REVIEWED BY Jess
The Learning Hours by Sara NeyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars *****
For half of this book I was either swooning or feeling full of heart ache for our main dude, Rhett. Sara Nay's third installment of the THE LEARNING HOURS, HOW TO DATE A DOUCHEBAG series really pulled at my heart strings and I was both in love with this book while being saddened by some of the situations that occurred. I physically ached for some of the crap he was put through and had a hard time coping. BUT, I also LOVED the strength and perseverance he had to shove that crap aside and focus on what really mattered. His amazing self discipline, burgeoning career and a relationship he feared would never happen for a guy like him.
Being an NCAA two time Wrestling Champ has its advantages. However, when you're not a "10" on the hotness scale and you've just transferred to a new University and thus new Varsity Wrestling team, the disadvantages start to pile up. Rhett has taken a beating-emotionally. Treated like junk by the team, being hazed to no end and believing what everyone says about him-that's he's an ugly dude...so. Not. Cool. And. So. Not. True. Laurel catches wind of a prank being pulled on a guy and thinks she can get her jabs in too. What she doesn't expect while texting Rhett and joining in on the joke and subsequently his mortification, is that he's human and has feelings too.
I found it difficult to stomach Laurel at first. I thought, what a B! Who does she think she is? I wanted to wrap Rhett in a hug and never let go. But she grew on me, she grew on Rhett and she grew some balls and stuck up for her guy. What was wonderfully crafted by Nay was the way our two MC's complimented one another. Rhett chilled Laurel out, brought her down a peg and Laurel helped Rhett come out of his shell, made him finally feel worthy and loved-I adored Laurel for that. She really stepped up for me later in the read.
Rhett was pure and sweet but a tad naive. Never having been with a girl, he was extremely cautious while courtin' Laurel. He never knew what to say, how to act, who to trust. But he came out his big giant shell and embraced his life and his first time falling in love. His only fault, if you can even call it that was inexperience and once he started having opportunities to show his true self, his character just blossomed.
Nay, I think this is my favourite of the series. A different spin from the last two-while this trope may be overused, she's managed to make it unique and all her own. Going against the norm, changing the gender roles: female pursuer, vs. male. More experience female vs. male. It was lovely to read a story with such a strong female heroine. The personal growth for both of our leads throughout the read were fascinating to experience. I loved the natural progression of both Rhett and Laurel.
I'll admit. I HATED some of the sub characters. Chalk it up to fab writing? Perhaps. But it still made my blood boil. Whatshername, Laurel's cousin deserved a pie in her face and Rhett's roommates were out of line to many times I lost count.
Overall, I loved this book. Despite my pounding heart and sad eyes, I feel this story has depth and it was well written. Can't really ask for anything more than that. I am smitten, Rhett Rabideaux. Merci.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
**Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog **
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