Review of Learning Curves by Rachel Lacey
As I flipped through the pages of Learning Curves, I was immediately captivated by the intertwining complexities of romance and academia. The idea of a sapphic romance featuring a professor and her former student—now assistant professor—is a deliciously tantalizing premise! Rachel Lacey has a knack for creating relatable, strong characters, and I couldn’t wait to dive back into her world after enjoying her previous works. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with a copy of this delightful read; as always, my opinions are entirely my own!
At its core, Learning Curves is more than just a love story. It’s a nuanced exploration of personal growth, passion, and the nuanced conversations surrounding adoption and identity. I found myself appreciating the depth of the themes woven throughout the plot, particularly the historical references to women in art. This addition sparked an interest in me to learn more about historical perspectives on women in the arts, adding layers of richness to the reading experience. While the adoption storyline intrigued me, I felt the treatment of such a complex issue was somewhat surface-level—there’s a multitude of ethical considerations surrounding adoption that could have further enriched the narrative.
Audrey, with her effervescent personality, instantly became a character I admired. Her bubbly enthusiasm made her a pleasure to read, and I found myself wishing I could share a coffee with her in real life. On the flip side, Michelle initially took a moment for me to warm up to, which I believe was Lacey’s intention. Watching her evolution throughout the novel was refreshing; seeing her reclaim her identity and passion in a world that had, at times, stifled her was incredibly empowering. The diverse cast of side characters felt reminiscent of the vibrant tapestry of personalities we often encounter in college—something that added a beautiful authenticity to the narrative.
What stood out most to me was the slow-burn romance between Michelle and Audrey. Their relationship felt grounded in genuine communication and mutual respect, eschewing the typical pitfalls of misunderstandings and deceit. The chemistry ignites as the story progresses, capturing that exhilarating moment when friendship morphs into something deeper. The spice level—rated at a 3/5—hit just the right note for me; it was spicy yet tender, creating memorable moments that felt both steamy and sweet. Lacey framed their intimate scenes with a tenderness that felt both realistic and relatable, making their love story all the more impactful.
In conclusion, Learning Curves resonated with me on several levels. Lacey has crafted a romance that not only thrills but also thoughtfully engages with themes of personal identity and the complexities of relationships. I believe readers who appreciate mature romance, ethical age gaps, and well-developed characters will find this book particularly fulfilling. It’s undoubtedly my favorite work of Rachel Lacey’s to date, and I can only hope others will be as drawn into this heartfelt narrative as I was. If you’re looking for a love story that bypasses common tropes in favor of authenticity and emotional depth, I highly recommend picking up Learning Curves.
Content Warnings: Discussions of sexual harassment, sexism, and racism in the workplace; past toxic relationships.