What do you think?
Rate this book
Campus Cravings #14
A Lesson Learned
Graduate student, Dane Jefferson, believes the sun rises with Magnus Sofokleous. He would do anything for the chance to get closer to the sexy professor. Unfortunately, Magnus is so busy researching the past, he doesn’t take the time to live in the present.
One week before winter break, Magnus gratefully accepts a grant to further his research at Barrett House, a small plantation in Louisiana. With extenuating circumstances surrounding the grant, Magnus is forced to ask his assistant, Dane, to accompany him. Although Dane is qualified, the attraction Magnus feels for the younger man makes him uncomfortable.
Away from the rigors of academia, Magnus lets down his guard and quickly becomes sexually involved with Dane. In the past, Magnus used domination to protect himself against the weakness of love. When Dane doesn’t accept the Dominate/submissive relationship Magnus has used as a shield for years, he is forced to decide which is more important, the lifestyle or the man in his arms.
Reader Advisory: This story contains scenes of light D/s between gay men. It is book fourteen in a series and best read in order.
One week before winter break, Magnus gratefully accepts a grant to further his research at Barrett House, a small plantation in Louisiana. With extenuating circumstances surrounding the grant, Magnus is forced to ask his assistant, Dane, to accompany him. Although Dane is qualified, the attraction Magnus feels for the younger man makes him uncomfortable.
Away from the rigors of academia, Magnus lets down his guard and quickly becomes sexually involved with Dane. In the past, Magnus used domination to protect himself against the weakness of love. When Dane doesn’t accept the Dominate/submissive relationship Magnus has used as a shield for years, he is forced to decide which is more important, the lifestyle or the man in his arms.
Reader Advisory: This story contains scenes of light D/s between gay men. It is book fourteen in a series and best read in order.
100 pages, ebook
First published December 19, 2011
5 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynne
247Ìýbooks1,200ÌýfollowersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
erotic & gay romances
erotic & gay romances
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 20, 2011
liked it,
glad it didn't turn out to be a Dominate/submissive relationship.
glad it didn't turn out to be a Dominate/submissive relationship.
October 3, 2014
A student with a crush on his professor may not be anything new, but Dane, whom I met in the previous book, finally has the means to do something about his devotion to Magnus - and once he is handed the opportunity he proceeds without hesitation. The sexy professor, on the other hand, has so many issues stemming from his abusive past that any kind of involvement beyond casual sex, and then only when he is in absolute control, is entirely impossible for him. With Dane wanting forever, and Magnus not even capable of considering it, they are heading straight for disaster.
Dane recognizes that he has a crush on Magnus, and he realizes it may never lead anywhere, but he needs to find out, once and for all, if there is more to his feelings for Magnus or not. Spending two weeks with them doing research in the field may just be his only opportunity to ever get close enough to Magnus. Luckily he is honest about his family and their wealth from the beginning, or he might have lost Magnus right away. When Dane, who is fairly naive, finds out Magnus is into BDSM, he balks. The idea of someone hitting him is just not sexy to him at all. It was fascinating to watch how Dane deals with this and other realities he discovers about Magnus as they get to know each other better. And I loved how Dane was open to discussion, but not willing to compromise who he is. Not even if it would mean achieving his goal of becoming Magnus's boyfriend.
Magnus seems cold and distant at first glance, but there is so much more under the surface than he ever lets anyone see. Dane suspects this, and that may be the only reason he hangs on, but Magnus is so focused on his past and protecting himself from ever being hurt again that he is about to miss living altogether. Magnus is attracted to Dane, but he will not let himself admit there may be more. However, when he decides to "get it out of his system" and becomes physical with Dane, that is all it is. Dane balks at the clinical approach, and only when Magnus lets some of the passion he definitely feels flow into their encounters do they get any further. But the process of breaking down Magnus's walls and him realizing what is really important is long, painful, and fraught with more than one error.
If you like stubborn men who go after what and whom they want no matter what, if you enjoy reading about personal growth caused by emotional distress, and if you're looking for a love story set in the context of a major anthropological mystery and some devastating revelations in one family's history, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
Dane recognizes that he has a crush on Magnus, and he realizes it may never lead anywhere, but he needs to find out, once and for all, if there is more to his feelings for Magnus or not. Spending two weeks with them doing research in the field may just be his only opportunity to ever get close enough to Magnus. Luckily he is honest about his family and their wealth from the beginning, or he might have lost Magnus right away. When Dane, who is fairly naive, finds out Magnus is into BDSM, he balks. The idea of someone hitting him is just not sexy to him at all. It was fascinating to watch how Dane deals with this and other realities he discovers about Magnus as they get to know each other better. And I loved how Dane was open to discussion, but not willing to compromise who he is. Not even if it would mean achieving his goal of becoming Magnus's boyfriend.
Magnus seems cold and distant at first glance, but there is so much more under the surface than he ever lets anyone see. Dane suspects this, and that may be the only reason he hangs on, but Magnus is so focused on his past and protecting himself from ever being hurt again that he is about to miss living altogether. Magnus is attracted to Dane, but he will not let himself admit there may be more. However, when he decides to "get it out of his system" and becomes physical with Dane, that is all it is. Dane balks at the clinical approach, and only when Magnus lets some of the passion he definitely feels flow into their encounters do they get any further. But the process of breaking down Magnus's walls and him realizing what is really important is long, painful, and fraught with more than one error.
If you like stubborn men who go after what and whom they want no matter what, if you enjoy reading about personal growth caused by emotional distress, and if you're looking for a love story set in the context of a major anthropological mystery and some devastating revelations in one family's history, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
August 17, 2016
It's important to remember that if you want to have a fulfilling life you can't dwell on the past. Good or bad, the past is gone; there's nothing any of us can do to change it. All we can do is look ahead. Professor Magnus Sofokleous of Carol Lynne's 'A Lesson Learned' needs to accept this concept. When he and his teaching assistant, Dane Jefferson, go away on a project, Magnus is faced with an important decision: either cling stubbornly to the pain of the past, or open up and accept the present and possible future. Unless he is able to do that, there is no future for them.
I liked Dane a lot. He is funny, interesting, determined, and, more than anything, he wants a relationship with Magnus. I admired his cleverness in manipulating circumstances in order to get the professor alone. I also appreciated the fact that, even though he's crazy about him, he isn't willing to let Magnus put him in an uncomfortable position. Dane has principles and he sticks to them. I was impressed with the way he displayed his family loyalty. Even though he and Magnus discover some very important archeological secrets, he gets Magnus to agree to keep the skeletons in the closet in order to preserve the family's honor. Dane's passion for all things is contagious and Magnus falls prey to it, being unable to resist getting caught up in his enthusiasm.
Magnus survived a horrible childhood, one which forced him to take care of himself very early in life and left him feeling unloved and unlovable. He builds thick walls around his emotions, refusing to let anyone in. He doesn't realize how empty his life is until Dane shows him another way to be. Once Magnus realizes that he is in love with Dane, his fervent desire to change was pleasantly surprising. For someone who doesn't know how to be in a relationship, he certainly makes a monumental effort to learn how.
Although this story is about Magnus and Dane's passionate romance, it also provides a puzzle to solve and lots of tough decisions to make. In addition, there's lots of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Even though the happy ending was hard earned, it was still very fulfilling, reminding us of what can be accomplished with love as a motivator. I detected a note of unfinished business concerning Dane's uncle, Fallon, which, I believe, would make another great story. What about it, Carol? I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone as a good book to curl up with and enjoy.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on .
I liked Dane a lot. He is funny, interesting, determined, and, more than anything, he wants a relationship with Magnus. I admired his cleverness in manipulating circumstances in order to get the professor alone. I also appreciated the fact that, even though he's crazy about him, he isn't willing to let Magnus put him in an uncomfortable position. Dane has principles and he sticks to them. I was impressed with the way he displayed his family loyalty. Even though he and Magnus discover some very important archeological secrets, he gets Magnus to agree to keep the skeletons in the closet in order to preserve the family's honor. Dane's passion for all things is contagious and Magnus falls prey to it, being unable to resist getting caught up in his enthusiasm.
Magnus survived a horrible childhood, one which forced him to take care of himself very early in life and left him feeling unloved and unlovable. He builds thick walls around his emotions, refusing to let anyone in. He doesn't realize how empty his life is until Dane shows him another way to be. Once Magnus realizes that he is in love with Dane, his fervent desire to change was pleasantly surprising. For someone who doesn't know how to be in a relationship, he certainly makes a monumental effort to learn how.
Although this story is about Magnus and Dane's passionate romance, it also provides a puzzle to solve and lots of tough decisions to make. In addition, there's lots of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Even though the happy ending was hard earned, it was still very fulfilling, reminding us of what can be accomplished with love as a motivator. I detected a note of unfinished business concerning Dane's uncle, Fallon, which, I believe, would make another great story. What about it, Carol? I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone as a good book to curl up with and enjoy.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on .
December 23, 2011
I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it.
Magnus isn't particularly likable, and his 'issues' don't change that. This isn't hurt/comfort - it's an 'I've had a bad childhood that I won't really explain and we won't explore, but it sucked and I'm perpetually comparing my upbringing to yours and I resent you for your happy childhood, but we'll never discuss that, I use people and throw them away because I'm damaged, let's screw' story.
Dane's infatuation seems to be just that - an infatuation. The author doesn't explain to me why these two men should be together at all - other than there being no one else around for miles.
Magnus isn't particularly likable, and his 'issues' don't change that. This isn't hurt/comfort - it's an 'I've had a bad childhood that I won't really explain and we won't explore, but it sucked and I'm perpetually comparing my upbringing to yours and I resent you for your happy childhood, but we'll never discuss that, I use people and throw them away because I'm damaged, let's screw' story.
Dane's infatuation seems to be just that - an infatuation. The author doesn't explain to me why these two men should be together at all - other than there being no one else around for miles.
October 9, 2017
2/5
This is not good. It's that Hallmark movie special kind of awkward. I'm also not sure how I feel about Magnus being into BDSM bc of childhood abuse. Umm... these things don't link like that. Also, this older, highly educated man doesn't believe in love until 2 weeks with his TA in which he lets go of his personal ethics and all love hang ups? I just can't. Just no.
This is not good. It's that Hallmark movie special kind of awkward. I'm also not sure how I feel about Magnus being into BDSM bc of childhood abuse. Umm... these things don't link like that. Also, this older, highly educated man doesn't believe in love until 2 weeks with his TA in which he lets go of his personal ethics and all love hang ups? I just can't. Just no.
January 3, 2012
I give it a 3.5
I really enjoyed Dane. He's a sweet, likable guy and I loved all the details of Barrett House, the plantation and the history of Dane's ancestor and what happened there. The hunt that he and Magnus are on is interesting and scouring the house and island for clues during the Christmas holiday was an unusual setting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Uncle Fallon is a unique secondary character and I hope to see him again in the future. We do get to see a few old favorite characters at the end, which is nice, too.
Magnus...him I didn't like too much and I couldn't see why Dane wanted him. Their pairing together as a couple didn't make sense to me. I get that Magnus had a rotten childhood but it turned him into a guy nobody would want to be around. I was relieved that by the end of the story his personality had changed enough (and rather abruptly) that I could believe him and Dane finding a happily ever after.
I really enjoyed Dane. He's a sweet, likable guy and I loved all the details of Barrett House, the plantation and the history of Dane's ancestor and what happened there. The hunt that he and Magnus are on is interesting and scouring the house and island for clues during the Christmas holiday was an unusual setting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Uncle Fallon is a unique secondary character and I hope to see him again in the future. We do get to see a few old favorite characters at the end, which is nice, too.
Magnus...him I didn't like too much and I couldn't see why Dane wanted him. Their pairing together as a couple didn't make sense to me. I get that Magnus had a rotten childhood but it turned him into a guy nobody would want to be around. I was relieved that by the end of the story his personality had changed enough (and rather abruptly) that I could believe him and Dane finding a happily ever after.
June 20, 2012
mwahahaha... I didn't see that ... coming..
So why am I rating at 3 stars..
Ok, so the characters are good.. but they did need a little fleshing out... we do know them from previous books so it links into the series, but I honestly feel this one veered away from the main thread of the 'campus'.. BUT yes it was a campus cravings story..
The story was a little underdeveloped to my mind also.. With the new setting there was a need to flesh this a bit more so i as a reader could connect to the story and one of the characters... because I really didn't connect that well with the story or the character in question.. nice guy though..
Overall it does have a good twist on the romance side that I would really love to see Carol or someone as talented take on in a full novel..
So why am I rating at 3 stars..
Ok, so the characters are good.. but they did need a little fleshing out... we do know them from previous books so it links into the series, but I honestly feel this one veered away from the main thread of the 'campus'.. BUT yes it was a campus cravings story..
The story was a little underdeveloped to my mind also.. With the new setting there was a need to flesh this a bit more so i as a reader could connect to the story and one of the characters... because I really didn't connect that well with the story or the character in question.. nice guy though..
Overall it does have a good twist on the romance side that I would really love to see Carol or someone as talented take on in a full novel..
February 20, 2012
Dane is a grad student and teaching assistant for professor Magnus Sofokleous. He's also in love with Magnus.
Magnus had a bad childhood. He doesn't trust emotions. Instead he hides behind D/s relationships. He never lets anyone get close to him. He is attracted to Dane.But he doesn't have sex with his students.
Three weeks together doing research at Barrett House, a small plantation in Louisiana. Which is also owned by Dane's family. Dane and Magnus agree to whatever sexually happens will end when the break is over.
I didn't feel that this book was as good as the rest of the Campus Cravings books. The sex was hot and I liked the mystery of the family but it was missing something. There wasn't much back story for either man.
Magnus had a bad childhood. He doesn't trust emotions. Instead he hides behind D/s relationships. He never lets anyone get close to him. He is attracted to Dane.But he doesn't have sex with his students.
Three weeks together doing research at Barrett House, a small plantation in Louisiana. Which is also owned by Dane's family. Dane and Magnus agree to whatever sexually happens will end when the break is over.
I didn't feel that this book was as good as the rest of the Campus Cravings books. The sex was hot and I liked the mystery of the family but it was missing something. There wasn't much back story for either man.
August 15, 2012
Nerdy boy Dane is in love with his professor Magnus Sofokleus. Prof S submits a request for a grant that ends up in Dane's lap and Dane insists that he gets to go with Prof S for the dig. It's on Dane's family's plantation and they are working together to uncover some Native American history.
The book was really good and the mystery aspect of it was great too! The whole book was full of emotion and a must read!
The book was really good and the mystery aspect of it was great too! The whole book was full of emotion and a must read!
August 19, 2012
Not a great book, not a bad one either.
The love was just too instantaneous to me.
A student who loves his teacher; they go "hunting" for secrets at the student's rich family lands and fall in love.
The secrets they find there are much more interesting than the main couple's story.
The love was just too instantaneous to me.
A student who loves his teacher; they go "hunting" for secrets at the student's rich family lands and fall in love.
The secrets they find there are much more interesting than the main couple's story.
August 7, 2013
This has so much interesting info that is so original for a series!! I am truly shocked by this author and how she keeps the boys involved but each story completely different!! I am coming to the end of this series and I am very sad. Now off to Cattle Ranch, Yikes
July 24, 2013
I'm SO SO SO happy that Dane finally got his happily ever after. I loved his character and truly wanted things to work out with him and Magnus. And I am happy that Magnus finally had something wonderful happen in his life because his childhood sucked horribly and just broke my heart.
August 15, 2015
Truly the most boring book of this series. Magnus was unlikeable. Why bother to toss in his lifestyle then completely ignore it? Dane is a child who can't seem to make up his mind, and Magnus doesn't seem to care. If I didn't have OCD I would have set the book down ages ago.
November 11, 2012
I loved this!!!
December 20, 2011
I just loved it. It is a treasure hunt with amazing love.
December 22, 2011
3.5 stars
February 29, 2012
Carol Lynne writes such adorable characters, not to mention leaving me wanting more. I hope we get Fallon's story soon.
April 15, 2013
Another story I couldn't finish. The characters and plot bored me to no end. When I fell asleep for the second time I gave up.
November 16, 2012
Closer to the 2.5 rating but not by much.
November 7, 2013
3.5 stars
November 12, 2013
Enjoyable, if a bit predictable. I'm looking forward to book #15.
February 6, 2014
Dane and Magnus....mmmmmm sweet but not my favourite x
Read
September 6, 2014Love how Dane goes to the Internet to find out about a Lifestyle and Magnus just says you could have asked.
December 24, 2014
4.25 'Nerdy geek and hot dom - perfect' stars.
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars
May 21, 2013
3.75*
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.