From New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes a brand new standalone forbidden sports romance about an ambitious college track student and a tough, brooding track coach who is about to meet his match…When I met Amber Lakes, I had no idea that she’d become a shining star in my dark, miserable life.Her smile was never supposed to warm my heart, and the sight of her tears was never … sight of her tears was never supposed to make me want to hunt down the person who’d caused them.
We were never supposed to touch, or kiss, or do so many dirty things on campus that I knew could jeopardize my career…
None of it was supposed to happen because she’s the student – my athlete – and I’m her college track coach.
I could lose everything by being with her, but I’ve fallen too damn hard, and despite how big the risks are, it’s too late to turn back now.
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“Coach Torres is walking sex on a stick and I am one hundred percent intrigued by him.
Forbidden Romance….Yessss please!!!! I am first in line..lol
Coach Me by Shanora Williams is a standalone, coach/student forbidden college romance, but y’all, there is sooo much more to this story than the angst, age gap, forbidden love and very steamy moments you will read about. Steammyyy…like Shanora is known for!! Sooo yummy lol
But don’t judge a book by it’s cover…There is sooo much more you are going to delve into when reading Coach Me. Your heart strings are definitely going to be tugged at and you will definitely shed a tear or two!! I.did.not.want.to.put.it.down!!
Thank you for another 5 Star read Mrs. Williams…can’t wait for your next book to come out…I will be impatiently….I mean patiently waiting!!! xoxo
Coach Me by Shanora Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book: Coach Me
Author: Shanora Williams
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!
Age: Amber Lakes – 19, Joaquin Torres – 30.
Joaquin Torres.
The man of my dreams.
My knight in shining white armor.
He is all I’ll ever need.
He is all I’ll ever know.
And I am perfectly happy with that.
Let me start by saying that student/teacher romances are my jam everyday of the week and twice on Sundays. So I knew I would probably be a happy girl going into this.
Coach Me by Shanora Williams ticked off some of my favorite forbidden tropes. Forbidden, age gap and student-teacher. It also has an underlying tone of racism and discrimination. I so enjoy Shanora’s writing and I love her originality, wit and creativity. Her characters are always complex, interesting and endearing. And I can’t tell you how much I LOVE how Shanora just dive bombs into taboo/forbidden themes like she does. From Wanting Mr. Cane, which I loved, to The Man I Can’t Have which was just phenomenal. I already love a good teacher- student romance and this book reminded why I do so..
Fuck the risks. Fuck the age difference. Fuck it all. Amber Lakes is all mine and I’ll be damned if I let her slip away from me.
First thing that caught my attention in this book was the title. First thought in my mind… Mmm! This sounds like something dirty. Exactly my type. But there is nothing depraved here, rather than a beautiful and sweet story of a university student and her track coach. With a hero that will no doubt frustrate the HELL out of you and a heroine that doesn’t necessarily do the things you expect her to do – Coach Me will definitely endear you. I really liked the relationship that formed between Amber and Joaquin. They’ve both experienced loss and faced many hardships. And both are perfectly beautiful together despite the age difference. I loved the slow-burn feel of the book and I enjoyed the supporting characters in the story. I loved the steady pace, the depth and descriptions in this story.
We are meant to be, and one day we will be, and that gives me so, so much to look forward to.
One thing that left me wanting more was its abruptness. I mean, there were no heated looks or lingering stares, Amber and Joaquin haven’t even talked properly and then BAM, they’re full on making out and sucking each other’s tongue. There wasn’t enough tension for me. I do wish we had a little more build up between them and then let them loose. And the end part with the time lapse didn’t capture me at all. But still, I was happy with the book. I enjoyed Amber the most, I felt she was written to be much more mature for her age than even Joaquin was, in my opinion.
“Shit, Amber,” I groan in her ear. “I won’t be able to go easy,” I warn her. “Then don’t.” She hooks an arm around the back of my neck and leans her upper body up to mine. “Fuck me the same way you coach me.”
Shanora Williams is a must read author for those who just can’t resist forbidden tropes. And Coach Me is a good one and like every other Shanora Williams book that I’ve read, the edgy plot with angst and light drama definitely appealed to me.
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„You see me so much better than anyone else.”
Shanora Williams is my go-to author when I’m in the mood for something sexy and taboo. Every time I reach for her book, I’m sure it will be full of heat, tension and angst. When Coach Me landed on my Kindle, I jumped head-first, thinking that I knew what to expect. And I nearly choked. Torres and Amber’s story is so much more than a spicy, forbidden romance. This book is impactful and thought-provoking. It bares injustice and discrimination. It drips with life-truths and sends an important message and Shanora passed it on in a heartbreakingly beautiful way.
The way author described Torres makes me want to start running and get my own coach. Not only because of his undeniable sex appeal, but because of his heart of gold. At first we get to know this man as broody, aloof and strict, but as the time passes and we peel off his layers, we find an understanding, protective and loving guy that carries a lot on his shoulders.
Amber also experienced her own pain and heartache, despite her young age. She’s a beautiful, smart and talented girl, determined to be the best on the track. Unfortunately, at every turn she faces injustice, jealousy and hideous discrimination. However, Amber doesn’t let it break her spirit. Despite the ugliness surrounding her, she’s kind and humble, without letting anyone to push her around.
It’s obvious that nothing should happen between them. She’s an athlete and he’s her coach. But is it possible to stay away from each other when you find the one person who sees and understands you? Amber and Torres are connected with a special bond, electrifying chemistry and a fervent passion. I loved to see the longing and the need that despite their best efforts didn’t died. Their feelings are raw, deep and real and I was falling deeper in love with them with every turned page.
Coach Me is so powerful. I felt so much for both characters and I raged for all the things they needed to face. This book is packed with unfairness, diversity, social division and discrimination. But it’s also an unique and beautifully written love story that filled my heart to the brim with emotions. It definitely should be a mandatory read!
This book took me on a world wind of emotions, I don’t know how to feel about a lot of things. The way I’m feeling doesn’t happen often, and I love it, I like when an author play with my emotions like this, it’s well written and author Shanora Williams did an absolute phenomenal job, she has me speechless.
Forbidden Romance? Age Gap? Yes pleaaaaase!!
This author always manages to pull out all the stops when it comes to her writing; especially forbidden romances. This is why she continues to be one of my favourite authors to date. She continually sets the bar high and yanks feelings out of you, you didn’t know were possible.
One thing I love about this is the diversity, how it manages to approach certain topics and social issues, real-world problems, and give it the attention it deserves. Most people are afraid to talk about these things, but not Shanora and I adore her for it. I couldn’t help but relate to the story, and have my heart cry out for all the injustices of the world. It’s written beautifully and approached in a way that I didn’t think possible.
The ending kind of fell flat for me because I expected a lot more, but that’s just my own personal taste. The sexual tension and chemistry are off the charts, but, of course, that’s expected. A fantastic read! I definitely recommend!
I absolutely adore this book!!!! From the first paiges I couldn’t put it down. Torres and Lake steal my heart, and for sure they will stay forever in my memory. They both got strong personalities, that can be inspiring for everyone.
It wasn’t only a love story with lotssss of steamy moments inside. Mrs. Williams between the lines is telling us a true history about world which is beautiful but also cruel. It only dependens from us how we will live. How and who we will love.
Author made AMAZING job, with giving us love story with sooo many important things in the background.
Must Read Title!
5 Steamy Hot Stars
When it comes to writing age gaps, Shanora Does it the best. This book is so different from the rest of the books that I’ve read by Shanora. So much Angst. And I Love the fact that Torres and Lakes had so much in common. That’s what made it even better. I devoured this book so much and it was hard to put it down. Coach me is a must read and I can’t wait to see what else the Author has in store for us
loved this book!
Coach Me is a well written cultural diverse book coach/student romance. Over 18. Torres and Lakes characters were relatable and made the story more than an over the top romance. HEA Stand-alone.
Coach Me by Shanora Williams was an emotional and sexy read!!!! It was one of those books that I was able to finish in one sitting.
Amber and Joaquin were a dynamic couple, although on the surface, I wouldn’t put them together. Two glaring reasons…he is older than her, and he is her track coach. Thank goodness, I was completely wrong. The two of them actually have quite a great deal in common. Amber comes to an Ivy League school on scholarship as the phenom track star, but what she gets is the opposite of star treatment. She gets ignorance, intolerance, and meanness because she is the only black girl on the track team. Joaquin has dealt with the same issues growing up and as an adult as well. This cements the bond they form.
Both of them are determined and strong. In the beginning, Amber is shocked and her spirit is broken down because of the treatment she receives from some of her teammates, but not all of them. She actually meets some pretty amazing girls Joaquin is instrumental in getting her to stay. The way in which this young girl deals with it is mature beyond her years. She is a class act.
Their love story is full of angst, major steam, but is also really sweet. Joaquin was the best. He always put Amber’s needs first, and he was just so unselfish. Despite their age differences and the forbidden romance, the two worked together perfectly.
I am a first time reader to Shanora Williams, and I’m IMPRESSED!!! She definitely knows how to write a wonderfully, addictive story. I liked the fact that this wasn’t just a romance. The story of discrimination is as old as time, but it is still relevant today, and she addresses with such wonderful emotion, sensitivity, and class. I can’t wait to read more from this very talented writer!!!!
I absolutely love Coach Me by Shanora Williams. The story was so good and intense, I couldn’t put the book down.
An age gap-forbidden romance between a Hispanic running coach and a 19 year old African American student that will melt your heart.
There is so munch angst because they couldn’t be together in the open. It seem that their relationship was doomed from the start.
Amber is a heroine that you’ll just love. Her history and background is just truly inspiring. Her dedication to the sport and to achieve and prove to the world that she can make it in live , I just adore.
Coach Joaquin seems like a hard, broody guy but deep inside he has a good heart and is willing to sacrifice everything for the people he loves. He tries to fight his feelings towards Amber but thei connection is too strong.
This story is going you don’t want to miss reading!!!
Amber Lakes is heading off to college to fulfill her dream of running that her dad helped instill in her. After arriving at college and meeting her team she realizes that things might not work out how she had anticipated. At this point she has to decide; let people change who she is because of their insecurities or be who she was raised to be…a strong, independent woman. Joaquin Torres has a hardened exterior, which not many can break through. Somehow with the start of a new school year, one person manages to sneak past that exterior and see him for who he truly is on the inside. Problem is it’s someone he never should have dropped that mask around…someone he can’t share those parts of himself with.
Shanora is great at writing sexy leading male characters, the kind that intrigue you and leave you wanting more. What I really loved most about this story was Amber’s ability to pursue her dreams and overcome what might have felt like impossible tasks at that time. I always love reading strong and sassy heroines, they are my favorites.
Shanora Williams is one of my go to authors for a captivating and steamy age-gap romance! I have always thoroughly enjoyed her writing, the characters and their world. I’m really sad to say that I however did not enjoy this one. There were different moments throughout the book where I could feel a connection building but unfortunately it always fell short. I felt the two main characters were lacking the usual passion and deep connections that I’ve come to love from Shanora. I didn’t like how it skipped around, it seemed as though it would start to build up then it would skip time and didn’t dive deep into the passion these two apparently felt towards each other so I couldn’t feel it as a reader.
Don’t let my review stop you from giving this book a try, I have quite a few friends who loved it and raved about it. I’m sad I didn’t enjoy it as much as I anticipated I would however it will not stop me….I’ll be right back here waiting for Shanora’s next book.
Totally stunning and heartbreaking, I read this book with my heart in my throat. Some moments are tender, others a little suspenseful and all the time this book was touching my heartstrings. I loved the honesty of both characters, their strength of character in the midst of adversity and the passion of their feelings. In the midst of the Ahmaud tragedy, the message of this book is even more poignant.
Amber Lakes has always been a sprinter. Trained by her father until he passed away when she was thirteen, she loves the feeling of freedom when she’s in a run. I loved the tidbit that she loved Usain Bolt and when she was little she planned to marry him, so cute!
Amber was such a great runner that she won a scholarship at Bennett University, one of the biggest Ivy League colleges and a mostly white population place. The head coach was very insistent in wanting her and it was relatively near her home, so it was the best choice for her. Once there, she makes two great friends who live through everything with her; she also faces racism. One of the coaches was very vocal in her prejudice against black people and one of her team mates saw her as competition so she was cruel and vindictive.
Although at one moment Amber was discouraged, the memory of her father comes up and straightens her resolve and her spunk. She goes on to shine and to fall in love with her coach, Joaquin Torres. The guy initially appears as an a-hole, abrasive and tough, but at some moments he lets his inner feelings shine through. He’s hot and fit and all the girls flirt with him but he’s impervious to everyone but Amber. He’s Mexican, so he knows how Amber feels when she’s looked at as if she’s less than. They both have a point to prove and a love they can’t resist, but their relation is forbidden by the University’s rules and if they’re caught, their futures will be ruined.
I loved every word in this story. I loved both characters for their integrity and their courage against all their disadvantages. It was brought home to me, and very forcibly too, how vulnerable the black and brown people are when faced against people who hate them, just because of the color of their skin, notwithstanding their qualifications and their inner worth. It’s senseless, tragic and so unnecessary. It made me sad, angry and discouraged and I can only feel admiration at the tenacity of these people who persevere, grow strong, try to live a life with meaning and serve society.
And apart from the very important racism message, the love story was superb, with enough complications that it was very riveting, very well written, great pace and lovely characters. I loved that there was an age gap but not too wide, so Amber didn’t feel too juvenile next to Torres. Amber’s friends were irreverent and refreshing. It was a story as entertaining and it was meaningful and it stayed in my mind for quite a while. Very impressive!
I love Shanora’s age gap tabooy type books! I was so excited for this book to come out I literally could not wait to read this. I love that this book not only dealt with a relationship but also touched on some more serious issues in life. I could feel everything that Amber was going through and all her emotions. I seriously wanted to reach out and smack a few people in this book. The pull between her and Joaquin you can feel and know that it is truly something that they can’t deny. Definitely a 5 star read!
I liked this book. It had a good plot and was written well. Torres is the coach who everyone thinks is a hero because he is hard on all the students that he trains. Lakes is one of those students. He sees potential in her and pushes her harder than he does everyone else. As the book moves on more things happen and it just keeps you wanting to read. The book is a standalone with no cliffhangers. I liked it because it went into some depth about how Torres and Lakes became the people they were and where they came from. It is a good book and I recommend it.
By Kristina
Coach Me was so much more than a steamy, angsty, and forbidden love story. I mean it is all those things yet this book tackled the struggles Amber and Joaquin faced as they wove their way into my heart.
Dealt with in an eye-opening yet heartfelt manner the author gave a voice to these amazing characters that needed to be heard. Their struggles are ones that all too many people deal with every day. Personally relatable and realistic their story yanked my heartstrings.
I loved watching how Amber’s character evolved into this loving, strong and graceful young woman. Joaquin was an aloof and broken man who not many took the time to get to know like Amber did. The forbidden connection between them kept me hanging on every word and never wanting their story to end.
Intense, gritty, realistic and emotional Coach Me was a beautiful love story that defied all the odds and left me with the biggest smile plastered to my face.
Coach Me is a new forbidden, age gap, stand-alone romance from one of my favourite authors of this genre.
Amber is a very promising track student. She’s fast, puts in the work and I loved her confident character and how she handles herself.
Coach Torres, he quiet, a tough coach, always pushing his students to the limit and when he sees Amber for the first time there is something about her that makes him want to know more.
When Amber takes up her scholarship at BU she is one of the only students of colour and the story highlights the multicultural differences and deals with racism within the story. I can honestly say I have not read many cultural stories and I really enjoyed how different it was.
What I would have liked is more angst between Amber and Torres to heighten the forbidden nature of their relationship, it just felt too easy and I hate to say this but I felt the ending was a little rushed and I don’t personally like when our hero and heroine are separated for any length of time.
Saying this, it was a very enjoyable read and one I couldn’t put down. Their love real and strong and I did believe it and in true Williams style, she packed the heat for this sexy pair.
ARC received for an honest review – thank you
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene 70%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
4.5 stars
I was drowning in a sea of books that weren’t doing it for me. I needed something to just take me away. I felt this book did its job…. kind of. This book was a nice surprise. It was a little heavy with all the discrimination and racism. I wasn’t expecting all that.
It was sad and upsetting to read that people still feel this way about people with different skin colors and nationality’s.
I kinda wanted to stay away from the current events that’s going on in the news right now. Discrimination and racism is happening everyday. It’s both aggravating and frustrating that certain people can’t act right and treat everyone with respect.
Joaquin and Amber had a lot of walls to break down to be where they were at. Bennett university was a predominately white University. Some of the students and staff had a hard time with Amber being at the school. Joaquin having been there a few years had his share too with staff. Some of Ambers teammates were not so welcoming.
“Do not let these privileged people steal your fucking shine. That shine is yours. You worked on it every single day to get here. They have no right to take that from you.”
Amber and Joaquin were thrown together and bonded because of the racism that was happening to her. Even though they had a big age gap. Those incidence’s broke down Joaquin’s walls and allowed Amber to sneak in.
I felt the forbiddeness of the situation between them. They both had a lot to loose if they got caught. The sex between them was super hot! And Amber had that innocence to her. It worked for me!
“Fuck me the same way you coach me.”
I felt the ending was rushed a bit. I would’ve like to read about them struggling with their new situation they were in before we got to the epilogue. But other than that. I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend it to everyone!
I struggled with writing this review. I love Shanora Williams and her taboo, forbidden romances but Coach Me just wasn’t my book. I hope I’m in the minority in saying that. I just didn’t connect with the characters. Williams tackled some hard issues in the book which I loved. Williams has a great way of taking hard issues and bringing them to light and she does it in a beautiful way.
There were some holes in the story that swayed my rating.I will love Shanora Williams and all her words. I will still be first in line everything she writes. I know it’s impossible to like everything. I also don’t want my opinion to keep anyone else from reading. I did enjoy certain parts of the book. I also will still be in the front of the line to read her books.
I love this authors work, and a risky, taboo, forbidden love story is sometimes a tuff sell.. but honestly she nails it with steam and tact.. Amber has had loss, she was raised to hold her head high no matter what and take that road, she goes to school and her track collegiate career she takes very seriously because her Dad taught her that ethic..Torres her coach is younger but can help her fine tune her talents. The attraction is evident right from the beginning. Again, the author writes about tuff obstacles that she faces, amongst her team mates. She tackles these and writes them with tact.. they know the more time they are together it’s not good but they fight for the HEA! Just love her writing style no matter what genre she writes. And delivers every time, with tact and leaves you wanting more! Grab a great blanket and your favorite beverage and dive in. You won’t be disappointed.