Super Short Summary

In Rachel Spangler’s debut romance novel Learning Curve (2008), handy-person and gearhead Ashton Clarke navigates life in the small town of Roosevelt, Ohio, working odd jobs and frequenting a local bar. Convinced by her friend Mary to volunteer at a Gay and Lesbian Youth Center, she meets a troubled teenager, Tess, and Carrie Fletcher, a women’s studies professor. As Ash and Carrie navigate their burgeoning attraction, Tess complicates matters, leading Ash to question her previous lifestyle and commitment capabilities. Exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and community, Ash must confront her past to build a meaningful future with Carrie.