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Love Lessons #1
Love Lessons
Love doesn’t come with a syllabus.
Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus.
Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.
Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view.
As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.
This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.
Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus.
Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.
Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view.
As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.
This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.
274 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
44 books2,836 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 847 reviews
September 13, 2013
4.5 stars
Wow. I REALLY did NOT expect to LOVE this book THIS much!!!! It was just SO GOOD!
Is it sweet? YES.
Is there angst? Minor. Very minor.
Is there smut? Minor. Very minor.
Is it the typical YA formula? On the surface it might seem it, but it actually goes much deeper. I wouldn’t call this “YA”.
Is it emotional? Yes, at times.
Is it HEA? See question 1.
This is a really different book than I’m used to from Heidi Cullinan. Honestly, the woman knows how to write a HOT story. Love Lessons, however, is more about the emotional connection and the growth from friends to lovers of 2 young men dealing with their pasts, figuring out their presents, and planning their futures. It’s a sweet, lovely, yet powerful story about finding yourself, finding your partner, finding your joy.
Kelly is a college Freshman, a virgin, and pretty much the MOST ADORABLE KID EVER! He will join my "House of Huggables" (with Ryan from ICoS, Parker from American Love Songs, Conner from Social Skills, and Elliot from Catch My Breath…the HoH is getting crowded!) And though the story starts with him and his issues, it develops into him as a source of strength for his boyfriend and his family. Oh, and he LOVES Disney…so, duh…he’s awesome.
Walter is a player, a commitmentphobe, a bit of a rebel rouser. He immediately takes to Kelly, befriends him, and does what he can to look out for him. This protectiveness is SUPER attractive and makes me want to be besties with him. When he finally realizes he’s in love and he can count on Kelly…gah…open the floodgates…what a beautiful part of the book. I loved it.
The two of them as a couple make me HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TINY, minor, the-only-reason-this-isn’t-5-stars beef with the book: the epilogue. Goodness knows I love me an epilogue…but this one was almost…well…just…you’ll see…
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you can handle the sweetness!
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March 1, 2015This is on audio now, if you hadn't heard that news.
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August 3, 2015
*Only $0.99 at Amazon right now!! 8/3/15 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZ8MCG0*
Another fabulous read by the always reliable Heidi Cullinan! I mean, what is there not to love about a college freshman virgin from the sticks and a male player reforming his ways?? Truly nothing. And a Disney theme to boot?? Yes please!!
Clearly this book had some of my favorite tropes and it delivered in a big way. I was needed something light to pick me up and this good old-fashioned M/M sappy romance did the trick! Very sweet, very slow-burn (which is a WIN for me), "Love Lessons" was all that I hoped it would be.
Now, it wasn't perfect. I had some issues with the pacing (it dragged towards the middle and the end) and I grew a little bored of the college campus politics. I also ended up comparing it to two of my FAVORITES from last December, Christmas Kitsch (which I praise far and wide, like it's my job) and Blame It On The Mistletoe (which was nearly perfect for me as well and with no pacing flaws). However, while this won't make my favorite's list, "Love Lessons" certainly deserves to stand tall and proud in the same field as those two other juggernauts.
I'd recommend this book for someone looking for a lovely NA read with a long buildup to sex and plenty of relationship development. It was nicely done and another winner from Ms. Cullinan.
Another fabulous read by the always reliable Heidi Cullinan! I mean, what is there not to love about a college freshman virgin from the sticks and a male player reforming his ways?? Truly nothing. And a Disney theme to boot?? Yes please!!
Clearly this book had some of my favorite tropes and it delivered in a big way. I was needed something light to pick me up and this good old-fashioned M/M sappy romance did the trick! Very sweet, very slow-burn (which is a WIN for me), "Love Lessons" was all that I hoped it would be.
Now, it wasn't perfect. I had some issues with the pacing (it dragged towards the middle and the end) and I grew a little bored of the college campus politics. I also ended up comparing it to two of my FAVORITES from last December, Christmas Kitsch (which I praise far and wide, like it's my job) and Blame It On The Mistletoe (which was nearly perfect for me as well and with no pacing flaws). However, while this won't make my favorite's list, "Love Lessons" certainly deserves to stand tall and proud in the same field as those two other juggernauts.
I'd recommend this book for someone looking for a lovely NA read with a long buildup to sex and plenty of relationship development. It was nicely done and another winner from Ms. Cullinan.
Read
April 26, 2013DNF 40%
Jumping for cover, sorry guys. Another buddy read gone bust, only this time I was wise enough to quit while I was ahead. Love Lessons will be that other book that everyone loved but me. Picky, fussy, grumpy or moody take your pick. My patience seems to be wearing thin lately, I was bored and exasperated, its a very slow moving story. It also didn't help that one of the characters Walter annoyed me, another strike. Sugar is all well and good but white death is too much.:( Yes, I did skim the rest of the book and that epilogue is a no.
Jumping for cover, sorry guys. Another buddy read gone bust, only this time I was wise enough to quit while I was ahead. Love Lessons will be that other book that everyone loved but me. Picky, fussy, grumpy or moody take your pick. My patience seems to be wearing thin lately, I was bored and exasperated, its a very slow moving story. It also didn't help that one of the characters Walter annoyed me, another strike. Sugar is all well and good but white death is too much.:( Yes, I did skim the rest of the book and that epilogue is a no.
August 1, 2015
♥ ♥ ♥ 4 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"Sometimes they never do, and that’s a risk we take. But sometimes what they need most is to see us sitting still, patient, waiting. To understand that we’re going to be there no matter what, that we’re the ones who are always sitting there waiting, loyal, loving. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any words.”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
All Walter Lucas wants is to live off campus. He is known as a casanova for his never ending list of hookups, and he just keeps adding more men to that list. But when they deny his request, they stick him in a single dorm with another young man who has a long list of his own, but this one is of his allergies. His name is Kelly, and his the complete opposite of Walter. Kelly is shy, a virgin, and waiting to have his Disney happily ever after with his prince charming.
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"Walter, I can't. I feel things when we do this that I shouldn't. You don't feel those kinds of things, not with anyone."
Walter nuzzled Kelly's neck, then his ear. "Maybe I do, with you."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Walter is very cynical when it comes to love. But, he decides to show Kelly that the only way he'll ever meet his "the one" is by going out there and looking. The more time these two spend with each other, they closer they become. I loved watching their relationship form into best friends status, and then to so much more. I loved the pace of the romantic storyline, as well as the character development. There was only one part where I did feel the story slowed down too much for me. I loved the tension between them that a great slow burn. I loved the banter and just the overall connection. I was falling for both of them. They were just so damn adorable together. I couldn't get enough of theses guys.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'Need. It was need.
I want Kelly.
I need Kelly.
His heart beat so hard it felt like he was going to have an attack. It wasn't anything, though, next to the pain of what he realized that fervent beating meant.
I love Kelly.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
I liked that we got to see who Walter really was. He was hiding behind his cocky mask so that no one would see the hurt and uncertainty he was feeling inside. I loved that Kelly was able to bring him out of his shell and help him see that he is worth loving. The part that I mentioned before that caused the story to slow down for me was when they tried to help a professor at the school. I wasn't able to stay interested in it, but I did like that we got to see how caring and unselfish Walter really was. Overall, it was a really great book. Yes, it was overtly sweet, especially near the ending, but damn it...it wouldn't be a Disney happily ever after if it wasn't. I loved it so much it melted my heart for the both of them. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I totally recommend giving this one a read to all those hopeless romantics out there.
May 24, 2023
*3.5* This story was sweet. It was also way too long, and read a little bit like a YA with one of the main characters a virgin, who loves Disney and Flynn Rider. Who doesn’t like the smolder?
It felt like it just kept repeating the same hamster-on-a-wheel story lines. Kelly, wanting a relationship and fairytale love. Walter, enjoying the revolving door sexcapades of college life.
Walter begins to care for Kelly, checking in with him constantly, making sure he’s eating the right foods, worried about him having a panic attack or some other medical issue. It was actually cute, but I wished for more of a genuine connection between the men.
On a disturbing note, there is a story Walter tells Kelly of when he was 13-years-old and first had sex. The man in his 30s. It is glossed over by Walter saying at the time he thought it was cool that an older man was interested in him. I. Was. Horrified. Was this abuse the entire reason Walter is unable to have a boyfriend, why he is unable to do anything, but one night stands? It was never discussed or talked about again.
While a majority of the story was cute, it did not have same depth of character as previous Cullinan stories.
Have the most sappy and Disney-ending ever, but that was to be expected!
Excellent narration by Iggy Toma.
It felt like it just kept repeating the same hamster-on-a-wheel story lines. Kelly, wanting a relationship and fairytale love. Walter, enjoying the revolving door sexcapades of college life.
Walter begins to care for Kelly, checking in with him constantly, making sure he’s eating the right foods, worried about him having a panic attack or some other medical issue. It was actually cute, but I wished for more of a genuine connection between the men.
On a disturbing note, there is a story Walter tells Kelly of when he was 13-years-old and first had sex. The man in his 30s. It is glossed over by Walter saying at the time he thought it was cool that an older man was interested in him. I. Was. Horrified. Was this abuse the entire reason Walter is unable to have a boyfriend, why he is unable to do anything, but one night stands? It was never discussed or talked about again.
While a majority of the story was cute, it did not have same depth of character as previous Cullinan stories.
Have the most sappy and Disney-ending ever, but that was to be expected!
Excellent narration by Iggy Toma.
December 1, 2013
Pre-ordered and a big thank you to Samhain's wonderful customer service that allows me to forget about the book until a nice email is in my inbox reminding me that it's here ! :D
And I'm going to Buddy read this with Lucy! :)
OK, first update Samhain didn't send me an email this time. Not good, here I am praising them left, right and center and they don't send me an email. *sadz*
4.5*
Now to the book!
Short version I loved it . I am a sucker for sappy and sweet and Disney HEA! And this one delivered!
I almost couldn't believe this was a Heidi Cullinan book, it felt so different from her other stories.
Kelly appears to be a hot mess, every allergy known to man, sheltered and naive, waiting for Prince Charming and he wants the Disney fairy tale.
So of course, I loved this kid! He is the best!
Then we have Walter, he appears all together and seems to have it all, but he's just as messed up as Kelly, just in a very different way.
I also appreciated that although Walter had family issues, no one was just all out evil or a caricature, it felt real.
This was an excellent friends to lovers story, a story of coming out, looking behind the curtain, love, all kinds of love, friendship and loyalty.
Of finding love “Sometimes the ones we love are like butterflies, flitting all over, and we have to sit and wait patiently for them to land. Sometimes they never do, and that’s a risk we take. But sometimes what they need most is to see us sitting still, patient, waiting. To understand that we’re going to be there no matter what, that we’re the ones who are always sitting there waiting, loyal, loving. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any words."
And I have to add, at least for me BEST FIRST KISS EVER!
Kelly, really is a sweetheart, I think Walter described him best this way : “I think that’s my favorite thing about you. You’re a happy-seeking missile. The damnedest thing is, you almost always find it.”
Walter is wonderful, caring and so damn good. I really felt for him and am so glad he found Kelly and that he finally has someone who puts him first. “Don’t you think it’s time someone gave up everything for you?”
So, I got my HEA and my sappy side is now sighing in happiness and I am sure this will be a reread for me!
And I'm going to Buddy read this with Lucy! :)
OK, first update Samhain didn't send me an email this time. Not good, here I am praising them left, right and center and they don't send me an email. *sadz*
4.5*
Now to the book!
Short version I loved it . I am a sucker for sappy and sweet and Disney HEA! And this one delivered!
I almost couldn't believe this was a Heidi Cullinan book, it felt so different from her other stories.
Kelly appears to be a hot mess, every allergy known to man, sheltered and naive, waiting for Prince Charming and he wants the Disney fairy tale.
So of course, I loved this kid! He is the best!
Then we have Walter, he appears all together and seems to have it all, but he's just as messed up as Kelly, just in a very different way.
I also appreciated that although Walter had family issues, no one was just all out evil or a caricature, it felt real.
This was an excellent friends to lovers story, a story of coming out, looking behind the curtain, love, all kinds of love, friendship and loyalty.
Of finding love “Sometimes the ones we love are like butterflies, flitting all over, and we have to sit and wait patiently for them to land. Sometimes they never do, and that’s a risk we take. But sometimes what they need most is to see us sitting still, patient, waiting. To understand that we’re going to be there no matter what, that we’re the ones who are always sitting there waiting, loyal, loving. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any words."
And I have to add, at least for me BEST FIRST KISS EVER!
Kelly, really is a sweetheart, I think Walter described him best this way : “I think that’s my favorite thing about you. You’re a happy-seeking missile. The damnedest thing is, you almost always find it.”
Walter is wonderful, caring and so damn good. I really felt for him and am so glad he found Kelly and that he finally has someone who puts him first. “Don’t you think it’s time someone gave up everything for you?”
So, I got my HEA and my sappy side is now sighing in happiness and I am sure this will be a reread for me!
December 21, 2013
2.5 Stars
Okay, please don't hate me all you Heidi fans.
This was okay, but dear lord was it boring, after 60% I was so bored, bored, BOOOORED!
Everything was Disney movies and college politics and dull, dreary, everyday draaaahhhma.
I won't even mention the epilogue (well I am, but I'm not, if you know what I mean) because Heidi likes her OTT happy endings, but that's not what I'm moaning about. It just ... ends, no climax, no reveal if you like, just ...oh, we'll be fine and then the OTT epilogue.
Urgh no thanks, just pass me the one with the kinky cowboys instead please.
Okay, please don't hate me all you Heidi fans.
This was okay, but dear lord was it boring, after 60% I was so bored, bored, BOOOORED!
Everything was Disney movies and college politics and dull, dreary, everyday draaaahhhma.
I won't even mention the epilogue (well I am, but I'm not, if you know what I mean) because Heidi likes her OTT happy endings, but that's not what I'm moaning about. It just ... ends, no climax, no reveal if you like, just ...oh, we'll be fine and then the OTT epilogue.
Urgh no thanks, just pass me the one with the kinky cowboys instead please.
October 22, 2013
I apologize in advance; this book has turned me into a giddy schoolgirl. I’ll try my hardest not to squee.
Have you ever been so excited for a book that you were nervous to the point of sweaty palms? Have you experienced that fear of disappointment? Hesitated to read something you really wanted to since you knew that it would be devastating if it didn’t fulfill expectations, because you were so ridiculously looking forward to enjoying the hell out of it? NOT A PROBLEM HERE!
The blurb had me convinced that I was going to love this. I’m ecstatic that I was right.
Kelly is starting his freshmen year at Hope University. He finds himself with an unexpected roommate, Walter Lucas, the campus Casanova. Kelly believes in love and happily-ever-afters. Walter doesn’t believe relationships.
This book was pretty much made for me. It had so many things for me to love:
This book is sweet, funny, and hot. I was not expecting that last bit but it was really freaking hot. I mean, there isn’t a lot of sex. There doesn’t need to be. It doesn’t take anything away from the book. Still, I was overheating reading this. My ovaries may have quivered. Oh, delicious unresolved sexual tension, you get me every time. It’s a tricky thing, but there was the perfect amount. Precious balance, that. Not too much, not too little. It was just right.
Have I mentioned that this book made me feel like Goldilocks? No. Well, the “just right” thing will come up again.
It was kind of scary how much I related to Walter. Heidi Cullinan did an amazing job on her portrayal of all the internal conflict that results from having a manic depressive parent. I thought that was really well done. I fell in love with Walter immediately. At first he made me laugh, his POV is definitely amusing. He’s a little broken, a lot vulnerable, and just about the sweetest bad boy. He’s definitely not what he seems initially, and learning about his hidden depths as the book progressed was great. The way he grew as a character was even better.
Kelly is a cutie pie, a shy, idealistic cutie pie. Like a teddy bear, he is impossible not to love. Or snuggle. Walter and Kelly are clearly opposites. It’s what ends up making them so perfect for each other. I don’t want to give too much away about either of them, or them together. Because, for me, the best part was in learning about them, in watching them fall for each other, in watching them grow, in watching them work at a relationship. I thought it was so perfect, the way they were together. Their interactions and dialogue were so sweet. I just loved them, together and apart. My heart felt full while reading this.
It seems clear at this point. This book has turned me into a sap.
I pretty much smiled my way through Love Lessons. It was amusing, it gave me a severe case of the warm and fuzzies, and it made my fucking heart melt. The book is cute, sweet, romantic, and I suppose you could say it’s a light read. Although, there isn’t a lot of external conflict but there is a lot of internal, a lot of self-reflection and growth, introspection that had me introspecting. So, it’s light but it’s got substance.
On to the epilogue, which I thought was perfection but some will loathe. I am a closet romantic. I mean, it shouldn’t surprise given that I am a romance novel junkie. Still, I like to pretend I’m all bitter and jaded but sometimes a writer can lull me into admitting (and reveling in) my sugar addiction. This is one of those times. I’ll admit the epilogue is sugary sweet. However, I thought it was the perfect amount, the “just right” amount. It had me drowning in warm fuzzy feelz. Perhaps I was hoodwinked and bamboozled by Kelly. Him, and his Disney happily-ever-afters sucked me in, and I found flawlessness in the tidy ending. Or, perhaps I was riding high on my reading buzz. Doesn’t matter. I loved it. Kelly’s words are actually purrrfect to describe the epilogue: “It was almost too cheesy, which was why It was so good—almost too cheesy. Right at the edge, which made it glorious.”
Do I recommend this? Without a doubt, yes!
*ARC has been generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars
{Click here} for the Love Lessons Giveaway!
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
Have you ever been so excited for a book that you were nervous to the point of sweaty palms? Have you experienced that fear of disappointment? Hesitated to read something you really wanted to since you knew that it would be devastating if it didn’t fulfill expectations, because you were so ridiculously looking forward to enjoying the hell out of it? NOT A PROBLEM HERE!
The blurb had me convinced that I was going to love this. I’m ecstatic that I was right.
Kelly is starting his freshmen year at Hope University. He finds himself with an unexpected roommate, Walter Lucas, the campus Casanova. Kelly believes in love and happily-ever-afters. Walter doesn’t believe relationships.
This book was pretty much made for me. It had so many things for me to love:
Roommates, check.
Slow burn, check.
Great dialogue: check.
Fluffy adorableness, check.
Sugary goodness, check.
True wuv, check.
Sexual tension, CHECK.
This book is sweet, funny, and hot. I was not expecting that last bit but it was really freaking hot. I mean, there isn’t a lot of sex. There doesn’t need to be. It doesn’t take anything away from the book. Still, I was overheating reading this. My ovaries may have quivered. Oh, delicious unresolved sexual tension, you get me every time. It’s a tricky thing, but there was the perfect amount. Precious balance, that. Not too much, not too little. It was just right.
Have I mentioned that this book made me feel like Goldilocks? No. Well, the “just right” thing will come up again.
It was kind of scary how much I related to Walter. Heidi Cullinan did an amazing job on her portrayal of all the internal conflict that results from having a manic depressive parent. I thought that was really well done. I fell in love with Walter immediately. At first he made me laugh, his POV is definitely amusing. He’s a little broken, a lot vulnerable, and just about the sweetest bad boy. He’s definitely not what he seems initially, and learning about his hidden depths as the book progressed was great. The way he grew as a character was even better.
Kelly is a cutie pie, a shy, idealistic cutie pie. Like a teddy bear, he is impossible not to love. Or snuggle. Walter and Kelly are clearly opposites. It’s what ends up making them so perfect for each other. I don’t want to give too much away about either of them, or them together. Because, for me, the best part was in learning about them, in watching them fall for each other, in watching them grow, in watching them work at a relationship. I thought it was so perfect, the way they were together. Their interactions and dialogue were so sweet. I just loved them, together and apart. My heart felt full while reading this.
It seems clear at this point. This book has turned me into a sap.
I pretty much smiled my way through Love Lessons. It was amusing, it gave me a severe case of the warm and fuzzies, and it made my fucking heart melt. The book is cute, sweet, romantic, and I suppose you could say it’s a light read. Although, there isn’t a lot of external conflict but there is a lot of internal, a lot of self-reflection and growth, introspection that had me introspecting. So, it’s light but it’s got substance.
On to the epilogue, which I thought was perfection but some will loathe. I am a closet romantic. I mean, it shouldn’t surprise given that I am a romance novel junkie. Still, I like to pretend I’m all bitter and jaded but sometimes a writer can lull me into admitting (and reveling in) my sugar addiction. This is one of those times. I’ll admit the epilogue is sugary sweet. However, I thought it was the perfect amount, the “just right” amount. It had me drowning in warm fuzzy feelz. Perhaps I was hoodwinked and bamboozled by Kelly. Him, and his Disney happily-ever-afters sucked me in, and I found flawlessness in the tidy ending. Or, perhaps I was riding high on my reading buzz. Doesn’t matter. I loved it. Kelly’s words are actually purrrfect to describe the epilogue: “It was almost too cheesy, which was why It was so good—almost too cheesy. Right at the edge, which made it glorious.”
Do I recommend this? Without a doubt, yes!
*ARC has been generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars
{Click here} for the Love Lessons Giveaway!
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
October 12, 2013
I loved Walter - he's a guy who's working so hard to keep life running smoothly, not just for himself but for everyone he cares about. His depressed, moody mother back home. His favorite professor. And when he's assigned to room with the from-a-small-Minnesota-town freshmen, Kelly, that quickly includes his new roommate.
Kelly is a good guy who's a bit overwhelmed by the transition to college, and all the things he thought it would be and isn't, including a dorm with disdainful jocks, and food that threatens to set off his allergies. Walter, from his vantage as a jaded junior, can empathize. And when Walter wants to help, he throws himself into it, heart, mind, time and bank account.
Walter wants Kelly to find the good things about Hope College, including a positive intro to dating and sex. Although not with a player like Walter himself. But Walter doesn't give himself enough credit for his intentions or his own worth, and what he thinks is the easy route in his own life, is really protecting himself from the pain of caring too much.
This is a slow-building romance, with some good secondary characters, notably the professor whose support is the rock Walter stands on to get through his degree. The shifting of that ground under them provides some of the interest in both plot and emotions here. There is a bit of "I'm not good enough for the virgin guy" about the story, but here it felt done right, without melodramatic angst and with gradual forward momentum. Kelly is a little too good to be true, especially in his progression to confident public figure toward the end, but he is a sweet guy and exactly what Walter deserves. And Walter. I loved Walter. This goes on my favorites shelf.
Kelly is a good guy who's a bit overwhelmed by the transition to college, and all the things he thought it would be and isn't, including a dorm with disdainful jocks, and food that threatens to set off his allergies. Walter, from his vantage as a jaded junior, can empathize. And when Walter wants to help, he throws himself into it, heart, mind, time and bank account.
Walter wants Kelly to find the good things about Hope College, including a positive intro to dating and sex. Although not with a player like Walter himself. But Walter doesn't give himself enough credit for his intentions or his own worth, and what he thinks is the easy route in his own life, is really protecting himself from the pain of caring too much.
This is a slow-building romance, with some good secondary characters, notably the professor whose support is the rock Walter stands on to get through his degree. The shifting of that ground under them provides some of the interest in both plot and emotions here. There is a bit of "I'm not good enough for the virgin guy" about the story, but here it felt done right, without melodramatic angst and with gradual forward momentum. Kelly is a little too good to be true, especially in his progression to confident public figure toward the end, but he is a sweet guy and exactly what Walter deserves. And Walter. I loved Walter. This goes on my favorites shelf.
May 5, 2013
Once again, I got the first peek at this book. It is, without a doubt, my favorite thing my wife has written. It pushed all the right buttons and made me feel all warm and gooey inside. You all better pray October gets here quickly. :)
October 5, 2013
Well what a delightful read that was. I never doubted this one because it had so many things going for it from the word go. It's by Heidi Cullinan so that's a given. Its set in college.I love college stories. At this moment in time the reviews average 4.3 and best of all its MC's are made up of a gorgeous shy, Disney loving, allergy ridden virgin and an equally good looking, popular, devil may care, anti relationship, walking sex magnet Mr Popular... Opposites attract at its best, so the thought of these two guys holed up together in a single dorm room on campus hinted at lots of sexual tension and sparking chemistry which is something I really love in a romance and had me totally excited about starting it.... and that's where IMO the beauty of this gem lies.
When Kelly and Walter are together, which is often, the connection they have just jumps out at you and the UST leads to some fantastic memorable, tummy tingling moments between them that I found myself going back to read again straight away just to relive that delicious feeling again, my favourites being the lesbian party, THE FIRST KISS * sigh* ( that alone deserves to be put in bold capitols ) and a lovely non sexual but really romantic moment when one of them ( not saying who ) looked at the other whilst he was oblivious and had an epiphany,...that split second when suddenly everything becomes frighteningly clear and you're hit in the gut with the realisation that this person is it for you! Its not a long drawn out scene but the emotion in those few lines was palpable enough to etch it into my mind.
If I'm totally honest it was the drawn out will they /won't they section of the story that I enjoyed the most and Heidi kept that going for a fair part of the book until of course the inevitable happens. I guess the actual love scenes aren't as raunchy as some of her other books but even if they're not as frequent as usual from her, they're still hot, toe curling and sensual enough to satisfy and made all the better for having to wait for them.
If I had one tiny quibble, its that towards the end there's a small section of the story that I felt just lost the magic a tad and because of that I was going to go with 4.5 stars but it ends with a gorgeous sigh worthy epilogue and as I've been writing this review I realised just how much I adored Kelly and Walter and their " moments" so its getting the full tummy tingling 5 stars from me. Loved it!
When Kelly and Walter are together, which is often, the connection they have just jumps out at you and the UST leads to some fantastic memorable, tummy tingling moments between them that I found myself going back to read again straight away just to relive that delicious feeling again, my favourites being the lesbian party, THE FIRST KISS * sigh* ( that alone deserves to be put in bold capitols ) and a lovely non sexual but really romantic moment when one of them ( not saying who ) looked at the other whilst he was oblivious and had an epiphany,...that split second when suddenly everything becomes frighteningly clear and you're hit in the gut with the realisation that this person is it for you! Its not a long drawn out scene but the emotion in those few lines was palpable enough to etch it into my mind.
If I'm totally honest it was the drawn out will they /won't they section of the story that I enjoyed the most and Heidi kept that going for a fair part of the book until of course the inevitable happens. I guess the actual love scenes aren't as raunchy as some of her other books but even if they're not as frequent as usual from her, they're still hot, toe curling and sensual enough to satisfy and made all the better for having to wait for them.
If I had one tiny quibble, its that towards the end there's a small section of the story that I felt just lost the magic a tad and because of that I was going to go with 4.5 stars but it ends with a gorgeous sigh worthy epilogue and as I've been writing this review I realised just how much I adored Kelly and Walter and their " moments" so its getting the full tummy tingling 5 stars from me. Loved it!
January 6, 2016
All the stars for Walter and Kelly! I absolutely LOVED this story! Walter and Kelly were the perfect couple. They were both so freaking cute. Walter is a reformed manwhore who has no interest in relationships. And Kelly is a Disney fanatic looking for true love and a happily ever after. Fate pairs them together as roommates. I loved the slow build of their relationship. And I loved the epilogue! Cannot wait to read Fever Pitch!!
July 11, 2016
This is story is okay if you're into cute, allergy-ridden virgins who hail from the arse end of nowhere and lust after Disney characters.
Okay. No. Seriously. This was nice. The writing was very good and the line editing was stellar. I've realised that's why I keep coming back to Heidi Cullinan's books—because in many technical aspects they are fantastic.
This book started out funny and I liked Walter all right. Then at around 25% I learnt Kelly was a Disney fanboi and lusted after cartoon characters. So not my kind of kink. But whatever; I was able to shrug it off—mostly—and I kept enjoying the story and the chemistry between the heroes. I was still invested in the romance and very eager to see them come together at last. That happened at around 50%-60% and it was okay too. It was nice—Disney movie aside.
And then … that was it. The story just fizzled out.
I was never interested in the character of professor Williams, despite seeing his use. For me, the book read more like Walter's story—and Williams was the mentor; the character who acts as a catalyst for significant character development usually in the second half of Ms Cullinan's stories. For instance, it was Haley in Nowhere Ranch and Louisa (and the therapist) in Dirty Laundry. But Haley and/or Louisa's role didn't work for me in those books, and nor did Professor Williams's in this one, because the way his arc was incorporated into the story made things drag too much in the second part of the book. And at any rate, Walter's emotional turmoil coupled with his need for true connection were clear enough and they were eliciting enough emotional responses from me already. I didn't need to see him become a justice warrior as well to realise he was changing or that he was fighting his fears and insecurities.
Something else that tends to happen in the second half of Ms Cullinan's books is that things become too corny. I love happy endings in my romance novels, but sometimes a triple dose of sugar has the opposite than the desired effect.
So like I said, this book was okay, but I would have enjoyed it much better had the arc of the narrative been a bit more balanced, and had the last 1/3 of the book been more engaging. And I could have done without the epilogue entirely.
Okay. No. Seriously. This was nice. The writing was very good and the line editing was stellar. I've realised that's why I keep coming back to Heidi Cullinan's books—because in many technical aspects they are fantastic.
This book started out funny and I liked Walter all right. Then at around 25% I learnt Kelly was a Disney fanboi and lusted after cartoon characters. So not my kind of kink. But whatever; I was able to shrug it off—mostly—and I kept enjoying the story and the chemistry between the heroes. I was still invested in the romance and very eager to see them come together at last. That happened at around 50%-60% and it was okay too. It was nice—Disney movie aside.
And then … that was it. The story just fizzled out.
I was never interested in the character of professor Williams, despite seeing his use. For me, the book read more like Walter's story—and Williams was the mentor; the character who acts as a catalyst for significant character development usually in the second half of Ms Cullinan's stories. For instance, it was Haley in Nowhere Ranch and Louisa (and the therapist) in Dirty Laundry. But Haley and/or Louisa's role didn't work for me in those books, and nor did Professor Williams's in this one, because the way his arc was incorporated into the story made things drag too much in the second part of the book. And at any rate, Walter's emotional turmoil coupled with his need for true connection were clear enough and they were eliciting enough emotional responses from me already. I didn't need to see him become a justice warrior as well to realise he was changing or that he was fighting his fears and insecurities.
Something else that tends to happen in the second half of Ms Cullinan's books is that things become too corny. I love happy endings in my romance novels, but sometimes a triple dose of sugar has the opposite than the desired effect.
So like I said, this book was okay, but I would have enjoyed it much better had the arc of the narrative been a bit more balanced, and had the last 1/3 of the book been more engaging. And I could have done without the epilogue entirely.
Read
October 27, 2016DNF 20%, aburrido y pretencioso. El tema me encanta, el libro, no.
February 6, 2014
The Case of Tangled v. Fight Club
This book was yet another reminder of why Heidi Cullinan is one of my favorite M/M authors. I read it right after reading Special Delivery, which is deliciously filthy, so I was a bit worried by the college setting and the “warning” that Love Lessons would be less, shall we say, sexplicit, than her other books. The anxiety ramped up a bit during the opening chapters because of the rom/com friendly set-up: shy, freshman virgin is forced to room with the “campus Casanova,” which struck me as something far more likely to happen in a movie than reality.
It’s pretty easy to imagine a quite generic plotline springing from that set up, but that’s not what we got here. The book surprised me over and over again, never going quite where I predicted. Far more than I expected, this is a story about family. Americans hold to a cherished myth of college as a/the major period of self-discovery, more personal than professional, with emphasis on the self. Families, if they appear at all, tend to be treated as encumbrances to shucked off in the pursuit of self-fulfillment. We rarely see stories that take family obligations seriously, whether they are healthy or destructive.
To that end, the raunchy "virgin meets Casanova" tale is a non-starter. As the book unfolds, you come to realize that the crucial backstory is not the (insert a number) dozen men Walter Lucas has seduced since he got to Hope College, but the two years he took off before he even started. We only start to appreciate that after he goes home for Thanksgiving:
I’ve seen books and movies try, but I’ve never seen one succeed this well at capturing an authentically soul-sucking holiday. The raw shame of it, the guilt towards his younger sister who’s stuck at home while he’s at college, the mixture of guilt and bitterness towards his mother, the exhaustion, the helplessness when nothing he does helps, the resentment and hostility that others might pity him, and the sense that holidays like Thanksgiving are a kind of cosmic sick joke.
In contrast, Kelly’s family feels like a millennial Norman Rockwell, with the scrabble games and the Vegan holiday dinner. In the face of their wholesomeness, there is a huge temptation to treat Walter as the conventional tragi-boy in need of rescue by the good-hearted Davidsons. It makes for an uplifting, Disney-ready story, but yet it’s so condescending and judgmental. But as always, Cullinan avoids the easy route, and her character is far too large a presence to be boxed into anything so trite.
For better and for worse—and it really is both—Walter’s dismal family experience has made him who he is. It gives him insights, empathy, and a certain cynical wisdom. Walter is someone who can recognize the greatness of a movie like Fight Club, and in a really agonized moment, can almost be unmade by the tender family reunion at the end of Disney's Tangled. Kelly is incredibly lovable, but that moment simply doesn’t resonate for him because he’s never known anything but a loving, supportive family.
The best part is that Kelly isn’t wrong to love Disney, or to care who he sleeps with, or to want sex to be special. There are ways in which his fantasies are unhealthy and selfish, and then there are ways in which they are fresh and brave—arguably on most college campuses today, it takes way more guts for a gay man to defend such a romantic view of sex than to “come out.”
In this book, in this relationship, there is room for Davidsons and Lucases, for Fight Club and Tangled, for Walter and Kelly. Neither is privileged, neither rescues the other. They are two very different boys, and thankfully they find each other and fall in love. And it’s beautiful.
This book was yet another reminder of why Heidi Cullinan is one of my favorite M/M authors. I read it right after reading Special Delivery, which is deliciously filthy, so I was a bit worried by the college setting and the “warning” that Love Lessons would be less, shall we say, sexplicit, than her other books. The anxiety ramped up a bit during the opening chapters because of the rom/com friendly set-up: shy, freshman virgin is forced to room with the “campus Casanova,” which struck me as something far more likely to happen in a movie than reality.
It’s pretty easy to imagine a quite generic plotline springing from that set up, but that’s not what we got here. The book surprised me over and over again, never going quite where I predicted. Far more than I expected, this is a story about family. Americans hold to a cherished myth of college as a/the major period of self-discovery, more personal than professional, with emphasis on the self. Families, if they appear at all, tend to be treated as encumbrances to shucked off in the pursuit of self-fulfillment. We rarely see stories that take family obligations seriously, whether they are healthy or destructive.
To that end, the raunchy "virgin meets Casanova" tale is a non-starter. As the book unfolds, you come to realize that the crucial backstory is not the (insert a number) dozen men Walter Lucas has seduced since he got to Hope College, but the two years he took off before he even started. We only start to appreciate that after he goes home for Thanksgiving:
“Mom? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said, her voice very full of something. Yearning, mostly, if he had to guess, and loneliness. As usual, it tore at Walter’s heart. Especially as she added, “I shouldn’t bother you with my problems.”
She said this almost petulantly, as if she knew they were the right words but hated them for being so. Those were Walter’s cues to countermand her, to assure her that no, he wanted to hear why she was upset. It was a game they’d played for a long time, a game many people had tried to get him to stop playing, but he’d never been able to successfully manage it….
He didn’t want Kelly to see his mom in one of her fits. If Walter wasn’t supposed to hear what was bothering her, then she should keep it to herself. Otherwise she should just tell him because she didn’t care if she upset him or not. She shouldn’t make him give her permission to ruin his day with whatever had upset her this time.
I’ve seen books and movies try, but I’ve never seen one succeed this well at capturing an authentically soul-sucking holiday. The raw shame of it, the guilt towards his younger sister who’s stuck at home while he’s at college, the mixture of guilt and bitterness towards his mother, the exhaustion, the helplessness when nothing he does helps, the resentment and hostility that others might pity him, and the sense that holidays like Thanksgiving are a kind of cosmic sick joke.
In contrast, Kelly’s family feels like a millennial Norman Rockwell, with the scrabble games and the Vegan holiday dinner. In the face of their wholesomeness, there is a huge temptation to treat Walter as the conventional tragi-boy in need of rescue by the good-hearted Davidsons. It makes for an uplifting, Disney-ready story, but yet it’s so condescending and judgmental. But as always, Cullinan avoids the easy route, and her character is far too large a presence to be boxed into anything so trite.
For better and for worse—and it really is both—Walter’s dismal family experience has made him who he is. It gives him insights, empathy, and a certain cynical wisdom. Walter is someone who can recognize the greatness of a movie like Fight Club, and in a really agonized moment, can almost be unmade by the tender family reunion at the end of Disney's Tangled. Kelly is incredibly lovable, but that moment simply doesn’t resonate for him because he’s never known anything but a loving, supportive family.
The best part is that Kelly isn’t wrong to love Disney, or to care who he sleeps with, or to want sex to be special. There are ways in which his fantasies are unhealthy and selfish, and then there are ways in which they are fresh and brave—arguably on most college campuses today, it takes way more guts for a gay man to defend such a romantic view of sex than to “come out.”
In this book, in this relationship, there is room for Davidsons and Lucases, for Fight Club and Tangled, for Walter and Kelly. Neither is privileged, neither rescues the other. They are two very different boys, and thankfully they find each other and fall in love. And it’s beautiful.
July 21, 2015
My friend has been on me forever to read these, but I was having trouble getting into it. Kelly just seemed too pure, and innocent, and Walter like too much of a player. I was pleasantly surprised once I got passed the initial bit how much these characters grew, and changed. I liked that Kelly had strong ideas, and a love of Disney movies, but he was so much more than that. I liked that they had to learn to understand each other, and that it was a story about them both growing, and learning about themselves and each other. A really nice start to the series, and I can't wait to read more. I should have listening to Elspeth sooner.
November 29, 2013
This book was way different than any other book I have read by this author. It was very sweet and had a YA or NA feel to it. While I liked the story and I felt it was well written, it is not a favorite of mine. I think I prefer the main characters to be quite a bit older and more seasoned. It was still a great story although very, very long.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
October 12, 2013
There is a beauty in reading. Not only do we as readers get a chance to meet new characters and to get lost in their story but every reader experiences a book differently. Some view it simply as a voyeur, watching the players go about their script from beginning to end and some get immersed in the story as if it were actually happening. Me? I am a part of the latter; I become one with the story. The characters become real and I experience everything with them. Sometimes I feel the new of their situation and sometimes their situations hit so close to home that I can’t help the goose bumps that cover my flesh or the numerous nods that happen knowing exactly how they feel. Love Lessons is one of those books for me.
I had been waiting for this book; it sat on my Nook with the corner sash on the cover with “Pre-order” taunting and teasing me until I got that lovely email saying it was ready for download. I jumped on that faster than…well it was fast. Let’s just leave it at that.
Now, I have said that I am not a fan of the New Adult genre, but just like I once said I was not a fan of wine, yet later realized I am not a fan of cheap wine, I realize I am not a fan of the mainstream New Adult genre. But this? My boys who love boys and this story in particular…I am in love with this version of New Adult.
From the moment we meet Walter Lucas on the first page I knew being inside his head would be a ride to remember but what I didn’t realize is how much of me I would see in Walter. Now all of that aside…I adored this man. His thought process is amazing, from the way he tries to get out of things to the way he sees life complete with the struggles that are thrown at him. When he gets paired unexpectedly, by fate or the insane family values of Hope University, with Kelly Davidson…oh my. We get to see so many sides of Walter come out. He is forever on the hunt for talent to take home but when he sees that his new roomie has an affinity for the HEA ala Disney movies? Well that throws a wrench in Mr. Lucas’ plans in more ways than he could have ever imagined.
Kelly, oh my dear sweet Kelly. You and I need to go have lunch and I know the places where you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The way you handle your new life at college, with the awkward orientation and finding out where you will be living, in a residence full of homophobic jocks! Ugh. I just wanted to hug you and well, just hug you.
How indeed, I guess it is a good thing you get to shack up with the one and only Walter Lucas! I could not imagine a better way for you to start out your academic career with all that he can teach you. Even though you do not see things in the same light or even the same movie theater, the journey you boys take had me up until 2am reading. I have said it many times; it takes a special book to keep me up that way. I could not stop reading where you and Walter were headed, I had to know and now that I do, I want to go back and read it all over again.
I find it most difficult to write about the books I adored this way, the ones that I fell so hard for and the ones that stay with me long after I read the last page. Love Lessons is that book for me right now. I want to share the quotes I have highlighted and yet at the same time, they are mine and if I share them they might disappear. Yeah, I am a hopeless romantic with a full on sentimental side that likes to keep books/characters that touch me deeply in my heart for some time and not let them out. I consider Walter and Kelly mine at the moment and I cannot let them go.
BUT I do want everyone to read this. I want the beautiful, sexy, sweet and endearing story of Walter Lucas and Kelly Davidson to be read by anyone who I see or talk to. I want those who have never read a m/m romance to read this! To see what it is I see when I watch two men meet and find that balance of who they are apart and together. To simply just fall in love with a story, to read a romance because at the end of the day, that is what it all is. Romance and I hopelessly love it.
I had been waiting for this book; it sat on my Nook with the corner sash on the cover with “Pre-order” taunting and teasing me until I got that lovely email saying it was ready for download. I jumped on that faster than…well it was fast. Let’s just leave it at that.
Now, I have said that I am not a fan of the New Adult genre, but just like I once said I was not a fan of wine, yet later realized I am not a fan of cheap wine, I realize I am not a fan of the mainstream New Adult genre. But this? My boys who love boys and this story in particular…I am in love with this version of New Adult.
From the moment we meet Walter Lucas on the first page I knew being inside his head would be a ride to remember but what I didn’t realize is how much of me I would see in Walter. Now all of that aside…I adored this man. His thought process is amazing, from the way he tries to get out of things to the way he sees life complete with the struggles that are thrown at him. When he gets paired unexpectedly, by fate or the insane family values of Hope University, with Kelly Davidson…oh my. We get to see so many sides of Walter come out. He is forever on the hunt for talent to take home but when he sees that his new roomie has an affinity for the HEA ala Disney movies? Well that throws a wrench in Mr. Lucas’ plans in more ways than he could have ever imagined.
As he took in this delicious newbie roommate, however, dorm life didn’t seem so bad.
Kelly, oh my dear sweet Kelly. You and I need to go have lunch and I know the places where you wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The way you handle your new life at college, with the awkward orientation and finding out where you will be living, in a residence full of homophobic jocks! Ugh. I just wanted to hug you and well, just hug you.
He didn’t know how to handle being ostracized. This had never been his life. How had this happened?
How was he supposed to live like this?
How indeed, I guess it is a good thing you get to shack up with the one and only Walter Lucas! I could not imagine a better way for you to start out your academic career with all that he can teach you. Even though you do not see things in the same light or even the same movie theater, the journey you boys take had me up until 2am reading. I have said it many times; it takes a special book to keep me up that way. I could not stop reading where you and Walter were headed, I had to know and now that I do, I want to go back and read it all over again.
I find it most difficult to write about the books I adored this way, the ones that I fell so hard for and the ones that stay with me long after I read the last page. Love Lessons is that book for me right now. I want to share the quotes I have highlighted and yet at the same time, they are mine and if I share them they might disappear. Yeah, I am a hopeless romantic with a full on sentimental side that likes to keep books/characters that touch me deeply in my heart for some time and not let them out. I consider Walter and Kelly mine at the moment and I cannot let them go.
BUT I do want everyone to read this. I want the beautiful, sexy, sweet and endearing story of Walter Lucas and Kelly Davidson to be read by anyone who I see or talk to. I want those who have never read a m/m romance to read this! To see what it is I see when I watch two men meet and find that balance of who they are apart and together. To simply just fall in love with a story, to read a romance because at the end of the day, that is what it all is. Romance and I hopelessly love it.
November 3, 2014
This was an adorably sweet book with possibly the cheesiest ending I have ever read. Loved it! The book, not the ending! The ending was a little ott for my tastes.
Gooey fluff haters stay *far* away! Sap lovers read it and enjoy.
Gooey fluff haters stay *far* away! Sap lovers read it and enjoy.
April 12, 2017
Apparently I'm a total sap, and I'm not going to apologize for loving the sentimental romance that this was. It must be the college setting and the setup of the shy virgin who just can't help but fall in love with the notorious player, slowly winning over his heart. Though this is a classic NA trope we've all read many times before, Cullinan executes this quite brilliantly.
So yes, this was a perfect blend of everything I like in a romance. You've got well balanced push pull, crazy jealousy, gut twisting insecurity, torturous want, and miserable doubt - capped off with a slow burn UST and seriously hot, sexual exploration. Uh huh.
Kelly - shy, a bit awkward, and who sees and hopes for the best in life and love. He doesn't want to compromise on what he wants from a relationship and stays firm in his idealistic beliefs.
Walter - a cynic who takes naive Kelly under his wing in navigating the ins and outs of college. Deep down, he too just wants to be loved, though he's never going to admit that to anyone, let alone himself.
As their friendship grows, these boys want each other so bad, and for different reasons, hesitate and resist the longing for something they feel they can't have. But once Kelly and Walter step over that proverbial line in the sand… mmmmm.
This gets the rare 5 stars from me because though Kelly and Walter have internal and external debates about the pros and cons of their relationship, there was no excessive, unnecessary melodrama, nor any cringe worthy, over the top miscommunication. They may have their doubts about themselves, but not any for each other. This was simply a sweet and very sexy look at first times, first relationships, and first love. If only real life emulated this for everyone.
Meags, thanks for keeping me company!!
So yes, this was a perfect blend of everything I like in a romance. You've got well balanced push pull, crazy jealousy, gut twisting insecurity, torturous want, and miserable doubt - capped off with a slow burn UST and seriously hot, sexual exploration. Uh huh.
Kelly - shy, a bit awkward, and who sees and hopes for the best in life and love. He doesn't want to compromise on what he wants from a relationship and stays firm in his idealistic beliefs.
Walter - a cynic who takes naive Kelly under his wing in navigating the ins and outs of college. Deep down, he too just wants to be loved, though he's never going to admit that to anyone, let alone himself.
As their friendship grows, these boys want each other so bad, and for different reasons, hesitate and resist the longing for something they feel they can't have. But once Kelly and Walter step over that proverbial line in the sand… mmmmm.
This gets the rare 5 stars from me because though Kelly and Walter have internal and external debates about the pros and cons of their relationship, there was no excessive, unnecessary melodrama, nor any cringe worthy, over the top miscommunication. They may have their doubts about themselves, but not any for each other. This was simply a sweet and very sexy look at first times, first relationships, and first love. If only real life emulated this for everyone.
Meags, thanks for keeping me company!!
October 2, 2013
I found the tone and style worked absolutely perfectly for me. We wander back and forth between the two boys' points of view: Kelly's idealised & optimistic outlook, and Walter's jaded yet generous one. They don't clash so much as mesh. And interlock. And fit together. Eventually. Once Kelly overcomes his shyness and Walter lets down his guard.
The use of Disney films and a college philosophy club to highlight moral and economic issues involving family, jobs and abandonment is incorporated cleverly. The secondary characters are really important - William's attempt at tenure, Cara's up-coming wedding and both sets of parents - poles apart in wealth, acceptance and happiness. The different ways they have brought up the two boys clearly influence their world views, and ultimately, the way they make their life choices. Together.
I don't mean to make this sound heavy, because although it deals with serious stuff, it does so in a completely warm and affectionate way. It's also funny and sexy and tender.
Yes, the ending is sweet enough to give cavities, and it made me head to my dvd rack to find 'Enchanted' (The horror! I do not have it!) & Tangled (whew), but this is what romantics want - the validation that loving someone can bring happiness. (aww)
Loved, loved, loved.
The use of Disney films and a college philosophy club to highlight moral and economic issues involving family, jobs and abandonment is incorporated cleverly. The secondary characters are really important - William's attempt at tenure, Cara's up-coming wedding and both sets of parents - poles apart in wealth, acceptance and happiness. The different ways they have brought up the two boys clearly influence their world views, and ultimately, the way they make their life choices. Together.
I don't mean to make this sound heavy, because although it deals with serious stuff, it does so in a completely warm and affectionate way. It's also funny and sexy and tender.
Yes, the ending is sweet enough to give cavities, and it made me head to my dvd rack to find 'Enchanted' (The horror! I do not have it!) & Tangled (whew), but this is what romantics want - the validation that loving someone can bring happiness. (aww)
Loved, loved, loved.
June 6, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
This was a sweet love story.
Kelly was a small town, newly out, romantic dreamer. He was obsessed with Disney movies and based his relationship goals on those idyllic romances and happily ever afters. Walter was his polar opposite. He avoided romance and was cynical about relationships. Deep rooted abandonment issues only aided him in keeping romance at a distance.
"I want the full package. I want to meet someone at a restaurant and wonder if we'll kiss at the end of the night. I want a sweet first kiss and to lie in bed wondering when we're going to have sex. I want it to feel special."
"Honey, you want a fantasy. Which is fine, except you need to remember that life isn't a fantasy."
"What's wrong with wanting what I want?"
"Nothing - except you want the experience, not the person."
Slowly, the two start opening their eyes to the possibilities. Though hesitant and scared, Kelly and Walter begin to understand each other. They begin to see why the other thinks the way they do. Tentatively, they begin a relationship. Kelly sees that Walter is scared, lonely, overwhelmed, selfless and one of the most caring people he's ever met. He needs to find a way to prove to Walter that healthy relationship can work and that Kelly won't leave him.
"Sometimes the ones we love are like butterflies, flitting all over, and we have to sit and wait patiently for them to land. Sometimes they never do, and that's a risk we take. But sometimes what they need most is to see us sitting still, patient, waiting. To understand that we're going to be there no matter what, that we're the ones who are always sitting there waiting, loyal, loving. Sometimes that's more powerful than any words."
Walter has never been in a serious relationship and he's scared to death of fucking everything up, but he can't help how he feels for Kelly.
I want you.
I need you.
I love you.
I'm terrified.
Kelly's optimism, positivity and love envelopes Walter like a warm, soft blanket. It gives him a sense of peace and contentment that he's never had before. If he can't yet fully trust in himself, he needs to trust in Kelly.
"I think that's my favorite thing about you. You're a happy-seeking missile. The damnedest thing is, you almost always find it."
While this was a very sweet and low-angst love story with adorable MC's and endearing (for the most part) secondary characters, I have to be honest and say there were times when the book dragged for me. Something about the story felt boring at times...too drawn out. Also, I could have really done without the unnecessary subplot of trying to save one of the college's professors.
January 4, 2016
Lovely well-written, sweet, slightly angsty, slow-developing romance. Enjoyable book which I listened to on audio. Narrator did a nice job. Totally adorable ending. But...this one had me teary for the wrong reasons. I think my reaction to it might have been a bit like Walter's to watching Tangled.
Sort of a bit spoiler...
Sort of a bit spoiler...
October 5, 2013
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It is romantic, sweet, emotional and it is like a fairy tail with two princes charming!
Kelly and Walter are absolutely beautifully together, not only as lovers but also as friends... loyal friends... I've felt a little anguished in the first part of the book, watching the beggining of their love but also the denial of their feelings... until that magnificent kiss, I wasn't relaxed...
Definitly a book to read again!!!
I would like to read more about Kelly and Walter... I'm wondering about their wedding...
Kelly and Walter are absolutely beautifully together, not only as lovers but also as friends... loyal friends... I've felt a little anguished in the first part of the book, watching the beggining of their love but also the denial of their feelings... until that magnificent kiss, I wasn't relaxed...
Definitly a book to read again!!!
I would like to read more about Kelly and Walter... I'm wondering about their wedding...
February 16, 2014
Ahhhhh... I loved it.
Sappy and sweet and Disney and everything!
This book is a slow growing sweet romance but it packs an extreme punch. While sweet it was so tender, touching and detailed... Beautiful.
*Sigh*
Sappy and sweet and Disney and everything!
Even though watching a Disney movie together and holding him close while they slept had been better than any sex Walter had ever had in his life.
This book is a slow growing sweet romance but it packs an extreme punch. While sweet it was so tender, touching and detailed... Beautiful.
“Because you matter.” Walter ducked his head and nuzzled Kelly’s ear, but it wasn’t sexy. More needy, insecure. “You matter so much, Kelly."
*Sigh*
July 4, 2017
Kelly and Walter were sweet together.. i enjoyed reading this, though i felt it was too long.
October 21, 2013
3,5 stars.
Love Lessons is about two young men who know they love each other but they have to discover this slowly and find out if their love has a future.
Kelly is just starting his freshman year of college and is for the first time really coming out. And he has a pile of issues to deal with. He is allergic to just about everything and has to live in a specific dorm in order to make sure that he doesn't have an allergic reaction. Of all people he gets the campus Casanova as his roommate in a room that should be a single.
Walter is used to being able to hook-up with anyone and living in a single dorm room with a freshman as a roommate is just about the last thing that he wants to do...
The love between Kelly and Walter is sweet and cute - Walter the 'campus Casanova' and Kelly the softer of the two. In the beginning of the story Kelly needs protection and later he becomes the carer of Walter's emotional need.
If you like college life, young characters - Kelly is just 18, Walter 22 - first love, family-drama, friendship and happy endings and you like to take your time (the story is quite slow paced), then this is the book for you.
June 17, 2022
How do I review this book properly? I don't know. Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan will always be a special book for me. It was one of my first steps into the MM genre when I found it on the Storytel app back in 2018. It's in many ways thanks to this book that I'm reading what I'm reading today and without this book I probably wouldn't have connected to a lot of my online MM friends. Or at least it would've taken me a lot longer to do it. So are my feelings towards this book biased? I think they are, but sometimes that's just the way it is.
This book is filled with new adult angst and inner monologues and homophobia. All things that I these days try to avoid in my MM reads. It's truly a product of it's time. You can tell that the MM romance climate was different when this was released. But as I said. I don't care. I love Kelly and Walter and I'll forever be grateful to them that they opened my eyes to the MM genre.
This book is filled with new adult angst and inner monologues and homophobia. All things that I these days try to avoid in my MM reads. It's truly a product of it's time. You can tell that the MM romance climate was different when this was released. But as I said. I don't care. I love Kelly and Walter and I'll forever be grateful to them that they opened my eyes to the MM genre.
May 6, 2020
It's rare to find an NA book that you never want to end. Kelly and Walter were simply adorable. Cullinan's writing is engaging and indulgent. I felt like I was at Hope U with the gang. There were too many instances where tell rather than show was used. Otherwise this would have been a perfect new adult story.
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