Learning His Lesson

Well-Matched #1

by Ellen Brooks

Brooding billionaire meets sweet teacher. Sparks fly and a love match emerges, but will his secrets tear them apart?

Uncompromising ‌workaholic‌, Luke Ashford, isn’t made for love. He was born and raised to be CEO of the billion-dollar family business. It’s all he’s ever wanted ‌and‌ ‌finally‌ ‌within‌ ‌his‌ ‌reach.‌ Nothing stands in his way — except an ultimatum from his father: start dating or lose the CEO position.

Third-grade teacher, Penny Pierce, is a hopeless romantic holding out for a timeless love like her grandparents’. She knows what she’s looking for in a man, and it isn’t the tall, dark, chiseled suit who’s appeared in her classroom and pinned her with his midnight eyes.

With his lifelong dream on the line, Penny is the woman Luke can’t resist… and his best bet for a fake relationship. But will she prove the solution to his problem or become an irresistible obstacle to his plans?

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️️

You’ll‌ ‌love‌ ‌this‌ ‌steamy,‌ ‌modern-day‌ match because‌ ‌who‌ ‌can‌ ‌resist‌ ‌an‌ ‌uncompromising‌ ‌billionaire‌ ‌caught in a lie who will grovel to win back the love he thought he’d never have? Oh, and he’s not the‌ ‌only‌ ‌one with something to ‌hide!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

325 pages, ebook

First published May 6, 2022

About the author

Ellen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.

Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an ebook of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I nearly read it in one sitting! It pulled me in and hooked me from the very beginning! The tension and banter the author created between Luke and Penny was pure perfection! Their love story unfolded beautifully and felt very real and naturally. The plot held my interest. The moments of spice were perfectly timed. The ending was fitting and wrapped the story up nicely!

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a story about a workaholic, Luke whose father brought up to be about work, work and more work. Now with his father almost ready to retire he insists Luke needs to change and broaden his life to include romance and a girlfriend.

Luke meets Penny, a kind, sweet and sexy third grade teacher who his father has donated the company resources to as the company sponsors her school and class. He thinks its a waste of time but because he thinks she is cute he ends up volunteering his services to her students in a science fair.

When Luke's father gives him an ultimatum he decides its a great opportunity to ask Penny out and date her but at times he is conflicted with his work commitments and that he also likes spending time with her.

Penny wants a man that makes her a priority. She was a really awesome character. She is so awesome with her grandmother and I adored when she met Luke's father and the pieces started to fit together for her. I loved that she doesn't just take Luke's bad behavior and makes him work for a chance with her.

That said there were times I felt Luke should not have been forgiven. I am not really sure he learned what was important in life and I really did not always understand him and the choices he made.

Penny was what I loved about this story. She is such a loving and awesome character and I adored her relationship with her grandmother. I also really adored the twist near the end with her grandmother and Luke's father.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This has been a tough one for me to review and I didn't really like Luke for much of the book, I got that he had to evolve as the story went on but I struggled to connect to him from the very start. There were a lot of lies, secrets and manipulation in this, so much that I contemplated giving up a time or two, however, there were parts that made me want to continue and in the end I was glad that I had persevered.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from the goodreads giveaway.
I have to say I’ve been in a romance reading slump lately, nothing was hitting the spot until this.
It has everything you could want a cast of characters that I want in my life. A hero and heroine that are believable and make you route for them a storyline that pulls you in. Just a wonderful, cozy love story.
Highly enjoyable and will be looking for more from this author.

[Aliyoung2000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. Emotional too. I loved that the author had me feeling the emotions alongside the characters and that there was actual character development was awesome. I enjoyed seeing them grow, especially our yummy hero. If you’re looking for a sweet read with a little spice this is definitely for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke is a workaholic who when meets school teacher Penny is instantly attractive to her, so much to the point that he lies about his name, what he does in the company, and offers to help her students out despite not actually being a scientist and he's not a big kid person.

Penny watches as Luke slowly starts to open himself up to her, to the kids, and she slowly;y falls for him.

But Luke was told that in order to inhert the company, he needs to focus on a social life and while he likes Penny, he can't deny that she serves a purpose in helping him get the company.

But will his lie be the end of them?

This is a cute romance with the right amount of heart breaking moments and a grumpy man falling for a sunshine woman and some meddling friends and family.

Cute read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke has always been work work work, however he was forced to help some children at school and his life changed. He realised what he had been missing however it all started with a lie. Can he keep the lie up or will It destroy everything?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire Luke Ashford has spent his whole life preparing to take over as CEO of AV industries. He can have no distractions to his single minded focus of work, because how will he know if they love him or just his money? So when he meets Penny Pierce, a third grade science teacher, he can't quite comprehend the feelings she stirs in him. But whatever they are, he can't act on them, until his father gives him an ultimatum. He wants Luke to start dating, to have more in his life aside from work and asking Penny Pierce on a date, seems to be the perfect place to start. Can Luke overcome his work at all costs motto and learn what else is important in life, or will his single mindedness destroy what could have been?
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. Great story.

[Heather Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty, romantic and a HEA. What more could you want. Penny and Luke have chemistry but not much else. Can they learn to trust their hearts and each other? Join them on their fun filled gourmet filled with romance, meddling friends and family and some drama.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke is set on becoming the CEO of AV Industries after his father retires. But his father, a diehard workaholic his entire life, is questioning his life's meaning and how he would change if he were able to do it all over again. He arrives at some uncomfortable truths and decides that his son is going to have a better, more enjoyable life. With this in mind, his father informs Luke that he isn't entitled to becoming the CEO, but he will appoint him if he finds a woman to date, enjoy life, have fun and be happy. Luke doesn't believe in love after never knowing his mother and having a father who wasn't present. The only thing that is important to him is control of the company. But his father is adamant and, to this end, Luke finds Penny Pierce in the elementary school where he tutors the students in the STEM program. He works with them in preparation for a science contest and comes to realize that he actually likes working with the children and he more than likes her. But Penny was a means to an end, someone he needed to fulfill his father's demands. Their first date was enjoyable, their afternoon at Wrigley Field, even better. But after he brought her home for a night of passion, he told himself it didn't matter. She was going to be hurt one way or the other. At this point, Luke is not my idea of a real book boyfriend, nor a hero. Even halfway through the book, when he knows there's something special between them, there's an inconvenient fact that he hasn't shared. He failed to tell Penny who he really was and, all this time, she's thought he was an employee, albeit a very rich employee, of AV Industries. But when he selfishly blew off the science fair because it was more important for him to have a business meeting, I didn't think he was redeemable. Penny has had her doubts about Luke not being fully honest with her, and there can't be any once his father takes his place at the science contest. When she finally puts the pieces together, Luke has a lot of groveling to do. I have to admit that one of the highlights of this story is the connection between Mark and Penny's grandma. The hints were there, and it took me a while to figure it out. I would have liked the ending to have been a little more developed. All the secrets were revealed, threads tied up, and then it stopped. Overall, a really enjoyable story! 

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke Ashford is President of AV Industries. Cooper Sharp is his best friend and Director of Business Development. Mallory Stone is the Director of Public Relations. All three of them received MBA degrees from Wharton together five years ago. They all headed back to Chicago and started working together. Luke’s father, Mark, is the CEO and Luke is waiting for him to step down and make Luke the new CEO. His father sends Luke to a STEM school in Wicker Park to evaluate the curriculum and the school is going to provide a list of requested equipment and supplies needed. His father also promised the school that they would provide student mentorship.

Penelope Pierce is a teacher at the school. Luke feels an instant connection to her. He does not like these feelings because he insists that he is not made for love. He introduces himself as Luke Roberts and agrees to mentor Penny’s two third graders who are going to the state science fair in May. He lies about his name, so Penny gets to know him versus liking him for his money.

When Luke’s father tells him that he will not handover the CEO role and company to Luke, he is stunned. His father tells him that he regrets not spending more time with Luke when he was a child. He does not want Luke ending up like him. Mark wants Luke to date and have balance in his life. Once he achieves that, Mark will consider giving Luke the company.

I hated that at first Luke was using Penny to get his father to give him the company. I also knew that he had real feelings for Penny but he didn’t know what to do with them. I was rooting for this couple.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Ellen Brooks and Goodreads for gifting me with an E-book.

Penelope "Penny" Pierce is a third grade teacher. She's looking for a down-to-earth man. She wants a relationship just as perfect as her grandparents, who were married for decades. Luke Ashford is a workaholic. He believes that he isn't made for love. His one and only goal is to be the CEO of his family's business when his father retires, until his father gives him an ultimatum: Find a girlfriend or he finds a new CEO. Luke decides that being in a fake relationship with Penny is the perfect solution to his dilemma. But Luke soon realizes that Penny is harder to resist than he thought.

The chemistry between Luke and Penny is palpable from the beginning of the story. I love how Penny, the kind, sweet teacher, is able to start breaking into the hardened walls that Luke has built up. I also loved watching Luke's character and view of career goals/life change throughout the book. This was a hot, steamy read that left me wanting more of Penny and Luke's story.

Favorite Quote: "Life isn't about winning,  it's about the journey and the relationships you make along the way.  It's the people that matter."

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this romance!! (read it in nearly ONE sitting, my bum is sore!)

Luke is fabulous- I really enjoyed his character arc; he's really learns his lesson about there being more to life than hard work, business, and following in his father's footsteps. He has some rough spots/and a closed off-serious nature (which is a great contrast to Penny who is so open and in touch with her feelings) and is just what I like in a hero. A guy meets a gal who rocks his world and makes him realize how wrong he's been! Penny was sweet and endearing but with spine- yet not too sassy. Their attraction was believable, the sex steamy, and I love Penny's boldness even when you might think she’d be a goody-two shoes/more conservative in bed.

Plenty of fantasy billionaire elements too- and the end date was over the top perfect.

The author tied it up with a bit of a surprising bow at the end- and there were definitely some side characters I could see spinning off from this story. Both of her books are now on my favorites list!

But I'm not sure if I want the author to write about Coop, or Mallory, or go back to Scotland and an 'Outlander-esque" TV show next!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke Ashford was brought up by nannies and tutors as his father was too busy running AV Industries to pay attention to his only child. Now that Luke is grown and working for his father’s company, his ambition is taking his father’s place as CEO. These plans take second place when he meets Penny Pierce, elementary school teacher whose students were selected for the science fair promoted by AV Industries. He is stunned when he sees her consoling a student and imagines her arms around him. But Luke did not receive love as a child and does not know how to show his love for Penny. It takes a little help from others to show these two that they belong together.

With hints given several times about a sign with AV Industries, I knew that Penny's grandfather and Luke's father were connected. Interesting to find out that Mark Ashford and Mary Lavender knew about Luke and Penny's romance all along.

I thank Goodreads for the free copy of the book. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
A cute love story when Luke listens to his father who tells him to live his life and not spend all of his time at work. If not, he will become like Mark and looks back on his live with regrets.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Penny & Luke's story ❤ A discovery of love and overcoming major hurdles and mistakes.

Billionaire Luke happens upon Penny, a 3rd grade teacher, in a situation he never thought he'd be in...mentoring kids. Being the romantic she is, Penny finds herself falling for Luke...he'd definitely pass the Bob Valentine test and her grandmother seemed smitten as well. But Luke doesn't think he's capable of love...Ashford's weren't made for love.

After experiencing many firsts and having so much fun together,  something just seemed off to Penny. Then the bomb dropped 💣 How can they move past it?

Despite his upbringing,  Luke took a chance on Penny and I was so happy when he finally let go and let her in. I absolutely enjoyed their time at the baseball game! Penny knocked it out of the park with that date...pun intended 🤣 Everyone was rooting for the two of them.

Wish this was in first person with multiple POV but overall fell for these two and their story. And who couldn't fall in love with Penny's grandma? So frickin cute...and sneaky ❤

[yh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke Ashford was groomed by his father to be the new CEO of his father's company, AV industries. His grew up without much of a childhood or any chance of fun and was abandoned by his mother.

Penny is the opposite, an intelligent teacher surrounded by loving parents and grandparents - however hasn't dated in over a year due to the high standard she's set for men based on the wonderful family she's grown up with.

Despite wanting someone family oriented and kind, she is intensely attracted to Luke, who prioritises work and business over family and love, with his firm arms and dark eyes...

(Un) Fortunately, Luke's father sets an ultimatum which sets their story in motion.

I thoroughly enjoyed how these characters were shaped and seeing how they would act on their initial attraction. Looking forward to seeing what else this author produces.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be reading quite a few fake relationship books lately, each one has their pro's and con's but I tend to really enjoy each & every one so it was practically a no brainer that I wanted to read this book. I must admit I struggled with the start of this book - Luke was hard to enjoy reading, he seemed so very set in his ways. Thankfully, after spending time with Penny he came out of his shell and I really enjoyed how he evolved in the story from this point on.
Penny on the other hand was such a magnificent character & basically her alone is what made me give this book 4 stars. Needless to say she was my favourite character in this story - along with her grandmother it made for some exceptional reading.
This is my first book by Ellen & after finishing this one it won't be my last. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I seem to be reading quite a few fake relationship books lately, each one has their pro's and con's but I tend to really enjoy each & every one so it was practically a no brainer that I wanted to read this book. I must admit I struggled with the start of this book - Luke was hard to enjoy reading, he seemed so very set in his ways. Thankfully, after spending time with Penny he came out of his shell and I really enjoyed how he evolved in the story from this point on.
Penny on the other hand was such a magnificent character & basically her alone is what made me give this book 4 stars. Needless to say she was my favourite character in this story - along with her grandmother it made for some exceptional reading.
This is my first book by Ellen & after finishing this one it won't be my last. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke is a workaholic like his father and is groomed to take over the family business as CEO. His father has second thoughts about his life - or lack of it - so he threatens Luke to get him out of his comfort zone to be around kids and find a wife. He meets Penny at the school while tutoring. The characters grow a lot during this storyline, with deception, groveling, trust and support. The storyline has good family that help them, like grandma, and the roller coaster ride of a relationship sends your heart and feelings along for the ride. Loved their chemistry and banter, and the forgiveness and acceptance felt real. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about lifes lessons and how you have to learn how to balance work and play to be successful in life. Mark a successful business man close to retiring would nothing more than to give his son Luke the title of CEO for their family company since Luke has been training since birth practically for this position. The only issue is as Mark focus on retirement he notices how lonely his life is having put the business first and he doesn't want his son to go down the same path. He wants his career driven son to stop and smell the roses before they die off and so he gives him an ultimatum before he names him CEO of their corporation.

[Cathryn Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Penny’s story unfolds so beautifully throughout Learning His Lesson. I especially liked Luke’s character arc. I didn’t LOVE him in the beginning as an obvious hero, but was definitely intrigued. By the end, he had me smiling big time and I loved the scenes scattered throughout with Penny’s students. Her wholesome background and personality paired against Luke’s made for quite the interesting match, and the author did not skimp on the spice. Highly recommend for a quick weekend or beach read this summer.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic?

I am not sure how to describe this book. Basic, maybe? If you enjoy predictable romances, then this book is for you. Stereotypical white business guy falls for stereotypical sweet blonde teacher. Some small drama occurs, is almost instantly overcome, and then both live happily ever after. The only emotion I felt while reading was anger about how bad of a parent Mark was. He screwed his kid up as a child and then overcorrected by manipulating him by threatening to take away the one thing he worked his whole life for. That was messed up. Overall, I'm just glad I got it for free.

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I just couldn't love this book - I liked it, but I think the male lead - Luke - just rubbed me the wrong way and I couldn't bring myself to like him and therefore couldn't ever get into his emotional journey. Penny was PERFECTLY written - but I kept shaking my head at Luke. I'm sure it's just a glitch and I'll love the next Ellen Brooks book - have loved her other works so bring it!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I start this in the evening and stay up late finishing it? Yes. But it was so good! The moment they introduce Penny, you know Luke’s world gets turned upside down. I love the dynamic between the two, and I am obsessed with the fake-dating trope right now. This book had me laughing and it was a feel good rom-com. The book ended and I surprisingly wasn’t left with wanting more of them. There is nice bow on top (including the bonus epilogue) and everything is tied up nicely.

[Wei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book of this author's, and it exceeded my expectations. The story of Luke and Penny was a beautifully written romance with adorable main and supporting characters! Their journey to finding each other was a joy to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not read a Billionaire book in a while and this made a nice change.

I really enjoyed tjs book. The writing style, the story, the characters, everything.

This is the first book I've read by Ellen Brooks but it won't be the last

[Amela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had everything to keep you glued to the book from beginning to end. The authors did a fabulous job building the plot as well as the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moeniesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very sweet but also very slow paced. If the pace was a bit faster I would have enjoyed it more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and predictable

This was a light read that I enjoyed because it had a happy ending. I felt like the story was pretty predictable and I would have liked to see some twist that I didn't see coming.

[Rebecca Cheehy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was hard for me to get into. The male character was really hard to like for most of the book for me. Overall it was well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.