Customer Reviews

Learning Curves (Heat) (Harlequin Temptation)

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Graduate student Madeline Watson feels outraged to learn that her desertion topic has been rejected. She had elected to study the mating practices of humans from a sociological point of view. The committee's denial of the topic implies that she lives a pristine life that lacks practical experience with dating rituals; therefore, her innocence disqualifies her from making an adequate study of such a racy topic. Consequently, Madeline approaches long time friend Cal Turner, the bad boy of the teacher's lounge. Her goal: to practice dating rituals publicly enough to convince her professors to reconsider her topic.

Cal has tried to flirt with Madeline for years, but she just never seems to "get it." He resolved long ago to maintain their platonic friendship. Now he is shocked at Maddy's invitation to come to her place to burn up the sheets. Shocked that she offers and flattered that she wants him, Cal still has to decline. He has been cleaning up his reputation for the sake of a custody hearing for his little sister. A flagrant and public affair could cost him the case. Still, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Madeline, especially when his Lady Scholar becomes a siren in a red dress.

Author Joanne Rock brings a marvelous sense of adventure and a touch of the unexpected to LEARNING CURVES. In the Ivory Towers of higher academia, this marvelous heroine discovers that higher learning and falling in love can be both challenging and rewarding. Rock carefully sidesteps current policy of prohibiting a graduate student and an instructor from dating. Her ingenious resolution: they were friends before he started teaching, she has more teaching experience, and they are in different departments. And in a world where a graduate student's reputation makes all the difference, in this case because she is a little too pristine, Rock exploits the possibilities to the fullest. A delightful romp scertain to entertain, LEARNING CURVES comes very highly recommended.

I figured a Harlequin Temptation novel would have plenty of sizzle, especially one whose cover featured a scarlet sheath-clad siren in the back seat of a classic convertible getting very friendly with a gorgeous guy. LEARNING CURVES, the Harlequin Temptation debut of Golden Heart winner Joanne Rock, does have sizzle to spare. But it isn't a case of all sizzle, no steak. Ms. Rock delivers a juicy, full-flavored steak with the love story of Madeline Watson, a socially inexperienced academic and Cal Turner, the campus bad boy she chooses to tutor her in the subject of passion. Cal and Maddy set off sparks that can't be quenched by either the complications in their lives or the pink soap bubble car wash that's the scene of one memorable tryst. Like a roller coaster that ends with a lingering ride through the tunnel of love, LEARNING CURVES, provides the perfect mixture of sensual thrills and sweet satisfaction.

Ms. Rock has written a very lively tale featuring my favorite style, subtle humor. I loved the Mechanic-Made-Good hero. My kind of guy.

Madeline Watson wants to study human-mating rituals...and who better to study with than her good pal Cal Turner. But Cal can't have a scandal, and a scandal is just what he'll have if word gets out he's dating a grad student. There's too much at stake to risk. But maybe there's too much at stake not to?

Joanne Rock writes a steamy story with "real" people who will not only delight you, but move you!

Wow! What a fabulous read from start to finish! LEARNING CURVES offers a to-die-for hunky hero in Cal and a fun, spunky heroine we can all identify with in Maddy. The whole book is packed with memorable scenes like the mall shopping trip and the pink bubbles encounter. (But I won't spoil the fun by giving anything more away. <g>) Funny, steamy, and fast paced - LEARNING CURVES is a stellar debut book!! I'm already looking forward to Joanne Rock's next release!

From Chapter One, I was engrossed in this book. The story of Maddy and Cal is told with humor and romance. Many people may identify with the humorous antics of Maddy as she involves a "friend" in a sociology experiment. This realistic, contemporary romance makes me anxious to read more works by Joanne Rock.

Maybe it's the setting, my alma mater--the University of Louisville campus--but I felt right at home with these characters. A hunk trying to live a responsible life and a responsible bookworm trying to break free of her image. It's an academic experiment that quickly runs out of control. I'll never look at a car wash again without thinking of this book! Joanne Rock is one fine writer, one to watch.

Cal and Maddie's story snagged my attention from page one and held it all the way through a one-sitting read. What an awesome story with great characters! Cal's sister Allison is esepcially fun with her mall addiction. Joanne Rock stories are now definitely on my auto-buy list!

Learning Curves is Rock's steamy debut. Rock `s Learning Curves is filled with seductive characters that are fun, vivacious & witty. I grew up reading romances as a kid/pre-teen shortly after I moved beyond Nancy Drew (and before I was introduced to Mary Higgins Clark), so I am well schooled by the original divas of romance - Linda Wisdom, Janet Daily, Susanna Collins, Lavryle Spencer, Catherine Coulter, Nora Roberts. I'm not into the fluffy, hit it & quit it romances that are nothing but thinly veiled soft porn.

Learning Curves is a yummy contemporary romance with a delightful female lead who is sassy, smart and sincere. A male lead who is charismatic, fun, sexy, and a breath of fresh air.

The talented Rock has crafted a romance that leaves you feeling as if you just quenched your thirst with an icy beverage - or sundae - on the most blistering of days when you reach the end!