scholarship who struggles through life and meets the hottest teacher of the school. Things started innocently, just a reciprocal admiration but life has strange ways to evolve and both suddenly end into a spiral of passion that can lead to self-destruction. How will they cope with this uncontrollable situation? A steamy romance with two characters you’ll start to love from the beginning. I enjoyed reading this book so much because it reminded me of my high school crush for my teacher. The author has developed this story perfectly dealing with a situation that can be seen as taboo but in the book it appears natural and predictable.
Profile Image for Yovonda Coleman.
410 reviews
September 23, 2019
I have been waiting on this book from Jessa York. Wow, the wait was well worth it. This book had me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry between Mr. Marshall and Holly was instant and hot! Oh my, those sex scenes was so steamy🔥🔥🔥!!! This book will have you laughing, crying, mad and looking for something to fan with. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jamie.
47 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2019
Oh my Jessa York has done it again. I’ve been following Jessa since her first release. Jessa I’m amazed at how talented you are and with this new genre you are writing.

Mr. Marshall’s Method is hot, steamy and forbidden love. Evan and Holly’s story is one you don’t want to miss. Teacher/student relationship, forbidden love.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,030 reviews16 followers
October 17, 2019
Evan and Holly... teacher/student... forbidden love... steamy... pulls at your heart... page turner!!

Jessa York gives readers another great book in Mr Marshall's Method. Evan is so drawn to Holly as she is to him. They both grow through the book. There is chemistry and connections that make this book a great read!
14 reviews
September 22, 2019
Jessa did it again! She made me fall in love with the characters Evan & Holly and their story! This forbidden love story has all the feels and I couldn’t put it down! By the way where was Mr. Marshall when I was in school? ;)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
165 reviews11 followers
October 1, 2019
I loved Evan and Holly, and I think this is Jessa’s best book yet.

I’m a big fan of student/teacher romance, and this book delivered. It has everything I want to read: it’s sweet, sexy, a little bit taboo with the conflict of him being her teacher. There’s no big age gap, which I know can be a turnoff for some readers.

I encourage you to read this book as soon as you can.
Profile Image for Heather Blitz.
229 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2019
I adored this story and cant wait for the next installment! Holly is a smart, talented girl with way too much on her shoulders. When a sexy teacher comes along and notes all her potential, things get steamy! Theres some drama, some sexy times and I just want more!
Profile Image for Lizzi.
2,056 reviews16 followers
October 13, 2019
A student/teacher romance with lots of heat. A great taboo read. Lots of heat and chemistry between 18 year old Holly and her english/drama teacher. Loved it!!
Profile Image for christy matthews.
163 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2019
Wow!! Anyone for some teacher/student angst? I loved Holly and Evans story. I have read all of Jessa York's books and she just keeps getting better. I can't wait to read about Paige next!
Profile Image for Alison.
1,467 reviews106 followers
November 23, 2022
Very good but needed more from the ending.

This is actually read 2 on this book for me, I didn’t review it the first time but I rated it 5 stars. Student Teacher romance is my favorite trope and I’d been striking out on good ones latel so I decided to go back and read this one since I had rated it so highly.

It was going so well! It wasn’t a dark romance and the two MCs seemed to have an actual connection instead of just lusting after each other which happens pretty frequently in these books. Then we get a few chapters to the end…

Evan just breaks up with her and leaves because he needed to get another job. Uh, he’s rich. He could have stayed. Plus he had already gotten fired, what was he protecting her from? He gave no reassurances they would ever be together again, no indication that he loved her, that he even cared about her. He was just gone, for at least six months.

She went through some horrible stuff while he was gone and he never contacted her so we know he wasn’t even keeping tabs on her from afar. He just shows up after she graduates and expects her to take him back with open arms… which she does. I was flabbergasted.

What was worse was we never got his viewpoint again after you reach a certain point of the book so you don’t know what his plan was, if breaking up with her or staying away from her was hard. Nothing.

The ending just kind of ruined it for me. I can’t believe I rated this five stars the first time. I’m not sure I could ever go back and reread this one again and the sad thing is that it had so much potential.
282 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2019
Jessa York has a hit with Mr. Marshall's Method!. She takes a taboo/forbidden relationship and makes it feel natural and necessary. Holly is 18, but in her senior year of high school. She is mature beyond her years due to the fact that she works many hours to support herself and her mother, who has many health issues. I really wanted her to sleep! I felt tired reading all the work she put in to just barely survive.! Evan is a 22 year old temporary teacher at Holly's school. He has lived an easy, but not so happy life. The chemistry these two have is undeniable. They start a relationship that could be disastrous, but seems worth it. I love taboo romances, but they always make me nervous. I feel like I'm gonna get caught with the characters. I think that's what makes Jesse York's writing so good. I felt like I was there and I was nervous, but these two HAD to be together. There was no other outcome for me. Their love, desire and care was felt and my nervousness melted away. There are some issues with jealousy between friends and hurtful actions, but they are resolved in a way that is right for the characters. I really felt like Ivy was a friend, she's just used to getting her way and I feel like there is something happening with her that may give some insight on why she did what she did. Alex and Paige are amazing and I can't wait to read more about them. Wonderful forbidden/taboo/soulmate love story !
Profile Image for Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook .
530 reviews
September 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Love me a forbidden romance.
I liked Holly and Evan, they had such great chemistry! Seriously smoking hot.
I enjoyed the interactions between Holly and her friends. Some funny stuff in there.
The story was great but I felt at times it was rushed and a little disjointed.
Overall this was a really great book! I loved the storyline and am looking forward to the next book from Jessa
Profile Image for Janet Taggart Baldwin.
882 reviews21 followers
September 25, 2019
This was one of my favorite tropes - Teacher/Student! So Taboo! Holly was a barely 18 year old senior on a scholarship at a prestigious academy and 22 year old Evan Marshall was a long term English Lit substitute teacher. Everyone has their eyes on the cute new teacher except Holly, who was too busy working before and after school at a diner to support her self and her non-working alcoholic mother.

But Holly catches Evan's eyes, and their attraction is bigger than both of them. When it becomes too much to contain, they begin sneaking around. Evan's father is on the campaign field and can't have a scandal. He dislikes Evan's profession and is embarrassed of him. Wanted him to be a lawyer. Holly is embarrassed of her mother. Both have jealous friends who could cause big problems if word of their relationship gets out.

I loved the sweetness and innocence of Holly. Evan seemed genuine in his feelings for Holly although he made me mad a few times. This story was good and had an HEA. I gave it FIVE GLOWING STATS!!


Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,862 reviews58 followers
October 16, 2019
Evan Marshall steals Holly Anderson’s heart❣️

What can I say about this story without giving too much away and help you as a reader buy this book? Well, this genre of professor/student touches on a forbidden love story but they are both of age....if that helps😉 I have to admit I always feel weird when I read these types of stories as I think back on my own high school experiences and I know without a doubt that there are some teachers out there that prey on students much younger but this story is beautiful😍

Holly is undoubtedly a strong, sassy character who falls for a man who should be off limits to her. But with each interaction with Evan, you know he’s just as head over heels for her. If this is a genre you wouldn’t normally read, honestly you are going to want to read this as it is done gracefully with poise and character. The side characters that are Holly’s friends make her story worth reading and OMG I can’t wait for Paige to get her story...that girl needs to let her hair loose💃

Thank you Jessa for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review💕
Profile Image for Tara Lee.
Author 31 books292 followers
October 11, 2019
A steamy forbidden romance with enough drama and angst to keep you captivated.

I really enjoyed this story I loved everything about it, a hot teacher and a student whats not to love.

Mr Marshall is one hot man. Phew! He has you biting your lip and fanning yourself at times.
Holly is tough and I loved that about her

This is a steamy romance you wont want to miss!
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
670 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2019
I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
I felt like i was punishing myself reading this book, in fact i could not even bring myself to finish it.
The author has taken every cliche known to a reader a put it in a book.
I coulg not even find myself rooting for the characters. I found Evan stupid anf Holly foolish and too self sacrificing.
I am sure, with time, the author will get better, as she continues to write ( I hope).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews

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