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Grading Curves
I didn’t know him the night I climbed into his chair and under his tattoo machine. I didn’t know him when he taught me about the kind of pleasure I’d only read about in kinky millionaire romances.
I didn’t know that when I walked into my college classroom the next morning the man who’d inked my skin and dirtied my body would be sitting in front of me.
Dean Shaw is my student. My secret. And my downfall if the truth about us comes out.
The problem is, he’s also everything I crave and can’t let go…
I didn’t know that when I walked into my college classroom the next morning the man who’d inked my skin and dirtied my body would be sitting in front of me.
Dean Shaw is my student. My secret. And my downfall if the truth about us comes out.
The problem is, he’s also everything I crave and can’t let go…
Audiobook
First published April 29, 2019
155 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
164 books2,050 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
March 21, 2021
3 stars
Short and steamy- I liked it but I would have liked it better if it was longer.
Short and steamy- I liked it but I would have liked it better if it was longer.
July 14, 2022
This was short, fun, and steamy! I really loved how the heroine was going out of her comfort zone by getting a tattoo and hooking up with the younger tattoo artist. I love a good age gap with an older woman. Little does the heroine know, though, the hero is a student in one of her college classes. So it's a forbidden romance too! I loved how the hero was just so into the heroine and wanted to be with her no matter what. If you want a quick forbidden read, definitely pick this up!
January 26, 2023
5 Scorching hot stars!
I’m so glad I decided to read this book! It had been on my kindle since last summer, but had gotten lost in the TBR pile shuffle. Naima Simone has gotten on my must read list now, and I must devour all she’s written!
This book hit every spot that I look for to feel in a read like this!
Reverse Age gap—7 years
Black woman. 30 years old. A College Professor. Natural curly hair. Slightly fuller figured.
White man. Tall, filled out, and tattooed. Works in a tattoo shop. Is great with his hands among other *ahem* things.
“I can take her.”
From the moment I heard/read these words coming out the back of the tattoo shop, I was INSTANTLY intrigued. I loved these thoughts that she had upon seeing him.
“I think I’m hallucinating because no way on God’s green earth can you exist outside of an LSD-induced vision and Sons of Anarchy reruns.”
Dean had all the things I love in a man. He makes you want to fall to your knees, and do whatever he says. I can see why Nikki was an absolutely goner from first glance. He. Was. Hot.
He picked up on Nikki’s being turned on from the needle, so much to the point that after he asked these few words:
“Look at me,” he softly orders. “You want me to do something about it?”
Stick a fork in me..I’m ded.
He is turned on by all the curves, color of her skin, curls on her head, luscious lips, and beautiful brown eyes.
For six chapters this story covered all the things I needed, and the epilogue left me wanting more of this couple. They were just perfection, and I’m so glad I read this.
“Age doesn’t determine a man’s worth. Experience does. Character does.”
Very well written, extremely hot, amazing chemistry. Naima has a fan for life!
“I’m a dirty sinner. But this woman... She washes me clean. Makes me worthy.”
Dean and Nikki were just plain good for each other. End of.
I’m so glad I decided to read this book! It had been on my kindle since last summer, but had gotten lost in the TBR pile shuffle. Naima Simone has gotten on my must read list now, and I must devour all she’s written!
This book hit every spot that I look for to feel in a read like this!
Reverse Age gap—7 years
Black woman. 30 years old. A College Professor. Natural curly hair. Slightly fuller figured.
White man. Tall, filled out, and tattooed. Works in a tattoo shop. Is great with his hands among other *ahem* things.
“I can take her.”
From the moment I heard/read these words coming out the back of the tattoo shop, I was INSTANTLY intrigued. I loved these thoughts that she had upon seeing him.
“I think I’m hallucinating because no way on God’s green earth can you exist outside of an LSD-induced vision and Sons of Anarchy reruns.”
Dean had all the things I love in a man. He makes you want to fall to your knees, and do whatever he says. I can see why Nikki was an absolutely goner from first glance. He. Was. Hot.
He picked up on Nikki’s being turned on from the needle, so much to the point that after he asked these few words:
“Look at me,” he softly orders. “You want me to do something about it?”
Stick a fork in me..I’m ded.
He is turned on by all the curves, color of her skin, curls on her head, luscious lips, and beautiful brown eyes.
For six chapters this story covered all the things I needed, and the epilogue left me wanting more of this couple. They were just perfection, and I’m so glad I read this.
“Age doesn’t determine a man’s worth. Experience does. Character does.”
Very well written, extremely hot, amazing chemistry. Naima has a fan for life!
“I’m a dirty sinner. But this woman... She washes me clean. Makes me worthy.”
Dean and Nikki were just plain good for each other. End of.
October 27, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
1. This author doesn’t understand how commas work. 2. This book contains the worst nickname for a woman that I’ve ever read.
1. This author doesn’t understand how commas work. 2. This book contains the worst nickname for a woman that I’ve ever read.
April 14, 2022
Reverse age gap/professor/student
I am always down to read a reverse age gap, especially if it’s the taboo student/teacher trope (in this case professor). Too bad it’s so short 😏.
Nikki (30) goes to get a tattoo right before closing time. Luckily, Dean (23) is willing to stay for her- good thing too because he’s very talented. Although she’s extremely nervous since she’s a tattoo virgin and is afraid of needles, he puts her at ease. He designs her requested woodpecker tattoo (woodpeckers never give up) and the sensual experience begins…
That’s right. You read that right. Nikki gets… um… flustered 😅 and Dean’s willing to help her out 👀😉. And, oh boy, does he ever 🥵💦. Once she feels, ahem, slightly “better” and they’re about to move on, they get interrupted (womp womp). But it didn’t take away from the DIIIIRTY MOUTH this man has no business having 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵
Nikki’s had a horrible upbringing. Her mom’s the epitome of what a parent shouldn’t be and she’s decided to move on from that life. The tattoo’s a symbol of moving forward, never giving up, and she has a new job as a professor to signify this milestone.
But then… Dean ends up being one of her students 😬😅. Oh how things have turned 👀.
Even though Dean’s younger, he is no novice where it counts 🥵🔥 and, well, in life too. His maturity is of someone that’s a lot older. He’s also lived a troubled life- forced to mature when he was barely legal. He may be young, but he knows what he wants, and he wants her.
I enjoyed this- I just wish this was longer 😩. I loved the writing style, the snark and banter, the train of thought from both POVs, the fact that’s it’s an interracial romance, and the smexxy times😉. Even though it’s short, we get lots of steamy scenes and a nice epilogue 2 years into the future.
I’m definitely going to read more by her.
⚠️safety squad ⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-horrible parent
-aftermath of parent death because of Alzheimer’s
-h hasn’t been with anyone in a year
-h goes to dinner with OM when he claims others will join them. No one else does. She tells him she’s not interested
-condom/then none in the epilogue (clean/pill)
I am always down to read a reverse age gap, especially if it’s the taboo student/teacher trope (in this case professor). Too bad it’s so short 😏.
Nikki (30) goes to get a tattoo right before closing time. Luckily, Dean (23) is willing to stay for her- good thing too because he’s very talented. Although she’s extremely nervous since she’s a tattoo virgin and is afraid of needles, he puts her at ease. He designs her requested woodpecker tattoo (woodpeckers never give up) and the sensual experience begins…
”Look at me,” he softly orders. And though it’s the last thing I should do, I acquiesce. And am trapped by blue flames. “You want me to do something about it?”
That’s right. You read that right. Nikki gets… um… flustered 😅 and Dean’s willing to help her out 👀😉. And, oh boy, does he ever 🥵💦. Once she feels, ahem, slightly “better” and they’re about to move on, they get interrupted (womp womp). But it didn’t take away from the DIIIIRTY MOUTH this man has no business having 🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵
Nikki’s had a horrible upbringing. Her mom’s the epitome of what a parent shouldn’t be and she’s decided to move on from that life. The tattoo’s a symbol of moving forward, never giving up, and she has a new job as a professor to signify this milestone.
But then… Dean ends up being one of her students 😬😅. Oh how things have turned 👀.
Even though Dean’s younger, he is no novice where it counts 🥵🔥 and, well, in life too. His maturity is of someone that’s a lot older. He’s also lived a troubled life- forced to mature when he was barely legal. He may be young, but he knows what he wants, and he wants her.
I’m a dirty sinner. But this woman... She washes me clean. Makes me worthy.
I enjoyed this- I just wish this was longer 😩. I loved the writing style, the snark and banter, the train of thought from both POVs, the fact that’s it’s an interracial romance, and the smexxy times😉. Even though it’s short, we get lots of steamy scenes and a nice epilogue 2 years into the future.
I’m definitely going to read more by her.
⚠️safety squad ⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd
-horrible parent
-aftermath of parent death because of Alzheimer’s
-h hasn’t been with anyone in a year
-h goes to dinner with OM when he claims others will join them. No one else does. She tells him she’s not interested
-condom/then none in the epilogue (clean/pill)
July 24, 2019
4 Sizzling Stars ⭐️
Grading Curves is a steamy novella that sure packs a lot of heat in a short amount of pages.
When Professor Nikki Barber decides to lose her ‘tattoo virginity’ she didn’t anticipate the bonus orgasm that she received from her devilishly sexy tattooist, Dean.
Whether it’s the high from the ink or just lust these two quickly get down and dirty...
”I’m shaking now, and there’s no way he can’t notice it. Maybe because it’s been at least a year since I’ve been with a man. Maybe it’s the adrenaline coursing through my veins like a hit of speed. Or maybe it’s just the force of this man’s too-seeing, too-beautiful predatory gaze. In this instant, aching, wet and so, so hungry, I’m willing to beg him to take me down, possess me, feast on me."
Having just moved to a small town and starting a new job, Nikki never expected that Dean would wind up as one of her students...
For those of you that are looking for a sweet, funny, panty melting novella about a plus size older women and a gorgeously inked younger man, enjoy my friends 🔥🔥
If you are looking some for some reading inspiration feel free to check out my website www.mypinkfairytales.com
Grading Curves is a steamy novella that sure packs a lot of heat in a short amount of pages.
When Professor Nikki Barber decides to lose her ‘tattoo virginity’ she didn’t anticipate the bonus orgasm that she received from her devilishly sexy tattooist, Dean.
Whether it’s the high from the ink or just lust these two quickly get down and dirty...
”I’m shaking now, and there’s no way he can’t notice it. Maybe because it’s been at least a year since I’ve been with a man. Maybe it’s the adrenaline coursing through my veins like a hit of speed. Or maybe it’s just the force of this man’s too-seeing, too-beautiful predatory gaze. In this instant, aching, wet and so, so hungry, I’m willing to beg him to take me down, possess me, feast on me."
Having just moved to a small town and starting a new job, Nikki never expected that Dean would wind up as one of her students...
For those of you that are looking for a sweet, funny, panty melting novella about a plus size older women and a gorgeously inked younger man, enjoy my friends 🔥🔥
If you are looking some for some reading inspiration feel free to check out my website www.mypinkfairytales.com
January 31, 2022
This was surprisingly well-written for such a short novella. I was expecting JK level of writing, to be honest.
July 31, 2019
3.5 stars.
Naima Simone's books are always scorchers.
And this short story was no exception, it was smokin HOT.🔥
I really do enjoy her writing style.
However I wish this novella could have been just a little longer as I really would have liked more here, in terms of character development and storyline.
It simply finished way too soon for me!!!!
Otherwise no complaints.💖💚💖
Naima Simone's books are always scorchers.
And this short story was no exception, it was smokin HOT.🔥
I really do enjoy her writing style.
However I wish this novella could have been just a little longer as I really would have liked more here, in terms of character development and storyline.
It simply finished way too soon for me!!!!
Otherwise no complaints.💖💚💖
June 3, 2019
-Older woman, college professor
-Younger man, student and tattoo artist
-Younger man, student and tattoo artist
July 21, 2019
4 'Woodpecker tattoo' Stars!
Naima Simone has been on my "authors-to-check" list for a while. When I saw she released a teacher/student, older woman/younger man short story, I was all over it! I find novellas the perfect way to see if you can enjoy an author's writing and boy, did I enjoy this one! Nikki and Dean were perfect together and their chemistry was off-the-charts hawt. I cannot wait to check more from this author from now on!
Naima Simone has been on my "authors-to-check" list for a while. When I saw she released a teacher/student, older woman/younger man short story, I was all over it! I find novellas the perfect way to see if you can enjoy an author's writing and boy, did I enjoy this one! Nikki and Dean were perfect together and their chemistry was off-the-charts hawt. I cannot wait to check more from this author from now on!
June 15, 2020
I was surprised by how much character development was packed into one of these kinds of short, hot novellas. While I think the age difference was over played in the story, overall, this was a good first outing with this author & I would definitely read more from her
September 17, 2022
3 smutty ✨idk✨ stars
it was fine. im figuring out that im not a fan of the older woman younger man trope, which is sad because i got a few of those in my tbr but oh well
it was fine. im figuring out that im not a fan of the older woman younger man trope, which is sad because i got a few of those in my tbr but oh well
June 26, 2024
5.0 solid⭐️ I am so glad that I stumbled upon this little gem! It is a novella, but boy does it pack a wallop. This novella is rich with substantive content, something that some full length books fail to achieve.
The story revolves around a teacher and a “tatted up” tattoo artist. Nikki is new to the area and is a teacher at the college. Dean has enrolled in a college business course to satisfy a promise he made to his mother, but he’s really passionate about one day opening his own tattoo shop. Neither is aware that Dean is her student. That is the backdrop for this amazing story. It is steeped in eroticism—it’s downright combustible. 🔥🔥🔥
I highly recommend this book, and I fully intend to reread it in the future. (Caveat: if you don’t wish to read about erotic interludes, this probably is not the best recommendation for you).
The story revolves around a teacher and a “tatted up” tattoo artist. Nikki is new to the area and is a teacher at the college. Dean has enrolled in a college business course to satisfy a promise he made to his mother, but he’s really passionate about one day opening his own tattoo shop. Neither is aware that Dean is her student. That is the backdrop for this amazing story. It is steeped in eroticism—it’s downright combustible. 🔥🔥🔥
I highly recommend this book, and I fully intend to reread it in the future. (Caveat: if you don’t wish to read about erotic interludes, this probably is not the best recommendation for you).
February 5, 2021
aw my first naima simone!!
she has been on my tbr for the longest so i was extremely excited to read grading curves!!
this novella was only 99 pages long and i NEED MORE!! steamy, taboo, teacher/student romance and i was HERE for it because i haven’t read one of these in what feels like FOREVER!!
what makes this even more hot (lol) is the FACT that the student works at a tattoo shop and gives his lovely ole teacher a tattoo before realizing that she was his teacher!!
I LOVED THIS! SUPER FUN! SUPER SHORT! I NEED MORE!!
also WHY? are novella’s growing on me?!?! im so confused
she has been on my tbr for the longest so i was extremely excited to read grading curves!!
this novella was only 99 pages long and i NEED MORE!! steamy, taboo, teacher/student romance and i was HERE for it because i haven’t read one of these in what feels like FOREVER!!
what makes this even more hot (lol) is the FACT that the student works at a tattoo shop and gives his lovely ole teacher a tattoo before realizing that she was his teacher!!
I LOVED THIS! SUPER FUN! SUPER SHORT! I NEED MORE!!
also WHY? are novella’s growing on me?!?! im so confused
May 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable. This is my first Naima Simone. I'm going to read her back list!
June 21, 2022
This was better this time than the first time I heard it on RMR Podcast. The ability to highlight changes my love for a title. If I can’t highlight it will take me forever to read and I can’t get any task done.
This was a real treat for any lovers of younger man/ older woman,BWWM and forbidden student teacher romance. This book was a treat and I’ll definitely come back for a reread again.
This was a real treat for any lovers of younger man/ older woman,BWWM and forbidden student teacher romance. This book was a treat and I’ll definitely come back for a reread again.
October 11, 2019
* read me romance podcast
http://readmeromance.com/
I know this was a novella but still too short for me.
Also, I am not huge fan of older woman younger man kink... But this was my first by this author.
I am interested in more.
I didn't like the narrator. Sadly.
http://readmeromance.com/
I know this was a novella but still too short for me.
Also, I am not huge fan of older woman younger man kink... But this was my first by this author.
I am interested in more.
I didn't like the narrator. Sadly.
February 3, 2021
This is a novella about a professor and a college student. He had to delay college to take care of his mom so he’s like 24 but it’s still an age gap romance with an older woman. They meet when she goes to get a tattoo and he’s the tattooist. I really didn’t enjoy this book because it is VERY steamy. They go from a normal tattoo interaction to sex and it felt like this bordered on erotica. The actual story is background and that’s just not my taste. This book might be for others but it was not for me.
August 21, 2021
This was a book club pick.
Interracial romance that's not really about grading or curves. I liked the leading lady in the beginning but there were some aspects of the story that just didn't sit well with me or took me right out of the story. The whole thing was also a bit too easy and very judgey in some chapters. I wouldn't read it again.
Interracial romance that's not really about grading or curves. I liked the leading lady in the beginning but there were some aspects of the story that just didn't sit well with me or took me right out of the story. The whole thing was also a bit too easy and very judgey in some chapters. I wouldn't read it again.
May 10, 2019
I listened to Grading Curves on the Read Me Romance Podcast, and what a sexy SEXY little beauty this was. I loved it, and loved both the heroine and the hero of this story, which wasn't a surprise since I've loved everything by this author! Highly recommend!
March 25, 2023
It was cute & wish it was just longer.
September 18, 2019
What a wonderful, satisfying and, at times, hot as hell, story. It seriously could've been a five star read for me, but the female narrator had some vocal tendencies that made me really not enjoy listening at times. Particularly when she was voicing Dean. The male narrator, on the other hand, was amazing. Great characters and storyline. Sexy with some feels. Enjoyed it SO MUCH.
May 5, 2020
4 "You want me to do something about it?" Stars!
This opposites attract/ age gap/ taboo (teacher) love story was straight up sexy. Plus toss in some sweet with a surprising big emotional punch for such a short story and bam! Naima Simone has herself a new fan. My first book by her, but it won't be my last. Very good! Happy reading!
This opposites attract/ age gap/ taboo (teacher) love story was straight up sexy. Plus toss in some sweet with a surprising big emotional punch for such a short story and bam! Naima Simone has herself a new fan. My first book by her, but it won't be my last. Very good! Happy reading!
May 22, 2019
🎧 Read Me Romance 🎧
My first Naima Simone & I loved the shiz outta it!
Nikki is my fave type of heroine - strong yet soft, sassy but genuine, intelligent and open, contemplative and humorous. Dean is what I term a “ninja alpha” - his strength and innate masculine rawness are stealth, meaning you combust in degrees but there’s no mistaking he’s the cause. Together, Nikki & Dean are freakin’ FIRE!
The characters are multidimensional and real, the writing so fluid you’re drawn in immediately and there is no way this story felt or read like a novella!
**Lacy Laurel & Alex Kydd did a bloody awesome job narrating... and just wondering... am I the only one who kept getting ‘early Clooney’ vibes from Alex’s voice?? Jaysus, bring me a fan!!!**
My first Naima Simone & I loved the shiz outta it!
Nikki is my fave type of heroine - strong yet soft, sassy but genuine, intelligent and open, contemplative and humorous. Dean is what I term a “ninja alpha” - his strength and innate masculine rawness are stealth, meaning you combust in degrees but there’s no mistaking he’s the cause. Together, Nikki & Dean are freakin’ FIRE!
The characters are multidimensional and real, the writing so fluid you’re drawn in immediately and there is no way this story felt or read like a novella!
**Lacy Laurel & Alex Kydd did a bloody awesome job narrating... and just wondering... am I the only one who kept getting ‘early Clooney’ vibes from Alex’s voice?? Jaysus, bring me a fan!!!**
June 6, 2019
*Work-out listening*
Fast, dirty and a touch of taboo (student-teacher).
Nikki/Nicky/Nikky (so many different ways to type) didn't have it easy with such a hard ass mom. I felt really bad for her! I'm happy to see she got past all her anger and just accepted how she was. I'm a big person for don't take your mom for granted because one day she will be gone. So it's hard to tell something like that, but in this situation...
Dean is a very dirty boy/man who's possessive and a gentle lover at the same time.
It's an okay read at first I needed to get used to the male narrators voices but now I kind of liked it!
Fast, dirty and a touch of taboo (student-teacher).
Nikki/Nicky/Nikky (so many different ways to type) didn't have it easy with such a hard ass mom. I felt really bad for her! I'm happy to see she got past all her anger and just accepted how she was. I'm a big person for don't take your mom for granted because one day she will be gone. So it's hard to tell something like that, but in this situation...
Dean is a very dirty boy/man who's possessive and a gentle lover at the same time.
It's an okay read at first I needed to get used to the male narrators voices but now I kind of liked it!
January 8, 2020
***4.5 STARS***
July 23, 2019
3.5 STARS
December 16, 2022
reading vlog coming soon!
This tried to do too much within its 75 pages. Just gimme the smut, I don't really want a (failed) attempt at fleshing out characters and creating an entire love story.
This tried to do too much within its 75 pages. Just gimme the smut, I don't really want a (failed) attempt at fleshing out characters and creating an entire love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews