Learning to Love by Felice Stevens
After ten years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn’t turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn’t count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis, and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he’s buried deep for years.
An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.
Dawn’s review 4.5
4.5 stars! Fall in love with Gideon & Jonah. A Chef and a Rabbi… Who would have thought? Felice’s characters are always complex, lovable and memorable…. Learning to Love is a uniquely beautiful, inspirational and emotional journey. Two people who need to let go of the past in order to look to their future. Both living lies. Hiding behind the masks they show the world. Gideon and Jonah grew up together but their lives could not be more different…..
Gideon Marks is back to prove himself to the people he left behind. This man really tugged at my heart. He was made to feel inadequate his whole life. Growing up with a learning disability. His mother passed away and he was left with a verbally and physically abusive father. Talk about having everything against him. You would think he would crumble… It only made him stronger and more determined. He’s used to being independent and relying on himself, therefore, he pushes people away. He comes across as moody and emotional, but if he allows you to see the real him, you will be in awe… He had a massive crush on Jonah in high school, but he never felt good enough. Jonah was the one who got away….
Imagine growing up with your father being a very respected Rabbi and having the perfect Jewish family… Sounds wonderful, until you try and measure up. That’s exactly how Jonah Fine felt like he always needed to be perfect and never feeling good enough. Now he’s an adult still feeling that insecurity. But Jonah has grown into a wonderful, spiritual, sincere and gentle soul. He just needs to see it for himself. Jonah wears his heart on his sleeve. You can’t help but love him. He also hid his feelings for Gideon in High school. Saving himself for the day when they would meet again….
Years later when they come face to face, seems that crush has not gone away. It has intensified. Gideon is confused by his feelings for Jonah. One minute he wants to punch him in the face, the next he wants to kiss him. Jonah is relentless in his pursuit of Gideon. He refuses to be pushed away. I loved the push and pull between the two. The chemistry and love could be felt throughout. I was delighted how they grew together as well as individuals. Learning to love is one beautiful love story that proves the ultimate power of love and forgiveness. It’s one of Felice’s sweeter books. It’s a recipe of one part Sugar Jonah and one part Spice Gideon…. Put them together and you get a whole lot of sweetness!
tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner. My character have to
work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes
love.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a
lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but
daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful
stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a little angst
along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
